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Simple Festive Hosting Steps, From Those Who Do It For A Living

From tablescaping joy to a heavenly guest room, we ask interior masters on how to make hosting Christmas as smooth as a sleigh ride – giving you more time to fit in that much-needed scented festive soak before guests arrive.

1.How To Avoid Kitchen Chaos

Less is more. We all want to impress but reducing your Christmas dinner menu not only saves waste but means that you have more time to make each dish perfect. Prep as much as you can – Food and Drinks Stylist Lucy-Ruth Hathaway, @itslucyruth says maximising oven time the day before has been a game-changer. ‘‘Bake the night before so you have more time to make that final glaze and piping perfect. You can also roast and carve your turkey in advance – just reheat on the big day with a splash of stock, covered with foil’’.

Back-up plan: Have pre-made cake and biscuit mix on hand in case you smell something burning.

‘‘A quick cheat to add colour is by placing bowls of clementines on the table for pops of fragrant brightness.’’

Alice & Jemima Herbert, founders of LAY London

2.Beautiful Tablescaping For Beginners

Want eye-catching displays with minimal effort? Alice and Jemima Herbert, founders of luxury event service LAY London, share 4 easy essentials:

  1. Flowers, branches or foliage instantly bring a table to life and by picking out colours of the tableware for the florals, you’ll have a scheme
  2. Candles, especially tall ones, are an effective way to bring a sense of occasion to the moment whilst creating a warming, cosy atmosphere
  3. A quick cheat to add colour is by placing bowls of clementines on the table for pops of fragrant brightness
  4. Never underestimate the excitement keepsakes can bring (cue our Christmas Crackers and Festive Baubles).

Shop Stocking Fillers

Try Our Pudding Cocktail Recipe

Inspired by our Festive Limited Edition, Marvellous Mandarin & Spice

Fill an old fashioned glass with ice cubes and pour in the juice of 2 x oranges and 50ml pomegranate juice. Top up with 50ml tonic water and an optional 25ml of gin. Finish with a sprig of bay and stir with a cinnamon stick for a rich aroma.

3.Transform The Guest Room With Touch-ups

You don’t have to redecorate to create a ‘home away from home’ haven. Simply transform a space with scent; our Scented Candles and Aroma Reeds are made with high fragrance concentrations for long-lasting diffusion. Make sure the bathroom is stocked with our Hand and Body Care classics, and carefully place some extra amenities on their towel for that (literal) 5-star hotel effect.

Tip: use linen sheets for their sweetest dreams, says Jessica Hartley from luxury bedding specialists, Piglet in Bed: “it adapts to different temperatures and humidity levels, keeping you cosy and comfortable”.