So Christmas is nearly here, and you have just realised you have a party to plan for 15 people. The shops are packed and all you really want to do is sit down and put your feet up after a big year. So what do you do? Use some of these quick easy ideas to impress your guests and still give you some down time.

Have a cold dinner. Think nice salads, cold prawns and meats, fresh bread, cheese and fruit platters. The best part about this meal is that everything can be done beforehand, or even ordered from the deli at the supermarket. That way all you have to do is transfer to your own platters and get rid of the evidence.

Pre-order desserts. Bakeries and dessert shops let you pre-order cakes and goodies and just pick them up. Or at the very least, buy the pre made pavlova from the supermarket. Grandma will think your a genius with the eggbeater and you will save a lot of headaches.

Make it a potluck. Let your guests be part of the activities by asking them to help out and bring something tasty. If you plan it right, you will only have to provide the location and plates.

Skip the tradition and order takeaway Indian food. Be different this year and make it a world culture theme, you can even do a little more effort and find out what that culture traditionally does on Christmas and carry the theme through.

Throw a BBQ. Every Aussie loves a good barbie, and Christmas is the perfect time to stick to an Aussie tradition. Put up some tinsel and play some Christmas music, or get the poppers out and wear the hats to make it feel like a proper Christmas.

The key is to make Christmas your own, whether that means starting a new tradition, or simplifying an old one. At Media Sound, we love Christmas and everything it brings. From our audio production studios, voice artists, creative writers, and sales staff, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope the year ahead brings more partnerships with great clients needing quality voiceovers and audio productions.