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Bringing people together to celebrate is one of the many wonderful aspects of the festive season, and all the more enjoyable if the occasion is relaxed. We’ve rounded up tips from seasoned entertainers to smooth preparations and pave the way for a pleasurable party this Christmas – for the host and the guests.
As with any key event, Allison Barrett of My Perfect Party suggests planning begins six to eight weeks before your Christmas Day lunch or get-together. “Prepare a guest list and confirm the start time with everyone,” she says. “This is particularly important as often people have multiple gatherings to attend on Christmas Day.”
A huge time and cost saver is to organise a ‘bring a dish’ spread. Stylist and avid entertainer Hayley Little uses a group chat to plan her feast: “We make a list of everything we want on the day, from roast meats, seafood and salads, to desserts and drinks, then everyone chooses what they would like to bring.” With fridge space at a premium, it’s also handy to have cool bags loaded with ice at the ready.
Shopping in advance is a great way to take advantage of sales, get organised and avoid last-minute panic buying,” advises Allison. If your extended family does Secret Santa for the adults, Hayley recommends setting a monetary limit to make it more budget friendly. “And wrap gifts as you buy them,” she says.
No festive setting is complete without lighting and there are many fun, simple and stylish options to choose from, reveals Mindy Mason, Bunnings trend and product design specialist. “Illuminated inflatables are great for bringing festive cheer to any setting,” she says, while strings of lights are perfect for making any entertaining space feel Christmassy. “Whether it’s Christmas trees, stair railings, mantels or shelves, you can use LED rechargeable, battery-operated or solar string lights in various colours and shapes,” advises Mindy. Pre-lit Christmas trees are also an effective way to bring a touch of magic and joy. “The twinkling lights and ornaments instantly transform a room or space into a festive holiday wonderland.”
Plants are a wonderful way to inject a seasonal splash of colour and can double as gifts. Allison Barrett suggests clustering red or white poinsettias in entertaining areas. “They provide incredible ‘wow’ factor and longevity, as they can be replanted in the garden,” she says. For Hayley Little, it’s hard to beat the aroma and classic simplicity of a pair of potted pine trees by the front door. “I like to pop them into a simple terracotta pot wrapped with a big bow, and I give small potted Wollemi pine trees as gifts,” she reveals.
If you like fresh flowers and foliage on your Christmas table, try the ‘pool noodle hack’, suggests Hayley. “It’s pure genius! You simply place a pool noodle down the centre of the table and decorate it to suit your theme,” she says. “I push sprigs of Christmas bush, holly, Christmas bells and other festive foliage into the noodle along with taper candles and baubles. It’s inexpensive and looks spectacular.”
As holiday get-togethers are often multigenerational, Allison recommends a well-rounded mix of music, with something for everyone. “Start with traditional carols, interspersed with modern upbeat Christmas songs,” she says. “Involve the kids by asking them to put together their own playlists, and ensure there’s a speaker system ready to connect to everyone’s Spotify. Another nice touch is to run a repeat of Carols By Candlelight on the TV in the background.”
If hosting outside, consider whether you need to include some extra shade, possibly with a gazebo. For particularly large groups, Allison suggests hiring what you need: “Contact a local hire company who can deliver tables and chairs – and even tablecloths, plates, cutlery and glasses – and who will then pick them up after the festivities.”
For a festive feel, Hayley recommends devising a theme – this could be a striking colour combination, coastal look or woodland inspired. “You might want to paint old baubles in new shades, use foraged foliage and branches, faux flowers or have a craft day with the kids to create glittery masterpieces.”
Deck your halls with our range of Christmas decorations and accessories.
Photo credit: Cath Muscat
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