This year, you\u2019ll be confident in welcoming one and all (just don\u2019t forget to upgrade your dining table<\/a> \u2013 a blank canvas for your creativity).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the effort it takes to throw a dinner party, hosting at home can sometimes be more economical than going out or ordering in, while it gives you a chance to show off your beautiful tablescape<\/a> and impeccable style. Better still, there\u2019s no need for a taxi at the end of the night for the host \u2013 meaning you can climb the stairs and be in bed the minute everyone has left.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The golden rule for any refined gathering? Plan ahead. And when you think you\u2019ve done all the planning you can, plan some more. We\u2019re not just talking about setting a budget \u2013 although that\u2019s the first logical step \u2013 but setting a date and time that gives everyone plenty of warning to diarise, then sorting a guestlist by circulating (preferably printed) invites to those you want around the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, think about a theme \u2013 which, in turn, can inspire the food and drink \u2013 and start buying decorations<\/a> and tableware<\/a> so you\u2019re not scrabbling around at the last minute. Even little things, like dressing the table or chopping the veg the night before, can help when it comes to hosting. Why not go one step further and select dishes you can make beforehand and freeze to seal in flavour and texture? Then you only need to defrost, finish cooking and serve when guests arrive. Likewise, curate a playlist the weekend before your soir\u00e9e over a glass of wine \u2013 it\u2019s fun and will save time and faff when it comes to finding the right vibe on the night.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n You absolutely don\u2019t need a theme to throw a dinner party, but Christmas is all about having a bit of fun, so it certainly won\u2019t go amiss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s plenty of inspiration for Christmas dinner theme ideas on the likes of Pinterest, but the festive season lends itself naturally to concepts like a winter wonderland \u2013 think twinkling silvers, faux snow, handcrafted animals<\/a> and icy blues \u2013 or \u2018all that glitters\u2019 with gold decorations<\/a> at every turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Otherwise, you could go traditional \u2013 greens and reds are making a comeback as we seek comfort and joy in nostalgia \u2013 or be creative: the underwater aesthetic is making waves with pearlescent finishes, mermaid motifs and shell designs (this lobster-inspired<\/a> dec is just the thing). The world really is your oyster, so think big and get creative.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It wouldn\u2019t feel festive without a family game or two after dinner is done, would it? Old-school favourites such as charades and quizzes always go down a storm, as do classics like Scrabble and Pictionary, otherwise the collection of beautifully-designed games by Printworks<\/a> are sure-fire winners \u2013 from Backgammon<\/a> and Tumbling Tower<\/a> to Yatzy<\/a> and Four in a Row<\/a>. If all else fails, why not dust off the karaoke machine? It\u2019s Christmas, after all. A simple Google will reveal a raft of Christmas dinner party game ideas, if you\u2019re still stuck.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to setting the scene, Christmas decorations can add twinkle and sparkle, whether it\u2019s in candles<\/a>, fairylights<\/a>, ornaments<\/a> or flowers<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Line pillar candles<\/a> of varying heights down the length of the table or cluster together in a collection in the centre (overhead lighting should be dialled down or switched off); wind battery-operated fairylights<\/a> around the back of dining chairs<\/a>; and fill vases<\/a> with groups of ornaments<\/a> and use unique ones to add personality to each place setting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the theme, entertainment and table sorted, it\u2019s time to think about the type of food and format you serve up, which should initially be planned around the number of guests you have in attendance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a big group, for example, a generous buffet that lends itself to everyone helping themselves is best. Don\u2019t be quick to judge \u2013 the buffet is back in a big way and is being elevated for contemporary entertaining by even the most respected party-planners. Think premium cheeses, pickles and condiments; butter boards topped with spices and herbs; wafer-thin slices of charcuterie; luxurious lobster rolls; bite-sized desserts and old-school trifles (yes, really); DIY spritz stations; and posh punch bowls. For this retro presentation style, consider upgrading your serveware with things like the Tundra Sharing Platter<\/a> by Musango<\/a>, our Sintra Salad Bowl<\/a> and the Rotary Tray<\/a> from Vitra<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a tighter group \u2013 eight, say \u2013 a sit-down affair might be more appropriate with a centrepiece or sharing board placed in the centre of the table for everyone to dig in and help themselves. Forgo the traditional turkey in favour of something more fashionable like pulled pork or cauliflower wellington as a guaranteed conversation-starter. Why not present on something pretty like the Tala Ceramic Platter<\/a> by ferm LIVING<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n For groups or six or four, you may want to dish up individual plates in the kitchen before presenting them at the table, and include a starter, main and dessert before retiring to the living room for cheese and digestifs. Our box-sets<\/a> \u2013 from the grey-blue tones of Nordic Sea<\/a> to our colourful collaboration with LF Markey<\/a> \u2013 make refreshing your crockery for Christmas easy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the big day itself can be quite the undertaking, we recommend keeping any entertaining you\u2019re doing on Christmas Eve low-key, so stick to a single course for a small group or just two \u2013 oysters and Champagne is an always elegant pairing. These saucers<\/a> from The Vintage List<\/a> are timeless.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n However many you\u2019re catering for, always remember to check dietary requirements beforehand, meaning there are no surprises when it comes to plant-based or gluten-free guests. Don\u2019t overlook drinks, either: while you\u2019ll have plenty of beer, wine and spirits to hand, ensure you\u2019ve got smart softs for teetotallers or drivers, too. Sober-curiosity \u2013 whereby people are consciously choosing to drink or abstain on different occasions \u2013 is becoming increasingly popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, whoever you\u2019re hosting and however you\u2019re hosting them, it\u2019s all about the company. So long as the conversation (and wine) is flowing, everyone will leave with a smile on their face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.heals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Blog_1.jpg\")
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHosting your Christmas dinner party <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCreative Christmas dinner party theme ideas <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nGames and entertainment at your Christmas dinner party <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFestive Christmas dinner party d\u00e9cor <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMenu ideas for large Christmas gatherings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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