Entertain IN STYLE

Whether you're throwing a party or having guests to stay, these easy hosting ideas will make it memorable

1 FASHION A COSY SNUG 

Create a warm and inviting space where you can relax with friends, with a stylish velvet sofa dressed with sumptuous throws and cushions. Keep glasses and drinks close to hand on a rustic coffee table. Olivia sofa in Isla Kingfisher, £3,680, neptune.com; similar knitted throw, £110, secretlinenstore.com; twig side table, £1,470, pinchdesign.com; mercury tea-light holders, from £6, fir tree garland, £85, star, £38, all thewhitecompany.com, tea-light houses, £75 for three, coxandcox.co.uk; Corinium serving platter, £28, neptune.com; for a similar coffee table, try vinterior.co

2 FOCUS ON THE FIRESIDE

Take the mantelpiece to the max with an abundance of greenery - the more you can fit on, the merrier. Add plenty of hanging decorations and faux floral sprigs for a decadent look.

Similar magnolia stems, £139 for 12, balsamhill.co.uk. 20 warm white LED Christmas tree candle lights, £21.99, lights4fun.co.uk. Tiri Tribal decorations, £7 each, lilliandaph.co.uk. For similar peacock decorations, try johnlewis.com

3 TURN THE MENU INTO A FEATURE 

Give guests a taste of what's to come by chalking up the menu to display. Paint a board using blackboard paint, frame it with foliage such as ivy, fir and eucalyptus, and decorate with fairy lights. Arrange a selection of seasonal treats below it.