Five ways to get Christmas party ready

 

Create a festive gathering to remember with our elegant winter styling tips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lighting can make or break a good party – we’re a bit obsessed with this subject! Dim your main lights, or turn them off completely, then add layers of lighting with uplighters, table lamps, spotlights, candles and fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere. Reflective surfaces bounce light around the room, so place candles in giant hurricane vases or on metal or mirror trays and position them where they can’t be knocked over. Arrange fairy lights behind glasses on shelving and place lamps in the gaze of large wall mirrors. Art Deco furniture with metallic surfaces like our Castello Coffee Table and Amber Art Deco Sideboard will also add a reflective glow. Don’t forget your outside space – twinkling lights in the garden will create a lovely view from the house and large lanterns by the front door will welcome visitors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the most inexpensive, yet elegant ways to dress your house for a festive party is with winter foliage. Holly, ivy and mistletoe are the classics, though beware of prickly leaves and berries getting into little hands – trust us, we’ve been there! Sprigs of fir are perfect for covering large expanses, while layers of eucalyptus or other evergreens add texture and interest. Stud the greenery with pinecones sprayed with a light shimmer of silver or gold to create a jewel-like effect. Tie around staircase bannisters, trail from either end of curtain rails, drape over picture frames and run along the mantelpiece, suspend over the dining table and place large vases around the house. More is more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scent is often overlooked, yet it can make a big impact – as long as you don’t go overboard! Choose one scent that you love and trail it throughout your home with scented candles, room sprays or diffusers. Don’t feel that you should opt for a typical ‘Christmas’ scent if you’re not a fan, just go for something rich and wintry, perhaps with a little spice. Place a candle near the front door so guests have a welcoming scent as soon as they walk in. Natural foliage, especially fir, will smell gorgeous and a steaming pan of mulled wine, or water with sliced oranges, cloves and cinnamon sticks bubbling on the stove will fill the house with a beautiful aroma.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you can’t be glamorous at a Christmas drinks party, when can you? Dust off your best glassware, shine up your fanciest cutlery and dig out those decanters, punch bowls and platters hiding at the back of your cupboard. If you prefer not to risk any breaks or chips if the party gets a little raucous, dress up your more basic serveware with pretty garnishes such as sprigs of rosemary, slices of fruit, pomegranate seeds, striped straws, even mini sparklers. Then, for the ultimate in grown-up party glam, show off your handy work on a beautiful drinks trolley, such as our new antique brass-plated Bistro, or our Gatsby Bar Trolley with its glass and marble shelves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Think about the journey you want your guests to make, from their arrival at your front door, to hanging up their coat, getting a drink, mingling with other guests and – if you’re anything like us – dancing! This will dictate everything from where you hang lights and decorations, to where you place food and drink, and which doors you keep open and which areas you close off to lead people into different spaces. You may want to leave out several trays of drinks and canapes around your party space, so guests don’t just huddle around one spot and create a few different areas of seating, so those who prefer to sit don’t feel cut off from the action.