Second step
Send out your invitations at least three weeks before and get yourself on Santa's good girl list at the same time. Many charities now offer stylishly designed cards, and are a great way to give something back!

Fourth step
"Plan your menu", says Nigel Parkinson, events manager at Restaurante Associates. " Try to avoid cooking foods which take a long time. You’re much better sticking to hors d'ourves. But keep it cool. Food that requires heating will only complicate matters. Or get someone else to do the hard work. Waitrose now offer an entertaining service, whereby food, plates and finishing party touches are all delivered straight to your door. We promise we won't tell anyone! Visit www.waitrose.co.uk for details".

Add a little inventiveness to your party. "An unusual menu, unexpected guests, beautifully decorated location and great music will all get your party off to a great start." says Ina Garten, author of the Barefoot Contessa Parties (Random House, £19).

Fifth step
Create a welcoming atmosphere. "Drape your table in contrasting colours for a dramatic effect, such as a gold plate against a red cloth, for a rich, Christmassy look." Says party planner Peregrine Armstrong Jones, who organised the Beckham's wedding decorations. "Add tea lights and candles in coloured glasses for a cosy, warm effect."

Sixth Step
Add some fizz. Cocktails are a great way to inject some Christmas fun into your evening.

Seventh step
Get the party started. Ask some friends to bring their favourite CDs and get everybody to take it in turns playing DJ. It'll be one less thing for you to worry about.

Eighth step
Enjoy yourself! It's your party, so have fun. Pour yourself a cocktail and circulate. It's your night, so make the most of it!