Four Mail on Sunday writers have shared their expert advice for hosting a successful Christmas party, from food and drink to atmosphere. Tom Parker Bowles, Katie Nicholl, Olly Smith and Rachel Johnson each offered their top tips for the festive season.
Tom Parker Bowles recommends serving hearty dishes like chilli con carne or cottage pie, noting that these are what guests truly want to eat. Katie Nicholl suggests choosing a theme to encourage guests to dress up, and emphasises the importance of having plenty of ice to keep drinks cold.
Rachel Johnson advises buying the best wine you can afford and creating a moody atmosphere with low lighting and a crackling fire. Olly Smith recommends using a giant bowl filled with ice and water to chill drinks quickly and efficiently.
The tips were published alongside a taste test of supermarket festive fare, including mince pies, prawn canapés, smoked salmon and pigs in blankets, accompanied by cava, champagne and prosecco.
