10 best Christmas party ideas

Make a good first impression

No Christmas party would be complete without the obligatory mistletoe. Hang it above the front door to get guests into the party spirit as soon as they arrive.

Create a magical walkway

Turn your home into a winter wonderland by festooning your hallway with fairy lights. Drape them across across every available surface for a twinkling, glittering entrance.

Dress your table to impress

Your guests will have dressed up so make sure your home is adequately attired too. A striking arrangement of baubles above the dining table will add a sense of occasion. Accessorise with a cluster of taper candles for added drama.

Create an alternative Christmas tree

Don't underestimate the mood-enhancing power of fairy lights. If you don't have a tree, wrap multi coloured lights around a piece of furniture or a mantlepiece instead.

Make sure your party sparkles

Want your dinner party to go off with a bang? Add small sparklers to each place setting to create a sense of drama. Just don't allow them near the brandy-soaked Christmas pudding.

Serve a festive spiced drink

Festive drinks are always a hit. Try spiced cider for an alternative to mulled wine. Serve in pretty glass tumblers and garnish with sprigs of herbs for a festive flourish.

Create a bar area in your dining room

Don't have your own drinks bar? Mark out a section of your sideboard or table as a drinks area instead and keep it stocked with glasses for guests to help themselves. This should hopefully stop everyone from gathering in the kitchen all night!

Super-size your accessories

Christmas is not the season for shrinking violets; instead it's the perfect excuse to super size your accessories. A few large boughs of berries in a hurricane lantern are all you need for an eye catching centrepiece.

Dress a trestle table for snacks

For a more relaxed Christmas party, load up a trestle table with party food and allow guests to help themselves. A smart runner and a vase of decorated branches will add a festive party feel.

Hand out crafty party bags

For a retro Christmas party, why not present your guests with a party bag when they leave. Perfect for rewarding well behaved children they're always surprisingly popular with adults too!

Source: House To Home