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As we head into the festive season, chances are you’re going to be getting ready to host family. Whether you’re having them over on Christmas day, or if you’re having dinner any other time around the festivities, it can feel a bit overwhelming knowing there’s so much to get organized and ready. From deciding what to cook, to setting the table, to ensuring there are places for people to stay if they need it, we’ve put together a guide to hosting the ultimate family festive get-together to ensure it goes without a hitch. Whether you are eating in, or dining out and hosting people for pre or post drinks, there are so many things to think about. Keep reading to find out more and get inspired!

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Prepare ahead of time

When you’re having people around, you don’t want to be spending all your time slogging in the kitchen and not being able to speak to anyone. Instead of this, prep as much as you can ahead of time, so you can just do the main cooking on the day and leave it be, rather than having to be doing all the peeling and chopping. If you have guests with allergies, make sure you check these ahead of time, as you don’t want anyone to have an allergic reaction! The same applies if you decide to head out for a meal before coming back to yours for drinks and games. Check restaurants such as Chili's gluten-free menu, or if there are other allergies in your group, to make sure it is suitable for everyone.

Create a festive atmosphere

The next thing you want to do is create a festive atmosphere. You don’t need a huge budget to do this, instead you need to think about things like your lighting, swapping harsh overhead lights for warm fairy lights, lighting scented candles or creating a playlist that mixes Christmas classics with soft background music. Add decorations like fresh garlands on the table, or some gold and silver accents that can really make a difference.

Prepare some fun activities

A touch of entertainment brings everyone together and keeps the atmosphere lighthearted. Depending on your group, this could mean a festive quiz or family trivia, a Secret Santa where you all exchange gifts, or a board games evening. You could have a movie marathon after dinner, or perhaps plan a karaoke night for a bit of fun between you all!

These are just a few top tips to help you host the ultimate festive get-together and make sure it’s a roaring success. No matter how many people you’re having, and if it’s on Christmas day, or another evening where you make the most of the time you have off work, you’re sure to have the best time. What are some top tips you have for hosting the ultimate family festive get-together? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.