While the booze helps a party along no end, it's the music that really makes it, getting everyone into the festive spirit while they drink the festive spirit. A good mix of old classics with new stuff from the past year is the perfect soundtrack to the perfect Christmas party.

OFFICE PARTY This ultimate Christmas party is usually a drunken affair that will need tried-and-tested cheesy tracks to prolong the fun. For all those classic tracks from the 80s and 90s that'll have party-goers bellowing along try The Very Best Of School Reunion, which contains classics from the likes of Queen, Kylie and Billy Idol, or Now That's What I Call No 1s for No 1 hits from 80s, 90s and 00s. And for that, 'Oh my God, I've not heard this for years' moment try Ultimate Boy Bands for some retro and recent pop-flavoured cheese.

TEENAGERS For fussy teenagers try a mix of pop, R&B, rock and dance music to keep each one happy. Hit compilations such as Now 65 and Pop Party 4 should provide all the latest chart tunes, while there's a slew of R&B compilations. Rock music has overshadowed most other genres over the past year and there's plenty of rock compilations to soundtrack a rock lover's party – try NME Presents The Essential Bands, The Anthems and The Ultimate Bands: The Classic Anthems.

DINNER PARTY Traditionally, more mellow music is cited as the best for the more relaxed dinner party – you don't want the music overwhelming the conversation. Releases from new singer-songwriters on the block such as James Morrison and Scott Matthews should provide such a non-invasive soundtrack, as would the latest album from the more established Damien Rice. Recent compilation The Definitive Burt Bacharach Songbook should provide some classic easy listening, with the old favourites jogging memories , while the more modern Rhythms Del Mundo Cuba should provide talking points.