The thought of getting ready for Christmas can be overwhelming with a long ‘to do’ list! But fear not, we have put together some of our top tips to help you prepare for the big day ahead.

Shopping right for Christmas;tips for preparing for christmas

  • Make a simple shopping list, and if you have a crammed schedule, buy online. If possible, have all presents delivered on the same day when you can plan to be at home.
  • Make sure that you secure your online food shop delivery date near to Christmas and order your turkey and other meats from your local butcher in good time.

Start your home declutter;

  • A thorough clean will make your home sparkle.
  • Prep the house to make way for the Christmas tree and decorations.
  • Clear space for new toys – encourage your kids to clear out one or two toys and maybe donate to charity.
  • Clear your spare room for your guests – don’t look at this as a big job, as you will only put it off, try setting aside 20 minutes or so each evening instead.

tips for preparing for christmas

Menu Planning for Christmas;

  • Make a list of ingredients needed.
  • Get as much done in advance as you can. Make room in the fridge as early as possible. If you can you start preparing early – chopping veg or making sauces, prepping food that can be frozen, this will reduce your jobs on Christmas day.
  • It’s also a good idea to stock the cupboards with lots of delicious staples you can whip out for impromptu entertaining.

Be Organised;

tips for preparing for christmas

  • Diarise important dates, such as the last for posting cards, your local carol service, work parties and children’s nativities.
  • Book in advance a visit to see Father Christmas.
  • Make sure you stock up on batteries to avoid disappointment for children’s toys.
  • Set a budget for each person you are buying for and stick with it. It is tempting to overspend at this time of year!
  • Try and wrap presents as and when you buy them, or set aside one evening each week in December for wrapping.
  • If you are hosting extra family/friends make sure you have enough chairs, pots and pans and also crockery.
  • Plan fun activities on Christmas Eve with the children, create memories and enjoy a long walk or bike ride, take a flask of hot soup and rolls. Don’t forget to put out the food for the reindeer and leave a drink and mince pie for Father Christmas!

Set the scene…tips for preparing for christmas

  • Make sure your Christmas lights are working in good time. LED lights are more energy-efficient than older-style fairy lights and will continue to glow if one globe goes out.
  • Have a go at making a Christmas door wreath, it is enjoyable and rewarding – there are lots of online tutorials. Or buy a basic real fir tree branch one from a supermarket, remove all the cheap decorations and add some foliage/flowers/sticks and ribbon.
  • Stock up on pre-cut kindling and chopped logs so you have a plentiful dry supply ready by the fire. A lovely log basket will add to the cosy winter look of a room.

How do you get organised for Christmas? We would love to hear your top tips.

If you need an ‘extra pair’ of hands, whether its help with wrapping presents, getting your home ready for your guests or help with your food and wine shop then please call us.

P.S. you will also DEFINITELY want to check out our Christmas special offer by clicking here!