Christmas drinks how-to needed

[JJ]

Met my neighbour today having locked myself and the boys out of our house today. She was amazingly friendly and helpful -- even watched them while I ran to the letting agents to get an emergency set.

Anyway, she mentioned Christmas drinks a number of times and how the neighbours enjoy them and as a great way to meet people. I got the feeling (not by what she said so much but how she said it, iyswim) that it'd be nice if we hosted some.

So.. how do you go about it? Is it bad if more than one person on the crescent (our little neighbourhood) has one? Would I offend anyone by deciding to do it? Could my husband invite his new work colleagues and their families? What do you serve? How long does it last? When do I invite people? Is it already too late?

Thanks!

We went to two drinks parties last Xmas. One was a neighbour and she only invited neighbours. It worked really well. She did it in the afternoon I think it was 3-6, but cant remember. Her children (who are about 8-9), handed out nibbles, just buffet stuff from the supermarket and her hubby wandered around with a bottle of red and white. It was lovely. The other one was my friends and she invited a mixture of people and it was lovely too. I think the thing to do is make sure you have enough hands to help. Get someone to answer the door and take coats, etc. Id speak to your neighbour again and say that youd like to do something and take it from there. In Delias Christmas cookbook theres a bit on drinks partys and food to make if you are feeling like realy going for it.

Thanks pepsi. I think I'd like to do one like your friend's party -- a mix of people. That way I could invite some people I know! Haven't met too many neighbours yet; only been here 3 weeks.

It makes me nervous just thinking about it. Hmmm....