Sesh! 7 tips for throwing the ULTIMATE Christmas house party

It’s party season – yay! – so what better opportunity to chill out with friends we haven’t seen in yonks than hosting a Christmas party in our gaff?

From the best music to lash on (HINT: Mariah will feature heavily) to how to hostess with the mostess, here are our helpful tips to organising a killer festive bash.

1. ‘Lie’ about when it’s kicking off

You know your mates best – some knock on the door ridiculously early when you’re mid-contour (argh!), and others rock up when it’s nearly wrap up time. A devious but totally necessary tip is to tell your eager beaver friends the start time is later, and the late arses that it’s earlier. Sneaky, us?

2. Choons

If there’s not a bit of Wham, East 17 or Elton on your playlist, we hate to break it to you but you’re doing something very wrong. Our tip is to hit up Spotify to create the ultimate festive playlist. Altogether now: “All I want for Christmas is youuu!” Thanks Maz.

3. Deck the halls

And the sitting room. And the kitchen. And sure go on, put a mini Christmas tree in the bathroom too for good measure. It’s a CHRISTMAS party, so think less is more, and go a bit mad with the tinsel like a good woman.

4. Make a swanky toast

You’re a suave, sophisticated woman, right? (FYI: it still counts if you answered a doubtful 'ish' to this). So set the tone by filling some flutes with a classy drink to toast the season / your friendship / Michelle’s unreal sequin dress. We’ll be quaffing Makulu’s Pomula, which has to be the prettiest fizz there is. Served like champers, it’s a lightly sparkling blend of rosé wine with exotic pomegranate and marula fruit flavours – yum!

5. Sort some nibbles

You know and we know there’s nothing worse than the crushing disappointment of discovering there’s no food at a party. “Shocking! Not even a bowl of crisps!” will be the whispers amongst the disgruntled guests. So even if you only serve bowls of nuts, crisps or other snackables, have something for the love of God.

6. Embrace the novelty head gear

Novelty head gear can make or break a party. OK, maybe not make or break, but they definitely add to the craic. If your budget allows it, pop into a euro store and pick up some Santa hats, reindeer headbands and flashing angel halo boppers. Sure what other opportunity will you have to wear a flashing angel halo bopper? This is your chance. TAKE IT!

7. Have the craic

Yep, you’re the hostess, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. Our most important piece of advice is not to get bogged down worrying that other people aren’t having a good time – trust us, they are. Now did Fairytale of New York just come on? Go, on, off you go and do your best Shane MacG.

Pomula is available in selected Spar, Eurospar, Mace and Londis stores nationwide. For more info, click here.