Carole’s tips for a successful Christmas

I start planning Christmas soon after Hallowe’en. I’m a big list-maker and I try to get everyone involved.

I’ve recently gone vegan. Or maybe that should be flexitarian. If I go to someone’s house for dinner, I’m not going to make a fuss. For Christmas, I’d probably have two options — very traditional and something vegan.

Be organised. Don’t take on more than you feel comfortable doing. The minute the host is stressed, everyone else is too.

When it comes to dress codes, make it clear on the invitation if you’d like people to wear black tie and long dresses. If guests call to ask what to wear, don’t be tempted to downplay it if you’re going to be formal, because they’ll feel awkward. That said, I really don’t mind what people wear when they come to supper — I rarely host anything that formal.

Don’t get hung up on perfection. Often it’s the mistakes that make things memorable.

For last-minute gifts, I love a Christmas market. A few years ago, a girlfriend gave me a tree decoration. Every time I get it out, I think of her.

I like to have a theme for the wrapping — all red, or all craft paper, or make a big thing with the ribbons. Mike gets very involved with the square shapes. He’s very precise. I like to save boxes and put trickyshaped presents in them, and I do the whole thing listening to carols.

My Christmas essentials are mince pies, mulled wine and mistletoe.

I try not to be too set when it comes to the schedule. Generally, we go to church in the morning, then a walk, open a few presents (with more in the evening). Then Champagne and smoked salmon for lunch, and the main Christmas meal in the evening — but with young grandchildren, maybe we’ll move that forward and have it at lunchtime.

I like to dress up on Christmas Day: something like the red Goat dress, with a big pinny over it for when I’m cooking.

It’s really important to write Thank You letters. Within 10 days ideally. Which reminds me, I’ve got a couple outstanding.