Christmas hosting: Ideas to spruce up your celebrations
Your festive feasting and entertaining guide
First time hosting or maybe you’re a seasoned pro? Either way, there’s no need to stress over the big or little things. From ideas for hosting Christmas dinners to cocktails, and even over-night guests - we’ve got all your Christmas hosting essentials covered for the perfect season of celebration.
Hosting Christmas dinner?
Whether it's an intimate family gathering or an extravagant Christmas party, meal prep is a must. Here are some quick tips to make your cooking sessions less daunting and to take your hosting game a notch higher.
- Prep your meals a day before to allow you free time when the guests are over.
- Get help. Enjoy some quality time with your friends and family by cooking or baking together. This also helps in taking some load off your shoulders.
- Plan an easy menu. Choose slow-cooker recipes or easy air fryer recipes to keep it quick and fuss-free.
- Put together self-serving or DIY food stations. From quick sliders to finger foods, there are plenty of ideas to explore.
Christmas dinner prep
Let our favourite appliances help you save time. Pick up a food processor to slice your veg. Source a steamer to avoid soggy sprouts. Serve up a smoky feast with a winter barbecue. Or simply pop it all into a slow cooker, whilst you enjoy the festive fun.
Oven-to-table
Save on washing up by serving your dishes straight from the oven. Our stylish cast-iron dishes and enamel baking trays retain heat well and look great displayed on shelves when not in use.
Baking trays and roasting tins
Get baking and roasting ready. Easy to use and easy to clean, so you can wow your guests with drool-worthy dishes.
Pan sets
Update your kitchen collection with fresh pans. From frying to searing, cooking is going to be fun with these stylish picks.
Chef accessories
Complete your hosting look with a must-have apron. Don’t forget your oven gloves and tea towels for those hot from the oven dishes.
Emergency seats
Running low on seats? Make sure you have some extra chairs on standby. Why not mix it up with different colours and styles?
Dining tables
Rectangular, round, folding, extendable? You name it, we’ve got it. Discover the perfect dining table for you.
Christmas dining and hosting essentials
Set the scene with a magical festive tablescape. Layering fresh linens with tactile Christmas crockery, platter sets, and gleaming glassware, show your culinary skills like never before.
Slider Grid
Christmas cocktails
Raise a toast to good times. Discover ideas that are sure to lift the festive spirits. From glassware, barware, to drink stations - here's everything you need for that refreshing Christmas drink.
Carousel
Glistening glassware
Whisky tumblers, gin goblets or prosecco flutes. Find the best glass to top up your drink and toast the host.
Your own festive drinks station
With drinks trolleys and cabinets now a must-have accessory, they’re perfect for any kind of party.
Christmas drinks essentials
Flaunt your bartending skills and make delicious drinks with these bar tools.
Christmas baking
Let's get baking
Keen to enter the 'batterfield' and start practising your mince pie masterpieces? Find all the cake tools and baking kits you need to rustle up some tasty treats. Don't forget the food storage boxes for when the bakes are ready.
Guests staying over?
Christmas bedding
From festive duvets to heated throws, fluffly fleece bedding to hooded blankets - find everything to make bedtime comfy, cuddly, and oh so Christmassy.
Carousel
Warm and welcoming beds
With space-saving, stylish and comfortable beds, be guest-ready in the blink of an eye.
So-soft bedding
Counting the sleeps? Get them dreaming of a white Christmas with extra cosy duvet cover sets, duvets, pillows, sleeping bags and blankets.
Festive family activities
Carousel
Board games and gaming tables
Test your knowledge, race to the finish, score goals, or pot the black. Who will be the Christmas champ?
Karaoke & speakers
Show off your vocal skills and sing along to your favourite songs for all to hear or turn up your seasonal soundtrack with a new speaker.
Gaming & consoles
Set up a competition or relax after a great day of celebrating. We've got games for kids of all ages.
Frequently asked questions about hosting a Christmas party
What are some easy Christmas dinner recipes?
Some of the easiest yet most loved recipes for Christmas dinners include honey-glazed carrots, easy one-pan roasties such as roasted vegetables, turkey crowns, etc. Try some of the slow-cooker or air fryer recipes for easy wins.
Whip up more festive magic with these stress-free Christmas recipes from Sainsbury's.
How do you throw a fun adult Christmas party?
Here are a few tips and tricks to throw a fun and unforgettable Christmas party for adults:
- Think about decorations and mood. Choose soft lighting with a dash of festive decorations using candles, Christmas lights, and garlands.
- Serve cosy cocktails and themed finger food before the main course to keep the crowd engaged and interacting.
- Try out engaging activities such as murder mystery party, an upbeat Secret Santa exchange, or wine-and-paint night.
- You can even try a themed dress code or ugly sweater party to take it a notch higher on playful metre.
Want more ideas? Read on to explore best Christmas party games for adults.
What to serve for Christmas nibbles?
Festive nibbles are everyone's favourite. Choose from golden sausage rolls or the popular pigs in blankets. For something quick and easy, set up an overflowing cheese board or platter or crisp veggies. Don't forget about some sweet treats. Pick mini mince pies, cake poppers, or fruit skewers.
What is a timeless Christmas theme?
A timeless Christmas theme would ideally include Christmas decor based on classic colour palette of green, red, gold with a touch of natural elements such pinecones, berries, and more. You can also add some traditional symbols such as reindeers, stars, and snowflakes into your decorations for that authentic festive feel.
What is the traditional Christmas meal in the UK?
A traditional Christmas meal in the UK consists of the classics such as roast turkey with a side of crispy potatoes, brussels sprouts, and other vegetables along with rich gravy and cranberry sauce. Some traditional desserts include mince pies and a glorious Christmas pudding.
Discover more inspiration
Carousel
Beautiful Christmas decorations
Get inspired by enchanting festive looks, Christmas tree lights, baubles, and more.
Christmas stocking filler ideas
Tiny gift, big love. Surprise your loved ones with special, thoughtful gifts.
Christmast gift ideas
From toys to board games, tech products to grooming essentials - explore gifts for all interests and ages.
You can now collect and spend Nectar points when you shop at Argos
