House Manager Laura Ford shares her top tips for planning the perfect Christmas party!
Christmas party planning can be a little tricky, but with the right preparation it can also be an enjoyable breeze. Here are a few cheeky pointers to help you plan your festive celebrations to help you get by. If it still seems too much, you can always join us here at our restaurant in Woodbridge and let us do the work!

1. Set a date – make sure you have enough time to prepare and let everyone know in good time
2. Send out invitations – make it fun, dinner parties are great events so make your guests feel extra special with a tailored invitation. Make sure you include all of the important details, including dress code.
3. Plan your menu – make sure you what you are cooking is achievable, and contact guests to see if they have any dietary requirements.
4. Preparation – plan what can you cook in advance and schedule in when you can do it.
5. Drinks for the night – aperitifs are as important as the food. I recommend a cocktail or a glass of something sparkling, choose matching wines for the different courses.
6. Tableware – have you got enough cutlery, plates, glasses, cups and saucers? There’s nothing worse than getting to the day and realising that lovely set of plates is one main course plate short!
7. Setting the table – Will you have a seating plan? Table cloth or no table cloth? Candles? Flowers? Imagine your perfect table and go for it.
8. Cook, cook, cook! – Leave yourself plenty of time, don’t rush and it will be perfect…
9. Dress for the evening – If you’re like me, plan in advance with no panicking about what to wear! It’s your night, all the hard work is done, so dress like kings and queens and await your guests.
10. Welcome, drink serve and have a fabulous evening (Top tip – pay the kids to do the washing up!)

Check our events page to see what’s going on at The Crown at Woodbridge!