The playlist for festive season’s best nights in
If you want to get people up on the dance floor (or the living room floor as the case may be), choosing classic songs that everyone recognises is a great place to start. ABBA, Queen and Sister Sledge, and Chaka Khan should all be top of your playlist.
Veteran DJ and presenter on Groove City Radio, Paul Mulholland, said: “My song of the night has always been Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now – it really gets everyone up on their feet.
“At the end of the day when you’re throwing a party, it’s important to remember that you’re there to entertain people, not educate them. They want to hear songs that they remember, maybe from the 60s and 70s – the younger generation might not have been there but they will have heard their parents play those tunes, too.
“So do a bit of planning and research to find out what’s popular.” Festive food doesn’t need to be complicated if you stick to simple recipes, served with flare. That’s the view of John Quigley, head chef at Glasgow’s Red Onion restaurant, who advises serving up family-style dishes to wow your party guests.
He said: “If you’re planning to serve food at a party you can either make a couple of big pots of something that people can help themselves to, or you can do canapes. However, canapes can be a little bit fiddly and fussy so you need to be organised ahead of time.
“Try one or two simple nibbles to pass around when people arrive then put out something more substantial such as lasagne, a veggie option, and lots of salads and breads.”
He added: “This year, simple plantbased foods are definitely trending, and fresher, cleaner dishes are popular too – people are moving away from burgers, pulled pork and cheesy chips.”
THE DANCING
THE FOOD
THE LOOK
Sprucing up your pad for a party doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you stick to one show-stopping theme.
Alan Brown, owner of Futura party supplies in Coatbridge, near Glasgow, said: “Always consider balloons when you’re decorating for a party. They have the most impact for the least cost.
“Balloons enhance the atmosphere, they put a smile on people’s faces, and they can brighten up the darkest space. I’m also a big believer in continuity of theme – colour coordinate everything so that all the banners, table covers, napkins and balloons all tie in together.
“Sometimes it’s even nice to tie the colour theme into the dress or outfit that’s being worn by the guest of honour. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make an impact. We reckon if you spend anywhere between 50p and £1 per head, you can make your party look amazing.”