You're organising a Christmas dinner with friends? Here's how to make it a real success!

This year, you’ve had multiple “sharing recipes” meals at the corner of a table, graciously reserved two weeks in advanced for a 2-hour limit, beyond which you will respectfully be asked to leave, or get kicked out. For Christmas however, you long for an intimate get-together with your friends. It turns out that the holiday dinner, “Friendsmas” as the Americans say, will be held at home. Are you ready to take up that challenge?

Preparation and selfcare in advance

Being the perfect host is no easy task, but hospitality should be a fun and delightful one. So, it’s time to light the Horace x Duralex candle, with its relaxing notes of cedar and pine, and to invest some time into selfcare. First on the the agenda is the Purifying Face Mask to get free the skin of impurities – do this step after cleansing your face, of course. Then, you can apply our Anti-Dark Circle Serum, followed by our Mattifying Face Moisturiser. If you have a beard, use our Tobacco & Vanilla Bear Oil. You will look amazing when you welcome your guests. After all, you will kind of be the star of this dinner party.

What’s on the menu?

The myth, the legend, the one and only: Secret Satna. Finding a gift that is both appealing and useful can be the cause of many headaches. The solution: skincare products. Everyone likes to take some time to themselves, to look and smell good. Especially with products that are kind to the skin and the planet. For those looking to take care of their skin, there’s a Full Skincare Gift Set. For the ones with beards there is the Beard Duo Gift Set. Do you want to mix and match products? Combine body care products that will please even the ones who are less invested in the art of being groomed. The Peppermint & Tea Tree shower gel, the Exfoliating Soap Bar and the Moisturising Hand Balm are an impeccable combination.

As for the dishes, ditto: simple is more. Accept the help if someone offers to bring a dessert, or if you forgot the bread. Spoiler alert: you will forget the bread. Go for a dish that you know rather than trying out a new recipe for chicken ballotines at 7pm. Avoid going from Top Chef to Kitchen Nightmares.

“I’ll give it a 10 for the warm hospitality”

It may sound absurd, but the key to success of a dinner with friends is above all the choice of friends. In order to have The Dinner Game stay a movie and stay away from Reality-Tv-worthy drama, gather your friends according to their chemistry. You are the one creating the atmosphere, so, as a perfect host, lead the discussion and make sure to avoid any fights. If necessary, hit them with the trusted “vacation destination” card. Or mention the latest selfcare trend by mentioning the new Vernis Horace x The Manicurist nail polish and how it can brighten up your daily life. You will end the night with some amazing recommendations that are much more fun and useful than knowing who Jose will be voting for.