As the festive days of Christmas draw nearer, we start opening our home to family and friends.  Here are 7 tips to organise a great party at home!

1. Entrance

Get your guests in the right (festive) mood by decorating the entrance of your home according to the theme of the evening. Lights are always the perfect Christmas decoration, as well as lanterns with candles. Combine these together with vases filled with the ultimate Christmas flower, the poinsettia, and place them somewhere near where people enter your home.

2. The theme

A themed party is always a good idea. Some examples are "White Xmas", "Red - Green", "Gold-Silver", etc. This will help you determine the decoration of the table and choose your crockery.

3. Music

Music shouldn’t be blaring, make it just that loud so that it’s pleasant background noise. Prepare a list of songs e.g. jazz, swing, lounge, orchestral, jazz, etc. versions of Christmas songs.

4. The food

If you’re having a cocktail party, prepare a list of hot and cold canapés and individual pastries (this can include the traditional melomakarona, foinikota, buns) days before the event. If you’re planning on having people over for dinner, plan what to serve for starters, main, side dishes and desserts. The most important thing to remember is it’s easier preparing meals in advance so you do not spend your whole day in the kitchen.

5. Cocktail

Prepare a space in your home that will serve as the bar area. Fill it with all types of glasses so that you can serve up a variety of drinks, and make sure you also have scoops, shakers, long spoons and all the trimmings you need (lemon slices, olives, etc.). Offer your guests an aperitif from the bar before the main meal and a mix of drinks after.

6. Fun

Find ways of having awesome fun!  Board games, cards or even an improvised ... casino – great ideas!!

7. It’s all in the detail

Paying attention to detail makes all the difference! For example, "upgrade" your toilet. Decorate with fresh flowers, lightly scented candles, good quality soap, moisturizing hand cream and individual towels.