The sweet spot for corporate New Year's drinks lies between Monday 12 and Thursday 22 January. Before that window, everyone's still in holiday mode or in the post-Christmas detox week.
After 22 January, attention shifts to the annual plans. Pick a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday if you can. Monday is too early in the working week; Friday competes with the Friday-afternoon drinks.
Start the drinks at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. and keep it compact: three hours is enough. After 8 p.m. it becomes a party, and that isn't what New Year's drinks should be. Shorter is sharper.
Want to know more about organising New Year's drinks? Read our full article →