My Lovely Fancy Dress

How to throw a great Xmas party

All great Christmas parties have festive food and drink and beautiful decorations. So how do you make sure you throw the best bash? Take a look at this guide to find out how to make your shindig go with a swing, whether it’s an Xmas fancy dress party or a Christmas dinner party.

Deck the halls

Christmas decorations will help create the atmosphere for your party. Going for sophistication and style? Pick a simple colour theme (like red and gold, or purple and silver) and keep the baubles and tinsel to a minimum. Want a full-on Christmas grotto? Grab some fake snow and inflatable reindeer.

Most guests at a Christmas party will hope for a kiss under the mistletoe, so make sure you buy some before stocks sell out. Artificial and real are both available. A wreath on the door helps set the scene, and fairy lights give a great ambience. A Christmas tree in the corner will complete the look. 

Eat, drink and be merry

Say the words Christmas party food and most people think of mince pies and mulled wine. The best way to feed a lot of guests is buffet style, so finger food is a must. Think pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon), mini pizzas and a cheese board with plenty of crackers. Mulled cider is a tasty alternative to the usual fare, and snowball cocktails made with Advocaat and lemonade are popular.

When it comes to the sweet plate, gingerbread in festive shapes always goes down a storm at Xmas parties. You can buy cookie cutters from specialist baking shops or supermarkets. Why not go the whole hog and make (or buy) a gingerbread house? The kids will love it!

Festive and fun fancy dress

Dressing up isn’t just for Halloween - Christmas fancy dress parties give your guests the chance to have a laugh in December too.

Popular fancy dress costumes include elves, Christmas trees, crackers, Santa Claus and Mrs Claus. Many websites offer the option to buy or hire such costumes.

A festive party doesn’t even have to be Christmas-related. For an Xmas party with a difference, you could tap in to the craze for the Angry Birds game and ask all of your guests to wear Angry Birds costumes!

Matching cakes and decorations will help set the scene.

Resource Box

How to create a Christmas party atmosphere for less
The Guardian offers tips on how to keep the costs down whilst still throwing a great party.

Christmas party food recipes
Get inspiration for your party food with these recipes for festive fare from Good to Know.

Grow your own Christmas party decorations
The Telegraph shows you how to pick food and decorate the table from your garden.