Christmas is a truly magical time of year until you remember that everyone (and their dog) is coming to your home. Whilst we’re sure you’re looking forward to spending time with your guests, it can be very easy to fret when you wonder if you have space for everyone.


The host has a lot to do, from somehow conjuring up a Christmas feast (usually catering to multiple dietary requirements) to making sure everyone has a comfortable bed and everything they need.

With that in mind, we advise that you plan ahead, but don’t get carried away. The essentials will be covered in the next 6 points, and going beyond that is entirely up to you and your commitments. Your guests are here to see you, so don’t fall into the trap of working so hard to make your home into a hotel that you are too busy to relax!
1. Check in with your guests before they arrive





As well as the time and day of arrival, check in about food likes and dislikes, allergies and sleep preferences. It doesn’t need to be an interrogation, but it will help you plan.

If one visiting couple get up at 6am every day, and another are late risers, then which one would you choose to give the sofa bed in the living room and which the spare room? It would make more sense to give the late risers the living room - they are less likely to be frustrated about not being able to go to bed earlier if the living room is still in use in the evenings.

Knowing about food preferences and allergies is a simple thing, but it can really take the pressure off of you. Nothing worse than realising that you’ve made mac n cheese for someone with lactose intolerance!

2. Do a quick clean



Don’t feel like you need to go into full spring cleaning mode, but do make sure you have vacuumed and dusted in the rooms that will be used, especially if they are spare rooms and don’t get used too often.

Consider some scented candles or flowers (make sure you’ve checked for allergies, first!) and make sure the place looks and smells clean. If you have time a tray of tea and biscuits are always welcome.

3. Think about space
We’ve already talked a little about how to decide where your guests should sleep, but don’t forget about storage! If they’re in a living room or office, is there space for them to store their bags?

If you have a spare room, is there a little space in a wardrobe or chest of drawers for guests? Even if you normally have it full of things, see if you can clear out some space for your guests to organise their belongings and hang up clothes to avoid creasing.

4. Do a little meal planning



Whether you’re an expert meal planner, or normally just plan on the go, you will need to consider a plan for Christmas dining. This is especially true when you are expecting guests!

Any good Christmas cookbook usually contains helpful plans to help you have as much of Christmas dinner ready as possible before the big day, but don’t forget about all the other, more ‘normal’ days your guests will be there for.

What do your visitors like for breakfast, for example? Some people have cereal, others like toast, and it is a great idea to check in and ask about these things, especially if you wouldn’t normally buy breakfast things at all!

5. Final Touches




Make sure you have fresh bedding and lay out plenty of blankets. Some people are cold sleepers and will be grateful for them.

In the bathroom that the guests are using, make sure there are plenty of towels (and guests know which ones to use) and if you can, make sure that toiletries are on display too - things like toothpaste, shower gel, face wipes and hand lotion.

If your spare room doesn’t have great curtains, consider also a couple of eye-masks for sleeping. However, if you’re in the Northern hemisphere, a surplus of daylight at this time of year is, unfortunately, not usually a problem!

Christmas will be here before long, and before you know it the Christmas party season will be in full flow. Christmas parties can be so much fun, but not so much if you are charged with organising it. Finding that perfect Christmas party location especially in a city like London can be hard work too, as there is so much choice. So here are some of my recommendations for an incredible Christmas party location in London.

For science buffs


For an amazing experience consider hiring the National History Museum. In the Earth Galleries, there is an intimate dining space for smaller groups. Your guests will travel through the Earth sculpture to galleries such as Volcanoes and Earthquakes and Earth's Treasury. Perfect for those that work in a science or educational background, the National History Museum is certainly a memorable place to have your Christmas party and one your party guests will never forget.

Christmas parties are so much fun but often there is a lot riding on picking that perfect venue. Here are some things to consider when booking that perfect Christmas party venue.



What type of party will it be

Before you plan the perfect party, you need to speak to management if you are organising a party for a business or the others involved if it's a party for your social circle, so you can find out the type of party they want.

Will it be a formal party, will it be casual, will it involve partners, will it be held in the day or in the evening? These are just some of the things to consider.

Find out the budget

How much of your budget can greatly impact the event? Does the budget include food and drink? Will entertainment be expected? Will the rooms be decorated or will the organiser be expected to do this?

Fix the perfect date
If this is fixed by management then you may not have much room for manoeuvre but if not consider asking colleagues or friends for their preferred option. A vote may be a good idea. It's always best to have a backup date in mind in case your perfect venue is booked up too. 

Book as far ahead as possible, this can also secure the best price. If you are looking for a venue last minute prices may rise.

Check out the venues





Make a list of suitable venues from brochures and websites and then check them out in person. Bring someone else with you to help you decide. Furthermore, be sure to ask questions if you are unsure of anything and always ask for a quote in writing.

At this time of year I am always on the lookout for new clothes to wear over Christmas. There are many occasions such as Christmas work parties, dinner parties with friends, Christmas dinner with the family and so on. So when Marisota challenged me to put together a series of looks for the Christmas holiday period I relished the chance to browse the website and come up with some festive ideas.


Christmas Work Party