Country house venue, Leez Priory in Chelmsford, brings some serious historic drama to this year's Christmas party. Set in the Essex countryside, this Tudor manor looks like a Christmas postcard scene all through December, with glittering Christmas trees and roaring fires.
The venue can be tailored to suit very different kinds of gathering, from a private Christmas dinner to exclusive use of the house and grounds for a much larger end-of-year celebration. Whether you're picturing a proper knees up party, more of a corporate do with space for presentations and team building in the day and a sophisticated dinner at night, or staycation with family, it's all possible - and, the experienced team are here to help make it happen.
You don't have to worry about sourcing external caterers as all food and drinks are handled in house and, quite wonderfully, can be tailored to suit your event. Hosts can choose from seasonal canapés, relaxed buffets or a multi-course dinner, including traditional Christmas dishes with all the trimmings. The drinks side is equally well covered, with a fully stocked indoor bar and a separate Courtyard bar, both staffed by experienced bartenders and mixologists.
The house itself gives guests plenty of opportunities to spread out during the evening. Drinks can begin in one space, dinner can follow elsewhere, and guests can then move into the reception rooms or back to the bar as the party gathers pace. With exclusive use available for the day and night, the experience can be shaped around the group rather than squeezed into a fixed format.
Staying over is also an option, with on-site accommodation for more than 50 guests and breakfast included. That means there is no need to organise late-night travel, and everyone can make the most of the evening through to midnight - which is what we like to here.
Leez Priory also comes with considerable events experience behind it. Part of the family-run Country House Weddings group, the venue has been hosting celebrations since 1989 and has won numerous awards for its hospitality and service.