Bubbles always say fun so, even in the depths of winter, I like to kick off an event with something cold and sparkling. You can now buy decent non-alcoholic options, too, so everyone can be handed a glass of bubbles. For extra pep – and a lovely shade of pink – add crème de cassis, which can already be in the glass so all you have to do is pour in the sparkling wine, or champagne, before handing it to your guest.

Lockdowns changed the way we socialise and smaller, more relaxed gatherings are the way we entertain now. Sharing platters are popular and are easy to put together, look sumptuous and are simple to adapt to what your guests eat (or don’t eat). When it comes to food, it’s all about serving elevated versions of everyday foods – so, on a sharing platter, for example, Iberico ham, rather than standard salami, and unusual speciality cheeses, instead of Cheddar or Camembert.

Add layers of decoration to your table, so a placemat on which to sit your plates and a folded napkin that is a base for the cutlery. Tie a bow with ribbon to the stem of a wine glass. Ditch large floral centrepieces that no one can see over and, instead, keep things low, but eye-catching with bud vases filled with seasonal foliage. Give the table height and grandeur with candles in tall candleholders placed all the way down it. Think about the personal touch. Create handmade menu cards (cutting card with scalloped scissors gives a pretty, decorative edge) and place cards. Add a small, personalised gift to each table setting. A couple of Christmases ago, I bought empty crackers and added little gifts and jokes personal to the person opening the cracker. It was such a success; I will never revert to shop-bought crackers again.

People think that to throw a party or meal that feels extra special, they have to do lots and lots of different things – serve myriads of dishes and decorate every inch of the home. The pressure of doing this makes what should be an enjoyable time of year, very stressful. Instead, do less, but make sure that what you do delivers maximum impact. And ask people for help, such as suggesting everyone bring a dish which makes hosting so much easier and less stressful.

Rachel Loos is a freelance interiors writer, formerly Editor of “ELLE Decoration” and currently Lifestyle Editor of “Grazia” magazine. Her book, “Art At Home: An Accessible Guide To Collecting And Curating Art In Your Home”, is out now.