Tracy Finn: How should employers celebrate the end of the year with staff?

The corporate service department at Harrods is often asked to arrange gifts and events for organisations celebrating the season and the end of the year.

We are used to catering for any brief or budget and working with companies looking for something special. There are some memorable past examples that could provide possible ideas for other employers.

For a unique experience, one company requested exclusive access to the Shoe Boudoir at Harrods. All guests were treated to a champagne reception and were each invited to choose a pair of shoes to take home.

Another unique idea was a black tie party. We organised a James Bond-themed night with limited-edition 007 Bollinger champagne on the new outside terrace at Harrods.

Some more flamboyant ideas include a helicopter ride over Knightsbridge and Harrods, including a champagne and canapés post-flight reception. We have also arranged a golf simulator lesson for a team of bankers, which took place in the sports department at the store, followed by a visit to the tasting room in the Wine Shop to sample some rare vintages.

For more cost-effective ideas and a great way to reward a larger team, we offer an elegant champagne afternoon tea in our fourth-floor Georgian Restaurant looking out over the London skyline. For something really fun and unique, we also arrange a group tour of London on the Harrods Bus, or a day of pampering at the in-store spa, Urban Retreat.

Tracy Finn is head of corporate service at Harrods Corporate