How to keep everybody happy this Christmas

It is not easy entertaining people over Christmas. People have different tastes and some people just don’t seem happy no matter what you do. It is impossible to please everybody, but you can give it a good go.

The food side almost takes care of itself. Buffet food takes over during Christmas and there is always a tin of chocolates within eyeshot.

I find the most difficult aspect of hosting is the alcohol side of things. People can be very particular about alcohol. The worst thing you can do is run out. Make sure you stock up and try to cater for everybody�s needs.

Beer has become increasingly popular and versatile. Who thought just a few years ago that fruit beer would be a hit? I find you can�t go wrong with a crate of premium lager. Beer is not every person�s drink of choice � buy a bottle or two of lemonade so people have the option of turning it into a shandy. If I could recommend one lager it would be Fosters Gold Beer � it proved to be a big hit when I had friends over a couple of weeks ago.

If beer takes care of the men, then wine will almost certainly take care of the women. Red, white, ros� � if you buy it, they will drink it. Just make sure you get enough!

If you are entertaining younger guests, alcopops such as Smirnoff Ice would go down a treat. Always make sure you have a bottle or two of spirits in the house as well. A bottle of whisky or brandy would keep granddad quiet for a few hours.

So, the key to being a good host is keep your guests well fed and make sure their glasses are never empty. Do that and you won�t go far wrong.