While most of us are experts at enjoying Christmas parties, actually throwing one is a different matter. For that reason, I drafted in a host of experts to share their party planning wisdom.

Whether planning parties at venues like Bluebird in Chelsea, Quaglinos in Mayfair or Coq d’Argent in the City, here are their top tips, divided into five party types:

1 The pull out all the stops, magic, ice and vodka all-night-long party

Not for the faint-hearted, and certainly the most extravagant of parties – we’re talking poker tables, magicians and all-night music in the form of a five-piece band. One example at Coq d’Argent featured vodka served from a massive ice sculpture, all-night canapés and gifts (hand cream for the ladies and hats for the gents). A giant firework display rounded off the evening.

Good for: Parties with lots of people who don’t know each other very well. Magicians and caricaturists make good icebreakers, giving guests something to laugh about with each other, says Malden Lang Meyer, events coordinator at Coq d’Argent.

Where to book: Somewhere like Quaglinos or Coq d’Argent on the roof of Number 1 Poultry, as it has an outdoor garden. Canapés on offer vary from mini beef burgers to lobster and vegetable ravioli with ginger dressing. The Royal Exchange has an impressive setting.

2 The sophisticated wine lovers’ party

One lovely example from French restaurant Le Pont de la Tour combined a fine wine-tasting with a party thrown in the restaurant’s wine cellar. Master sommelier Nicolas Clerk hosted a tasting of the best wines from his cellar. A six-course tasting menu, matched to the wines, followed, before guests wandered out to the terrace, where they smoked cigars and drank cognac overlooking Tower Bridge.

Good for: Wine lovers (obviously). This is an altogether grown-up affair and an example of mixing a particular hobby with throwing a party.

Where to book: Restaurants with wine expertise, such as Le Pont de La Tour.

3 The all-singing, all-dancing party

If dancing all night long is your idea of the perfect party, choose a venue with a stage and dance floor. Phil Nankivell, events manager at Floridita in Soho, organised the burlesque premiere earlier this year, with Christina Aguilera and a show from burlesque dancer Immodesty Blaize.

Good for: Live entertainment.

Where to book: Floridita in Soho.

4 The small, intimate party

This type of party is more along the lines of carols, candles, champagne and close friends or family. Tiffany Goodall at Bluebird in Chelsea recalls organising a party last December for a gentleman who booked a private room as a Christmas surprise for his family. The key here is forward planning and choosing a venue with private space on offer.

Good for: Those who are partied out or keen on spending quality time with an intimate group.

Where to book: Bluebird, Chelsea or Plateau in Canary Wharf.