It’s that time of year again, when festive celebrations around the table come one after another. Lunch with friends, family, Christmas celebrations, New Year’s Eve… Endless meals requiring you to be the best of hosts. Do you know what your table needs in order to be perfect?

1. Table linen. It is very important that you choose a tablecloth suitable for the type of celebration. As you already know, a wide variety of styles and fabrics exist. The table linen represents the foundation of the rest of your table decoration, so if you choose a simple tablecloth it will be easier to achieve a good effect. Take note! The tablecloth should always be clean and ironed.

2. Centrepieces. Another important element for your table. Central flowers, candles, vases… Whatever you think is in tune with the celebration. A piece of advice? Less is more. And on Pinterest you will find heaps of ideas.

3. Tableware. This is not the time for being frugal, so if like most people you keep the “best china” hidden away in the cupboard, now is the time to give it the place it deserves.

4. Glassware and cutlery. This will depend on the type of food and drink you are going to serve. If you are not serving champagne or cava, you won’t need to put out a glass for it, and if you are not serving fish, you can save on that cutlery too. Remember that cutlery should always be laid from the outside to the inside following the order in which it is to be used. The fork on the left, and the knife and spoon on the right of the plate.

5. Napkins. Choose ones that match the tablecloth, made of fabric where possible. They can be laid on top of the plate, underneath it, or to the left or right, but never inside the glass.

6. Menu. If you are not much of a chef, this is not the time to take risks – better to opt for something simple. And always order dishes from lighter to richer.

Follow these guidelines to surprise your guests and enjoy a perfect evening.