How to make Christmas really special

[Mitsufishi]

Done to death I’m sure (new to the Christmas board) but would love advice. I’ve never hosted Christmas before but am going to this year. It’s quite a leap for some of the guests (a few that are used to hosting and it being ‘theirs’ IYSWIM) so id really like to make a big effort to make it great for them and make them feel they were glad they’d agreed to come!

So does anyone have any great advice on how to manage it well, easy ways to make my home feel inviting and festive, lovely touches that make it feel like a really extra special day?

i would hang some tinsel up the banisters, put some christmasy music on in the background, have a tree and have some holly etc round the house. seems obvious but if the house looks christmasy then it will probably feel it. then if you are making your own food, specifically desserts,i would recommend these crowd pleases

: i would try

'bark' which is literally melted chocolate with crushed candy canes or smarties, spread out then smashed when hard. also 'snowman kebabs' marshmallows (bottom one dipped in chocolate) on a skewer, with 2 dabs of melted chocolate for eyes and a line for a smile (again in chocolate). 2 pretzels for arms. trifle, gingerbread.

i wish you all the best x

I’d suggest making it as easy as possible on yourself. Buy in, or make ahead as much as possible. It’s hard to feel welcome when the hostess is stressed!

Sit down before hand and work out ingredients, timings, plates and pots for every meal you will be serving. I realize this sounds nutty but it really helps. It’s very easy to plan a meal without realizing that you’ve planned to use the same Pyrex dish for two different sides or that you need an extra hob ring or oven shelf. Or not bother putting on the dishwasher after breakfast forgetting that all those cereal bowls will be needed for soup at lunchtime. In the beginning I used to do this with a packet of post it’s. Whatever works!

Bacon sandwiches in the morning will ensure no one faints if the dinner is delayed!

Think about each guest’s needs. Older people may need a higher chair (like a kitchen chair) instead of a low arm chair; anyone diabetic? Gluten intolerant? Vegan? Leave out jugs of water so people can take meds discreetly. Some may need easy access to the toilet so sit them near the door etc.

Appeal to the senses: background music, a scented candle, a crackling fire... I leave a film on in the background with the sound muted to fill gaps in the conversation. If you have the space, a room to escape to and read the papers can be wonderful for the introverts.

People love to help so do ask if you need someone to bring extra glasses, or their yummy trifle, etc.

I hosted for the first time in 2015 and loved it! Things I did:

Dressed the table with lots of decorations, think little santa hats on glasses, snow confetti, festive napkins etc.

I made everyone a name place so they knew where to sit. I also did a little table present. So everyone had a small (tenner or less kind of thing) personalised gift at their space.

I got some festive picture booth props and we had great fun taking silly pictures.

I had a well stocked booze cupboard, making sure everyone's fave tipple was in!

I did a dry run of the main meal and premade the desserts. That way I could get timings down to an art form and wasnt stuck in the kitchen all day.

Good luck! I am hosting again this year in my new house and cant bloody wait!

I learned loads from the experts on here last year about the big meal itself. Loads of shiz about getting the turkey out an hour before eating and wrapping it in foil, while whacking the temp up and browning the roasties. Search variations on “ Christmas dinner” for loads of advice.
Enjoy!

alana

I used to leave xmassy films on too just for pictures really to make things less stuffy!
I had one mum recoil in horror and ask if we could turn it off.

It was just background.

Anyway. I think making things seem different.
You can have the barest room, if you have good soft lighting, pref lots of fairy lights, good music and good food you ll be OK.

Atmosphere and making it different.

I go wild here and make house like a grotto.

I feel with Xmas it's very much what you put in you get out. Put one candle out, one decoration... It's not going to feel special...

What do you like and dislike about other peoples' hosting? Do you like drinks and nibbly bits before dinner?
Dinner before the Queens Speech?

I like to do all the cooking ( I have a kitchen/dining room/sitting room "L" shaped ) , I have a "Non Players Off the Green" rule

DD sets the table but other offers of help are waved off. Guests can chat to me but only from their seats .
DH helps to put the dishes on the table and makes sure everyone has drinks.

My DParents wouldn't cope with decorations on the table. I have candles (usually floating in a glass bowl) and table gift sweets. Not too much to move about.

Do you have enough plates/Glasses/Cutlery/Gravy boat/cruet set/table dishes for the veg and sides/sauce/ serving spoons/knife to carve ....I didn't have a carving knife but I am a lentil weaver.
A tin for the turkey if you're having this.
Table cover and napkins

Nice plate for your mince pies and the cake.
Look in Homesense/TKMaxx , they are brilliant

Get a big plastic bin (new) to chill drinks , fill with ice+water (if you want to keep your labels wrap the bottle in clingfilm) . I put ours in the porch which is cold.
You'll need all your fridgespace (you do know you need a Christmas Fridge Experience )

I know people recommend foil trays to save washing up but I don't feel they cook as well (we don't eat meat so I only cook turkey for guests)

Clear spaces in the kitchen worktops, have an empty bin and fill the sink with soapy water .

Lists are your friend !

How long are you hosting for? Do you have overnight guests?

Last year DM and I bought in all the food from Cook, but also supermarket finest type ranges. Christmas was excellent because of the minimal cooking requirement.

Alanamackree I love all of your suggestions they have made me feel Christmassy. We are hosting both sides of our family for the first time this year. We have been together 17 years ( married this year) but always just hosted one side or the other. We have lots of ages and needs to consider so will definitely use everything you have suggested thanks.