How to host the perfect Christmas drinks party

Francis Brennan’s tips on how to host the perfect party

We all love to catch up with friends, family and neighbours at Christmas time and a drinks party is a lovely, relaxed way of doing that. I’m not talking about a Christmas morning drinks party with lots of excited children racing around but an evening or nighttime drinks party a few days before or after Christmas.

So. How to do it? First of all, there’s the guest list - that’s very important. Don’t overdo it and ask too many people. Ask as many people as your house can comfortably take. Also choose your guests well. Choose people that will have some kind of connection and will want to talk to one another. Next up is your invitations. You can do it properly and send out a written invitation, something which I admit I love to receive or else you can make a phone call. I would much rather be invited to a party by phone rather than by text. It makes your guest feels more special to hear you invite them in person.