The fun of hosting a 'Friendsmas' gathering

Posted by Amber Latham on 07 October

Miriam, our senior marketing designer, recently hosted a ‘Friendsmas’ themed brunch for some of the wider team. Planned as a pre-Christmas meet-up between friends, the gathering combines classic traditions with creative and playful touches that bring a sense of Miriam’s personality to the table.

Miriam's inspiration: “For me, Christmas is not only about the day itself and the time between the occasion and new year, but it’s also about those magical moments spent with friends in the weeks leading up to the event. Living in London, you can’t beat the wonderful festivities and amazing variety of offerings throughout December. It’s also the perfect time to put in a get together with friends before all heading home-home for family time.”

First, what is 'Friendsmas'?

The term ‘Friendsmas’ has become popular in recent years to describe the festive celebrations we organise with our friends, separate from those with family. It’s especially popular with students, who when studying abroad may not be able to return home for the holidays. Instead, they recreate the usual traditions (cooking a roast, putting up decorations, watching Christmas films) with their friends and flatmates.

The term is also used more widely to describe the informal plans we host with friends in the run up to Christmas. For example, having people over for a festive film night, winter-themed cocktails or even a pre-Christmas roast dinner with all the trimmings.

Less formal than the day itself, Friendsmas gatherings focus more on creating a fun, laid-back atmosphere that plays with traditions but isn’t bound by them. They also offer the chance to get creative with hosting for those who enjoy it. Handmade menus and place markers, beautifully arranged charcuterie boards and seasonal-inspired cocktails are popular among Friendsmas parties, all of which you’ll also find on Miriam’s table.

How Miriam designed the event

Miriam writes:

Having friends over for a weekend brunch is the ideal time for an informal catch up, along with some delicious food and because it’s Christmas, there's a great opportunity to make the occasion extra special with some twinkly touches and personalisation. I wanted to create a cosy atmosphere in a laid back environment with some creative touches that appeared thoughtfully thrown together.

I first laid the table with a mix match of stripy plates, colourful cutlery and non matching drinking glasses. Living in a small apartment with lack of storage, I don’t have multiples of the same dining sets, but I prefer this non-matchy collage look.

Hand written menu cards, mini gingerbread men and mini crackers were layered onto each plate, and even though the tomato is seen to be more of a summer icon, I love the striking die cut shape and thought the vibrant red and green colours still gave a gentle nod to a Christmassy colour scheme. A table wouldn’t be complete without dinner candles and although the occasion was a day-lit brunch, the warm glow of real candles is still important to build an atmosphere and cosy feel inside on a cold December morning.

For a little Christmas cheer, I served cranberry mimosas (scroll down for the recipe) which worked perfectly with the drinks charms that are included in the mini stripe crackers. Sharing platters of fresh pastries, berries, cheese and picky bits went down very well and looked beautiful laid between the gorgeous products down the centre of the table.

Guests also wore a flashing bulb necklace and paper crowns from the crackers instantly brought the Christmas feel. Instead of a Christmas tree, I decorated one of my house plants with disco bulb string lights. Together we spoke about our Christmas plans, shared lots of laughs and had a wonderful time making new memories.

How to make the cranberry mimosas

A cranberry mimosa (also known as a Poinsettia) is an easy, delicious and affordable cocktail to make over Christmas, that adds a special festive touch to your event. It’s a simple variation of a regular mimosa, swapping out orange juice for cranberry.

STEPS

1. Set out some fun glasses - no need for them to match.

2. (optional) Add a sugar rim: simply run a slice of lemon around the rim of your glass and press gently onto a plate of sugar.

3. Fill each glass with one part cranberry juice and two parts Champagne/Prosecco.

4. (optional) Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a couple of cranberries (or red currants if those are easier to find).

Tip: Freezing the berries beforehand will help keep the drink cool for longer.

Make it non-alcoholic: simply replace the sparkling wine with lemonade or a non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice.