Our Top Tips for Entertaining over the Festive Season

There are quite a few days to celebrate over the Christmas period. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years are all huge for some families and it can be tiresome keeping the festive spirit going through that week of celebration. We have come up with some simple tips that will keep the festivities going without a hitch!

1. Always have food available
People are happiest when they’re full. Always have snacks available, or even leftovers. You won’t have kids coming in whining they’re hungry if there’s always plenty of food up for grabs!

2. Music!
Nothing gets people in the mood for a good time more than music. Whether it be mellow, casual conversation music playing in the background, or the latest tunes for the kids in the pool, always have music playing – it’s a wonderful mood booster!

3. Festive decorations
Adding some Christmas decorations or setting out “Happy New Year” streamers and bunting will do wonders for getting people into the spirit! This easy and simple gesture will help pull your place together as a festive hub.

4. Festive food
So, we have already mentioned food, but putting a festive spin on whatever you’re plating up will help with the atmosphere, and depending on how far you go, will keep your guests entertained! Whether it be badly decorated cookies, or traditional Christmas desserts, people will appreciate the extra effort. If you’re wanting something a little more for the kids to do, set up a cooking decorating station – that’ll keep them entertained for hours!

5. Don’t leave everything to the last minute
Planning for these events is the biggest tip we can give! Whether it be setting up the seating area a week before to so you can focus on cooking or even just shopping a couple of weeks in advance. This will immensely help manage stress levels, and make the big event as smooth sailing as possible!

6. Christmas movies
This one might not be for everyone, but I’m sure the kids will love it! Having Christmas movies playing in the background, or even just at night when everyone’s in a food coma is an easy way to keep everyone entertained with minimal effort!

7. Games

Engaging your family and friends in a little casual competition will get everyone's adrenaline pumping, keep the post-holiday doldrums away and may even help make some new memories to treasure for years to come. Playing games together can also be a fun bonding activity that keeps you talking and basking in each other's company more than sitting in front of the TV, so gather the crew and get playing. Treasure hunts or scavenger hunts are always fun and don’t just have to be for the children! But it is a good way to keep the kids occupied for a while whilst you prep food. Family trivia is another great game to play along with Charades or Pictionary. Get your thinking cap on!

Source: A Better Choice