It’s another sign of the strength of the local economy, with more firms looking to reward their employees with food and drink as part of the festive season.

The President of the Event Group, David Howard, tells 660News bookings are up 15 per cent this year over last.   He says it almost rivals what he saw back in 2007, before the recession.

Howard says again this year, many of the parties he’s putting on will also include a charitable component with companies also wanting to give back to the community as well.

Sharon Barwick with Simply Elegant uses one word to describe bookings this year, “booming,” saying her bookings have doubled or tripled.

Barwick says many of her clients are also looking to try and stage an event that is memorable, with mingling and interaction replacing sit down or buffet dinners.

Stephen Gillette with An Affair to Remember, says they still have a few open dates but they are disappearing quickly.

Pam McCarthy with Five Star Events says, sadly, firms that wait until the last minute often have to settle for what she calls ‘leftovers.’

All of the companies say the best way to guarantee you get what you want for a Christmas party is to book a year ahead.