Silver and gold sugared almonds on the table offer an extravagant shimmer, like edible sparkly confetti. And I like the way they glint in the candlelight. This year I’m also using candy canes everywhe

WELCOMING VISITORS TO STAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS OR THROWING A WINTER SOIRÉE? TALLULAH RUSHAYA ASKS THE PROFESSIONALS FOR TIPS ON HOW TO BE THE HOST WITH THE MOST AT THIS JOYFUL TIME OF YEAR

You gather the guest list – and let the rooms define the disco

FAR MORE THAN DISHES THAT WORK TOGETHER, A MENU SETS THE STAGE FOR DINNERS WITH FRIENDS – OR SO SAYS DIANA HENRY

Experiment with your pigs in blankets

Creating a room where guests want to spend time takes the pressure off busy hosts, says Arabella Youens