MAKING MERRY

The secret to a magical and memorable Christmas is all in the sensory touches and attention to detail. From furniture placement and the perfect playlists to emergency gifts, consider this your official party planning guide

- BRITTANY SMITH

A HOLLY, JOLLY WELCOME

Greeting guests is simple - it's the moments directly following that are key.

Once you've relieved people of coats or hats, switch into guide mode. Encourage guests to move into your home, so they end up right where you'll be entertaining - this helps avoid awkward hovering - then offer everyone a welcome drink.

THE FURNITURE CLAUS

No matter whether your soiree is a formal dinner party or casual drinks and nibbles, your decor will help set the tone. Furniture placement silently communicates this to guests, showing them where to sit or stand and conveying any etiquette, and seating arrangements play a big part in encouraging or stifling chitchat. “The biggest mistake I see when people set up for guests? Lining seating up against the walls like a waiting room,” says HB editor-in-chief, Elle Lovelock. “Pull armchairs and sofas closer, so people naturally face one another – it makes chatting so much easier.” If you have multiple zones in an open-plan space, try to delineate them.

Anna DiNapoli, head of interior design at Coco Republic, says to “Define zones with rugs, planters or lighting – placing the dining area closer to cooking zones,” with your lounge arranged to maximise conversation and views. Finally, use the right mix of furniture for the event you are hosting. “Low-profile dining tables or ‘chat-height’ tables can double as both dining and lounge-friendly solutions,” explains Anna. “Dining chairs are ideal for eating, but less suited to long hours of lounging. Lounge seating, on the other hand, is deeper, cushioned and designed for comfort.”