It’s the busiest time of year for eating, drinking and partying and our homes are filled with family and friends toasting the season. Whatever your plans are this year, getting it all together can be a stressful affair, but luckily we’ve rounded up some top tips for dealing with everything from having a full house to entertaining other people’s kids.
FUTURE PLAN
Take the time to figure out exactly how many overnight guests you expect. The last thing you need is to book your spare room twice and have your aunt sleeping on the couch. Figure out how many people can comfortably stay in your home, and stick to it. If you need an extra bed, consider an inflatable Aero bed that looks and feels like a full-size daybed, but folds down to fit in a closet. Aero beds start at £100, http://www.aerobed.co.uk
Before your guests arrive, find some games suitable for everyone: Jenga and Pictionary are great fun whatever the age, everyone knows a card game, while Monopoly guarantees discussions. Also browse the TV listings and take note of the good movies for the kids (it’s a great way to give the adults a quiet hour). And get guests out from under their feet by suggesting they go for a walk or drive to visit some local sites. Draw maps, or even preprogram the sat nav system if you have one, so there are no arguments on the road.
If you’re determined to throw a big party with all your friends and family, it’s a good idea to have an open house during the day and stagger the start times on the invitations, that way you won’t be swarmed by everyone. at 8pm sharp. By staggering arrivals, you can accommodate the time of day. Maybe serve cold ham and boiled potatoes for lunch, a buffet of party snacks during the afternoon, and then big bowls of hot soup and crusty bread for latecomers.
Give your guests an unforgettable night by inviting them to a free bed that you would be happy to sleep on. Make sure the bedding is fresh, clean and coordinated and put a soft blanket under the feet; it will feel like a hotel bed and give them an extra layer if they get cold at night. Don’t forget the towels, and maybe a robe to make everyone feel at home.
Even if you have a million things to do, make sure your home is calm and inviting. Inexpensive fabrics in rich reds and browns can be used to create simple tablecloths and runners. Make sure there’s a scented candle or two (cinnamon and orange are classic Christmas scents) and buy a couple of potted fir trees. Decorate them with the same colors as the main tree and place them in the hallway or in the dining room; the fragrant green needles will add to the atmosphere.
Don’t forget that it’s your holiday too, so take some time to say ‘yes’ to a couple of other invites. You’ll work hard to keep the whole family happy, so make sure you take time to enjoy someone else’s hospitality. Go ahead, you’ve earned it!