11. Homemade advent calendar treats
I get my children involved with the Christmas experience by digging out all the child-friendly utensils such as small wooden spoons and Christmas biscuit-cutters. We spend an afternoon making little edible goodies to go into the advent calendar.
iVillage nutritionist, Wynnie Chan
12. Collect boxes
All year I save interesting, useful-shaped and plain but beautiful boxes to use for present wrapping. I refuse to buy expensive Christmas boxes.
iVillage, Dr Howard Lee
13. Early bird
I shop for the small stocking fillers ahead of time - even as early as the January sales. I stick them away in dark cupboard so the kids can't find them!
cl-murerrol
14. Stock up
Always buy plenty of indigestion tablets and cold remedy - and a few small extra presents for the people you forget! And for the perfect Christmas, always have a smile at the ready!
cl-letoile2002
| Health | Top Tips | Nutrition | Lifestyle |
15. Luxury tip
I always buy luxury Christmas cards just after Christmas and every year friends remark how expensive they look. I just grin and say nothing. This year I don't mind sharing my tip!
iVillager Lydie
16. Stitch-in-time
I make cross-stitch decorations throughout the year. I always plan my gift list and budget well in advance. I try to shop as early as possible - last minute shopping for me is in November - and always wrap all the presents as soon as I get Home, so I'm not temped to give them away before Christmas.
cl-cazf77
17. Avoid the big shop
From late September onwards I start stocking up for Christmas. I buy extra loo paper, bread rolls, cling film - anything that can be bought in advance. This way I avoid that really big Christmas grocery-shopping nightmare.
cl-crystalmoonstar
18. Puddings with a punch
Start making your puddings and cakes now so you've plenty of time to keep topping them up with alcohol.
cl-bird4747
19. Save the date!
I make a date in the diary at the end of November for writing Christmas cards. On the day, my husband and I sit down with the cards and a motivational first glass of the season's sherry.
Couples Counsellor, Susan Quilliam
20. Freezing - a cook's best-friend
I like to prepare and freeze lots of comfort food like stews and soups that can just be defrosted and heated up in the microwave in the run-up to Christmas. These are especially good to eat after a late night shopping trip when you don't want to come Home and cook. I also like to make and freeze individual treats like souffles and sticky toffee puddings in one-portion sized ramekins - for Christmas Eve, or when friends come over in the weeks before. Freezing is the think-ahead-cook's best friend.
cooking Coach, Terry Farris
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