Entertain in style: How to have an elegant Christmas

• Serve magnums of wine. They are much more practical when you’re topping up a room full of guests.
• If you’re catering for large numbers, keep the food simple. You can’t beat big shepherds’ pies or fish pies which can be assembled in advance and warmed up easily on the night. Add bowls of clementines and mini mince pies for a festive feast you can enjoy as much as your guests.
• Paper napkins are totally fine, paper plates are not. 
• Ikea is fabulous for candles, tea lights, tablecloths and napkins.  Their sheepskins are also great value and thrown over chairs instantly give the room a Verbier vibe.
• Load your mantelpiece with lots of greenery and weave in baubles and battery powered fairy lights for a bit of sparkle.
• Chandeliers also look fabulous decked with greenery from the garden, dotted with red berries and blooms.
• Mistletoe can look a bit scrappy, so get at least three bunches and tie them together with a big satin ribbon.
• A Norwegian spruce infuses the atmosphere with the scent and magic of Christmas. Alternatively, from high end brands like Diptyque and Jo Malone to many fabulous high-street versions, luxury candles offer the perfect imitation scent.
• If you don’t have space for a Christmas tree inside, consider putting one in the garden, preferably outside the window so you can enjoy it, lit and decorated.
• Keep a few presents in reserve for the unexpected guest or a last-minute invitation to lunch or dinner. Think edible or pourable and choose gifts like good olive oil, truffle oil or honey. Stock up at your local farm shop.

Do you have any festive tips you’d like to share? We’d love to hear them. Get in touch in the usual way via our social channels.