How to host the ultimate Christmas dinner party

It’s time to deck the halls and prep your figgy pudding: Christmas party season is upon us. We’ve chatted to Hong Kong’s premier event and food experts for their best tips and buys to make your next festive gathering a breeze.

Whether you want to finalise your Christmas party ideas or finesse the ultimate tablescape, read on for their expert tips and top party essentials which you can grab from the Cathay Shop.  

How to plan a Christmas party

“Timing is crucial for events,” says Kim Williams-Waaijer, Chief Event Planner at Fete Events . 

Alison Tan , a food stylist who has helped run successful experiential dining events, shares a handy timeline for working through your party preparations.

Up to 3 weeks beforehand

“Secure the date as soon as possible to give your guests ample time to RSVP,” advises Tan. “Treat the invitation like part of the experience; you can set the tone and distinguish your true purpose for celebration.”

"Check in with your vendors on their holiday stocks to avoid wrestling with another frazzled host over the store’s last turkey. If you’re doing a potluck, send a spreadsheet or start a list in the group chat to ensure everyone contributes something different,” she continues.

2 weeks prior

Confirm numbers and finalise your menu. Last orders for decor, food and drinks should be made a week before the event once you have your complete guest list.

The day before 

Ensure shopping and preparations are complete. “Prep as much as possible the day before so the next day is mostly execution and finishing touches,” says Tan. “For example, I’ll opt for a batched cocktail and refrigerate it the night before so when guests arrive, I simply need to pour and garnish.”

The day of

Before the party starts, Tan recommends focusing on self-care as “your energy will set the tone.”

Then it’s time to throw open the doors. “As soon as guests arrive, drinks and canapés should be served,” says Williams-Waiijer. “An hour from their arrival is a good time to start serving dinner.”

In her experience, dinner typically lasts an hour and dessert is a good time for speeches. Games can help keep little ones occupied, while Secret Santa Christmas party gift exchanges always make your soiree extra fun.

In any case, Williams-Waiijer says, “I like to keep the whole length of events to three hours – it’s long enough for proper socialisation but not too long that it’s dragging.”

Christmas party games 

Indie Boards & Cards – Avalon board game

Nothing spices up a gathering like Avalon, a game in which you have to work together to find the traitor among you. Poker faces required.

Nintendo Switch^™ game - Super Mario Party

Looking to carve out some adults-only time while the kids are occupied? There’s a reason Mario Party is one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises, full of minigames and maps to explore as players compete for stars. 

Christmas decorations

The internet is full of Christmas party decor inspiration. While social media is a great place to start curating your mood board, Williams-Waaijer recommends heading to Hong Kong’s shopping malls for more concrete ideas. 

“You should first narrow down your motif and/or theme and stick to it,” she advises.

Rather than giving into the urge to purchase as much decor as you can, keep in mind that less is often more. “Adding candles and firefly twinkle lights can give a soft, subtle and classy glow,” says Williams-Waaijer. 

Tan also advises restraint. “I like to use a coloured tablecloth, candles, velvet ribbons, fresh winter foliage and an assortment of seasonal vegetables to transform the space,” she says. “Create a few decoration touch points for maximum impact, such as the entrance to your home, the dinner table, and by your bathroom sink.”

Creating a beautiful Christmas table setting

The essence of any festive gathering is the meal, and finessing your tablescape can take a party from average to incredible. Williams-Waaijer says, “A well-coordinated tablescape with matching glasses, plates, and decor is important. A showpiece such as a whole turkey or Christmas log can also highlight the holiday spirit.”

Meanwhile, beige foods like roasted potatoes and parsnips can be elevated with the help of a few sprinkled herbs, Tan notes.

Party essentials

Cathay Pacific – Adventure ornaments

Themed to look like gingerbread, these tiny aircraft and crew figures combine aviation and Christmas in one adorable box.

Christmas party food

Tan suggests learning your guests’ dietary requirements in advance and keeping track of your planned recipes, required ingredients and quantities in a spreadsheet. Meanwhile, Williams-Waaijer suggests buying more than you think you’ll need. “It’s better to overestimate by a bit than to run out of food at the party,” she says. 

As for the menu, welcome people with a glass of champagne or a festive cocktail and a few small bites such as “a grazing board or melted camembert topped with onion jam and served with sliced baguette,” Tan says.

“As a general rule,” she continues, “plan one show-stopping protein each for omnivores and vegetarians, a few carbohydrate-heavy side dishes, at least one cooked vegetable and a sharp salad and/or tangy sauce to cut through the richness.” 

Williams-Waaijer recommends having lots of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. “I like creating a custom Christmas cocktail menu with festive flavours such as peppermint, nutmeg, gingerbread and cinnamon,” she adds.

Fridge essentials