*Hosting Guests Over Christmas + Places To Visit

The festive season is upon us and that means an influx of friends and relatives as well as neighbours coming over for a catch up, to exchange presents or for a Christmas get together which can be more than a little daunting! There is always so much to do at this time of the year with Boxing Day and New Year not far behind so here are some of my tips for hosting guests over the festive season as well as recommendations of places to visit in the North West.

Christmassy Vegetarian & Vegan Options - The Easy Way

Let's start with the best part of any Christmas get together...food. As a vegetarian (and mostly vegan now), I always find going to get togethers so awkward and I just end up eating Pringles which we all know is a recipe for disaster as when one pops, one just can't stop. If you have vegetarian or vegan guests visiting over the festive season don't panic, there are so many incredibly easy options to make such as my vegan cinnamon rolls, vegan  pizza or if you are looking for an easier option then Marks & Spencers have a great range of vegetarian options. The key to any get together is preparation so make sure you prep as much as you can before hand.

Delicious Festive Mocktails For All The Family 

Cocktails my be delicious and perfect for the festive season but not everyone drinks alcohol so festive mocktails are a great alternative for all the family! There are so many combinations but I created a couple of festive mocktails last mont that were so sweet and delicious. Don't forget to dust the rim of the glasses with sugar for a fabulously frosted look. Also unlike cocktails, you don't have to go out and buy specific ingredients, you can make them with drinks, fruit and extras you probably already have in your kitchen.

Christmas Decor

We already have our tree and other Christmas decorations up (they're from Amara, including the sequinned bauble above) and they are essential to any Christmas party or get together. I love this time of the year with the multitude of fairy lights, bauble filled Christmas trees and glittering outdoor lights. Why not go the extra mile this year to impress your guests with homemade Christmas decorations such as a nordic winter wreath, homemade Christmas crackers or handmade Christmas cards.

Party Games & Quizzes

Entertaining vast numbers of family members can be a little difficult so why not watch a festive movie? My favourites have to include, Elf, The Grinch and The Polar Express - just add some festive popcorn dusted in cinnamon, chocolate chips and edible glitter and you're ready. Christmas quizzes are also a great way to keep everyone entertained as they argue with each other! We always have a Boxing Day family quiz and it never ends well...

Days Out: Christmas Markets & Shopping

Last but not least, why not head to the Christmas markets with your friends and family this year! Manchester has a plethora of Christmas markets all over the city centre to enjoy. Another place to visit is Liverpool ONE which is a huge shopping area not far from Manchester with entertainment and restaurants by the waterfront. There are over 170 shops as well as a cinema, indoor golf, gardens and the Roxy ball room. Liverpool ONE restaurants range from Bill's and Byron to Jamie's Italian and more; some of which have Christmas menus to choose from. If you want to add some sightseeing into your visit then Liverpool ONE isn't far from the Museum of Liverpool, the Merseyside Maritime Museum or Tate Liverpool. I visited Liverpool ONE (well, Liverpool in general) for the first time earlier this year and loved it despite the awful weather and I'd love to visit again!

Do you have any tips for hosting guests at this time of the year? Have you visited Liverpool ONE? 

*This is a collaborative post