Christmas party spots serving up the wow factor

Posted on 8 November, 2019

It’s November, which means we’re getting to the pointy end of the year, and we’re barreling head-first into the festive season.

But before we get to the presents, the decorating and the cooking, there’s something a bit more pressing to get sorted: Christmas parties.

If you’re in charge of booking said event, you just don’t want to book the same old place as last year—or nab a last-minute panic-booking. You want something that wows and keeps the masses happy.

And if you’re looking for wow factor, it’s pretty hard to go past some of Canberra’s national institutions.

The gorgeous Pollen, nestled at the Australian Botanic Gardens with a relaxed garden party feel, and Bookplate at the National Library of Australia, with its iconic views across Lake Burley Griffin and large outdoor terrace, are both now taking bookings for Christmas parties, with a range of packages on offer.

Bookplate.

Rally your colleagues or friends together for the relaxed Merrymaker’s Lunch, available Monday to Friday. You can also enjoy decadent delights, lawn games and champagne with a cocktail party, or settle in for an indulgent three-course festive sit-down dinner.

“While Bookplate allows guests to admire the beautiful ‘contemporary classical’ architecture of the National Library of Australia— with its Parthenon-inspired marble columns and stunning marble foyer, as well as take in some of the nicest views of the lake to be found in Canberra—Pollen presents its own natural beauty, with its location in the Australian National Botanic Gardens where visitors can admire the blooms while relaxing and celebrating in a garden setting,” says Pollen and Bookplate owner Tracy Keeley.

Bookplate’s terrace.

“Each venue has also been styled thoughtfully to create the right atmosphere. At Bookplate, it’s a little more classic and semi-formal, while Pollen is very inspired by the nature that surrounds it and creates a more relaxed vibe.”

Pollen.

Both venues are offering a similar Christmas function menu, thoughtfully created by the talented team.

For cocktail functions, think cocktail canapés with a classic Christmas twist: smoked turkey and corn croquette with fig aioli, pear and blue cheese tartlet, petite strawberry cheesecake, or a hot smoked salmon, black caviar and crème fraiche blini.

Bookplate’s terrace.

For a more formal sit-down affair, the festive dinner includes a share-style three-course meal, paired with carefully curated wines and beers.

On the menu, you’ll find Christmas staples like slow-roasted pork and roast turkey, with traditional sides, and their special take on the classic Aussie pav—a coconut pavlova with Chantilly cream, strawberry and kiwi fruit.

Pollen.

Bookings for evening Christmas functions are available until 20 December. And all evening functions also include exclusive use of the venues, so you can enjoy your soiree, and soak in the iconic location and impressive outlook knowing you’re not sharing the space with any other groups. Now that’s some serious wow-factor indeed.

the essentials

Where: Bookplate at National Library of Australia, and Pollen Cafe at Australian National Botanic Gardens.

Bookings: Visit pollencafe.com.au/christmas or bookplate.com.au/christmas-parties for full menus and bookings.

This editorial was created in partnership with Bookplate and Pollen. For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.