How to host the perfect Christmas party this year - whatever that looks like for you

Christmas hosting will look a little different for many of us this year, but there’s no reason not to make your home look welcoming and fabulous, however small your Christmas party. Decorating the Christmas table and dining area for the festive feast is part of the special pleasures of Christmas, and this year of all years, there’s even more reason to enjoy making your home beautiful. Here are our top tips for making your Christmas hosting decorating theme sing, with the help of John Lewis & Partners.

1. It’s all about the detail on your Christmas table

Think of your Christmas table as a blank canvas that you can fill with as much pretty detail as you like. First, decide on a colour scheme: try red and white for a classic, timeless look that is joyful and uplifting, or a grey scheme for a more contemporary, slightly Scandi look. Once you’ve arranged your tableware, dot the spaces between with festive decorations, whether it’s winter berries or fuzzy reindeer.

2. Extend your Christmas tree decorating scheme to your dining table

For a smart and elegant Christmas party look, consider carefully matching the decorations used on your tree and your dining table, as well going for the same colours throughout the dining and living area. Try scattering Christmas baubles over the table to make it look like they’ve spilled over from the living area for a glamorous yet relaxed effect.

3. Make the dining seating area as comfortable as can be

Whether you have dining chairs or benches for your dining seating, more is always more where it comes to hosting Christmas dinner. Accessorise the seats with textured cushions and throws to make the area more inviting and comfortable – after all, you will be sat down for quite some time. Go for an all-white scheme for your soft furnishings for a dazzling, winter-wonderland look. 

4. Experiment with jewel tones

The rules are where it comes to decorating for a Christmas party are there are no rules! If you want something more dramatic and memorable, try a decorating scheme using dark or jewelled tones – greens, purples, and greys look especially festive. It can be as simple as adding a colourful tablecloth if you don't want to switch up your entire Christmas dining set. 

5. Make drinking glasses the talking point of your after-dinner drinks

Did you know that wine tastes better when drunk out of better glasses? It’s not a myth – the quality of your champagne flutes or wine glasses does enhance the pleasure of good tipple. Of course, if you already own some quality crystal, you can host your post Christmas dinner drinks in it, but we really like the idea of getting out a very special, perhaps more ornate set just for Christmas. If you own a bar cart, experiment with Art Deco style glassware and create a glamorous Gatsby theme to your Christmas drinks party. 

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Like these ideas? Recreate the looks for your own Christmas party – shop Christmas with John Lewis & Partners. Plus, you can Click & Collect your order from John Lewis and Waitrose shops as well as hundreds of new locations.