It may seem a little early to be planning your Christmas party, but deciding on a date and letting friends and family know in good time is the first step to a successful festive event. Here are a few tips to help take the stress out of festive entertaining.
Pre-book food and drink delivery slots
Even if you’re not a regular user of supermarket delivery services, when it comes to party planning, having food and drink delivered to your door means you’re not wasting time in checkout queues or battling through crowds when you need to be at home getting the house and garden ready for guests.
Put up Christmas decorations early
Christmas trees and lights can take a while to put up, so don’t leave this to the last minute. Aim to have all your external decorations in place a few days before your party so you can then focus on making the interior sparkle. Twinkling string lights, soft candlelight and Christmas tunes playing in the background will all help to create the right party atmosphere.
Welcome your guests at the door
A great welcome gets guests into the party mood as soon as they arrive. Use storm lanterns, holly wreaths and Christmas lights around the front door to set the scene. Nominate a friend or family member to greet guests at the door, take their coats – a temporary clothes rail works well for this – and offer all new arrivals a glass of freshly poured prosecco.
Given that last Christmas was such a low-key affair for all of us, this year’s parties will be particularly celebratory and joyous.
