According to the song “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”- and it’s true! The festive Christmas and New Year season makes even everyday routines feel a bit brighter, fills us with joy, and lifts our spirits. However, this mood often comes hand in hand with a good amount of stress: buying gifts for loved ones, preparing the holiday table, decorating the house, and attending or hosting gatherings.

Translation | Amaryllis Tsegou

Still, if you get organised properly and on time, everything will run smoothly. Here are some tips to help you easily plan the perfect Christmas gathering at home.

Set your budget

Before you deal with anything else - especially in the times we’re living in - it’s essential to determine your available budget from the start and allocate it accordingly. Look at every aspect of the event: the food, the drinks, and even decorative elements you may want to add to your home or table, specifically for the occasion.

Choose the perfect date

Pick a date that works for the majority of your guests, keeping in mind that the festive period comes with plenty of social commitments for everyone. Planning early will make things easier for all involved.

Create your guest list

Decide whom you want to invite so you know exactly how much food and how many drinks you’ll need, as well as how you’ll need to arrange your space so everyone can be comfortable.

Set and write down the menu

You definitely won’t want to decide on your dishes at the last minute - a rich menu requires time, shopping, and preparation. Put pen to paper, write down all your ideas to determine the appetisers, mains, desserts, and of course the drinks you want your table to feature.

Do your shopping early

Make sure not to leave your shopping until the last moment. Perishable fridge items obviously can’t be bought too early, but ideally you should do your shopping 3–4 days in advance so you have time to get organised. Keep a small stock of items that you may easily run out of quickly to avoid unpleasant surprises. Buy an extra bottle of wine - you’ll use it eventually.

Get into the kitchen on time

Some festive preparations require time, even if that simply means waiting. For example, on the morning of the same day, you can start preparing side dishes such as spreads, dips, a pie or tart, or a salad that can be chopped and kept ready, adding only the dressing later. If you leave everything until the last minute, you’ll definitely feel overwhelmed.

Pay attention to the setting and atmosphere

Throughout the holiday season, your home is probably already decorated for Christmas. However, ahead of a gathering, pay extra attention to details such as candles to elevate the atmosphere, a vase with flowers, a festive tablecloth, placemats, and fancy napkins - elements towards a cohesive color palette to match the occasion. Soft music to eliminate any awkwardness and lift the mood should also be at the top of your list.

Equally important as decorating is the organising of the space itself. Think, for example, whether you’ll serve everything directly at the table or set up a buffet where everyone can serve themselves. A buffet is a great solution when you’re hosting many guests, helping you save space and stay in control. Also, place small bowls with snacks - nuts, breadsticks, cheese, or charcuterie - around the room to accompany drinks until it’s time for dinner.

Plan an activity

If you want to add a special touch that will make your guests remember the evening for a long time, you can organise an activity. A board game, for instance, is a great idea if you’re hosting a gathering with a “close group” feel.