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Christmas entertaining is a breeze with these handy tips from interiors editor Kate Nixon.

Set the scene for fun festive entertaining with these simple but magical decorating ideas.

’Tis the season when we open our homes to family and friends for holiday gatherings and celebrations large and small. Cater for crowds with ease by following a few of these tried-and-tested space-creating tips and tricks, and take a little time for thoughtful gestures and cheerful touches to make your guests feel treasured. A welcome drink (think summer punch or spritzer), a generous bowl of juicy cherries, freshly popped salted popcorn or lightly warmed nuts helps everyone to settle and mingle. Over-scaled fresh foliage in assorted glass vessels and a mix of festive lighting (candles, string lights, hurricanes and lanterns) create instant impact and leave a lasting impression. #

Send decor questions (with name and address) to H&G Advice,

GPO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028 or email H&G@bauer-media.com.au.

Nesting or stacking furniture enables you to accommodate crowds or create extra floor space with ease.

1 Cire Trudon ‘La Promeneuse Coffret’ glass and ceramic oil burner set, $450 (includes four candles and four oils), Jardan; jardan.com.au. 2 House Doctor ‘Carve’ brass tray (38cm), $111, Amara; amara.com/au. 3 Nel Lusso ‘Cariso’ glass 1.5L carafe, $45, Minimax; minimax.com.au.4 Vida & Co ‘Delores’ metal nesting side tables,$519/set of two, Zanui; zanui.com.au.