• Bring out the fairy lights! There's no simpler way to create ambience than a string of these beautiful glowing pops across the living room, patio or balcony.

• Light a cinnamon or forest-scented candle, throw on some holiday-themed tunes and take a luxurious bubble bath.

• Throw a Zoom party. Ask your guests to dress up from above-the-waist only. Pop on a fabulous pair of sparkly earrings, some red lippy and zshush the hair. 

• Perform a random act of kindness. Leave a little stocking-stuffer or cellophane-wrapped cookies with a note on neighbour's doorsteps. Even the smallest acts can truly brighten someone's day.

• Cook your favourite holiday dish. A hearty roast dinner, some indulgent fruit pudding, or a batch of buttery shortbread. 

• Light the fire (or outdoor heater), cook up some chestnuts and brew the hot chocolate. Huddling around heat tends to spark the best of conversations.

Inviting Guests?

Whether now or later in the year, throwing a great soiree requires one key ingredient, preparation. You should enjoy the day as much as your guests do. All it takes is just a little bit of planning.

• Prepare little by little each day and save yourself the last-minute panic. Buy the decorations, wrapping and gifts all well in advance. Save the last minute for food preparation only.

• Even if you're not the type to follow a schedule, it's best to create some kind of plan for the event. This will allow the party run seamlessly.
  

• Use an online invitation service. It's faster, easier and guests can RSVP at the click of a button. Plus, there are plenty of gorgeous designs to choose from.

• Even if you love to cook, you don't need to make everything from scratch. Make life easier and focus on your signature dishes. Buy all the additional extras. 

• Make a festive drink like warming eggnog. Or, take advantage of winter's bounty of delicious fruits to make your signature mulled wine, or winter fruit punch.

• Try roasting your chicken in a Phillips Airfryer. It's quick, painless and you won't believe the results. Perfect crispy skin, succulent juicy meat.

• Leave yourself some time before your guests arrive to slip into something special, add some bling, light some candles, and throw on those tunes. Your relaxed happy mood will set the tone for the event.

• Load up on stocking stuffers and send your guests home with a goodie bag to remember the night by (see below for our top 10 stocking stuffer ideas)

• Whatever you do, don't forget a little something for yours truly. (Hint, good things come in small packages). After all, you deserve it.