The allure of the dinner party is magnetic, with the mere thought of being surrounded by friends, family and fabulous food making our hearts flutter with excitement. But that being said, the prep that goes into pulling it all together is pretty daunting once committed, from organising dates, guests and of course, what you’re going to eat and drink. It doesn’t have to be intimidating though, not if you’re equipped with the right strategy for letting your hosting skills shine.

A brand that embodies the sleek sophistication a dinner party deservers is Villeroy & Boch. With innovative, high-quality products that are as elegant as they are stylish, the brand specialises in pieces made for impressing, and that will live in your homeware collections for years to come. All of which make the rest of the planning, a breeze.

If you foresee a festive season filled with fancy dinners at home, here’s your ultimate guide to set yourself up for success.

Prepping your table before dinner should be one of the funnest parts of your party planning experience, and having everything ready to go ahead of time is going to set the festive mood. To host a fancier styled event, look to sleek and sophisticated pieces in black and gold to amp up the night time feel.

Easy-to-make, delicious and stunning cocktails are crucial to dinner party success. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make that process as seamless as shake and pour. For an elevated finish, have some statement-making garnishes on-hand.

To really embrace the fancy mood, add a little extra to your table with candles, florals and decor. For a really special occasion (or just for the fun of it), add a personal touch of placecards and menus.