With the party season fast approaching it's time to get your cocktail shakers in a row and make sure you're fully equipped to fulfil your most fabulous hostess potential.
Whether you're doing a cocktail party for friends or tea and cake for your granny, you'll be talked about afterwards for all the right reasons with this little lot in your armoury. It's all about the details...
The Christmas Party
First things first – make sure you have a glass for every possible drink request.
Glasses all from a range at Habitat.
You wouldn't want your guests putting their fabulous glasses directly onto your woodwork now would you?
Portland coasters by Thomas Paul, £12.95 for a set of four at Supernice.
A touch of class and a throwback to more elegant times. Any drink would taste better served like this.
LSA Hour Glass Decanter, £36 at Heal's.
If you're looking to graduate from cereal bowls filled with crisps (guilty as charged) as your trademark party nibble, here is the grown-up alternative.
Mango wood bread and dip tray, £32.95 at Servewell.
A must for all serious cocktail makers everywhere, this 3 tier (salt, sugar and lime juice) glass rimmer adds an impressive professional finishing touch to all those delicious concoctions you'll be shaking up for all your grateful friends.
Cocktail salt and sugar rimmer, £14.99 at Drinkstuff.
The simplest things are often the best – exhibit A, the perfect party tray. Save yourself many unnecessary trips between your guests and the fridge and serve them all at once – and in some considerable style.
Gold lacquer tray, £9 at John Lewis.
Aware that Christmas is not only about booze but also about cake - impress your parents/grandparents/friends popping round for a cuppa and a catch-up and go the extra mile with this gorgeous confection.
Regency three-tier cake stand, £29.95 at dotcomgiftshop.
A couple of nods to the festive season is all you need to make a Christmas dinner party special. Pile on the candles and make a special effort by adding these fun napkin rings.
Jingle bells set of four napkin rings, £20 at Habitat.
Possibly the best serving dish we've ever seen, bring a touch of Southern India to the party with this stunning aluminium leaf-shaped platter. Could also be used to serve a starter.
Banana leaf long serving platter, £65 at The Conran Shop.
Some things in life are not strictly necessary, but that does not make them any less desirable. And it is party season after all. So much cuter than struggling with a popped cork.
Jonathan Adler squirrel bottle stopper £16 at Heal's.