1. Don't panic
Before the big night relax in a long, scented bath, taking lots of time getting glammed up and have a glass of wine 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 swing. Lighting is particularly important - and candlelight and twinkling fairylights give the place a magical atmosphere and also flatter blotchiness if you've had too many cocktails!

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 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 I-Pod comes into its own. Load up all your favourite party tunes in advance and hey presto - an instant disco with no awkward pauses or jumping CDs. Ask guests to bring along some of their treasured tracks for even more variety.