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Christmas Inspirations In partnership with LoveMedia


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Introduce a signature cocktail to kick things off


A signature cocktail is a great way to add personality and flair to your Christmas entertaining. A cranberry rosemary spritz is a festive favourite, combining Prosecco, cranberry juice, and rosemary-infused syrup for a sparkling drink that’s as good looking as it is refreshing. Rim the glasses with sugar and garnish with a fresh cranberry and rosemary sprig for an impressive touch. For a non-alcoholic option, a spiced apple fizz made with apple juice, ginger ale, and a hint of cinnamon syrup is both warming and crowd-pleasing. Serve it in tall glasses with cinnamon stick stirrers for extra flair. If you’re looking to expand your cocktail repertoire, follow mixologists like


@thesocialsipper on Instagram for inspiration. They offer easy-to-follow recipes and creative presentation ideas that will wow your guests.


Top tip: Prepare large batches of your signature drink in advance to avoid playing bartender all evening. Provide self-serve options with labelled carafes.


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Curate a festive playlist


Music creates the atmosphere, and a carefully curated playlist can elevate your Christmas gathering. Start with timeless classics like Bing Crosby’s White Christmas and Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song. Blend these with modern hits, such as Michael Bublé’s It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas or Sia’s Candy Cane Lane, to appeal to a range of tastes. For dinner parties, instrumental versions or jazz renditions of Christmas songs provide a relaxing backdrop. Meanwhile, for livelier gatherings, upbeat tracks like All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey are sure to get guests in the festive spirit. Use Spotify’s Christmas Classics or Holiday Jazz playlists as a starting point. Customize your list to match your gathering’s mood, whether it’s an elegant dinner or a cozy family celebration.


Top tip: Keep a Bluetooth speaker handy, and test your playlist ahead of time to ensure seamless playback.


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Elevate your wrapping


Thoughtful wrapping turns a gift into a work of art. This year, consider using kraft paper for a rustic, eco-friendly look. Embellish with natural elements like twine, sprigs of rosemary, or cinnamon sticks. For a splash of colour, add ribbons in metallic shades or hand-stamped patterns using festive ink. This is a great way to get the kids involved too. Personalised touches, such as wax seals or name tags written in calligraphy, create a luxurious feel. For awkwardly shaped gifts, opt for reusable cloth wraps or decorative boxes to avoid frustration. All this hard work looks fantastic when sat underneath your Christmas tree until the day.


Top tip: Create a wrapping station stocked with scissors, tape, ribbons, and tags to streamline the process.


5 Photos: Shutterstock


Deck the halls with natural elegance


Skip the pre-packaged decorations this year and opt for handmade accents that showcase your creativity. Wreath-making is an excellent starting point. Gather natural elements like pinecones, eucalyptus, and holly to form the base, then add ribbons, baubles, or fairy lights for a custom look. Use wire wreath frames from Hobbycraft to keep the structure sturdy. For centrepieces, consider filling a glass


bowl with ornaments or creating a candle arrangement surrounded by greenery. DIY garlands made from popcorn, cranberries, or dried citrus slices add a nostalgic touch to mantels or staircases.


Top tip: Involve friends or family in decoration workshops. Provide materials and festive snacks for a fun gathering in the weeks before Christmas.


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Nail the canapés


Canapés are a hallmark of sophisticated entertaining, offering bite-sized indulgence with minimal effort. Classic options include smoked salmon blinis or caramelized onion and goat cheese tartlets. For plant-based guests, try vegan puff-pastry pinwheels stuffed with spinach and pine nuts or roasted red pepper hummus with crudites. Preparation is key—choose recipes that


can be made in advance and served at room temperature. Arrange canapés on tiered trays or rustic boards for an elegant display. Jamie Oliver’s YouTube channel features


simple yet impressive canapé ideas, complete with step-by-step tutorials.


Top tip: Offer a mix of hot and cold canapés to cater to all preferences.


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Add festive flair to desserts


Transform everyday desserts into festive masterpieces. Dust cakes with edible glitter or gold leaf, and use themed cookie cutters to create Christmas-shaped biscuits. Individual trifles served in glass tumblers add a touch of sophistication. For an interactive twist, set up a DIY dessert


station where guests can decorate cupcakes or build their own sundaes. The Sweet Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer features festive dessert recipes that are easy to prepare yet look spectacular.


Top tip: Freeze leftover baked goods for unexpected guests or post-Christmas cravings.


And, most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy


yourself. Hosting can be stressful but there are plenty of inspiring people out there who make it look easy. Follow their lead and let their creativity inspire you. We recommend Laura Jackson’s Art of Hosting series on Instagram for light, flair-filled, fun touches to perk up your entertaining game.


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