their rubbish in a big bag that can then easily be tipped into the recycling bin later.
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Plan a simple breakfast. As everyone will be tucking into a feast later in the day, providing heaps of
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croissants, pastries, fresh fruit and yoghurts for people to help themselves is far less bother than a big fry up – and less washing up too!
STAY CONNECTED! Arrange your Skype or phone session with
friends and family who live abroad in advance. Take into account time differences – there’s nothing more frustrating than a phone call just as you’re serving dinner.
carry plates to the table or help serving. 32 CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2011 95
and microwaving later. As dinner time approaches – and the whole nation has the same plan – cooking times always seem longer, so get ahead and avoid the frustration.
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Make work for idle hands. Put someone in charge of drinks, another in charge of preparing the starters or veg, and ask older children to
Prepare as much in the morning as you can – parboiling vegetables
Keep a note of who gave what. Jot down what you’ve received on the
gift tag it was wrapped with. That way you’ll know exactly what you’re thanking someone for later.
Have black bin bags at the ready! When everyone’s opening their presents, get them to put
the day. That way you can just pop in and out of the kitchen rather than being stressed out about everything coming together in the end.
space and will keep all your tipples chilled. The novelty of nipping outside to get a soft drink or a top up also means people are quite happy to help themselves. Just keep a pair of shoes by the back door.
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everything from scratch but can adapt shop-bought dishes – see our cheats and treats guide on page 70.
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PREPARE FOR PRE- DINNER
SNACK ATTACKS. Keep healthy nibbles and snacks to hand for youngsters who find it hard to wait for the main event. Grapes, squares of cheese and breadsticks are all simple to provide when it gets frantic in the kitchen, and won’t ruin their appetite.
BE PREPARED TO CHEAT! You don’t have to make
Create a drinks station outside – it saves you fridge