Christmas is all about spending time with family and friends. But if you're entertaining during the festive period, there are some essentials you need to remember.
You'll want your guests to have a great time, so it's important that you make them feel as comfortable as possible... As well as ensuring they're well fed, watered and entertained.
With that in mind, here are our top tips and must-haves for entertaining this Christmas.
Christmas dinner is the most lavish meal of the year, so your dining table will need to be fit to host the feast. A tablecloth is a simple and cheap way of adding a regal touch to the table.
You might have one stashed in a cupboard somewhere, but if it's creased or stained, it's not the most enticing decoration for your table. If you need a new one, you can check out our tablecloths here.
Another way to add a decorative touch to your Christmas table is with napkins. You could use disposable paper ones, or push the boat out and add a more luxury feel with fabric napkins. Fabric napkins are also a lot more economical and better for the environment.
When it comes to setting the table, you can keep it simple by folding your napkins into triangles and laying them out. Or if you're more creative, why not try a more extravagant fold and place them into wine glasses for a floral effect?
The great thing is that napkins don't just do a job visually – they're also useful for stopping clothes being spoiled by drips of gravy or cranberry sauce as people tuck into their dinner.
No Christmas is complete without a few board games. In fact, the annual family argument over a game of Monopoly is almost as much of a tradition as the Christmas dinner.
Jokes aside, having a good supply of games, quizzes or playing cards will help to ensure that you're guests are entertained and don't feel bored throughout their stay. But just remember; it's only a game!
Over the festive period, you might have guests staying over. This is often the case for people who have family or friends visiting from far away. Ensure you're always prepared for a sleepover with a supply of emergency bedding.
Flannelette sheets are always warm and cosy during the winter time, and will mean your guests enjoy a comfortable night's sleep when they stay.
You can even incorporate the seasonal joy into the bedroom with some Christmas bedding!
If your guests do stay overnight, you'll want to give them their own space to unwind and freshen up.
It's a good idea to leave a bale of towels on their bed so that they can help themselves to showers and washing facilities, without the awkward need to ask.
It's not Christmas if there aren't family members sat on various makeshift seats and others scattered across the floor while Grandad snoozes in the recliner.
Make sure everyone is as comfortable as possible during the festivities by having an ample supply of cushions. They'll come in handy by preventing numb bums!
Another way to make sure your visitors are always comfortable is by having a supply of throws or blankets. These can be great for keeping guests warm and cosy during day or night.
And a throw could also be a useful way to protect your furniture – especially if your guests bring children or pets.
There are few people who don't overindulge at Christmas time, but it's always a good idea to keep a stock of some nibbles that can be put out for your guests to snack on.
Many people are too shy to ask for food when staying with friends or family, so remove that awkwardness by ensuring there's always enough to eat. Also make sure you have enough of their favourite tipples and soft drinks in to keep them well watered.
Will you be hosting any Christmas meals or get-togethers at your house this year? Follow our tips above and you can be confident that you'll be the host with the most!
Let us know what your top tips for entertaining at Christmas are, by leaving a comment below!
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