Toast to the host

Whether you are thinking of inviting your relatives over for a quite brunch on Christmas morning or set up a fancy high-tea trolley that your extended family can devour in the morning before mass, putting together an Xmas party can be a boon or a bane depending on how well it is planned. We speak to a few frequent party-throwers to understand various nitty grittes.

The first thing to take into consideration are your party invites. Since the date is non-negotiable, sending a digital card or email will suffice, feels event organiser and ardent hostess Sharmilla Khanna. "A paper invite for the final event is a must-do. Couple this with Christmas goodies to earn brownie points," says Khanna.

According to her, Facebook invitations are a big no-no, irrespective of your guest list, as those are not classy or fun.

Who you call for your party is directly proportionate to how hit your event will be. Mumbai-based life coach and image consultant Chhaya Momaya feels that ensuring a guest list full of interesting and well-read people is the recipe for a good party. "But if you have clannish people who won't mingle, or who like to talk only about themselves, then you are headed for a disaster."

Any Christmas dinner or lunch is much more than fairy-light circled tree in the corner of your house coupled with loud music. According to Ahmedabad-based socialite and leading event organiser Purva Patel having fun at your own party is crucial. She feels that hosts must pace out their timing in a way that they have a well-managed event and ample time for guests. "For this to happen, outsource catering, get plenty of help or pre-prep all the cooking, leaving only finishing touches and re-heating for the last moment," says Patel.

While food is always the talking point at any party, beautiful home decor is another winner. "A good way to cheat-clean your house is to take extra care of all the places where your guests are going to be. Like the bathroom and living room. Keep those squeaky clean and gorgeous smelling," shares Patel. You can use scented candles, colourful cushions and fragrant oil dispensers for that. Your messy bedroom can be locked away.

Food is one of the most important aspects of any party. After you have zeroed down on the cuisine and the number of dishes, it would be wise to decide the yield of food and keep it flexible. Gourmet caterer Neha Manekia from Silverspoon Gourmet says, "Account for 80 per cent of your guests showing up and have extra food for about 10 per cent of the total number. This should prevent shortage and embarrassment." Apart from that, a good idea would be to have a separate buffet table for children to avoid a mess.

"While it's rude to blatantly mention that children are not allowed on the invite itself, a good way is to politely mention the names of the couple on the invitation itself," says Momaya. If children do end up coming, the hosts should be prepared with a good collection of kid-friendly movies that can be played in one room where all the children can be made to sit.

Lastly, a return gift is a must after every party. Momaya feels that while edible goodies are a hit, home decor presents such as candles and frames are also pleasant.