Throw a perfect Christmas party

1. Don't panic
Before the big night relax in a long, scented bath, taking lots of time getting glammed up and have a G&T to help get you in the mood - just one, mind! Try to ensure that as much of the party prep is done the day before so you can ease the last-minute stress.

2. Deck the halls...
With boughs of holly, or tea lights, fresh flowers and festive bowls of fruit, nuts and berries. Make sure your house looks as much the part as you do and the party will start with a bang. Lighting is particularly important - candlelight and twinkling fairylights will give the place a magical atmosphere.

3. Be prepared
Always expect the unexpected, such as good-natured gatecrashers, people consuming their body weight in food and drink, or bringing their baby. Prepare accordingly. Stockpile food and booze and ensure you have spare gifts on hand if unexpected people do turn up. Also keep the essentials in abundance - loo rolls, clean towels and sheets, eggs and bacon - for those party animals who want to go on until dawn - and then crash.

4. Keep the drink flowing
But don't be a bar slave. Serve everyone their first drink and then let them help themselves. Create a festive bar area which is easily accessible and contains everything a reveller needs - ice, tongs, slices of lemon and lime, clean glasses, mixers and lashings and lashings of Christmas cheer.

5. Sort our your festive tunes
This is where an iPod comes into its own. Load up all your favourite party tunes in advance for an instant disco with no awkward pauses or jumping CDs. Ask guests to bring along some of their treasured tracks for even more variety.

6. Get some games in
Get out the party games and watch the ice melt. Games where you have to act like an idiot always work best so think Charades, Pictionary, Taboo, Cranium and, of course, that old favourite, Twister. Left foot blue…

7. Make it different
If you've already OD'd on Slade, turkey and mulled wine, then throw a non-Christmas themed bash. A Hawaiian hula, a Caribbean calypso, James bond or Dallas theme… the choices are endless and all mean there won't be a mince pie in sight, you big Ebeneezer!

8. Organise a kids' room
Even if the party is strictly adults only, you need to think about the kids – yours and other people's. Chances are babysitters might be thin on the ground this time of year so be understanding and let your guests bring their little treasures rather than not come at all. Dedicate one room a kids' zone and provide fun snacks, DVDs and games as well as sleeping bags.

9. Look after your guests
But don't overdo it. Get people who you think will get on talking (remember Bridget Jones?) by all means but then leave them to strike a bond. Don't feel under pressure to spend hours talking to every Tom, Dick and Harry either – it's your night as well and if you let the conversation flow as well as the cocktails, everyone will be happy.

10. Make sure everyone gets home
Make sure that everyone gets home in one piece by having lists of taxi numbers on hand. If anyone looks really the worse for wear, then ask them to stay the night. It goes without saying that you should never let anyone drive who's had one too many… last but definitely not least, have plenty of Alka Seltzer and strong black coffee ready and waiting for those sore heads the next morning!

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