What to wear ?
CHRISTMAS
How to host the perfect Christmas party
Before reading any further , any host or hostess worth their weight in crackers for cheese must first repeat this party-planner ’ s mantra a few times : “ Fail to prepare ; prepare to fail .” Preparation and planning is key to any successful party , but it ’ s not like you ’ re planning a work ‘ bonding exercise ’ over a wet weekend in Slough ; it ’ s nearly Christmas ! And Christmas parties are , without exception , the best of the year : everyone dons fabulous finery ; everyone eats far too much ; and most of us drink at least enough to pluck up the courage to belt out a power ballad or two on the karaoke . The following information is all you ’ ll ever need to host the perfect Christmas party . You ’ re welcome . BY POLLY HUMPHRIS
What to wear ?
You : Sequins and sparkle are the very essence of Christmas attire . But , this doesn ’ t mean you have to appear before your guests like you ’ ve just waltzed off the set of Strictly Come Dancing . Christmas sparkle can be classy , but it must be functional too . Sequins on silk , or glitzy metallic screams party , but make sure you look for an outfit that not only suits your style and shape ( yes , I ’ d love to wear a glittery bodystocking too , but it doesn ’ t mean I ’ m going to look like Jennifer Lopez …), but that suits your role : you ’ re going to be running around , greeting people , pouring drinks , making food and generally being fabulous , which requires a forgiving material and an easy , chic outfit .
Elegant dresses , or loose-fitting jumpsuits are a winner for women here , and open shirts , casual trousers ( even jeans ) and a statement blazer ( don ’ t be afraid of patterns ; it ’ s Christmas ), work really well for guys . Ladies – it ’ s really about accessories once you have your outfit sorted ; team anything with a jewelled cuff , a string of pearls , some glamorous shoes and a perfectly applied red lip and you ’ re ready .
Your home : Christmas means all sorts of things : a season to be jolly ; a well-deserved break from work ; a religious celebration ; an opportunity to watch Home Alone 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 … but , it ’ s also a readymade theme for your party , and how you dress your house will make a massive impact on your guests long before they ’ ve sunk their first Snowball ( revamped recipe below ).
Little details go a long way – plan your table decoration well in advance and colour coordinate from there . Teal and silver is a gorgeous colour combination that works well with classic Christmas red , so , for example , if you opt for a teal tablecloth , top with a silver runner and red , glossy placemats . Be imaginative with your decorations too - I once picked up a long branch from the side of the road , wrapped it in battery-powered fairy lights , suspended it above my dining table with ‘ invisible ’ fishing wire and hung assorted decorative baubles from it . It looked beautiful .
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