My favourite time of the year is finally here. I love Christmas, it means special time with friends and family and fabulous parties and dinners.

I love hosting my own special Christmas party and here are my recommendations to make it memorable for your nearest and dearest.

Party Dress

Naturally, as the hostess, you want to look your best, so let’s go shopping. Before you do, however, there’s a fine line here that we don’t want to cross; you are aiming for elegant and sophisticated without eclipsing your guests. Nothing says ‘perfect hostess’ more than letting your guests shine.

Attention to detail always makes your guests feel special, so make sure you or your party organiser has thought of where all the coats will be hung nicely, the best solution if your cloakroom is not big enough is to hire a rack and nice wooden hangers.

Divine Christmas Decor

Your guests will have made the effort to dress up, so it’s important your home returns the favour.

When it comes to Christmas decorating, more is definitely more – but keep it natural. No brash baubles or trashy tinsel in sight! Instead, bring the outside in and make the most of your festive foliage. Eucalyptus and pine are fantastically aromatic, their scents wafting wonderfully into the air every time someone brushes past them. Pine cones, too, are so seasonally pretty, reminding us of old-style traditions that date back to Victorian times when Prince Albert imported the very first Christmas tree from his home country of Germany.

Scented candles in traditional Christmas scents of pine tree, cinnamon, orange and clove help to create a seductively warm ambience, while tea lights and fairy lights add magic and beauty to any festive party. My favourite candles are “Santa Baby” or “Rouge Ancien” which are deliciously indulgent and simply gorgeous.

Seasonal berries and foliage make striking arrangements when placed in large glass vases or bowls. Think holly, fresh cranberries and mistletoe. Accessorise with tapered candles in gold and silver, and you have created something truly beautiful.

If you are hosting a dinner, choosing the table décor is simply one of the most exciting parts of your party planning.  Perhaps matching sage and grey Belgian napkins and placements would blend perfectly with your natural theme? I love matching a red tablecloth with green placemats.

Traditional Christmas Drinks

To me, Christmas time means Champagne, my firm favourite being Pol Roger, however I also like Prosecco.

Of course, your caterer will assist you with the best wine for your menu, but if I may recommend the Clarendelle Rouge 2012, a skilful blend of three traditional Bordeaux grape varieties resulting in a beautifully smooth, elegant and balanced choice.

Mulled wine is another firm festive favourite, bringing its own unique ambience and delicious fragrance. Another delightful option could include serving ice-cold shots of festive vodka – simply infuse premium quality vodka with clementine peel for a drink with a twist.

Festive Food

Whether a sit-down dinner or a drinks party, my selection of chefs will sort it all out for you.

Don’t forget the flower arrangements for either your table and around the house.

Your choices are endless, but I definitely recommend including the Persika caviar brand which we have in creamy Beluga, nutty Oscietra or a more traditional Baeri. A delicious foie gras and a selection of cheeses will also be well-received, although one does want to respect the food preferences of our vegan guests.

Now is the time to use those beautiful Christmas linen napkins. Colourful cocktail napkins are ideal. (Of course, you would not be caught dead using paper napkins.)

Music selection for Your Party

Music is very important to me so carefully chosen background music is enough. The right music helps to set the mood for the evening and will create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing and exclusive get-together.

Alexa and Spotify have a wide selection of festive playlists or make your own ahead of time. Either way, you don’t want to worry about the music, so having something that can play all night without needing attention is ideal.

Or if you prefer you can have a live DJ or a live band your party organiser will make the appropriate suggestions

Finally, enjoy yourself! If you’re having a good time, your guests will too.