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Host Guide

Christmas Guide: Tips for Hosting a Christmas Party at Home

Wondering how to host a successful Christmas party? Our planning experts share the ultimate guide to hosting a stress-free Christmas Day dinner!

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Danielle Grinberg
27 Enjoyed Hosthostess Fallwinter CRA BB TT 0032 F

It's Christmas! The season of indulgence, festive music and Santa sweaters. But the best part is spending quality time with your favorite people. If you're hosting this year, we know it can be stressful - especially if you're in charge of the big day. But don't panic. We're sharing our secrets and hacks for pulling off the best Christmas Day ever. 

Holiday Cheers Martini And Whiskey Neat Christmas

Get prepping for Christmas

So, it's your turn to host Christmas, and you're understandably a little nervous. You know how the phrase goes – "if you fail to plan, you're planning to fail", so you know that the secret to pulling off a stress-free Christmas day is prep! Once you've locked down the drinks and cocktails you want to serve, stock up on ingredients and make sure the non-drinkers are covered too. Our top tip is to pre-batch cocktails to save yourself time and effort. We recommend Negronis as the ultimate timesaver. Batch mix it by using an empty bottle, add 6 oz. gin, Italian aperitif, sweet vermouth and water and put it in the freezer. It's then already mixed, so all you have to do is pour over ice and garnish with orange peel on the day. It also means you can serve smaller sizes or tasters if needed! 

Engravable
Tanqueray F24-Award Front 750ml
Tanqueray

London Dry Gin

Calderawhiskyglasses
Nude

Caldera Double Old Fashioned Glass, Set of Four

Holiday Cheers Martini And Whiskey Neat Christmas
Reduced Gif 17 Enjoyed Thanksgivingfriendsgiving Bap Ss9 Br Kov 0086
Reduced Gif 17 Enjoyed Thanksgivingfriendsgiving Bap Ss9 Br Kov 0086

'Tis the season to deck the halls

While there's no rule book that says you must have a theme, choosing one will definitely help make your home look more magical and, of course, impress your guests. Think about the theme you want to convey. A white winter wonderland complete with sparkles can look fresh and modern, or a traditional style with multicolored lights can look cosy and nostalgic. The key to this is remembering that you don’t need to spend hundreds on decor. Take a look at what you might already have stored away or have a look at our glassware and tablescape options for beautifully designed items that will dress up your table. 

Ripple Champagne Saucers (1)
Ferm Living

Ripple Champagne Saucers, Set of Two

Big Top Highball Collins Glass
NUDE

Big Top High Ball Glass, Set of 4

The big day has arrived

It's Christmas day and you're all prepped and ready to go. There's nothing left to do except serve up the drinks and celebrate. If you're looking for a festive drinks menu that will delight your guests throughout the day, look no further! Have a look below at some suggestions:

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Arrival cocktails to serve

Wow your guests on arrival with these welcome drinks.  

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Winter Jewel French 75 cocktail

Kick off Christmas Day and toast to good times with this elegant riff on the classic cocktail. Pomegranates, also known as “winter jewels,” are beloved for their bold, tart flavor. When combined with Tanqueray No. Ten Gin, the result is juicy and botanical, while a healthy Champagne topping really makes this jewel sparkle.

Tanqueray No. TEN Gin AWARD
Tanqueray

No. TEN Gin

Ripple Champagne Saucers (1)
Ferm Living

Ripple Champagne Saucers, Set of Two

Thebar Cocktail16 Winterjewelfrench75 616X516 (1)
Seedlip Grove Cosnopolitan

CosNOpolitan: non-alcoholic cosmo

Enjoy a non-alcoholic alternative to the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail, starring the unique Seedlip Grove 42 spirit. This sophisticated CosNOpolitan offers herbal, blood orange and ginger notes, along with sweet cranberry juice.

Estelle Coupe Mint Glasses
Estelle

Coupe Glasses, Set of Two

SEEDLIP GROVE 42 FRONT
Seedlip

Grove 42

Seedlip Grove Cosnopolitan

Pre-dinner cocktails to serve

While guests are indulging in canapés and exchanging presents, freshen their drinks with these pre-dinner recipes.  

Pimms Royale Hero (1)

Pimm's Royale cocktail

Thinking pink and fruity? Then the Pimm's Royale will look picture perfect.

Pimms No 1 Bottle Front
Pimm's

No. 1 Liqueur

Estellewineglasses Mintgreen (1)
Estelle

Wine Stemware, Set of Two

Pimms Royale Hero (1)
Seedlip And Cola (1)
Seedlip And Cola (1)

Seedlip Spice 94 and Cola

With a warm aromatic blend of allspice, cardamom and cascarilla bark, Seedlip Spice is made for Christmas. Top with your favorite premium cola for the perfect pre-dinner drink.    

SEEDLIP SPICE 94 FRONT
Seedlip

Spice 94

Calderawhiskyglasses
Nude

Caldera Double Old Fashioned Glass, Set of Four

Cocktails to serve during Christmas dinner

For those who aren’t partial to a glass of wine with food, we have some options that will keep guests happy all the way through dinner.  

Thebar Tanqueray Grapefruitthymeginandtonic Header

Gin cocktails

For gin, something long, fizzy and light in flavor always goes down well during a big meal - think a Tom Collins or a Vodka Soda with fresh lime to help aid digestion. Swap out the alcohol for Seedlip to keep things alcohol-free if you prefer. 

Tanqueray No. TEN Gin AWARD
Tanqueray

No. TEN Gin

Estellewineglasses Mintgreen (1)
Estelle

Wine Stemware, Set of Two

Thebar Tanqueray Grapefruitthymeginandtonic Header
Thebar Cocktail14 Spicyjalepenomanhattan Google (1)
Thebar Cocktail14 Spicyjalepenomanhattan Google (1)

Whiskey cocktails

If you're serving turkey, consider Johnnie Walker Black Label due to its delicious blend of orchard fruits and smoky undertones that complement the succulent flavor of poultry. Opt for a classic whisky and soda, or level up the wintery vibes by switching your mixer to a ginger ale. If you're looking for something with vermouth, go for a rich Manhattan which will pair perfectly with richer meats you may be serving. 

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JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL BOTTLE FRONT
Johnnie Walker

Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky

Ripple Champagne Saucers (1)
Ferm Living

Ripple Champagne Saucers, Set of Two

Cocktails to serve after dinner

With dinner finished and guests enjoying board games, quizzes or a festive movie, thoughts inevitably turn to dessert. For those not wanting a dessert, consider serving these post-dinner cocktails as alternatives.  

Peppermint Spiked Hot Chocolate Recipe Main

Peppermint Twist hot chocolate

This lovely blend of vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and hot chocolate will transport you to a winter wonderland. Add in a mini candy cane as whimsical garnish. 

Seasonal
SMIRNOFF PEPPERMINT TWIST FRONT 750ML
Smirnoff

Peppermint Twist Vodka

Peppermint Spiked Hot Chocolate Recipe Main
Classic Chocolate Martini (1)
Classic Chocolate Martini (1)

Baileys Chocolate on the rocks

This classic chocolate martini combines premium Ketel One Vodka with the creamy, delicious Baileys Chocolate Liqueur – made with real Belgian chocolate. Just combine, shake and garnish with flair for the perfect dessert cocktail.

Baileys Chocolate Front 750Ml
Baileys

Chocolate Liqueur

Caskata Ocean Coupe 4D568f38 727A 4F78 8A27 Ed5485ba5251
Caskata

Quinn Coupe Glasses, Set of Two

And Christmas Day is served…

As you prepare to host a memorable Christmas gathering, don't forget that the drinks you serve can really set the mood. There are lots of options to choose from, like old favorites such as French 75 and Baileys on the rocks, or more unique drinks like Peppermint Twist hot chocolate. The most important thing to remember is to relax and enjoy spending time with your loved ones. Have a Merry Christmas! 

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