Finding a Christmas gift that feels thoughtful, original and just right for its recipient isn’t always easy, so who better to ask for inspiration than a team who spend their days discovering beautiful things?
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Trends & Lifestyle
Christmas is coming, and with it the perfect excuse to throw open the doors to entertain family and friends, whether drinks and nibbles in the big-build up, a full-on feast for the main event itself or a glittering affair on New Year’s Eve.
But while gathering nearest and dearest in your home can be a joyful and rewarding experience, there’s no denying it can also be stressful, what with the decorating, cooking and hosting to be done.
But fear not, as we’ve compiled everything you need to make it go without a hitch in one convenient place, from tablescaping inspiration to Christmas Day hosting ideas and menu-planning, plus general tips and tricks. This year, you’ll be confident in welcoming one and all (just don’t forget to upgrade your dining table – a blank canvas for your creativity).
Why host a dinner party at home?
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 and impeccable style.
Better still, there’s no need for a taxi at the end of the night for the host – meaning you can climb the stairs and be in bed the minute everyone has left.
Hosting your Christmas dinner party
The golden rule for any refined gathering? Plan ahead. And when you think you’ve done all the planning you can, plan some more. We’re not just talking about setting a budget – although that’s the first logical step – 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.
Next, think about a theme – which, in turn, can inspire the food and drink – and start buying decorations and tableware so you’re 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 soirée over a glass of wine – it’s fun and will save time and faff when it comes to finding the right vibe on the night.
Creative Christmas dinner party theme ideas
You absolutely don’t need a theme to throw a dinner party, but Christmas is all about having a bit of fun, so it certainly won’t go amiss. There’s 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 – think twinkling silvers, faux snow, handcrafted animals and icy blues – or ‘all that glitters’ with gold decorations at every turn.
Otherwise, you could go traditional – greens and reds are making a comeback as we seek comfort and joy in nostalgia – or be creative: the underwater aesthetic is making waves with pearlescent finishes, mermaid motifs and shell designs (this lobster-inspired dec is just the thing). The world really is your oyster, so think big and get creative.
Games and entertainment at your Christmas dinner party
It wouldn’t 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 are sure-fire winners – from Backgammon and Tumbling Tower to Yatzy and Four in a Row.
If all else fails, why not dust off the karaoke machine? It’s Christmas, after all. A simple Google will reveal a raft of Christmas dinner party game ideas, if you’re still stuck.
Festive Christmas dinner party décor
When it comes to setting the scene, Christmas decorations can add twinkle and sparkle, whether it’s in candles, fairylights, ornaments or flowers. Line pillar candles 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 around the back of dining chairs; and fill vases with groups of ornaments and use unique ones to add personality to each place setting.
Menu ideas for large Christmas gatherings
With the theme, entertainment and table sorted, it’s 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. For a big group, for example, a generous buffet that lends itself to everyone helping themselves is best.
Don’t be quick to judge – 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 by Musango, our Sintra Salad Bowl and the Rotary Tray from Vitra.
For a tighter group – eight, say – 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 by ferm LIVING? 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 – from the grey-blue tones of Nordic Sea to our colourful collaboration with LF Markey – make refreshing your crockery for Christmas easy.
As the big day itself can be quite the undertaking, we recommend keeping any entertaining you’re doing on Christmas Eve low-key, so stick to a single course for a small group or just two – oysters and Champagne is an always elegant pairing. These saucers from The Vintage List are timeless. However many you’re 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’t overlook drinks, either: while you’ll have plenty of beer, wine and spirits to hand, ensure you’ve got smart softs for teetotallers or drivers, too. Sober-curiosity – whereby people are consciously choosing to drink or abstain on different occasions – is becoming increasingly popular.
Remember, whoever you’re hosting and however you’re hosting them, it’s all about the company. So long as the conversation (and wine) is flowing, everyone will leave with a smile on their face.
Get inspired by more Christmas dinner party ideas.
It’s finally time to throw open the doors to entertain friends and family again. Whether they’re visiting from near or far, nothing welcomes loved ones in from the cold quite like a house filled with festive cheer, from a tree twinkling with fairy lights to a mantlepiece festooned with lush foliage and a table bedecked with sparkling treasure.
When it comes to hosting at Christmas, it’s all about creating comfort and joy, while making guests feel right at home. Here, we round-up the small refreshes and little touches that can make a big difference, from fluffy towels to five-star bedlinen and fold-out sofa-beds. But be warned: nearest and dearest may never want to leave…
Christina Lundsteen Paula Cushion, Christina Lundsteen Bolster Pink, Flows Rug Multi by Linie Design, Sheepskin Rug Large Long Wool by Nature’s Collection, Washed Linen Bed Linen Cinnamon by Heal’s, Washed Linen Bed Linen Mustard by Heal’s, Utility Footstool Large Vintage Cognac Leather Lacquered Oak Frame by Fogia, Barba Armchair Karakorum by Fogia, Oswald Sofa Bed by Heal’s, 9602 Floor Lamp by Gubi, Brew Tray by Tom Dixon, Nordic Bistro Mug by Broste Copenhagen, Warm White 480 LED Indoor or Outdoor Micro Lights Copper Cable by Noma, Deko Decorations Dusky Pink Set of 6 by Broste Copenhagen
Offer a turn-down service
Good times can only be enjoyed after good sleep. Which is why it’s crucial to create a restful space where guests can recharge and reclaim a little shut-eye between festivities. For those who don’t have a spare-room, a sofa-bed can be a smart way to maximise space and accommodate guests, styled-up with cushions by day and folded-out with bedding by night.
The smart Oswald, pictured, quickly and easily converts into a king-size bed while featuring hidden storage for stashing away luggage and keeping multi-functional spaces free of clutter. For extra style (and added comfort), swap out old sheets with crisp new bedding in seasonal colours and patterns, and layer with cosy throws in soft and textured materials.
Matera Large Corner Sofa by Heal’s, Pearl White Soup Bowl by Costa Nova, The Voice Within 01 Print from Mae Studio by Paper Collective, Christina Lundsteen Abigail Cushion, Christina Lundsteen Carla Cushion, Edinburgh Weavers Circles Cushion, Optical Cushion Ocre by Niki Jones, Sheepskin Rug Large Long Wool by Nature’s Company, Sheepskin Rug Small Long Wool by Nature’s Company
Spruce-up the sofa
A scattering of new cushions can really freshen up your sofa for visiting friends, adding colour, interest and depth. But think about a wintery palette of warm and toasty tones rather than clichéd shades and motifs for the coolest way to change things up.
Here, we’ve layered the Matera sofa with luxurious cushions featuring rich reds, earthy yellows and icy blues that complement the ochre tones of the furniture. With interesting patterns from innovative designers, they provide a conversation-starter over Christmas, too.
Round Bud Vase by Heal’s, Waffle Towel Charcoal by Heal’s, Spa Towel White by Heal’s, Ripple Clear Carafe by ferm LIVING, Ripple Smoked Grey Tumbler Glass Set of 4 by ferm LIVINGCreate a ‘spa-throom’
A few easy updates can transform your bathroom into a spa-like oasis your guests can retreat to away from the hustle and bustle of the house. Stock-up on quality towels in soothing shades and luxurious textures – our pick are these for all the luxury of a five-star stay – together with high-end soaps for a spot of pampering and a designer diffuser to make the whole room smell wonderful. Everyone will be fighting for the bathroom.
Massimo Bobble Vase by Abigail Ahern, Botanicals Winter Spice Brick Candle by Heal’s, Winter Spice Tall Pillar Candle with Botanicals by Heal’s, Pillar Candle by Heal’s,
‘Christmasify’ a corner
Even if you’re not going all-out with a tree and all the trimmings, you can still help guests to feel cosy and festive, even in the most compact of spaces. Style up a single corner instead to add a touch of sparkle to a space: a sideboard or a mantlepiece can provide a platform for decorative touches while creating a focal point in any room.
Simply add a collection of candles – varying heights create interest – and a statement vase filled with natural foliage foraged from the garden, plus a few tree decorations here and there. A tangle of fairy lights is a nice touch, too, while a smattering of tealights finishes things off. The more corners you can create, the merrier.
Gift your guests
Create boutique hotel vibes from the comfort of home with a gift or two for guests left at the end of their bed: consider the Bitter Orange & Cassis Dusk Candle for creating a festive scent; the Milk Chocolate Stirrer for making a late-night cup of cocoa; and the Lambswool Hot Water Bottle for popping between the sheets. It’s the details that make a stay, whether at a hotel or in the home of a good friend, so pick something you know they’ll love to make them feel truly special.
Three more tips
1 Invest in a coat rack and shoe tidy ahead of the holidays to keep your hallway sleek and streamlined. First impressions count, so ensure your reception makes an entrance, even when you’ve got a full house.
2 Stock-up on games for rainy days during family stays. The collection from Printworks, including Backgammon and Yatzy, is so smart you won’t want to stash it away.
3 Hang a wreath on the front door and festoon it with our decorations. It sounds simple, but it’s the first thing guest will see as they arrive, so give them a sign of things to come with a festive flourish that says: ‘home for Christmas.’
The Christmas tree sits at the heart of every home’s festive celebrations, so making the right choice when it comes to a festive fir is key in creating a cohesive, stylish and balanced scene. Follow these three simple steps from Anna Sheridan, Interior Stylist at Heal’s to maximise your Christmas décor:
To choose the right size: think big, then go bigger
“A tree that’s too small will feel out of place, while one that’s too big will overwhelm the space. For the perfect balance, opt for a tree that is six inches shorter than the ceiling height. This leaves plenty of room for show-stopping accessories, so there’s no need to hold back on the tree topper! “Tall ceilings are perfect for making a room feel more spacious, but if the floor is short on square footage, it’s best to opt for a slimmer style of tree. This means you can still go higher, without having to sacrifice any of the space within your room.”
To position in the right location: take a look around
“Whilst placing your tree in front of the window may seem like the best way to show off your decorations, you risk losing a lot of natural light, leaving the room feeling dark and uninviting. Remember to keep the tree clear of doors, to avoid knocking off fir needles or breaking any expensive ornaments. “It's also important to consider the current layout of your room, and where your furniture currently sits. The optimum viewing distance from a TV is 2m, so leave at least this much distance between the screen and the tree to keep branches out of the way of your favourite Christmas films, and be mindful that the twinkle of fairy lights may be reflected round the room if placed in front of any mirrors.”
To hang your baubles perfectly: pick a method and stick to it
“The perfect number of ornaments to use on your tree will vary depending on your individual style, but as a general rule, use six baubles to every foot (30.4cm) of the tree. “To avoid clustering the same type of bauble too closely together, first group them together in different themes, such as colour, texture and shape. Hang each type in a zig-zag pattern and gradually work through the themes to achieve a balanced and considered look.”
Christmas Styling For Every Home
Whether you’ve got an eye for anything that sparkles, like to go big and bold at Christmas, or prefer to keep things calm and cosy, Heal’s has a selection of decorations to suit every type of home.
Bold and Bright
“To create a maximalist look, choose no more than three bold colours as your palette, and balance the ratio of each shade equally throughout the décor. For traditional Christmas styling, opt for red, green and gold, or for a more contemporary feel, choose a combination such as pink, blue and green.
“To avoid overwhelming the scene, offset bright colours with accessories in a neutral palette to make the bolder decorations pop. Introduce depth by mixing both matt and metallic finishes throughout the scheme.”
Festive Glamour
“To make the most impact, stick to a single colour scheme with a focus on metallic finishes, to make your decorations pop in the festive light. A gold, bronze and neutral palette will offer a luxurious warmth. “While sticking to a minimal colour palette, consider adding texture with feathers, star-shaped ornaments and beaded baubles. Complete the look with warm yellow lighting in the way of fairy lights or candles, to allow the metallic finishes to twinkle.”
Credit: French for Pineapple
Scandi-Chic
“Use a soft palette of warm neutrals as a canvas to build an inviting minimalist look. Add touches of personality with handcrafted ornaments to bring life to the tree.” “Focus on building texture – mix matt finishes with natural, raw materials from the garden such as pinecones, berries and fresh fir branches, which will add a festive scent to the room whilst creating interest for the eye.” “Connect with nature and use responsibly-sourced materials, such as FSC-certified paper origami decorations.”
Which is your favourite style? Did you discover any new tips?
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Hosting Christmas dinner has earned a bad reputation for being stressful, but it needn’t be. There are plenty of ways to make hosting Christmas dinner so enjoyable, you’ll want to host next year too.
To help, we’ve compiled some of our tips. Read on to discover how to make this year’s Christmas dinner extra special.
Set the scene
Design your Christmas table scheme and compile all the napkins, decorations and crackers ahead of the big day. That way, come Christmas, you’ll know exactly what you’d like the table to look like and you’ll have everything you need.
Feeling extra organised? Then you could even lay the table the night before Christmas so it’s ready for the next day. That way you can make sure the table looks just right, rather than rushing to do it ten minutes before serving food. Check out our blog for some inspiration on decorating your Christmas dining table.
Be prepared
Prepping food ahead of Christmas Day is one of the best things you can do to make the day run a little smoother. You can prep your carrots, parsnips and potatoes the night before. To keep them fresh simply submerge them in cold water and cover with cling film or eco-friendly wrap. Chopping up all the onions the night before and storing them in an airtight container will also save time the next day. As will making your stuffing a few weeks earlier and freezing it. You can also make any dressings or sauces up to two days before Christmas.
We also suggest planning out how everything will fit in the oven. It might sound like overkill but knowing how to fit all the veg and meats into the oven in advance will help massively. This should also help you figure out timings and the order everything needs to enter the oven. Trust us, planning ahead will save you from a massive game of Tetris on the day.
Prepping ahead also means you won’t be busy peeling spuds whilst everyone opens their presents on Christmas Day. You’ll be able to enjoy more of the day and spend quality time with your guests, rather than being preoccupied in the kitchen.
Give your turkey a rest
We’ve consulted the chefs, our resident Christmas connoisseurs and our grandparents and the results are in… rest your roasted turkey for up to an hour before carving it. Resting your roasted turkey gives it time to reabsorb all the juices around it. That means you’ll end up with succulent slices of turkey, rather than a slab of dry meat. There’s no need to cover the turkey with foil, in fact, covering it may make the skin soggy. The turkey should retain its heat well so no need to worry about it getting cold.
This really is a Christmas miracle because it frees up oven space for the all-important vegetables. That means less humidity in the oven and more space for your roasties to crisp up.
Entertainment
Christmas is a celebration, after all, so remember to have fun. Thinking up some activities or games in advance will take the pressure off on the day. Get the board games out of storage so your guests will have plenty to entertain themselves with whilst you’re cooking. If games aren’t your style, then some Christmas music playing in the background will guarantee everyone feels festive. Plus, it will give your guests more time to catch up and talk.
Teamwork
Sharing the load is a great way to make hosting Christmas dinner easier. After all, there’s no fun in running a one man show. Encouraging children, partners and even some guests to help will make sure Christmas is fun for everyone.
One way to do this is by delegating tasks. For example, one person oversees decorating the Christmas table. Another is charged with serving drinks and topping up glasses. Someone else recycles all the wrapping paper and tidies up the living spaces. This means you can focus on the food, whilst still having time to entertain your guests.
Spoon stock take
If you’re hosting a large Christmas dinner this year, then it’s worth making sure you have enough glassware, cutlery and crockery. That’s everything down to serving spoons and side plates. Sure, it sounds like an obvious move, but after a year of covid-disrupted festivities, this may be the largest event you’ve hosted in a while. Y
ou may have cracked a few plates, smashed a couple of glasses or misplaced some cutlery since you last hosted. Check in advance and you’ll have plenty of time to source any missing cutlery or glassware.
From particular parents to fussy friends, finding the perfect gift for that special someone can be a trying task. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our top ten Christmas gift shops in London.
The best part is that each one of the Christmas gift shops is also online, so you can master gifting from across the UK.
V&A Gift Shop
Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge Nearest Tube: South Kensington
South Kensington’s Victoria and Albert Museum boasts four gift shops, with its main store located on the ground floor. It features jewellery, prints, toys and crafts, each inspired by pieces in the museum’s collection. So, if you’re shopping for an art lover or fashion follower, the V&A is the place to go.Shop Now
Fortnum & Mason
Piccadilly Street, St. James’s Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
If you’re looking to indulge this Christmas, Fortnum & Mason is the place to go. Head down to Piccadilly and you’ll find hampers packed with delicious nibbles and feast-worthy treats. Plus, Fortnum & Mason also has a store in St Pancras train station for last-minute gifting.Shop Now
Heal’s
Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia Nearest Tube: Goodge Street
The Heal’s Christmas Circus is out in full force at our Tottenham Court Road store. Visit the Heal’s Christmas market on the ground floor and find luxurious gifts for all members of the family. Whilst you’re here, take a snap of the festive Cecil Brewer Stairs – London’s most photographed staircase.Shop Now
Design Museum Shop
Kensington High Street, Kensington Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington
As a hub of contemporary design, it’s only right that the Design Museum’s shop is a must for creative gifts. From architecture books to covetable designs by some of the best-loved designers, you’re sure to find the right gift. Located on the museum’s ground floor, there is also a free permanent exhibition to enjoy whilst doing your Christmas shopping.Shop Now
Present & Correct
Arlington Way, Clerkenwell Nearest Tube: Angel
Present & Correct’s collection of contemporary stationery makes the perfect stocking filler or gift. One of London’s most unique Christmas gift shops, Present & Correct also boasts stationary suited to gifting all year round. Select from notepads, pens, calendars and much more.Shop Now
Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop
The Market, Covent Garden Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
Founded in the 1880s, Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop must be one of the most festive Christmas gift shops on our list. Its collection of toy theatres, shadow boxes and games serve nostalgic style without missing out on functionality. Plus, you can enjoy it all in the festive surroundings of Covent Garden.Shop Now
Daunt Books
Marylebone High Street, Marylebone Nearest Tube: Regent’s Park
Take a trip back in time at Daunt Books’ Marylebone store and stroll through the original Edwardian building to find the perfect literary gift. With stores across London, you needn’t miss out if the Marylebone store is a little out of your way.Shop Now
Native & Co.
Kensington Park Rd, Notting Hill Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate
Notting Hill-based home-ware shop Native & Co. boasts a spectacular selection of designs from Japan and Taiwan. As a champion of traditional crafts, Native & Co. the perfect places to find a unique gift. Its refined collection ranges from pared-back slippers to clay rice pots.Shop Now
Circus
Brixton Village, Brixton Nearest Tube: Brixton
You’ll find Circus tucked away in the hustle and bustle of Brixton Village. The boutique is a colourful extravaganza of hand-picked vintage and contemporary pieces. From Picasso prints to vintage Fritz Nagel candleholders, the world is your oyster at Circus.Shop Now
Kitchen Provisions
Coal Drop’s Yard, King’s Cross Nearest Tube: King’s Cross
Gifting white appliances is a thing of the past. This Christmas think Japanese hand-forged chef knives, bespoke gin sets and stylish leather aprons. Located in Coal Drop’s Yard, King’s Cross’ latest shopping destination, Kitchen Provisions is in good company.Shop Now
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