Jingle and Mingle: Our Christmas hosting guide
Posted by Catrin Hughes on 25th Nov 2024
Holiday Cheer and Festive Fun: Your Complete Guide to Hosting a Joyful and Unforgettable Christmas Gathering for Family and Friends
Christmas is one of the most joyful, most magical times of the year, filled with warmth, family, and traditions. However, if you're the one hosting, the pressure to create the perfect Christmas for your loved ones can quickly turn excitement into stress. From preparing a festive meal to keeping guests entertained, there is a lot to manage. Our step-by-step guide will help you organise your Christmas Day so that you and your guests can fully enjoy the celebration, whether you're a first-time host or a seasoned pro.
Laying The Table
Firsts-things-first, your dining table, the focal point of the day. This is where your guests will socialise, spending time getting festive and enjoying each others company whilst indulging in a delicious Christmas dinner. When I decorate the table, I want to make my guest feel as though they have walked into their favourite restaurant, ready to wine and dine. Garlands are always a good place to start. Whether they're big, bushy and life-like or simplistic and delicate, garlands are the perfect way of tying your table into the rest of the Christmas decorations in your home. Another way to create a luxurious table setting is to add matching Placemats & Coasters along with complementary Napkins. We also can't forget the most festive decoration for the table, which is the Christmas Crackers, a fun and exciting way to get everyone laughing and involved.
Now that we've decorated the table, we now need to add all the necessities for the dinner. Matching Tableware is always a must with keeping everything consistent and looking proper, as well as complimentary Cutlery. Now, obviously, it wouldn't be Christmas without a bit of a toast to the big day, so having nice Glassware is a necessity, whether your guests are enjoying a lovely glass of bubbly or a soft drink, they can all celebrate in style, together.
Once the food is ready, and everyone's ready to tuck in, display the food that's been so lovingly prepared in some delightful Serving Dishes as well as the all-important Gravy Boat to top off your delicious meal.
Entertaining Your Guests
Now that the feast is over and you've tackled the washing up, let the real festive fun begin! If you're looking to relax, with a wholesome and cosy atmosphere, completing a beautiful Jigsaw Puzzle or taking part in an exciting Board Game may be more up your street. Gather around the table with all your loved ones, enjoying each other's company and filling the air with the sound of laughter. However, if you're after something that will really get the party started and everyone up on their feet, Cocktail-Making is always a crowd-pleaser for the adults. Everyone can make their favourite drinks whilst others can experiment with trying new ones. Usually, children will be too excited about their new toys from Santa to think of anything else, but if you're keen to get them involved, building a yummy Gingerbread House Kit is always an exciting activity for them to enjoy, and for the rest of the group to enjoy feasting on after.
Winding Down For The Evening
After all the fun and excitement of the day, you and your guests will have surely built up an appetite. This is now your time to shine and present them with delicious cheese and charcuterie boards filled with all your favourite cheeses and meats, to feast on. Serving boards provide you with a large surface space to present a wide selection of food, making sure there will be something for all of your guests to enjoy. After the cocktail making, and plenty of toasts, it might become time to slow down on the bubbly and start enjoying some teas, coffees or some delicious hot chocolate whilst watching a Christmassy film in front of the fire.
For more festive inspiration and seasonal tips, check out our Christmas Tree Decorating Guide and don't forget to follow us on Instagram @Charliesstores and Facebook. Also, feel free to share how you have created your own winter wonderland and some of your tips and tricks for hosting a magical Christmas for you and your guests. From all of us at Charlies, we hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Christmas is one of the most joyful, most magical times of the year, filled with warmth, family, and traditions. However, if you're the one hosting, the pressure to create the perfect Christmas for your loved ones can quickly turn excitement into stress...