
Christmas is fast approaching, and with just a week to go, you might be imagining yourself relaxing with a glass of mulled wine, confident that everything is ticked off your list. But is it really? Even Delia Smith, the iconic British cook, reminds us in her Christmas cookbooks that it’s often the little non-food essentials – the easily overlooked items for the home – that make all the difference when hosting.
When it comes to Christmas hosting, it’s easy to forget the small details that keep everything running smoothly. Do you have enough napkins and napkin rings so guests aren’t reaching for kitchen roll? Spare place cards? Or a simple set of matching candlesticks to make your table feel effortlessly polished? A few thoughtful purchases now will ensure you’re ready for guests, without any last-minute scrambling or awkward improvisation.