FRESH FLOWERS FOR THE DINNER TABLE? Arrange them a few days before
and store them in the garage or shed. It will keep the flowers in tip-top condition ready to add to the table when you’re all set to sit down.
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Buy more than you think you’ll need of basics like bread, milk,
butter and cream. Freeze and defrost when needed.
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and everyone will be feeling festive by the time it’s finished!
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If you’re flying this Christmas put any gifts in boxes that can still be opened by security. Pop the gift card label inside
to attach when you reach your destination.
Make up a couple of spare duvet sets and store them away
in cupboards, that way if you have unexpected guests you won’t be scrabbling around trying to find bedding last thing at night. Or fish out sleeping bags and give them a good airing a few weeks before.
SET THE DINING TABLE ON CHRISTMAS EVE Get the whole family involved
BUY LOTS OF BATTERIES ready for the Christmas
morning scramble – and remember where you’ve put them!
INVITE GUESTS Familiy members often behave better when there are strangers in their midst!
only tie yourself in knots! Instead, wrap as you go along and lighten the load. Maybe even buy gift bags and boxes rather than traditional wrapping paper – they’re perfect for more tricky shapes. Add lots of pretty tissue paper and ribbon, with a festive gift tag to complete the look.
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Don’t leave your food shopping until Christmas Eve
– nothing goes off that quickly! Even fresh fruit and veg will keep well in a cool place for at least a couple of days.
Don’t forget to put the dishwasher on last thing on Christmas
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Eve so there’s plenty of crockery when you wake up!
Wrap as you buy! Don’t leave all the present wrapping for one mammoth session – you’ll