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re is more

en it comes to accessories, the the merrier,” says Tim. k multiple clips or slides into ek ponytail for a bit of sparkle d interest to a half-up, half-down ” Star hair clip, £6 (claires.com).

e minutes to go

me? No problem. Get party ready a half-up do. ackcomb the crown area, then g pins or a bobble, tie half your hair nd back, keeping some front pieces says Jake Wanstall from Larry King yking.co.uk). “Tong these bits into and you’ll look like you’ve made a ffort in just minutes.”

E COCKTAILS it up

ting a delicious drink at home is with a bit of know-how, says Neil achie, mixologist from cocktail bar

Mother Mercy (mothermercy.co.uk).

■ Use fresh, high quality ingredients to give your drinks life.

■ Use good quality glassware. Our sense of touch is just as important as taste in cocktails.

■ Follow your recipes exactly to ensure your drinks are balanced.

THE CANAPES Keep it simple

“Canapes can set the tone for the whole event,” says Matt Fanthorpe, culinary director of Coppa Club (coppaclub.co.uk).

“Source good-quality ingredients and do as little as possible with them for maximum effect.”

Prep is key

“The trick with any kind of party food is in the preparation and planning ahead,”

Matt says. “Get all your ingredients ahead of time, and make them well in advance of the party.”

THE DECOR Create a focal point

On a budget? Choose just one area and decorate it.

“Create one stunning focal point in the room that people are going to be in,” says Poppy Greenhalgh (theglitzy ballooncompany.co.uk).

“If there is any budget left then there can be a scattering of further decor.”

Top tables

“Add pops of bright colour in an instant with bowls of pomegranates or clementines on the table,” says Alice Herbert, co-founder of Lay London (laylondon.com).

THE HOSTING Introduce everyone

“Tell the story of how you met each individual,” says Heinin Zhang, co-founder of home dining experience Yhangry (yhangry.com).

“This leads that person to finish the story and encourages them to start their own conversation. You could also mention things they have in common to help break the ice.”

Dress code

Take a party from bleak to chic with a snappy dress code. It can be fun to dress up, so guide guests as to what to wear, says Heinin.

“Casual chic, dinner party glam or black tie, the choice is yours,” she says.

THE HANGOVER Start soft

“Choose a non-alcoholic drink for the first one of the evening,” says nutritionist Daisy York, co-founder of meetaegle.com.

“Often the first few drinks of the evening go quickly because they are driven by thirst. Making sure you quench thirst with non-alcoholic drinks will help avoid overindulgence.”

Feeling fresh

Hangovers are best treated with antioxidants obtained from fresh food, says Daisy.

“The body is working to repair the gut lining, eliminate toxins and rehydrate,” she says. “A hangover is therefore best tackled with colourful fruit and veg which are packed with the antioxidants our body needs to restore balance.”