How to get your table ready for Christmas Eve

It's almost Christmas. The two most important dates of the year are coming: December 24th -Christmas Eve- and December 25 -Christmas Day. Two days of gathering with family and friends and being at home.

Christmas is a big deal in countries across Europe. While each country has its own unique traditions, they all have one thing in common: the joy of sharing this time with the people you love. 

For this holiday, we want to give you some tips to get your house ready. If you are the host this year and need to create a cozy Christmas atmosphere, then you have come to the right place. Follow the tips in this post and you will be the best host ever!

1. Create a cozy atmosphere with Christmas decorations.

The first step to setting up your home will be filling the house with small details that will make all the difference.

The most essential thing in any home is a Christmas tree decorated with colorful lights that will give it an original touch. While we can't forget about the gifts under the tree…

The lights are the star of the show. Get lights to put into an empty glass bottle that you have around the house, and put them in the center of the table. This will add a special atmosphere to the dinner.

It's important not to forget any details on the table. Make a 'checklist’ with everything you need. We suggest:

• Lights, candles, air fresheners, and all kinds of atmospheric touches will make your guests feel at home. Bring out your creative side and make special centerpieces.

• Make everyone feel special by making a wooden hanger for each of them with their name or initials. Hang them on their chairs; that way, everyone will know that they have a special place in your home! Visit our crafts blog to find out how to make this hanger.

• Tablecloths, napkins, and doilies with Christmas prints. As well as the best cutlery set for trying all the different foods.

Lastly, don't forget the most important thing: the accessories you need to open the bottles of wine you're going to drink. Because we love to toast and celebrate with wine!

2. Include a fun knick-knack for all your guests; this will bring you closer together.

It's important for you and your guests to have a good time, enjoy yourselves, and make the evening one to remember. So find out how many guests you'll have, and get some fun Christmas hats. Put them on each of the chairs so that everyone can put them on before sitting down at the table.

3. Music: the most important detail to create your Christmas atmosphere. 

How could we not include a section on music? Carols are one of the most iconic parts of this holiday, so you can't go without them at the table.

Before and during dinner, set up a wireless speaker in a strategic spot to play the music at an ambient volume level that everyone can hear. After dinner, you can even have some karaoke and find out who knows all the carols the best. You'll have a great time!

4. Games and entertainment for after dinner.

Dinner is over, and there's that moment when you might not know how to continue the evening. The last thing you'd want to do would be to go to sleep - you have to take advantage of the time you have to spend with your family and stick together.

That's why you have to have a lot of games for everyone to enjoy. When you finish the sweets, start with a little music to brighten up the night and get moving to the rhythm of carols!

Board games are one of the coziest traditions. Being at home with family and having such a fun time. Traditional games are always a hit.  You can have Connect-Four or chess tournaments and go through rounds until there is a winner. Or if you'd rather, party games are fun, too.  Dare cards, drinking games, penguin towers, and so much more…

At Ale-Hop, we are all about traditions. That's why we'll end this post with a reminder: don't forget to set out cookies and a glass of milk in one of our super cool mugs for Santa Claus!