Christmas Checklist for Businesses

Hands up who has heard their first Jingle Bells? What about the decorations in the shops? The lights are up on Oxford Street were turned on November 1. It’s coming no matter how hard you try and pretend it isn’t.

cushion the impact’s countdown for businesses to the festive season will help keep you on track if you are too busy to contemplate the preparations.

Opening hours and contact details

Who doesn’t like a break at Christmas to unwind from the year’s work.  Make sure the business opening hour are known, email your clients, put the dates on your website. If you are closing completely for a few days don’t forget to publish the date you’re reopening.

If it’s just you, think carefully and realistically about how many hours you want to work over the period. What other commitments do you have?

If you decide to take a complete break, what is going to happen while your office is closed? Last year we checked emails and took calls, orders and payments for a client who diverted her phone line to us (although we close on the bank holidays too!).

If you’re happy to leave the business unattended, consider putting ‘office closed until …’ auto replies on your emails and on your voicemail.

Don’t forget about the opening hours, delivery times and contact details of your suppliers (and that they have yours too), check your supplies will cover you until they reopen and order any extras you need well in advance of the Christmas rush.

If you are in offices, make a note of their opening hours and emergency numbers.

Technical issues

Think about your IT and telecoms needs over the period, again make sure you have all the information and contact details you may need.

Make sure backups are done before you leave for the break (and if you’re not backing up why not?). Off site or cloud backups might suit you during the break in case the celebrations are too much and you need the sanity of work for an hour or two.

Cards

A lots of press is given to going green and we completely agree here but instead of e-cards, printed cards are a good way of reminding clients and your suppliers that you are thinking about them. Remember to sign them, make it personal – and factor in the time to do it all. If you’re getting the cards printed then make sure to do it well enough in advance to catch deadlines.

Think about your contacts list, is it up to date? Is it in the correct format for printing labels because while signing cards is a nice idea, hand writing the addresses can take an enormous amount of time and hand cramp!

Last posting dates have been published by the Royal mail (click here for the link)

Presents

Decide who to whom to give presents and make a list not forgetting to keep a tally of order dates, order and shipping reference numbers, websites and their contact details. Order gifts far enough in advance to take into account delivery time from the company you’re buying from and the place you’re sending it to.

Plan!

All of this extra work needs to be factored into your usual workload, take it from us it takes time to write cards, even to print the labels and stick them and the stamps on the envelope. Take care to make the space in your diary.

Create a separate directory on your computer or and a file so that next year you don’t have to start from scratch again.

Relax

Whatever you do and however you do it, take time to enjoy yourself.

Extra help

If it all seems overwhelming or you’d simply rather concentrate on your business instead of the Christmas preparations, why not give us a ring and our award winning services can help you enjoy the festivities without the stress.

Read our home Christmas checklist here

Christmas Survival List

We’ve created a checklist to help you relax this Christmas, a little bit of planning – and we’ve done that bit for you – is all you need and with a little bit of blatant self publicity we can help you with as much or as little of it as you like. This has been updated from last year after feedback we received from readers.

This is also available in PDF format please get in touch if you would like us to email you a copy.

 

Now

 

• Book train or plane tickets now if you’re travelling or ensure your car is serviced for long journeys.
• Book tickets to see a Christmas musical, ballet, pantomime or show.
• Invite guests for Christmas Day and/or the holidays.
• Buy presents for international friends and family.
• Write the Round Robin letters if you do one.
• Post international Christmas gifts. (see the Royal Mail Christmas posting dates)
• Book venues for Christmas Parties or Christmas Day.
• Buy Advent calendars.
• Arrange for carpets, windows, chimneys to be professionally cleaned.
• Arrange any DIY or handyman repairs.
• Arrange house cleaning.
• Create present shopping list include people (family, friends, staff, clients, neighbours, teachers) and budget. Write your list in an editable Word (or similar) document or maybe a Notes app on your phone so you have the list with you all the time. For those of you who like the look and feel of pen and paper, keep a notepad and a pen at all time. When you see something you think will be perfect for a loved one, either write it down, ask the shop to ‘hold’ it for you or, preferably but it there and then and ask them to gift-wrap it. Write a gift tag or put a post-it note with the name of the recipient on it when you arrive home and put it with all the others you have bought.
• Don’t forget we also have a range of Gift of Time Vouchers tailored for every need for those impossible to buy for people.

First full week of December

 

• Write a list of what you’ve got in your diary – arrivals, departures, names, numbers, your, your partner, your children commitments … Make sure everyone keeps it updated & keep it somewhere everyone can access it
• Buy a tree or get one delivered.
• Buy presents for staff; clients; family, work colleagues, and a few extra small gifts for any unexpected guests.
• Write Christmas card list
• Buy Christmas cards
• Think of Christmas menu – order turkey, goose, duck and don’t forget vegetarians.
• Don’t forget to check that the turkey etc fits into the oven!
• Check Christmas lights bulbs & wiring, buy spare bulbs.
• Check Christmas decorations and don’t forget the table.
• Check supplies of candles (trim the wicks of those you have), napkins, glassware and plates.
• Prepare guest room for visitors.
• Plan food and drink grocery list.
• Book supermarket online delivery slots if you shop online, you can always amend your shopping list closer to the date.
• Buy Christmas party outfits if you haven’t done so already.
• Work out what can be prepared in advance and start working on them especially if it can be frozen.

Second Week of December

 

• Make space in your fridge and cupboards to store your Christmas goodies.
• Buy drinks and non perishable grocery shopping.
• Buy wrapping paper, cellotape and gift tags.
• Ensure enough glasses, cutlery, crockery, glassware, serving plates, chairs, bedding and towels for visitors and guests.
• Buy or have delivered Christmas tree. Remember to measure height and width of room into which tree is going.
• Put up Christmas tree and house decorations.
• Keep your diary (and your other half’s) up to date with all family members events.
• Arrange baby sitters.
• Send out Christmas cards and presents. Ask us for last posting dates.
• Confirm expected guests (don’t forget to ask about pet or food allergies and preferences) and plan accordingly.
• Post gifts within UK.
• Make a list of what can be delegated, people are usually happy to help; include everyone including your other half and children. Don’t think about doing everything yourself, it’s too much and you don’t want to exhaust yourself and on that note…
• Treat yourself something nice and relaxing!

The Week Before Christmas

• Double check you have a gift for everyone on your list, and wrap presents.
• Buy batteries (and spares) for toys that require them and for remotes.
• Ensure any medical prescriptions are filled and you have enough.
• Clean your fridge and oven.
• Deliver any local gifts.
• Write out emergency contact numbers such as chemist, doctor, electricity and gas suppliers, emergency plumber and neighbours…and your lifestyle manager!

• Buy perishable foods.
• Make sure the pan is big enough to hold the turkey and that there is enough foil to cover it.
• Create a time plan for Christmas Day, remember to include preparation and defrosting times.
• Clean the house.
• Arrange suitable times to visit family and friends on Christmas Day.
• Write out a time plan for Christmas lunch so that you won’t be in a panic on the day.
• Make sure your camcorder and camera are in working order and filled with batteries (and that you have spares).
• Get 5p coins (take into account inflation…perhaps 20p) for Christmas pudding.
• Order flowers.
• Wrap presents, check that you have everything.

Christmas Eve

 

• Buy flowers for the house and table decoration.
• Wrap any remaining gifts.
• Run through menus and confirm you have all ingredients.
• Buy final perishable food items.
• Collect turkey, goose, duck, seafood etc.
• Gather all gifts for children’s stockings.
• Set table.
• Take turkey out of ‘fridge, replace with wine.
• Remove wishbone from turkey.
• Check timings for cooking turkey and Christmas lunch: create timetable if necessary and make sure you know how long things take to cook (yes I am speaking from experience!)

 

Christmas Day

 

• Turn on oven!
• Relax
• Delegate to family and friends.
• Enjoy yourself

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll update the blog with hints as to how to reduce stress and have a great and more to the point relaxing time over the holidays.

|

As well as shopping, gift wrapping your presents, organising cards, anything on the list, call us on 020 3218 0053 or email us   to discuss how we can help you with as much or as little as you need.

Christmas Cocktails!

What special occasion is complete without festive cocktails to sip on amongst the chatter and food with your loved ones? Christmas and the holiday season bring a lot of reasons to gather together and celebrate the wonderful things in life.  Be the life of the party by offering up a suggestion or mixing up one of these festive holiday cocktails everyone will be sure to love!

What better way to keep warm than to sip on some egg nog? It is the most famous holiday drink that comes to my mind when I think about Christmas.  Although it first originated in Britain back in the medieval times, it is a lot more popular in the States than it is here.  It’s about time to rediscover the rich, creamy, deliciousness of this drink as we spread holiday cheer!

 This recipe serves 20.

1 bottle of any good brandy

½ bottle Alwick rum

12 large eggs (separated into yolks and whites)

350g white sugar

1.9 litres milk

1.9 litres whipping cream

Freshly ground nutmeg

In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until they are fully combined.

Mix in the brandy and the rum (reserving three tablespoons).

Add the milk and half the cream. Mix well, cover with cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours.

When ready to serve, whisk the egg whites until they reach a stiff peak and fold gently into the egg/alcohol mixture.

Whip the remaining cream with the remaining three tablespoons of rum.

Ladle the egg nog into tall glasses, top with the whipped cream and grate fresh nutmeg over the top before serving.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/dec/04/christmas-cocktail-recipes

My mouth is watering just reading the recipe! Enjoy!

Hot buttered rum just sounds like the holiday season in a mug to me!  It takes a while to prepare, but it’s convenient because it can be made in large quantities, and in advance, so it is easy to just serve when you and your guests are ready!

 

This recipe serves 20.

1 bottle of any good brandy

½ bottle Alwick rum

500g Muscovado sugar

500g white sugar

300g unsalted butter

5 litres water

5 cinnamon sticks

10 cloves

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan on a low heat or in a slow cooker.

Stir well and allow to simmer as gently as possible for five hours.

Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon before serving.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/dec/04/christmas-cocktail-recipes

Fancy Whiskey? Whip up a festive Christmas Snowball cocktail guests will be sure to love.

 

Serves one.

All you need is…

1 lime, juice and zest only

3 tsp caster sugar

1 small free-range egg

50ml Scotch whisky

ginger ale, to top up

Preparation

Mix together the lime juice and zest and caster sugar in a small bowl. See aside for an hour before using.

To make the cocktail, place the egg, whisky and one tablespoon of the lime mixture into a cocktail shaker. Top up with ice cubes and shake well. Strain into a a highball glass and top up with ginger ale.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/theoriginalsnowball_93094

S’mores Delight! Sounds amazing, right? Indulge in one or two this holiday season before our dreaded New Year’s Resolution diets begin!

 

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter

1. Tbsp chocolate syrup

15 ml Kahlua or coffee liqueur

15 ml dark rum

15 ml vodka

30 ml almond milk

Ice

Torched mini-marshmallows for garnish

Method:

In a pint glass, mix together the peanut butter and chocolate syrup.

Stir in the Kahlua until well blended.

Stir in the vodka and rum and add then add the almond milk.

Fill a martini shaker with ice and add the mixture.

Shake vigorously until well chilled.

Drizzle the insides of a martini glass with chocolate syrup. Strain the cocktail into the martini glass. Put 3-4 mini-marshmallows onto a skewer and toast with a kitchen blowtorch. Place over glass

http://www.mydaily.co.uk/2010/12/17/christmas-cocktails-recipes-ingredients/

Maple Butter Kiss… sounds romantic, right?

 

Ingredients:

Ice

45 ml vodka

30 ml DeKuyper Buttershots liqueur or butterscotch schnapps

8 ml real maple syrup

15 ml whole milk and 15 ml single cream

Freshly ground nutmeg

Method:

Pour liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously.

Strain into a martini glass and top with freshly ground nutmeg

http://www.mydaily.co.uk/2010/12/17/christmas-cocktails-recipes-ingredients/

These are the most delicious recipes we happened to find! Sip these in good cheer and spirits as you celebrate the holidays with loved ones!

Cheers!

November Newsletter

If you don’t get our Newsletter e-mailed to you then you can read it here but why not sign up and get the latest one  straight to your mailbox? Simply pop over to the website and sign up with your e-mail address.

Go 

To the Late at Tate Britain where apocalyptic visions are interpreted through contemporary art, music, and film.

To see some of London’s secret galleries including The Crypt Gallery – subterranean space Tank Gallery – Public Art House, Auto Italia South East – chop-shop collective, and see some of the most popular exhibits including Joan Miro: The Ladder of Escape and Pick Me Up. Time Out list these and more

Do

Seek out the best farmer’s markets offered inLondon, including Marylebone Farmer’s Market and Whitecross Street Food Market, whether to pick up fresh produce for dinner, or to indulge in a food vendor there and then Time Out has gathered together a list for you. If you eat too much we know both personal trainers and dieticians!

It’s ice skating time again and yes I know it’s raining outside but that doesn’t really matter when you friends and loved are having fun in the historical Tower of London, or the beautiful setting at Hampton Court or the lovely Somerset House or National History Museum.

Keep an eye on your last posting dates for Christmans. Anything for USA/Canada will now need to go airmail. You can check your deadlines here  

See

Life in A Day on YouTube this week. It was shot by thousands of people in 192 countries, the idea was that the film would serve as a time capsule to show future generations what it was like to be alive on the 24th of July,  2010. Kevin Macdonald (grandson of the great British director Emeric Pressburger) assembled the movie, cutting 80,000 clips, or 4,500 hours of film, down to 90 minutes. We like it.

Leonardo Da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan, opening at the National Gallery this month. Experience the most complete collection offered of Da Vinci’s work. But hurry up, tickets are selling fast and time slots are being taken up!  You can book here 

Enjoy the beauty that the autumn has to offer by visiting one of London’s beautiful parks, such as Kew Gardens or Regent’s Park, where you can admire the beautiful leaves. Make a day out of it and visit a tea room or local pub! Visit the Kew Greenhouse Café for a lovely treat! Or visit the Dover Castle near Regent’s Park for a beer and some pub food!

This should be a see and hear…some of the upcoming events we can get you tickets for

• MTV Awards – 6 November, Belfast
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – 7, 9 and 10 November
• Prince’s Trust Rock Gala – 23 November Albert Hall
• Barclays ATP World Tour Finals – 20–27 November, O2 Arena
• Masters Tennis – 30 November – 4 December, Albert Hall
• Capital FM’s Jingle Bell Ball – Saturday and Sunday 3/4 December
• Royal Variety Performance, 5 December
• Duran Duran – re Scheduled to 12 December
• Kasabian – 14/15 December
• Manic Street Preachers – 17 December
• The Nutcracker – 27–30 December

Buy

A beautiful hand bound book filled with memories for a friend or family member… less than two months to go you know!

A unique piece of jewellery from Isa’s Closet! Bugs are the new skull and crossbones after all…

Eat

A lunch or dinner at the Soho Hotel  followed by a movie of the week in a luxurious appointed state of the art screen room.  This weekend they’re showing the latest Almodovar The Skin I live In. Three-course lunch, dinner, or tea is £35 per person. Email refuel@sohohotel.com or call 020 7559 3007

The Engineer from Primrose Hill has risen from the ashes… and is in a different place (227 King Street in Hammersmith) and has a different name (The Hampshire Hog) but it has the same team so here’s hoping the forced move has kept the same standard of food

Another new one for those of you in the City, enjoy the combination of art of food at Assemblage Restaurant located in Whitechapel.

The Three Men Wine Tasting

The Three Wine Men, Olly Smith, Oz Clarke and Tim Atkin MW are back again in December to deliver enthusiasm and knowledge of excellent wines and beers from all across the world. Whether you are a wine lover, or simply want to learn more about some of the hundreds of different types of wines out there, this is the place to be.

To taste these exceptional wines with the Three Wine Men, you can purchase a ticket through their website . Tickets are selling for £20, and this event takes place on Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December

Nursery Pavilion, Lord’s Cricket Ground, St John’s Wood, London, NW8 8QN

2011 Royal Film Performance

The 64th Royal Film Performance  in London on 28th November 2011 in the presence of members of the Royal Family (last year the Queen attended) is the 3D action adventure film: HUGO.

Directed by Martin Scorcese the cast will all be there including:  Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Asa Butterfield, Chloe Moretz with cameos from Jude Law, Ray Winstone, Christopher Lee, Helen McCory, Frances de la Tour and Richard Griffiths

cushion the impact can provide access to VIP packages which are expected to include a seat for the main premiere and a VIP pre premiere drinks and canape hospitality reception.

Availability will be very limited with packages expected to sell out very quickly and so please do give us a call  if you’re interested in rubbing shoulders with the great and the good .

Newly Opened Hotels in London

Did you know that there are over 1,000 hotels in London? (1095 to be exact according to Tripadvisor.) With so many options of where to stay in London, it’s important to pick the right one. Instead of taking on this mind-numbing research, let cushion the impact give you all the information you need to narrow down the options. Follow this guide for a few recommendations of new places to stay in London.

St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel

This luxurious five  star hotel was recently voted as UK’s Number One Hotel.by the Sunday Time Magazine Top Hotels in the World. The stunning red-brick gothic architecture captures the masterfully restored work of this Victorian style hotel. The interior is just as magnificent as the outside structure. The famous Grand Staircase spirals up to 245 elegant and spacious rooms, with a  350 capacity ballroom, a private club, a barber’s shop and luxury spa, to include a swimming pool and seven treatment rooms. The bar on Euston Road is beautiful and it may or may not be true that the cocktails are divine…

 

 

Eccleston Square Hotel

Located right in the heart of central London this lavishly designed, high tech hotel is sure to make your stay a pleasant one. The ultra-modern experience offers innovative technological enhancements such as iPad2s in every room to control everything from the mood and environment to ordering room service, and even to schedule upcoming theatre and spa reservations. The en-suite marble bathrooms also include a hidden TV built into the mirror and glass walls that turn opaque at the press of a button. Talk about technologically advanced!

Park Plaza Hotel

If you looking for amazing views of Big Ben, the Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament, look no further. The stylish 1,021 guest rooms are furnished with extremely high standard flat screen televisions, a work desk and tea and coffee making facilities. Whether your experience is one for leisure or business, Park Plaza Hotel  hopes to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

 

The W Hotel

W Hotel  which is conveniently located in the heart of London has been created from what was originally the Swiss Centre in Leicester Square. A stone’s throw away from all sorts of entertainment and theatre, this hotel is sure to be close to something that interests you. With 192 guest rooms and suites, all stylishly decorated with modern amenities and vibrant designs, the W Hotel will make any stay exceedingly comfortable.

And the winner is.. pictures from CIBA awards

As we may have mentioned once or twice we were delighted to be named  The Business Service Provider of the Year Award at the CIBAs 2011.

( We’re still grinning about it.)

We thought you might like to see some images from the evening.

The venue was stunning…

The champagne reception and dinner were lovely …

                                   

All the winners were delighted…

and last but by no means least we have a lovely award…

 
With thanks: 
Photography by: Jonathan Owen www.jonathan-owen.co.uk Contact: 07799690285

COLLARS & COATS GALA BALL

Collars and Coats star studded annual Gala Ball is approaching this Friday, November 11 at the Battersea Evolution, in Battersea Park, London.  Glamorous, A-List celebrities are expected to attend the event, including Peter Andre, Martine McCutcheon, Brix Smith Smart, Kate Walsh, Craig Revel-Horwood, Ester Rantzen, Nicky Clarke, Jasmine Harman, Prunella Scales, and many more, gather to honour Battersea’s work in rescuing and finding homes for unwanted, abdandoned cats and dogs. 

One of the most prestigious fund raisers of the year, the event raises money to support the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and is supported by prestigious actors and musicians.  Gourmet food, and musical entertainment, this event is sure to bring hope and awareness to this important cause recognised by so many. 

For more information on the event, contact Natasha Nudhar or cushion the impact.

Remember remember the 5th of November!!

Don’t miss the best places to experience the fireworks

Come celebrate the 406th anniversary of uncovering Guy Fawkes’s Gunpowder Plot. This weekend, fireworks shows take place throughout Great Britain. Here is a list of some of the best places to see the fireworks in the London area, Scotland and in Lewes,Sussex(where it is known to go down with the biggest bang).

South London

Blackheath

Bring family and friends to the Blackheath common, where over 100,000 people will gather to watch a spectacular show of fireworks. There will be a fully licensed bar, food stalls, and a funfair to make this night one to remember. This event is free, and make the most out of your night and get there early, because fireworks are expected to start around 8pm.

Battersea Park

You can expect large crowds here. A fully licensed bar and food will be available throughout the night.  Adult tickets will be £10 at the gate, £6 in advance, and children under 10 will be admitted for free.

East London

Barking Park

Bursting with live entertainment that is sure to please all ages,BarkingParkis one that should not be missed. This event will be packed with things to do, such as live music from the Robbie Williams Tribute Show, funfair rides for the kiddies, and pyrotechnics that will keep you oohing and awing throughout the night. The gates open at 5:30pm, and the live entertainment begins at 6:00. Adult tickets are £5 at the door, and tickets for children under 16 are £1.

West London

Barnes Sports Club Fireworks and Bonfire

Come experience a giant bonfire, hot food, plenty of live entertainment, and a magnificent fireworks display that will knock your socks off.  There will be live jazz music from St. Pauls school, refreshments, glow novelties, and sparklers to keep this celebration lively. Also, children can create their very own Guy effigy in advance to enter it in the competition at the clubhouse at 6pm, which will of course later be burned. Adult tickets are £10, child tickets are £5, children under 5 go for free, and a family ticket is £20. Gates open at 5:30.

Central London

Lord Mayor’s Show and Fireworks Display

For those that unfortunately can’t make the fireworks displays on Saturday 5 November, there is a second chance to catch even more amazing fireworks one week later on Saturday 12 November. This show is to welcome the new 684th Lord Mayor of the city ofLondon. This will be a three mile long parade through the city that begins at Mansion House at 11am and finishes in the same spot at 2:30, with fireworks to begin at 5pm. Find a spot on a bridge and marvel at the huge floats, marching bands, and loads of people that will fill the streets to celebrate this special day. Admission is free for everyone.

Scotland

Everyone gets together to watch the sky come alive with the bright, colourful fireworks at Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Sports Centre. The city’s biggest public fireworks show is back on this year.
The night will start with pre-show entertainment from 18.30 with Big Al from local radio fame getting the crowd in the mood for the big display starting at 19.30.

The tickets are £6 each and this year the tickets can only be purchased online so please follow the link below to buy your tickets:

http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/search/searchPerformanceDetails.asp?performance_id=30472

If you have any queries about the show please call one of the team on 0131 661 5351.

Celebrate bonfire night in Glasgow Green, with Glasgow’s infamous and spectacular musical fireworks display.

This years event is supported by ticketSOUP.COM so the theme will be based on songs from artists who will be performing at the SECC, including George Michael, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Duran Duran and JLS.Top of Form

Last years fireworks display in Glasgow Green was the best yet.  More than 50,000 explosions were set to music, with the timing almost perfect, and the biggest shells in the UK being fired up into the night sky.

The night is not just about fireworks though; there will be  pre-show music and fun with Clyde 1′s Romeo and Knoxy, a funfair and food and drink stalls.  Enough to make sure that everyone is entertained!

The Glasgow fireworks show offers a free, safe and family oriented evening of fun.

Special Mention

Lewes, East Sussex

Lewes’ bonfire night celebrations are definitely not for the weak hearted. This unruly parade is filled with colourful costumes, flaming torches, and shrilling shouts of people as they march to burn Guy effigies. All roads close down so that seven different bonfire societies can lead their own march throughout the town. Marches begin as early at 5:30pm, so make sure you get there early to grab a place and watch this remarkable event take place. Be warned that is does get overcrowded, and these Lewes bonfires tend not to be a place to bring children, as they might be frightened. http://www.lewesbonfirecouncil.org.uk/