How To Host A Christmas Dinner and Actually Enjoy It

26th Nov 2025

Posted by Alice Ewens on 26th Nov 2025

Hosting Christmas dinner can feel like juggling gravy boats and baubles - exciting but a little overwhelming!

If you’re trying to make the day magical without blowing the budget (or your sanity), this guide is for you. We’ve packed it with practical tips to help you plan, prep, and create a warm, festive home that feels special but real. Because Christmas doesn’t have to be flawless to be fabulous.

Table of Contents ▼

Make Space For A Sparkly Morning

The living room is where the magic begins – tearing open gifts, sipping that first cuppa, and soaking up the festive vibes. Make sure it’s comfy and stylish without it having to cost a fortune.

Sofas That Feel Like A Hug

A new sofa can transform your space. Think cosy fabrics in neutral tones or rich jewel colours for a festive pop. A 3-seater for family lounging, a 2-seater for snug corners, or go for a total makeover with one of each plus a matching armchair for extra seatingThis actually gives you more options and versatility than a single corner sofa, as you can actually face your guests and move seating around to make extra floor space if you need it. And you can get it all delivered from us before Christmas if you choose a delivery date up to 19th December.

Don’t Forget The Rug

At some point, someone will end up on the floor, handing out gifts, playing with the new toys, or being the designated toy-battery-dispenser. A soft rug anchors your room and makes it snuggly for those moments. Plus, it’s a great last minute design fix to add colours and textures to tie your decor together without having to repaint a room or swap out all your furniture.

warm living room with maroon velvet sofas, cream rug, wood coffee table, fireplace and Christmas tree
Jolene 3 seater, 2 seater and armchair in maroon velvet,
Rift cream carved arches rug

How To Plan Your Christmas Dinner Table Layout

The heart of Christmas is gathering around the dining table, sharing food and laughter. Start by planning your table and seating. Know how many people you’re hosting and makes sure you’ve got enough seats for everyone. Measure up your space and make sure you can fit everything in. You can always set up multiple tables, one in the living room, if needed. Extendable dining tables are a lifesaver for extra guests, and console tables or sideboards can double as serving stations or even a chic home bar. For more inspiration, check out our Christmas Dining & How To Create A Christmas Tablescape blogs.

Easy Christmas Table Décor Hacks

You don’t need a designer budget to make your dining room feel magical. Here’s how to achieve our fave Christmas décor trends for 2025 with simple, affordable steps:

Maximalist & Colourful: Layer bright tablecloths or runners with bold napkins – mix patterns for a fun, eclectic vibe. Use inexpensive baubles or leftover tree decorations as table centrepieces in glass bowls. Add fairy lights along the table or draped over a sideboard for extra sparkle.

@homebymisswong featuring our Vita Black Irregular Pebble Wall Mirror

80s & 90s Nostalgia: Hunt out retro tinsel and colourful garlands – charity shops and supermarkets often have budget-friendly options. Use bright plastic plates or patterned paper napkins for a playful throwback. Add a few novelty crackers or kitschy ornaments for that nostalgic charm.

90s retro Christmas decor dining room
[Pinterest]

Scandi Simplicity: Keep it neutral with white table linen, natural wood chargers, and greenery like eucalyptus or pine sprigs with some dried orange slices. Add candles in simple holders for soft, cosy light. Use plain crockery and let textures (linen, wood, foliage) do the talking. This look works so well with wooden dining tables.

Pesaro black velvet dining chairs, Layla cream fabric swivel dining chair and Lynton wood dining chair around our Lynton walnut wood dining table

Budget tip: Pound shops, supermarkets, and even your own Christmas box from last year are treasure troves for affordable décor. Mix old and new for a look that feels personal and festive.

Easy Christmas Dinner Food Hacks

While décor sets the scene, food is the star, but it doesn’t have to stress you out. Try these hacks:

Prep ahead: Chop veg, make sauces, and set the table the night before.
Delegate: Ask guests to bring a dish or dessert – most people love to help.
Batch cook sides: Roast potatoes and parsnips can be pre-cooked and reheated.
Ready-made shortcuts: Don’t be afraid to buy pre-made gravy, pastry and puddings – no one will notice!
Checklists are your friend: Use Pinterest or printables for shopping and cooking timelines that someone else has already thought out for you
Cook smarter: Use slow cookers and microwaves to steam veg and cook stuffing to free up oven space.

Cap It Off With A Cosy Christmas Day Evening

After the excitement of gifts and the feast, the evening is all about winding down and enjoying those little moments. Layer the lighting with lamps and candles (real or LED) to create instant ambience against the Christmas tree lights. Create a snack station on your coffee table, pperfect for setting out mince pies, leftover turkey sandwiches, and a pot of tea or mulled wine. A large coffee table can make a world of difference just by having that extra surface area – even better if it’s got some built-in storage. Make an entertainment corner with a pre-prepared stack of board games or a deck of cards in your TV stand or sideboard.

round wood coffee table with people playing cards
Amy round solid wood coffee table

Hosting A Christmas Sleepover

Extra guests can feel daunting, but with a little planning, it’s easy, even if you don’t have a guest bedroom. A stylish sofa bed doubles as seating by day and a comfy bed by night. A single sofa bed is a space-savvy solution for smaller spaces, while a double sofa bed can transform your office into a lovely temporary guest room. If you’re looking for something more permanent, a simple wood bed frame that will go with any existing decor will look seamless and deliberate even if it’s a last minute addition – we won’t tell if you don't!

orange velvet double sofa bed shown both folded as sofa and unfolded as bed
Bobby double sofa bed in orange velvet

Stress Less

Christmas should be about connection, not perfection. Here’s how to keep calm:

Spread the cost: Use our Klarna finance options to make budgeting easier.
Hassle-free furniture delivery: See something you like on our website? Pick a delivery date that suits you up to the 19th December and still have guaranteed delivery before Christmas.
Super simple returns: Not quite right? Not a problem! Check out our super simple returns policy that offers free returns on a lot of our products and a small fee for larger upholstered items.
And lastly, but most importantly, focus on what matters. The laughter, the love, the memories…that’s the real magic.

teddy on wooden coffee table in warm Christmas living room

FAQs

What's The Best Furniture Addition To Make Hosting Christmas Easier?
Go for addtional surface space, with either a large coffee table or sideboard that can act as a secondary hub outside the dining room. A coffee table with storage or sideboard gives you somewhere to stash games, a plus a flat top for extra serving space that can become a bar or desserts station later on. Plus, a big coffee table can be your games table for after dinner fun.

What’s the easiest way to plan seating for Christmas dinner?
Start by measuring your space and deciding on the best layout. Extendable dining tables are ideal for extra guests, and console tables or sideboards can double as serving stations.

When should I order furniture to get it before Christmas?
Choose a delivery date up to 17th December for guaranteed arrival in time for the big day.

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