Christmas - time to entertain
I don't know about you but I feel the pressure to deliver something very very nice when it comes to entertaining around December. And the thing is, I do care about presentation and do want the house to look great when guests arrive. It's fine if you prefer something low-key.
If you are looking for ideas to decorate your home this Christmas, read on!
ADD SOMETHING FESTIVE IN THE HALLWAY
Unless you are a fan of minimalistic Christmas decor, you are likely to want to go all out with the decorations.
Although we have a wreath outside the house, I also added one more on the mirror in our hallway as my guests tend to linger around there for a bit. It sets the mood, and it is something I can use year after year.
This one is from Idyll Home and is made of dried winter berries and eucalyptus. I chose that as it goes well with the only silver mirror in the house!
DECORATE EACH ROOM
Decorations, no matter big or small will help everyone get in the right mood. You don't have to spend a lot on them, however.
Because it's Christmas, your home will likely already be decorated with a tree, tinsel, and more. If you want to fill some corners, keep in mind that guests will want to move around easily.
One of the Christmas trends we have loved for some time, is big honeycomb Christmas decorations. They are easily stored away after the festive season, they can be used around your home.
The big winner of my decoration? This silver viscose rug from The Rug Seller. Because it is 100% viscose it is shiny and soft.
But careful! The team at The Rug Seller ( https://www.therugseller.co.uk ) quickly pointed out to me that viscose rugs are not ideal for dining rooms, but me being me, had to have it in there (promise to be extra careful with it!)
DECORATE THE TABLE
Here I am of course using stuff that I bought for the holidays. Add baubles on trays, in deep plates, and even fill vases with them (without the water). Chop some ivy and any other garden greens you may have that suit this occasion and put them in vases or set them on the table. Get the candle holders out.
Above: Baubles, various prices, Achica and TK Maxx. Christmas crackers, small, Sainsbury's. Medium gold and glass mirrored tray, £12, Oliver Bonas. Champagne saucer glass, £85 for a set of 8, LSA International. Hexagonal copper lantern, Audenza.
Tip: Avoid small tea light holders and instead use tall ones. That makes them more formal!
The gold cutlery used in this post is from AUDENZA, and at £95 for a 24-piece set, they are the best price I have come across so far. The plates are from TK Maxx. The white cotton tablecloth and napkins are finds from trips to Greece.
I don't even have to work hard to make this party a success, seriously, the house is already decorated for Christmas, the vases are filled with greenery, there are baubles in every corner you look, fairy lights in more than two rooms and the fireplace is on like ALL THE TIME because the husband managed to somehow break all the radiators downstairs. So we're still warm(ish), cosy and our glasses are ready to be filled!
KNOW YOUR RED FROM YOUR WHITE
This might be a good idea for a crash course on wines. Personally, I let the husband worry about the wine while I worry about the food.
But if all else fails, just head over to Pinterest and grab a couple of cocktail recipes. And remember to serve them in style (no plastic cups).
Keep plastic cups for the kid's party and get the glassware out. Glasses, LSA International.
On the table is the latest addition from LSA International, the 'DECO' champagne saucer glasses. This set of 8 glasses is embellished with assorted metallic motifs and is inspired by the glamour of Art Deco.
Ideal for serving champagne or cocktails (also makes a great gift for the entertainer).
LET THEM EAT CAKE
Is there something better than home-cooked food? YES! And that's a home-baked cake! Having grown in a home where my grandma would make the most amazing puddings like pasta flora (which has nothing to do with pasta and everything to do with jam!) making a cake was the first thing I learned.
Back then you did it the old-fashioned way; Now I get the occasional help from Betty Crocker (there I said it!), but still, I do my fresh pastry cream and assemble some good-looking cakes. And the thing is, they taste so good!
And if you want to present cake in the best way possible, here are some of my suggestions. Try the decadent gold cutlery that I suggested above.