TOP TIPS FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PARTY

Planning a Christmas party can be a stressful experience - but it doesn't necessarily need to end in you frantically lighting tea lights and shoving mini-pizzas into the oven 10 minutes before the guests are due. We bring you some straight-forward and original tips in planning a perfect Christmas party. whether that's an intimate dinner or a larger gathering...

Many hands make light work

Feeling festive conjures up childhood memories for most of us. We love the camaraderie of a party and sense of family that’s celebrated at Christmas time. Part of this joy starts with preparing for Christmas as a family and get everyone involved; setting the table, choosing the wine, selecting some festive music and prepping the vegetables together on Christmas Eve.

Think creatively with table decorations

Food is often the center of attention, but it’s important to have considered the other components in creating the right atmosphere for a Christmas party. Candles are beautiful, don’t be afraid to use lots of them and create a soft, cozy atmosphere. Keep any table flowers simple and low, so as not to obstruct eye contact or use some lovely potted herbs as table decorations that can double as a gift for your guests on departure.

Plan your aperitifs with care

Don’t give your guests too much to eat ahead of your festive feasts! More than likely you’ll be serving more food than they would normally eat at the table and it’s good to have them sitting down feeling hungry. Try these to serve before a meal.

Remember special diets

There are increasingly more people with specific dietary requirements and it’s always good to have a couple of ideas up your sleeve in case a guest springs a last-minute request onto you.

Save the brandy to serve with coffee

Try using vodka on your Christmas pudding this year - it will light much easier than brandy and give you a more impressive flame.

Thanks to: stylist.co.uk