1 If you’re catering for a crowd and can’t face tackling piles of washing up, opt for Pipii’s sugarcane biodegradable white partyware. The smart square dinner plates cost from £3.60 for 10. 2 Not everyone has a huge dinner service, but if you’re using mismatched crockery, tie the look together by using the same coloured napkins at each place setting. Talking Tables has an excellent range. 3 If your dining space isn’t big enough to accommodate an extralong table, try turning it at an angle diagonally across the room. You’ll gain a few more feet and be able to seat a couple of extra people. 4 Using matching wine and water glasses will ensure your table looks coordinated and stylish. If you’re using mismatched sets, stock up on the great-value Ivrig collection, from £1 for a glass, Ikea. 5 When you’re hosting a large number for Christmas lunch but don’t want to invest in a bigger table, just buy a couple of easy-tostore trestles, from £5 each, and a table top, from £40, both Ikea.
Need extra seating? This old-school-style chair comes as part of a set and stacks for easy storage, £440 for six, Alexander & Pearl
Make sure everyone knows where to sit by placing decorative place name holders on the dinner table, £6.99 for six, Ginger Ray
If you’re catering for large numbers, go for these paper Party Porcelain Rose napkins, £4/20 from Talking Tables, rather than linen
This gold cutlery from Wilko looks glamorousbut is only £20 for a set, so ideal if you’re having to buy more than a few place settings
Easily stored away, these stacking stools, £4 each from Ikea, are great when you to needto squeeze extra people around the table
Store extra tableware in the brass-clad Pascali sideboard, £899 from Atkin & Thyme. It’s a beautiful and practical piece
Bring some twinkle to the table with gold-star-printed crockery, £25 fora 12-piece set, George Home
Perfect for large gatherings, the extendingCalia table, from £799, John Lewis & Partners, is available as a 6-10 or 8-12 seater
Get the party started by passing round delicious appetisers in this smart, oak-basedtapas set, £100, LSA International