Debenhams

Be Our Guest

Step into the wonderful world of hosting, as we bring you all the best tips, tricks and top products you need to pull off your best ever, stress-free Christmas. From organising your kitchen and prepping for overnight guests, to keeping the family entertained and creating a delightful decorative tablescape - we’ve got your festive season wrapped.

Cook up a feast

As one of the most anticipated meals of the year, the Christmas roast dinner can be a daunting prospect – but fear not, we have all the Cookware you need to make the process as straightforward as possible. Begin planning in advance and create a checklist of key kitchen equipment to help you save time on the big day. Look to high-quality, cast aluminium roasting tins and durable cooking pots and invest in a kitchen thermometer to ensure your roast dinner is cooked to perfection. Master the art of multi-tasking with a smart chopping board set, to co-ordinate the different components of your cooking prep, or opt for a multi-functional food chopper to quite literally cut down the time spent slicing and dicing. Organise your kitchen surfaces so everything is easily accessible – countertop spice racks are great for storing seasonings, jars and condiments and a stackable wine rack keeps all your drinks of choice tidily stored in one place.

Set the scene

Create a stunning Christmas Day tablescape to showcase your meal in the most aesthetically pleasing way and create an atmosphere for merry celebration. Lay the table with a festive-themed tablecloth and add some festive flare with a decorative candle centrepiece. Why not invest in a quality dinnerware set, perfect for special hosting occasions. Opt for a set of pristine bone china crockery and a large decorative platter to serve your feast, and don't forget some festive-shaped dishes for your cranberry sauce, chutneys and other Christmas condiments. Large serving spoons are essential for any big dinner party, as well as a premium set of stainless-steel cutlery, so guests can tuck straight into their meal. Toast the season with some sparkling crystal wine glasses for your festive tipple and spark joy with delightful Christmas crackers filled with classic novelty gifts, party crowns and cheesy jokes.

After-dinner entertainment

Once you’ve finished your festive feasting and begin to feel the oncoming food coma, settle down with your friends and family for an evening of fun-filled entertainment. Christmas-themed board games, quizzes and charades are a great way to keep everyone in a merry mood, both the young and young-at-heart. For a sophisticated celebration with friends, why not host a festive cocktail evening with a mixology experience set and serve up your boozy creations with a stylish set of cocktail glasses. Once you’ve made space for some dessert or a hot drink, pick out the perfect co-ordinating dessert plates and mugs, ideal for a cup of tea or coffee, a piece of Christmas pudding and a mince pie…or two! If you prefer a savoury after-dinner snack, put together a cheese board or grazing platter to display your array of tasty treats.

Overnight guest essentials

If you’re hosting family and friends who’ve come from afar, ensure your guest space is prepped and ready for their arrival with cosy essentials. A pull-out sofa bed is a great option if you don’t want to take up space with a full-size double bed, as it can be tidily packed away and used for seating when you’re not busy hosting. Make your Christmas company feel right at home with a deluxe hybrid mattress, warming, luxury cotton duvet cover and a luxe electric blanket, for a guaranteed restful night's sleep. Ensure your guests have everything they need to feel refreshed, with a set of luxury bathroom towels and add the finishing touches to your seasonal hosting space with an aromatic scented Christmas candle.