Whether it's a lavish dinner, a relaxed kitchen catch-up or a few festive drinks, there’s nothing quite like hosting friends and family during the Christmas period.
Music, games, food and drink each play a key part in seeing that an occasion is a great success. But it's the role of the host to ensure guests have a wonderful time and for that, convivial surroundings, with soft lighting and perhaps a flickering fire, certainly help.
As hopes stay pinned on getting together to celebrate this year, from city to country, here are six of the best properties for entertaining.