Help! I need to impress...

[GingerOClock]

Well,not impress exactly, maybe just make me relax and feel comfortable doing this. I've stupidly invited some school mum's over for drinks. I haven't done 'drinks' before. I'm not usually social. They are middle/upper class. I am not.
Please give me tips on how to improve the appearance of my house . Also, what food to put out, canapes? Drinks? Wine or something else?

I would also try and not drink a lot on this occasion just to get an idea of what people are like if they aren’t well known to you - maybe that’s just me though

No not just you. That's a thoroughly sensible idea. And if they all let their hair down and hit it hard, then you'll know for next time (better that way round than the other )

Bit of background music so no awkward silences.

If I were to invest it would be in nice big serving platters to present whatever you serve. Basically I like them really big!

Just to add another elderflower option...I do the cordial with 1/3 traditional apple juice, 2/3 good quality lemonade and a spritz of fresh lime (pinched from the.menu at All Bar one a couple to year ago).

Always goes down well.

Otherwise would just second all the other suggestions - clean, tidy, nice smells and good lighting and playlist.

Honestly, OP, most of those suggestions are ridiculously over-effortful and Abigail’s Party-style elaborate. Have some wine that isn’t awful, a non-alcoholic option other than tap water, and something to nibble. Clean the loo, and put out a new hand towel that isn’t covered in plasticine. You only need a decanter if you’ve got some old Burgundy or something that’s got sediment. Burners and air fresheners smell disgusting (and, if you mind about class markers, are very lower-middle-class). No one over the age of fourteen needs fairylights — the last time I saw some was in a student house arranged around a shrine to Leonardo Di Caprio.

You’ll be grand.

Can't thank you all enough, I have relaxed a bit now and have more of an idea on what to get in. Meats and m&S nibbles, red and white wine, g&t. Any idea where I can get nice matching handwash and lotion?

Aldi do the fake Jo Malone hand wash and lotion for about £3 each

Tk maxx- but seriously- stop stressing.
If they are people worth knowing they won't care about stuff like what wine glasses you have or whether your hand towel is soft enough. Also, in all honesty soap is soap and sure the one you use now will be adequate.

Don't use a decanter unless you know how to decant wine and have wine that actually needs decanting, I'm assuming you don't.
What is an oil dispenser? What oil will you be dispensing?

If no one has suggested this so far... ensure your house is clean, tidy, no marks etc. Clean towels, toilet etc. if you have pets ensure they're either out of the way or hair hoovered up.

No need for anything like a wine decanter at all.

Things like hand soap and hand lotion impress me as a guest. Lotion not necessary.

Nice candle lit - preferably relaxing or 'fresh/zesty' one.

Maybe an ornament that's a talking point. or even a funny inspirational quotes etc print if you see a nice framed one that's within your budget and you'd buy it anyway.

One thing I would change if your cushions are old/tatty etc - and I have been known to change them - you could change those - otherwise if pets go on them, hoover free of hairs and/or wash.

Nice glasses always good - preferably matching but doesn't have to be that way.

Napkins/serviettes - paper or material ones - if material ensure they're clean and if possible ironed/pressed but not essential. Also tablecloth or runner if you're using tablecloth.

nice charcuterie/potato salad/crackers/bread/pate etc - whatever you feel is nice and will go down well, if you're looking to impress then quality over cheaper items.

also for after drinks - some sort of mini dessert/cake or chocolates - mini florentines maybe.

Dinks - as blitzen says - a gin based cocktail is a nice starter but this is if your friends like gin! I'd go for a nice cava/prosecco.

Oh also finally - be yourself - maybe have a playlist with relaxing/lively music - but don't as someone else said, have too much to drink.

They obviously want to socialise with you, so don't try too hard - just be hospitable, pay them equal amounts of attention etc and as said before - be yourself and have fun.

Nice handwash and lotion - doesn't really matter - blow the budget look at Molton Brown/Cowshed/L'Occitane etc.

Mid range - Sanctuary - Boots/TK Maxx etc.

Cheap - Aldi

Oh yes and AtLeastItsNotMonday says - big serving platters - Lakeland can do really nice ones - larger anyway.

You could do some little salmon blinis - smoked salmon, sour cream and lemon.

Roasted almonds, kettle chips and olives.

Cava/red wine/white wine.

If you really want to get new hand soap, I'd go Aesop if you're feeling very fancy but personally I like the Waitrose own-brand ones (not the essentials but the ones in the taller thin bottles) and they're usually on 3 for 2.

If you go for a candle, Neom do nice natural scents.

Keep people topped up and pass around the nibbles and you'll be fine!

Lamps/low lighting/candles (then you don't need to worry so much about dusting lol. Nice music in background. Nice glasses. Make sure white wine is really cold. Buy some ice. Plenty of soft drinks.
Nice clean hand towel - don't buy new! Any soap, don't buy special. Don't want to look like you are trying too hard.
Don't worry too much about food - just some bowls of crisps/nuts should be enough. We went to a friends for drinks and she had put a selection of salamis, olives, little cubes of cheese and stuff on a board and I thought that was really 'stylish' and nice.
Most important thing is a big smile and be warm and friendly. I actually say 'welcome' when people arrive.