insideKENT Magazine Issue 56 - November 2016 | Page 48

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. B Y P O L L Y H U M P H R I S

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.

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.

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.

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