3 steps to easy Christmas entertaining

The first step in getting the party started? A master lesson in mixology. We suggest having a few cocktail books out for your guests to browse – they can select their drink of choice, and have fun creating their own cocktails by mixing spirits, fizz and garnishes. Give them the tools they need too, including glassware, cocktail shakers, muddlers and measures, plus bowls filled with sliced citrus fruits, cucumber, sugar syrup and other ingredients. Lastly, keep it cool with plenty of ice. Whether they’re drinking beer, cocktails or filling their wine glasses with white wine spritzers, the key is maintaining a well-stocked bar with plenty of spirits, drinking glasses, garnishes and ice.

Don’t ruin your cocktail with the wrong glass - this can affect the flavour and finish of your chosen drink – alcoholic or otherwise. Our gin glasses, for example, are modelled after the traditional Copa de Balon glass, which has a large, round shape to enhance the aroma of the spirit, and a tall stem to prevent the drink from warming with your touch. This style of balloon glass is perfect for the crisp flavour of gin and tonics, as it allows for plenty of ice to be added to the drink, plus space for garnishes to impress. Keep other cocktail glasses like highballs or tumblers on hand too, to allow guests to mix and muddle their own short drinks or fill with non-alcoholic sodas.

So that guests can make their drinks at their leisure, set the bar on a large drinks trolley to keep everything in one place. You can also line a tray with prosecco-filled champagne glasses, canapes and crudités. As the host, you can pick up and put down the tray as needed, moving around the party and making sure your guests are fed, watered and happy. Now let the party begin!