Christmas is a time of joy and peace, however if it's your turn to host this year's Christmas party, peace is probably the last thing on your mind.

Planning a party can weigh heavy on the best of us and doubly so for Christmas parties, where you want everything to be just perfect -- the decorations, food, drinks, gifts, music, ambience -- a party to be remembered for all the years to come.

So, as you set about planning the perfect party keep these essential pointers in mind.

The guestlist

Start with making a list of all the people you would like to be a part of the celebrations. Sort out your friends and the relatives into different lists. If the number of friends and relatives in both the lists is large, consider throwing two different parties on different days -- maybe Christmas Eve with family and Christmas Day with friends.

This is what Cynthia Rodriguez did last Christmas: "The list was long and we wondered if it would be right to mix the crowd; it would be difficult to attend to both the groups. So, we decided to hold two different parties. It was a little taxing, but in the end everyone was happy. Of course, the party for the relatives wasn't as wild as it was with the friends," she laughs.

The invites

Now that you have made the list, it's time to send out the invitations. You could design your own invitation and let your creativity show. Or, get the cards done by a professional.

Invitations can be sent by post, given in person, through e-mails, e-cards or just SMS.

To ensure that your guests do turn up for your party, Elsa Varghese, a homemaker from Kochi, has a suggestion. She says, "It's always a good idea to follow up your invitation with a phone call. Also, make sure you send the invites well in advance. People usually end up with multiple invites during the festive season. You would surely not want to miss out on your guests by being tardy."

A theme

Theme Christmas parties are great if you want to add an extra topping of fun. Anju Mathew, a software professional from Bangalore, remembers the Christmas party she had thrown two years ago.

• Christmas gifts for Her!

The theme was "red" and the guests were asked to come in red outfits. The tableware was red, the cushions and other knickknacks were red too. The guests took pains to get dressed in red -- red headbands, earrings, watches, dresses, shirts, skirts, trousers, shoes, even socks!

This year too she'll work on a theme and is leaning towards "Go green". Not only is it festive and perfect for the holiday season, it also comes with a social message -- Stop global warming!

Some of the most popular themes are:

• Red, white and green dress code
• Guests must have on stars or Santa caps
• Fairies and elves
• An all-out fancy dress ball

The entertainment

Once you've decided on the guest list and theme, it's time to tend to the details. If the party is at your home, the wine, food, music and ample conversation will keep everyone going.

However, if the party is to be at a club or at a bigger place, you could hire a professional entertainer. People like Vicky - The Entertainer (that's how this entertainment professional from north Mumbai likes to be addressed) are kept very busy during Christmas time. Although he takes up other kind of parties, conducting a Christmas party is what he enjoys the most. He ropes in DJs and magicians to add zing, while he sings and comperes. 

Food and drinks

The food is perhaps the most crucial part of any Christmas celebration (apart from the drinks, of course). Put in some time and a lot of thought while planning the menu. If it is a small party, you could personally cook. However, for a bigger party, the food is best handled by a professional caterer. You don't want to spread yourself too thin, the rest of the planning and organising will be quite hectic. Make sure you employ people who specialise in Christmas delicacies and if possible get a few recommendations before you decide on a caterer.

• Recipes for a very merry Christmas!

Plum or fruitcakes are a favourite; however, most people would avoid them, as they've probably had enough at the office party, get-togethers and at family visits. It would be a good idea to stick to more traditional delicacies such as marzipan, puddings, roast duck/chicken, appams and stew.

Susan Kurien, an interior designer in Hyderabad, says, "If the crowd is small and the party's at home, then a seated lunch or dinner is ideal. It gives you a chance to show off your hosting skills. You can bring out your best tableware, innovate with the table settings and personally decorate the food."

If you're playing cook, keep all your ingredients ready at least a day in advance if not earlier. You might even want to prepare a dish or two the previous evening, so that you aren't juggling too many tasks on the day of the party.

If you've hired a caterer and have apprised the caterers about the menu, leave it to them to arrange how the food should be served.

As for the drinks, if you know your guests' preferences, it'll help you decide the kind or brand of drinks to be served. Remember, not everyone drinks. So keep a stock of non-alcoholic beverages ready. And, of course, make sure the food is ready and your house spotlessly clean and smelling good before the guests come in.

Another important reminder, most parties have their share of smokers. If you're not too keen on getting your furniture or decorations seared (and chances are you aren't), make sure you specify a zone for the smokers and place at least 3-4 ashtrays around.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly!

Christmas is not quite complete without the Christmas tree. At home, you can put up your own tree and crib and decorate the room with streamers, strings of mistletoe and tinsel to usher in the festive cheer. Make sure the decorations are along the walls of your home and will not interfere with the movement of your guests.

At a bigger gathering or if there are kids at the party, get an official party organiser to send a Santa Claus. Pin up some stockings around the house, stuffed with candy and little carry-home toys.

If you're planning a slightly more fancy affair, light a few fragrant candles. Put them in safe places so that there is no threat of a fire breaking out or your guests singeing themselves. Decorative napkin holders, curtain rings and table centrepieces in red, green or gold flowers will add colour.

Pretty poinsettia plants are almost synonymous with Christmas and available at almost any florist or nursery. Pick up a few pots of poinsettias to complete your decorations.

• Christmas gifts for Him!

A lot of fun

Christmas is all about family, friends and fun. It's about being in the best of spirits. As a host, make sure nothing spoils your mood before your party -- not the week-long planning and shopping, not the last minute change in menu, not the argument with your spouse over why an hour before the party all the decorations aren't up yet! Your mood will set the mood of the party, so put on your brightest smile and revel in the joy that comes with the season.

Anju recollects a Christmas party that went wrong. "The lady of the house was sulking throughout the evening. The couple had a tiff right before the guests arrived. Everyone could feel the tension and soon after the food was served, most of the guests left."