Tis the season to host parties

Posted by: the Private House Insider

The run-up to Christmas is usually a bit of a whirlwind. Mostly good, sometimes all over a little too quickly, but if done correctly, a wonderful chance to meet some old friends. When hosting a party, there are a hundred ways to get it wrong, but luckily our very own party-planning experts Steven, Harriet and Holly are at hand with some tips for getting it off to the best possible start…

“Different rules apply depending on what you’re trying to achieve and who’s invited,” they say. “There’s a big difference between a large, whistle and bells party for a big group of friends and colleagues and a more informal get-together with friends.” But, say the team, it’s easy to make a good impression whoever’s coming. For a major, money-no-object Christmas party, for example, how about a mini ice-rink at the entrance, perhaps with a couple of professional Disney On Ice skaters performing as guests arrive? Throw in a snow machine and some carol singers huddled around a brazier and it’s an instant feel-good Christmas scene which will be thoroughly unforgettable. “Be creative,” say Randolphs’ party experts. “Whatever your budget, your imagination will help turn it into something special.”

For more inspiration, here are their top tips for making sure it all goes with a bang:

Be organised

Do as much preparation as you can in advance. Don’t leave it until the last minute to find that your Champagne and Martini glasses need a clean and a good polish.

Mix it up

“Have a good mix of guests,” says Steven, pointing out that a party containing just six friends from work is not likely to result in anything exciting or unexpected. “Also,” he says, “to make guests feel immediately at ease, try and make sure they have a drink in their hand as soon as they walk through the door.”

Keep it simple

Specifically: don’t overcomplicate the drinks by trying to offer too many. “We think it’s nice to offer guests a cocktail when they arrive,” says Steven, “but it needs to be something that isn’t a lot of fuss to make. A white peach Bellini is ideal.”

Go English

“Consider swapping Champagne for an English, Royal-approved alternative,“ says Holly, referring to the wonderful Chapel Down English Rose sparkling wine that was served at last year’s Royal Wedding. It costs a shade under £20 a bottle and is a great alternative to Champagne. On a related note, it’s worth remembering that a good-quality Prosseco is likely to be more of a hit than a distinctly average Champagne.

Add a touch of glass

…As in the drinks glasses which many wine merchants will freely lend you if you’re making a reasonable size order.

Count on salmon

“There’s nothing easier than someone walking around with a tray of smoked salmon blinis,” says Harriet. “Just serve the salmon on top of a dash of sour cream with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.”

Ambiance is everything

People often forget that they’re trying to create a mood and end up leaving all the lights on. “Turn them down and use plenty candles,” says Steven.

Go Sonos, go Spotify

Invest in a Sonos speaker and who needs a DJ? “Sign up to Spotify and let guests choose their own playlists,” says Harriet. “When everyone’s had enough of it, try someone else’s.”

Helping hands

“If you really want to take the stress out of a party,” Steven says, “we can provide waiters and waitresses who will be a fantastic extra pair of hands, whether it’s serving canapés and drinks, or welcoming guests at the door. And that’s not forgetting how invaluable they are when it comes to cleaning up!” Or take it up a notch with one of Randolphs’ amazing party butlers which will really add a touch of the ‘special occasion’ to proceedings – and take all of the stress out, too.

The crowning glory

Once the Christmas parties are out of the way, Steven, Holly and Harriet have a top tip for Christmas day lunch, too. If you can’t decide how large a turkey to buy, the team recommend buying a medium-sized one that doesn’t need hours in the oven… as well as an additional fresh rolled turkey crown to cook alongside it. That way, there’s lots of delicious breast meat, it’s less hassle, less expensive, and you get all of the impact of having a turkey but with lots more white meat.

Top Champagnes for Christmas

Sometimes thumbing through the wine aisles at Fortnum & Mason or Harrods isn’t enough; if Sir wants to know why tonight’s bottle of bubbly was selected for dinner – or if you simply want to impress the guests at your own festive soiree – why not choose one with a little weight behind it? Each of these comes with a recommendation as being amongst the best in the world today…

2000 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne (as recommended by: Fine Champagne Magazine)

1995 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires – Rare Millésime (as recommended by: vinography.com)

1996 Moët Et Chandon A Epernay Fondée En 1743 Dom Perignon Brut (as recommended by: wineandsommelier.com)

1999 Deutz Cuvée William Deutz (as recommended by: decanter.com)

Gosset Grand Rosé Brut Champagne NV (as recommended by: The Daily Telegraph)

…And one for the staff Christmas party:

Sainsbury’s Blanc de Noirs (as recommended by: which.co.uk)

And a word from our sponsors…

Well not quite, but we did receive a rather nice message from a client who booked one of our butlers for a Christmas party last week and we wanted to share it with you:

“Everyone loved the food and Eduardo the butler was a complete star. He made me feel like a guest instead of an anxious hostess. Will definitely order from you again. Many thanks for all your help. Patricia.”

Comments like that make our day every time – thanks, Patricia!