AND HER GRUELLING FESTIVE MASTERPLAN

DO YOU dream wistfully of the perfect Christmas? The one person in the world who knows exactly how to pull it off is Carole Middleton. Here’s how to have a Very Carole Christmas . . .

PLAN MONTHS AHEAD

GET your festive plans under way as soon as Halloween is over. Throw away your pumpkins and start thinking about Christmas.

LOTS OF TREES, PLEASE

NOT only does Carole have a modern ‘themed’ one and a ‘memory’ tree with baubles from Christmases past, she also puts one in each of her grandchildren’s rooms. Source trees from a nearby estate.

BOX CLEVER

STICK to one theme, such as ‘all red, or all craft paper, or make a big thing with the ribbons’. To make sure there are no oddly shaped presents under the tree, collect boxes throughout the year.

A TOUCH OF RED

OPT for a classy red dress — possibly from designer label Goat. (Don’t fork out for one from Jigsaw which, Carole says, is ‘a bit pricey’.) When cooking, wear a pinny over it. If there are kids that need entertaining, copy Carole’s husband Michael, who has been known to don a Sumo wrestler outfit on Christmas day.

ALL THE TRIMMINGS

DON’T just cater for carnivores. Carole has recently gone vegan but still plans to serve up meat as well. Consider having the main meal in the evening, with champagne and smoked salmon for lunch. But if there are young children, do move it forward to lunchtime.

STRICTLY FUN

DON’T spend the whole day cooking. Fit in a visit to church, a dog walk, or even a festive episode of Strictly.

GAME ON

CAROLE says you can’t beat traditional family games such as musical statues and sardines.

ORGANISATION IS THE KEY

A STRUNG-OUT host or hostess makes everyone tense, so be organised.

DRESS CODE

ALWAYS make the dress code clear on an invitation. Don’t give the impression an event is casual if it isn’t.

PERFECT PRESENTS

BUY thoughtful gifts. A Christmas Market is often the best place for lastminute shopping.

THREE MUST-HAVES

‘MY CHRISTMAS essentials are mince pies, mulled wine and mistletoe,’ says Carole.

MANNERS MATTER

ALWAYS make sure to write thank you letters. ‘Within ten days ideally.’