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HOLD ON! How have you gotten this far into a Christmas article and not have any Christmas music playing? Take a quick second to play a Christmas playlist and then you’re set to go.
Nice to have you again! As Christmas is right around the corner, you have every excuse to indulge yourself and others in nothing less than wonderful dinner parties! Holiday festivities are all about bringing people together, sharing memories, and some even argue that the food and drinks are the cherry on top. So, why don’t we jump right into a few tips to host a magical Christmas Dinner party for you and your friends?
Organising a potluck
What better way to get everyone in the festive holiday spirit than through a potluck, where each guest brings a homemade dish with them? Not only will it help take off a lot of the work you are dealing with, as the host, but it will leave you with endless options of mouth-watering food to try from. If you have friends from different cultures and backgrounds, this will be a seamless way to start conversations and leave everyone with a fuller and happier stomach. Who knows? Cooking a traditional dish from your country might have secured you an invitation to an upcoming dinner party because your friends will be left wanting more. Below are a few dishes that I recommend making for a potluck Christmas dinner.
- Brie and apple tart- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a41395/best-brie-apple-tart/
- Vanilla roasted sweet potatoes- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a30296660/vanilla-sweet-potatoes-recipe/
- Chicken pot pie soup- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a40785753/chicken-pot-pie-soup-recipe/
- Delicata squash pizza- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a41869561/delicata-squash-pizza-recipe/
- Honey and balsamic glazed ham- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a39429731/honey-and-balsamic-glazed-ham-recipe/
- Beef wellington- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a34739368/beef-wellington-recipe/
Playing background music
Another beautiful wonder that Christmas time brings with it is…. the heartwarming music! Therefore, I say use it and abuse it! Before the first winter shoe races through your door, make sure that Christmas music is filling the air with nothing less than warmth and joy. Music is something you typically overlook when you have a million things going on. The kitchen countertop is sprinkled in a vibrant colour array of exquisite dishes which have buried your cookbook or phone out of sight. The oven has decided to let you know that the juicy chicken and oven-roasted vegetables are ready to be devoured. You have convinced yourself to rush to the bathroom one last time to coat yourself in your favourite scent, and, before you know it, your ears are greeted with the shrill of your doorbell that announces the warm welcome of your guests. Having background music helps accompany the cosy and festive mood of the evening.
Polaroid pictures meet guestbook
When you experince meaningful and fun moments such as a special Christmas Dinner with friends, you sometimes wish you could have held onto the moment for longer. What if I tell you that this can be done so easily by taking pictures? Ideally, you have a polaroid camera to use, which you will set up on a table at the entrance, alongside an empty book. With every guest that comes through the door, you take a silly picture with them, the camera then prints out the picture, and the guests have the opportunity to write a message in the book, alongside their picture. This will leave you with a book bursting full of good tidings and joy. As a tip, the guests can update their entries and add their favourite moments from the night.
Open bar
Having an open bar is another trick that will allow everyone to feel more at ease. All it takes is preparing a small side table with an array of nice glasses, napkins, and a few bottles of drinks that you believe the others will enjoy. As they arrive, you are then prepared to ask them what they would like. This is a very simple party trick to help elevate any dinner party. Don’t forget to have a few syrups and lemonades available for any guests who don't drink, and remember to pour yourself a drink too!
Secret santa
What is better than receiving Christmas gifts a few days early? Secret Santa will allow you to get into the Christmas spirit without any excuses. This activity does require slight pre-planning. There are many different ways of doing it, but you can contact your guest list and assign everyone an individual that will be at the party, which they should get a gift for. Before you know it, everyone will arrive with a gift in their hands, and the excitement will be ecstatic. Before or after dinner, it is the perfect way to leave everyone smiling and thankful for one another.
Hopefully, this short run-through has inspired you to throw a special little something for your friends and loved ones. Don’t forget to send your invites early, and always leave room for dessert!
