Christmas and new year are now just around the corner, and for many people that means we are approaching the time of year when the most parties happen!

And while this is great while it lasts, it can often leave people with the January blues after it's all over, especially when you have to go back to work after the long festive break. So, that's why it's such a great idea to offset these January blues with a few parties. However, people don't usually associate January with lots of parties, so here's a few ideas to get you started.

1. Make the most of birthdays

In January, you've got to take any opportunity you can to have a huge party, and that's why it makes sense to make the most of every birthday you can! Start by preparing in advance, sending out your birthday party invitations as soon as possible, so that you and your guests have something to look forward to once Christmas is over. You can make the party really special by organising party games, or even making it fancy dress - the options are endless!

2. Celebrate Burns Night

Burns Night is a night to remember the Scottish poet Robbie Burns, and is celebrated on the 25th January every year. Although traditionally only celebrated in Scotland, it is now creeping over the border, and Burns Night parties are now organised across the country. It is celebrated traditionally with a supper, usually haggis, potatoes and turnips, and lots of whiskey! There are also dessert and cheese courses, readings of Robbie Burns' poems, and a group singalong of Auld Lang Syne at the end, just like on New Year in England.

3. Start the new year in style with Hogmanay

What better way is there to blow away the new year cobwebs by having another party on New Year's Day? Like Burns Night, Hogmanay is a Scottish tradition, but has now spread across the UK. It's a great way to enter the new year without the January blues, and will put you in a good mood for the rest of 2016!