Let's party!

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is the key to a successful party. Send out invitations in advance, requesting an RSVP by a specific date. If you want music provided (disco or Karaoke service) book well in advance, especially at Christmas.

Specify the dress code

If there is a theme or if you want to set the tone for your get-together by having people in party dresses and smart casual then say so. Or if you are just expecting people to pitch up then make it a ‘come as you are’ or ‘scruffy ‘n’ tipsy’. Otherwise guests who show up in jeans are likely to be very uncomfortable if everybody else is in their best party outfits.

On the other hand a guest who has taken the trouble to arrive in a cocktail dress would feel very uncomfortable if she is the only one dressed up to the nines.

The alternative is to have a prize for the most over-the-top Christmassy outfit. It will get people laughing as they arrive and are met by ever more outrageous get-ups.

You can ask people to vote for their favourite, or exercise your role as host by choosing a winner yourself. Top three to be announced in reverse order, of course!

Organise some food

Plan a spread well in advance, making sure you've got a varied selection of nibbles that covers all tastes. Keep it simple, though. Have everything prepared, so when guests arrive it is all out ready for them while you are ready to party. Make sure you have enough crockery, cutlery, glasses and serviettes.

Set the tone

Don't just rely on your guests and their outfits to brighten the place up. Make an effort with a few special touches to give a bright, welcoming party atmosphere.

Switch off all overhead lights and use uplighters and fairy lights to give drama to each room. Even in the kitchen, try to forego the fluourescents in favour of colourful lighting.

Don't be selfish

Put your guests first. If they have fun, your enjoyment will naturally follow. Be meticulous in introducing them to each other and offering starting points for conversations. Keep an eye on everyone and if anyone is alone or appears to be withdrawing from the crowd, make a big effort to get them back involved with the action.

Timing

Get in early to kick off the season and you can be confident guests will be raring to go. Too late in December and everyone will be partied out. Avoid Christmas Eve unless you are heading off to another house for Christmas dinner the next day. Who wants to be clearing away the dregs of the previous night when you have a Christmas lunch to prepare?

And to drink?

Bubbly
Shop around for bubbly, because there are plenty of deals to be had if you’re buying in bulk. You might be tempted to go for quality, but don’t overdo it. Have your premium stuff at the start of the evening and keep the less expensive varieties cooling, ready for later in the evening when there’s a chance people won’t be quite as discerning.

Beer
Even though guests should be encouraged to bring a bottle it’s essential that you have a generous supply of both beer and lager available. Leftovers (if there are any!) will keep you going through the New Year. Better to have too much at your party, than too little.

Wine
If you are pushed for space keep unopened white wine chilled outside the back door before bringing in for consumption. If it’s a frosty evening it will be at just the right temperature.

Cocktails
All the major producers of spirits are keen to show the flexibility of their wares so cocktail recipes abound. Keep an eye for special promotional cards in supermarkets or do a quick search online. Manufacturers of mixers provide similar suggestions.

Non-alcoholic
It’s essential to offer plenty of non-alcoholic options and it doesn’t have to be plain old fruit juice. Give the drivers at your party a special punch to enjoy and again there are many recipes. Never underestimate the role of dull sounding ginger beer in spicing up a soft drinks cocktail.