Small Christmas Gatherings: Lunchtime, Midweek or January

When people think of a Christmas party, they often picture a large room, long tables and a crowded Friday night in mid-December. Increasingly, though, groups are choosing something smaller and quieter.

Industry sources point the same way. Square Meal’s Christmas party trends for 2026 lists lunchtime parties, smaller gatherings and January celebrations among its predictions. The Morning Advertiser, citing trade figures, reports that groups are shifting from large parties to smaller gatherings, with peaks in early afternoon, after work and midweek.

Why smaller can be better

A small gathering has practical advantages:

• Everyone can hear each other, so the conversation is better.
• Dietary needs and preferences are simple to manage.
• Dates are easier to find, particularly outside the busiest evenings.
• There is no pressure to put on a show; a good meal and a warm room are enough.

Square Meal notes that smaller groups tend to go for more intimate festivities with thoughtful touches, which is a good way to think about it.

Lunchtime parties

A lunch can be a good option for a team, a group of friends or an extended family. Square Meal says lunchtime parties can increase attendance, open up more dates and make things a little cheaper.

They suit people who do not want a late night, those who have a long journey home and anyone with caring responsibilities in the evening. Keep the schedule simple: arrive, sit down, eat, and leave in good time.

Please ask us about availability at your preferred time, as opening hours and services vary through the week. The current information is on our menu page.

Midweek dates

If your group is flexible, a Tuesday or Wednesday can be calmer than a weekend. Staff have more time, the room is quieter and the booking is easier to arrange.

Tips for a midweek gathering:

1. Offer two or three date options and let people vote.
2. Choose a start time that works with travel.
3. Confirm numbers a week ahead.

Dinner at the Jester is served 5pm to 9pm Monday to Saturday, so an early evening start gives a comfortable window.

Consider January

Not everything has to happen in December. Square Meal says that moving the party into January can mean better availability, better value and less festive-season pressure.

It also gives people something to look forward to once the holidays are over. A winter meal by a log fire, followed perhaps by an overnight stay, is a pleasant way to begin the year.

Choosing the space

For a handful of guests, a regular table in the bar and dining area may be enough. For a group that wants more privacy, the Odsey Meeting Room seats 24 for a meeting or a smaller private dinner. Our conservatory can also be hired for small functions. Both are described on our functions page.

Practical things to settle:

• The number of guests, and a deadline for confirming.
• Dietary requirements.
• Whether anyone needs a bedroom for the night.
• How guests will travel. We are 250 yards from Ashwell and Morden station, and an hour from London Kings Cross; see find us.

Making it feel special

A small party does not need elaborate decoration. A few touches make a big difference: a table plan that mixes people up, a short toast, place cards written by hand, or a small shared gift. Ask each guest to bring one memory or story from the year, and you have an easy talking point.

For a work group, keep the mood relaxed. Agree a finish time that lets people get home, and make sure anyone who is not drinking has something good to drink.

Booking tips

Contact the venue with a clear picture of what you need: the date, how many people, the time you would like to arrive and any dietary needs. If you are flexible on date, say so. That gives the team more room to find something that works, and often means a better choice of tables.

Get in touch

Whatever size your group, contact us with your numbers and your ideal date, and we will help you work out what would suit.