Let’s get this party started
Christmas bashes are back and could be better than ever. From the coolest cocktails to desk-to-dancefloor style, Hannah Britt asks the experts for their top tips
HOLD on to your sequins… Christmas party season has returned and after last year’s festivities were cancelled because of Covid, this year is shaping up to be the best of all.
Our experts are here to help, whether you’re hosting at home or planning a night out on the town.
From creating the finest cocktails, to foolproof make-up that will shine on the dancefloor all night long, they share their ultimate guide to the best party season ever …
THE FASHION Timeless classic
“The ultimate fail-safe Christmas party look is the little black dress,” said stylist Antonia Kraskowski (antoniakraskowski.com).
“Chic and timeless, it’s a great investment – wear it year after year and update it with on-trend accessories such as new heels or a sparkly bag.”
Just add sparkle
Accessories make maximum impact with minimum effort.
“Dig out your favourite glitzy heels, invest in a jazzy new clutch bag and think big when it comes to jewellery – cocktail rings and chandelier earrings are a great way to get into the party spirit,” said Antonia.
Party feet
“New pair of party shoes? Wear them around the house to break them in,” said fashion editor Emma Johnson.
“When it’s party time, keep feet comfortable by popping Scholl Party Feet, £5.50 (Boots), in your shoes. Pack a couple of plasters in your handbag too, just in case.”
THE MAKE-UP Paint it red
“A red lipstick will achieve a striking look in seconds,” said make-up artist Tamara Tott (tamaratott.com). “This season is all about the 90s, so go for darker burgundy, almost brown-red tones.” Try Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick in Hollywood Red, £6 (Boots).
Go go glitter
For drama, apply Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow, £24 ( feelunique.com), to the whole eyelid. Or try a pop of sparkle in the centre, applied with a finger tip. Go for NYX Metallic Glitter in Beauty Beam, £7 (cultbeauty.co.uk). “Use sellotape to gently remove any excess,” said make-up artist Anna Gibson (annagibsonmakeup.com).
Shine on
Don’t forget your body, said Anna.
“Get an A-list glow by applying a rich moisturiser then a sweep of iridescent highlighter powder, such as Mac Mineralise Skin Finish, £27 (maccosmetics.co. uk), to the shins, arms and decolletage.”
THE HAIR Time to try something new
“Push the boat out and try something new,” said Tim Scott-Wright at The Hair Surgery (timscottwright.co.uk).
“For short hair, the wet look is super-chic and bold.
“For longer hair, why not try a glam 70s-inspired blow dry with lots of volume and face-framing flicks.”
More is more
“When it comes to hair accessories, the more the merrier,” said Tim.
“Stack multipple clips or slides into a sleek ponytail for a bit of sparkle or add interest to a half-up, half-down style.” Star hair clip, £6 (claires.com).
Five minutes to go
No time? No problem. Get party ready with a half-up do.
“Backcomb the crown area, then using pins or a bobble, tie half your hair up and back, keeping some front pieces out,” said Jake Wanstall from Larry King (larryking.co.uk). Tong these bits into curls and you’ll look like you’ve made a big effort in just minutes.”
THE COCK Mix it up
Creating a delicious drink at home is easy with a bit of know-how, said Neil
Donachie, 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,” said 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
Matt said: “The trick with any kind of party food is in the preparation and planning ahead. 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,” said Poppy Greenhalgh (theglitzy ballooncompany.co.uk). “If there’s any budget left, 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,” said Alice Herbert, co-founder of Lay London (laylondon.com).
THE HOSTING Introduce everyone
“Tell the story of how you met each individual,” said 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, said Heinin.
“Casual chic, dinner party glam or black tie, the choice is yours,” she said.
THE HANGOVER Start soft
“Choose a non-alcoholic drink for the first one of the evening,” said 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, said Daisy.
“The body is working to repair the gut lining, eliminate toxins and rehydrate,” she said. “A hangover is therefore best tackled with colourful fruit and veg which are packed with the antioxidants our body needs to restore balance.”