ME…. AND MY HOUSEKEEPING

Katherine Ryan

Katherine lives in north London with her daughter Violet, nine, their three dogs and a cat.

How home? would A dark, you Scandinavian, describe your feminine the perfect oasis weekend that would retreat make for How a moody tidy is it? divorcee. 10/10 or 1/10, and nothing in between. When it’s not tidy, it’s still very clean. Mess is different from dirt. What is your signature dish?

Honey, soy, garlic and ginger salmon. It’s easy and my daughter will happily eat it. Cook for friends or eat out?

Eat out. There are very few people who’ve passed security clearance to enter my house. What food could you not live without? Everything a potato can be.

Who are your dream dinner party guests, living or dead?

I’d much rather not have the party, but I like Celine Dion, Betty White, and Cardi B. Give us a tip to save time… Get all your drinking done in the daytime and have your evenings free. What is the best bargain you have ever found?

Hayu.com has all the best reality TV from America for £3.99 per month. What did your parents teach you? People want everything done quickly, done well and done cheap – but you can only have two out of the three.

What advice will you hand down to your daughter? Everyone will like you if you chew with your mouth closed.

What do you always have in your kitchen cupboard? Coconut milk, chillies, garlic, beans, vinegar, Wotsits and gin.

What is your biggest extravagance?

Designer dogs. I have a Tibetan spaniel, a teacup Yorkie and a teacup Shih Tzu. Each day is a new

struggle What always not to lifts adopt you another. out of a mood? Coffee. I can’t believe it’s legal.

Are you a hoarder or do you throw things away? I give things away. I want a clean, empty house.

What is your favourite household task? Arranging flowers. Fresh florals are a necessary indulgence.

Where is your happy place?

Bed. If I get a day off, I am sleeping. I go to sleep at the exact same time as my nine-year-old daughter. What is your health motto?

Stress is an underestimated killer.

What are your top party tips at home? I’d say make the most of your outdoor space. I’ve arranged for a Christmas tree to go in the garden, fairy lights and a fire pit. I’m going to coax my family outside with whisky and encourage them to spend as much time as possible there. What does the festive time of year mean to you? Christmas is for kids. I’ve ordered a bunch of Diptyque Advent calendars for my favourite adults so that I can get gifting out of the way early. I feel like adults buying gifts for each other is basically exchanging shopping lists. If I need something, I already have it. I love going ice skating, out to eat and celebrating with friends. No gifts, please. How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve?

By hiding. It’s the absolute worst night of the year to go out. My parents used to throw a party where one uncle would dress as a very old man and another would dress as ‘the New Year baby’ in a giant nappy and bonnet. The family celebrated at home with Champagne, which is the only acceptable part of that tradition. They wonder why I moved an ocean away. ◆ The Fix, starring Katherine Ryan and hosted by Jimmy Carr, is available on Netflix from 14 December

Make the most of your outdoor space. I’m going to coax my family outside with whisky