Tips to simplify Christmas day

Things you can do to simplify Christmas and take the pressure off.

Start with a plan, find yourself 15 minutes and write down everything that needs doing and everything you are going to need. Do this ahead of time so you are organised, use your phone to set reminder alarms and don’t forget to delegate tasks to other family members.

Your plan my look something like this?

Meal plan

Food shop

Make up dishes and deserts that can be frozen ahead of time

Stock check table decorations and refresh table cloth and napkins

Deep clean the house

Set up guest rooms, ensure any guests staying over are comfortable.

Create space, move furniture if needed to create space at the table

Remove any valuables that could get broken

Simplify everything.

Once you have got the lists onto paper, distribute them to other household members.

If cleaning your house is on the schedule, spread it out so you’re not trying to clean the house and roast a turkey at the same time. Doing cleaning tasks little and often always really helps my book The 15 Minute Clean will really help you get into the habit of little and often

This makes hosting and opening your home so much easier because you are being proactive with your cleaning all the time instead of reactive.

The Menu, the decorations, the plan for the day. It’s okay to keep things as simple as possible. If you’re having guests, delegate specific items for them to bring – drinks, dinner specific sides, desserts etc.

My suggestions are:

Start with an empty dishwasher or sink. The empty dishwasher will keep the dishes of the worktops then you can load as you go.

Turn the thermostat down 2-3 degrees before anyone arrives. This will keep your home at a nice temperature when the house heats up from the oven and extra people.

Dim the lights, turn on lamps – make it cozy!

Light some festive candles.

Have a stain remover product and some cloths to hand in case of any spillages

Keep a large tub by the door for shoes, this way they aren’t loose.

Make room for people coats.

Ensure hand soap in the cloakroom, a clean hand towel and plenty of toilet roll

Close of rooms so people know not to go in them.

Write the WIFI code where people can see it.