End-of-year event planning can get hectic fast. There’s the guest list, budget, venue, catering, drinks, AV and entertainment to organise. All while calendars fill up and your usual workload keeps moving.
The good news? Oaks can take some of the pressure off, with flexible event spaces, tailored catering packages and experienced teams to support you every step of the way.
Here’s a practical end-of-year event cheat sheet we’ve put together to help you stay on track.
1. Plan smart, plan less.
The right package can take several jobs off your list at once.
First, check what’s included. Venue hire, catering, drinks and festive décor may come together in one package. Depending on the venue, AV, event setup, activities or entertainment may be covered too.
Across Oaks locations in Australia and New Zealand, festive packages start at $45* per person. Choose cocktails, buffets, plated menus, bottomless brunches or outdoor picnics.
At Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort, the Festive Feast pairs sparkling wine with a three-course plated or buffet dinner. Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel pairs canapés with a standard drinks package for an easy cocktail celebration. Looking for something different? Oaks Port Douglas Resort serves a Festive Bottomless Brunch with seasonal dishes, mimosas and mulled wine cocktails.
2. Know your numbers
Start with a realistic estimate. Check the package minimum and the venue’s maximum capacity, then leave room for changes before final numbers are due.
Some guest lists suit an intimate team lunch. Others call for a networking cocktail event or a large-scale end-of-year celebration. Oaks has private dining spaces, boardrooms, ballrooms and outdoor settings for them all. With adaptable room configurations, you can fit breakout sessions, workshops, presentations, social events and play into one location.
3. Match the event to your team
The end-of-year party doesn’t have to follow the usual format.
Cocktails and canapés keep it casual. Buffets feed a crowd. Plated dinners dress things up. Planning a daytime event? Everyone might thank you for the earlier finish.
Whatever the size of your event, we’ve got you covered. Start with a relaxed team lunch, turn up the energy with a festive cocktail event or go bigger with an awards night or large-scale company celebration. Oaks has flexible spaces and packages, so there’s plenty of room to do things your way.
For something different, take the celebration outdoors with a festive picnic, BBQ and lawn games at Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort, or indulge in a traditional Christmas menu at Oaks Toowoomba Hotel, complete with all the trimmings.
Think about how your team connects, then choose the experience that fits the group, schedule and budget.
4. Make the budget work for you
Compare the full value of each package. Check what’s included in room hire, catering, drinks, styling and equipment, then price any additional extras.
A higher per-person package may already cover drinks, festive décor and event setup. A lower starting price gives you more control, but extras can quickly add up.
Oaks festive packages suit a range of budgets and event styles. Premium experiences can include plated dining, seasonal cocktails, festive styling and longer beverage packages.
Clear inclusions make packages easier to compare and approval easier to secure.
5. Add the extras that guests will notice
Live music, premium drinks or a cocktail on arrival can lift the occasion. Bring guests together and enhance your event with extras like a photobooth at Oaks Gold Coast Hotel, a festive scavenger hunt at Oaks Port Douglas Resort or pre-dinner canapés at Oaks Toowoomba Hotel. Because nobody does their best mingling on an empty stomach.
Pick what works for your guests. Choose the additions that suit your guests and your event style. Sometimes, a few well-considered extras are all it takes to make the celebration memorable.
6. Make it easy to get there and stay
Check transport, parking and accommodation before you book, especially for evening events, interstate guests or celebrations with drinks.
Oaks spans city, coastal and regional destinations across Australia and New Zealand, making it easy to find the right setting for your event. Host in the heart of the CBD with business districts and transport on your doorstep, embrace a relaxed resort atmosphere by the coast, or bring teams together in a destination property designed for connection beyond the main event.
When the event runs late, onsite accommodation means the trip back is just upstairs. A comfortable bed beats the late-night commute.
7. Give the day a simple structure
Want the day to run smoothly? Start with a simple run sheet.
Add room access time, guest arrival, food service, speeches, entertainment and finish time. Include contacts for the venue, internal organiser and any suppliers.
Keep the schedule realistic. Give guests time to arrive, mingle and enjoy the event. Too many formal moments? That’s when attention starts heading for the dessert table.
At participating venues, Oaks’ event teams can help coordinate setup, catering and timing. We’ll stay across the schedule. You stay close to the canapés.
Goodbye, planning list. Hello, holiday.
Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites has festive venues and packages across Australia and New Zealand. Pick city convenience, coastal views or a full team retreat. Flexible spaces, seasonal menus and practical package inclusions make it easier to bring the event together.
Book and hold your festive event with Oaks by 31 December 2026 for the chance to win a five-night accommodation voucher*.
*Terms & conditions apply. For full details see website for details; www.oakshotels.com/en/festive-event-packages
Company / event details:
Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites
Call us on 1300 991 253 or email events@theoaksgroup.com.au
