Hosting a Christmas party? Leading hospitality experts share simple, effective ways to plan your menu, perfect your drinks and create a warm, festive atmosphere your guests will love.
When it comes to the most wonderful time of the year, we tend to expect everything to be, well, wonderful — including that party you’ve just agreed to host.
The pressure of (ho ho) hosting can feel like the straw that breaks the reindeer’s back, but it needn’t be.
These experts might not have glowing-red noses, but they’re ready to help you pull off a celebration that’s smooth, joyful and properly festive.
Read more: Ryan Chetiyawardana’s favourite cocktails to make this Christmas
Plan ahead like a chef
Adam Degg, host and chef at Fifty Two at Rudding Park — the triple AA rosette-winning Harrogate restaurant — says that the secret to stress-free Christmas hosting starts long before guests arrive.
“At Fifty Two, no dish ever hits the pass without a prep list. Apply that same discipline at home,” he says. “Write down your menu, note what can be done two days ahead — brining, chopping, sauces — and work backwards from when you want to serve your dinner or canapés.”
A well-planned Christmas menu means less time in the kitchen and more time clinking glasses with your guests — a hosting win.
Make cocktails ahead of time
Emilio Giovanazzi, head bartender at the American Bar at Gleneagles, knows that great drinks set the tone for any festive gathering. His top Christmas cocktail tip: always include one signature classic. “They’re called classics for a reason,” he says.
“At the American Bar, we serve a couple of drinks at sub-zero, from Martinis to Old Fashioneds.” His personal favourite? The Bitter Shrub — a refined twist on the White Negroni, made with Roku gin, Buck and Birch quince liqueur, Gentian liqueur and a pinch of salt. “It’s elegant, with a bittersweet depth.”
His party-saving hack is one every Christmas host should try: freezer-door cocktails.
Read more: 9 best Christmas pop-ups and bars in London for 2025
“They streamline everything and ensure each pour is perfectly chilled,” Emilio says. “Served straight from the freezer, these drinks have a smooth texture that’s hard to achieve by shaking or stirring.”
To make them, follow your cocktail recipe, add 30% water and don’t fill the bottle to the brim — leave a quarter empty so it doesn’t crack as it cools.
Set the mood with lighting, scent and music
Once the food and drinks are sorted, it’s time to focus on festive atmosphere. Laura Prentice, head of events at The Dorchester in London, specialises in transforming spaces into magical settings.
“Whether at home or at The Dorchester, a memorable Christmas party feels effortless — even when it’s been carefully planned,” she says. “It’s about adding warmth and thoughtful festive touches.”
Her essential elements: lighting, scent and music.
“We use layers of soft, warm lighting and seasonal florals to create instant magic. At home, candles and dimmed lamps work wonders. Add a few sprigs of greenery or a scented candle near the entrance so guests feel the vibe from the moment they arrive.”
And don’t overlook the playlist — begin with smooth festive classics and transition to livelier tunes as the evening unfolds.
Read more: These are the tastiest vegetarian and vegan Christmas food items for 2025
Less is more with decorating
It’s tempting to go all-out when decorating, but the best celebrations feel festive, not fussy.
“A linen cloth, a few sprigs of greenery and candlelight is all you need,” says Laura. A simple flourish — like a cutting of rosemary or a ribbon-tied flower on each napkin — adds charm without clutter.
“You don’t need scale,” she says. “It’s about creating a mood.” One of her favourite examples: a private dinner in The Dorchester’s Park Suite transformed into a winter garden with snow-dusted trees and twinkling lights — proof that even subtle touches can make your Christmas party feel truly magical.
Feature image: Pexels
