If you're hosting Christmas at home this year or sharing some time off with close friends and family, it's time to get organised.

So where do you begin when planning your festive gatherings?  If you are hosting a get together at your place, you may need to think about accommodating for extra guests. Now where to start...

Melissa Gullifer, stylist at Focus on Furniture said, “There is nothing more daunting than realising you are the one hosting a Christmas lunch or dinner. Entertaining guests with maximum impact this Christmas can be achieved by planning how you will accommodate your guests with the right food, entertainment, furniture pieces and accessories.”

Ms Gullifer advises following the below steps when planning your home to accommodate extra guests with elegant furniture this Christmas:

1.  Clear the hallway. 

Creating an impressive entrance is definitely the first step to welcoming your guests. Store away shoes and other personal items and add a bunch of fresh flowers on your hall table to create a warm and welcoming environment.

2.  Select your seating. 

Work out how many guests you need to accommodate and figure out if you require additional seating in your home. Adding elegant bar-stools around your kitchen or dining areas for additional seating and conversation, is an effective option. Or you could explore adding more dining chairs around the dining table or living areas if required.

3.  Create an elegant dining table. 

Selecting a dining table is crucial to ensuring everyone is accommodated, comfortable and for easy flow of conversation as well as easy access to food and drinks. Most dining suites are available from 5 piece to 11 piece options. Check what dimensions you require to entertain your guests and ensure the seating is evenly spaced. Once you have the dining table sorted, check if you have the exact number of place-mats, plates, cutlery, napkins and glassware required to set the table. If you are hosting a formal gathering, you might opt for adding the guest’s name on a place card or bauble, so they can easily find their seat. Add a fresh bunch of flowers or assorted candles to the centre of the table and keep them at a reasonable size so it’s not hard to see and talk to each other. Keep it fun and fresh, lots of colour will give you that festive feel.

4.  Spruce up your sofa.

Sofa seating encourages a relaxed vibe, so invite your guests to take advantage of your lounge and chill. Style it with some new cushions and throws for a fresh new welcoming space. And if you are entertaining a large crowd, think about adding an ottoman, and keep coffee or side tables close by the sofa to offer guests nibbles and drinks.

5.  Add pops of colour. 

Inspire creativity and a bit of decorative flair by adding pops of colour to your sofa. These are quick and easy ways to dress a sofa and make your guests feel right at home. Add patterned scatter cushions with vibrant colours or a pretty textured throw to your sofa. It will make an impact and give a fresh new look to celebrate the festive season.

“These are some simple solutions that can accommodate extra guests and make them feel comfortable in your home so you can welcome them with confidence this Christmas,” said Melissa.