Well it’s certainly that time of year again; there’s been recent snowfall at Za Za homes, which is unheard of for Devon in November, but it does get us thinking about Christmas. Indeed whether we will be getting a white one, and if you’re hosting this year; all the preparation that goes with it. If you’re a complete beginner, or even if you’re an avid Christmas party thrower, we wanted to share some helpful hints and tips for hosting the perfect Christmas; whether for family or friends.
Planning the perfect Christmas
Perhaps the most important thing when thinking about a Christmas party is to plan well in advance. You may find that a timeline plan will help you segment the different tasks you need to do, from food prep to the fun after dinner activities. Delegate wherever possible, and if you’re part of a larger household then why not give everyone a certain job to do. Planning also helps to reduce stress on the big day, and will allow things to run smoothly.
Consider who you’ll be inviting if you have not already done so, and if you want to send invitations then make sure that your guests receive them in plenty of time. The menu is also very important; don’t forget to consider any allergies or dietary requirements your guests may have, as well as how long things will take to cook, the order you’ll need to do it in, and a comprehensive shopping list of all the ingredients you’ll need to create your tasty meals. It’s always a good idea to decide on a budget and try your best to stick to it; resist the urge for special offers that you wouldn’t normally buy, as this will not only help your wallet, but also holiday wastage.
Creating a beautiful Christmas home
Most people will have already decorated their homes by the big day, but it’s always good to think about what your guests will see. Focus on rooms that your guests are likely to be going in, and consider things like the mood lighting, decorations and themes; which will surely help your guests relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Candlelight and candle lanterns are a great and cost effective way of creating a cosy home for Christmas, and look simply stunning when displayed in a hallway or in the corner of the room. Imagine what your guests will see when they first arrive in the entranceway, and how the lighting can best show off your home. The right colours are important too, and consider things like how the colour of your Christmas tree decorations and lights match the décor in the room that it proudly sits in.
How to decorate a festive dinner table
Deciding on your festive table setting can be one of the most important considerations on the big day. It will be where everything comes together, and where everyone sits down and spends time enjoying your lovely festive food as they relax with a welcoming atmosphere. A festive table centrepiece can really create a wow factor for the special Christmas feast, and this can be easily achieved by using a large candlestick or glass votive placed at the centre of a rich garland of festive greenery and berries. Just remember to always keep flames away from any flammable greenery. Fake foliage also works great as a substitute and will last for years.
A festive table runner can add much charm to a dining table, and why not use serving boards to display delicious canapes, nibbles and cheeses that people can graze on? Finish off the table setting with decorative placemats and coasters that really add some style to your setting. Place bought crackers, (or even better if you’re extra creative and made your own) on the table for everyone to enjoy. Remember to consider balance; create a mixture of modern and traditional for both beauty and a sense of fun!
Don’t forget to consider the sort of seating you’ll need too for hosting the perfect Christmas. Have you got enough dining chairs or stools to go around your table? Also think about if you’re using a breakfast bar at all during the festive season too. Bar stools are a great solution for this.
Creating Christmas day activities
Speaking of fun; festive party games are a great way to spend the late afternoon and evening and it is a great way to bring new family members and friends together. Try considering games that both adults and children can play (should you be hosting any little ones) and the space you might need to play them. Parlour games such as Charades are always a firm favourite, and board games are also great for bringing the whole family together. Why not build a gingerbread house with your children, or if the weather permits go on a nice walk after dinner? Round the evening off with a Christmas film or too whilst sipping hot chocolate.
Final festive thoughts
We hope that we’ve given you some festive food for thought, and that these tips prove to be useful for reducing the holiday stress. A few final things to consider when hosting the perfect Christmas might be whether guests are staying over, and if so where they’ll be staying. Think about the days around Christmas such as Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, and what extra meals you may need to plan, such as dinner the night before, and a special breakfast on Boxing day, as this will also help alleviate any stress over the holiday season. Christmas day breakfasts should also be considered, and what food preparation you can do the night before to save time on Christmas day, as wouldn’t everyone would rather be opening gifts than slaving away in the kitchen!
