7 Top tips for hosting the perfect Christmas

1)    Plan ahead of the big day itself

The key to any successful day is preparation, from who’s going to sleep where to which programmes you’re going to watch on TV to arranging a shower schedule! Of course, the main thing to plan is Christmas day dinner. We recommend working backwards which means deciding on the time you want everyone to sit down and then working out what needs to go in the oven when.  

2)    Prep the vegetables the day before

A fantastic time saving tip is to prepare as much as you can the day before. This involves chopping your veg (store them in water to keep them fresh) and cooking dishes that can be quickly heated through in the microwave. You can even cook some dishes days in advance and keep them in the freezer ready to pull out on the big day itself. 

3)    Decorate your table on Christmas Eve

While you’re rustling up a festive feast in the kitchen on Christmas day, the last thing you’ll probably be thinking about is table decorations. So, to ensure your meal has the backdrop it deserves decorate your table on Christmas eve so you can concentrate on the cooking. Our designers suggest keeping the decoration simple, so they don’t detract from the delectable dishes. 

4)    Select your favourite party games 

Have you ever wanted to play a game with your loved ones on Christmas day only to discover you can’t find the board? To avoid this disappointment have a route around for your family’s favourite games well in advance and pile them neatly on a table so your guests can get excited about the fun ahead. 

5)    Don’t overdo it

It’s so easy to get carried away at Christmas and before you know it, you’ve got 3 turkeys, 5 big bags of crisps and 50 mince pies to feed 4 people! As part of your planning, think carefully about how much you, your friends and family are realistically going to eat and stick to it to minimise waste and your spending (though that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t indulge a little). 

6)    Sort out your Christmas playlist 

Possibly one of the most enjoyable tasks when you’re hosting this holiday season is to create a fun festive playlist! Make sure to ask your guests what their favourite Christmas songs are so you can include them. 

7)    De-clutter and tidy the whole house 

To make room for all those extra gifts and people, have a thorough clear out of your wardrobes, drawers and cupboards. Donate all quality unwanted items to charity and the rest take to your local recycling centre. Of course, if you can’t bear to part with your precious belongings, consider treating yourself to built in wardrobes to make the most of your available space and increase your available storage. 

Custom Made Furniture design and create quality fitted wardrobes in Dorset that are designed around you and your unique needs. To book your free design consultation with our experienced team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today on 01202 737555 or by completing and submitting our online contact form.