7 Glamour editors share their top tips on festive hosting
Alongside last-minute shopping and resolution plotting, 'tis the season to be sociable. With Christmas on the visible horizon it leads us to ponder, what makes a great host? No matter the scale of your plans this year, be it organising Christmas Day for 20 people, having an intimate friendsmas, or even just having the in-laws over for mulled wine, Pinterest is working overtime as we search for inspo.
There’s a lot of pressure to be the ultimate host during the festive season. Between perfecting your menu, decking the halls, and decorating a chic yet dazzling tree, there’s undoubtedly a lot to consider.
We asked 7 Glamour Editors for their tips on the art of hosting during the most wonderful - albeit busiest - time of the year. And don’t worry if you haven’t given your cranberry sauce the Nara Smith treatment, the recipe for a great time often lies in creating a cosy atmosphere and adding thoughtful details.
We are hosting Christmas this year and I am planning on setting up an old-fashioned whiskey cocktail station. Alongside the key ingredients, I’ll be adding festive garnishes like cinnamon sticks, sugared cranberries, orange peel and cherries. The final touch is ice cubes infused with rosemary sprigs and this Matilda Goad lacquered ice bucket would be the loveliest whimsical addition.
To create the perfect cosy vibe this party season, lose overhead lighting in favour of elegant table lamps. Lamps provide the perfect finishing touch; casting a warm glow that feels personal, intimate and effortlessly chic.
What's the first thing your guests will notice when they walk in? Your home’s smell. Upgrade your living scent with Diptyque's sleek Electric Diffuser and range of fragrances for any and all tastes. It’s the fine details that will leave a lasting impression and if you’re a terrible cook it makes for a welcome sensory distraction.
I put a lot of thought into tableware and love creating the perfect setting for gatherings with family and friends that reflects my personality. I put as much effort into this as I do with the food itself. I don’t get too concerned about matching pieces, instead, I enjoy creating something that feels exciting, often mixing flea market finds with designer items, like this vibrant Dinosaur Designs plate. And, of course, I dress the part!
Even if my guests aren’t staying over, I always make sure to elevate my luxury toiletries game ahead of hosting. For the overnighters, I’ll provide some fresh towels and a wash bag on their bed – with miniature toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and a Penhaligon’s shower gel. Inside my bathroom, I’ll invest in a luxury hand soap and hand cream, so that every time my guests visit, they’ll feel like they’re inside a fancy hotel.
I actually got this lovely idea from my mother-in-law who hosts a lot of guests over the holidays. Each guest is given a slightly different napkin ring so that they can keep track of their napkins for the duration of their stay, which I feel adds a fun and personal touch to a dinner setting. While there are some ultra-luxurious versions from brands like Christofle, I find that sometimes antique silver napkin rings are the way to go!
My go-to for hosting hacks is always dinner candles. There is something about a naked flame that just oozes luxury and relaxation; plus I’ve never had juicier conversations than over candlelight, a glass of wine in hand. These jasmine-scented dinner candles are the most delicious smelling and mood-setting addition to any festive event, that will make your house smell expensive while creating the perfect atmosphere for getting tipsy and spilling tea.
For more from Glamour UK’s European Visuals Director Amelia Trevette, follow her on Instagram @ameliatrevette
