Festive & fabulous

We asked three of the region’s most renowned event planners how to throw a Christmas party that will be remembered – for all the right reasons

Liz Taylor, founder and MD of The Taylor Lynn Corporation, has planned charity events for Gary Barlow, the weddings of Michelle Keegan, Eamonn and Ruth Holmes and Cath Tyldesley as well as Christmas parties for the cast of Coronation Street.

Aside from Champagne, what makes a great party drink?

Go for a chic aperitif like a vodka Martini or a Negroni. Real ales, especially a local brew, are great to serve at bigger gatherings.

What should you provide for the tee-totallers?

A mulled apple juice is great for a winter gathering. Or use a quality alcohol-free sparkling wine to create a Kir Royal or Clementine Fizz.

I want to serve food but not a sit-down dinner…

If you have space, consider a food van. They’re not too expensive and offer a less formal and more fun approach to dining. Take That’s Howard Donald had a pizza van outside for his wedding on an Oxfordshire estate!

What canapés will make me look like a kitchen guru, but are pretty easy to do?

Ones you can buy! Shops such as Costco offer lovely platters of Oriental and English canapés– just whizz them onto a slate or an inexpensive gold serving dish. My tip – make sure they can be devoured in one bite (nobody wants to put their fizz down to eat) and everything on the platter is the same size.

Any good ideas for a little added extra?

It’s hard to introduce gimmicks – they can actually split a party. So, for me you can’t beat a gin bar with a magnificent mixture of fruits, mixers and flavoured gins! Or a vodka bar with shot glasses of different flavours.

How do I do a do a Christmas theme without making it tacky?