Tips for happy HOSTING

Take the stress out of your festive celebrations with these simple ideas

- ANNA-LISA DE'ATH

HAVING A PARTY

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

Ensure your entrance and house number are well lit, so party guests can find your house easily in the dark. Use outdoor lighting, and decorate windows with LED candles and hanging decorations for added wow.

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

Create a warm welcome by decorating your hall with a few seasonal touches, S such as a garland on the banister or a novelty doormat. Allow space for visitors' coats and shoes in your hall too. A blanket box is ideal for hiding away clutter.

BUY BETTER AND BUY LESS

If you're planning a drinks party but you're short of glasses, consider hiring rather than buying new ones. Companies such as majestic.co.uk offer free glass hire to make life easier. To save on buying extra tableware and washing up, use compostable paper or bamboo plates for your canapés.

NIBBLE THE NUMBERS

For a three-hour party, plan on serving seven canapés per person. To save time on the day, look online for recipes you can make in advance and cook from frozen, or buy ready-made selections from the supermarket.

MAKE YOUR MARK

To avoid confusion - and unwanted winter bugs provide decorative glass markers, so that your guests can keep tabs on their own wine glasses. Just thread coloured beads onto wire loops or make your guests feel extra-special by personalising them with names.