This year, it's your turn to host a Christmas luncheon and with the guest list that includes your brother and older sister and their respective families, your parents along with your in-laws, the total adds up to more than you expected. How are you going to fit them all in your home this Christmas?
We’ve put together a list of ways to help you maximise space in your home to accommodate everyone and ensure an enjoyable and relaxing time this holiday season.
Ways to host a large Christmas function at your home
Create space: Keeping flow in mind, think about any furniture that you can move around to create space. If you are short on chairs, use folding chairs from the garage or a bedroom table will come in handy for your entrees to be served from. Kids love a picnic so think about even setting a blanket on the floor with some cushions for the kids to dine from.
Cook ahead: Do all of the preparations you can on Christmas Eve. Slice vegetables and refrigerate in an airtight container. Gather all of your serving platters and clean any wine glasses that might be a little dusty from the last time they were used. Think fewer dishes and opt for biodegradable plates, knives and forks. This will save a lot of time at the end of the day when it’s time to clean up.
Drinks station: Set up a drinks station that offers the basics with perhaps a special drink you concoct for Christmas day – why not make this a start of a Christmas tradition? There are lots of punch recipes that can be non-alcoholic too. Fill a glass bottle with water and set out your glassware on the drink table ready for people to help themselves. Keep beer cold by using tubs filled with salt ice.
Move the party outside: We love indoor-outdoor flow and being able to open up your home to the beauty of the outdoors. If you have an Opening Roof over your deck area, now is the time to really put it to use. If it’s raining, close the louvres and close in the sides. If it’s sunny, open up the louvres slightly to let the desired amount of light and sunshine through.
If the weather is turning chilly enjoy a fire pit outside or if it’s increasingly hot, set up a sun umbrella outside. Lawn games like backyard cricket or even a treasure hunt for the kids are perfect for outdoor entertaining. Place beach towels out with cushions to create ambience and another area for people to sit, relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Collaborate with your guests: Your guests will want to bring something. Work out ahead of time your menu and don’t hesitate to ask your guests to bring bread or bring a dessert or an entrée. Many hands make light work.
Enjoy your day and don’t forget to capture beautiful moments throughout the day.
Louvretec has all the solutions you need to open up your space for guests and family. Browse our product catalogue for information and ideas and contact us with any questions you have.