Fast festive fixes

Make sure Christmas is a stress- free success with these troubleshooting tips from our experts

Help! I forgot to turn the oven on

FIX IT: Don’t panic – spatchcock your turkey. Use sturdy scissors to remove the backbone, and then lay the meat flat before roasting it.

“The bird roasts much faster and more evenly, keeping it nice and moist,” says Tom Jackson, who is the co- creator of Twisted: A Cookbook.

Help! We’ve got no stuffing

FIX IT: You may have forgotten to buy the stuffing but you can whip some up with store cupboard ingredients, say Tom.

“Dice one onion per person and sweat it in lots of butter until soft and sweet, adding copious amounts of freshly chopped sage.

“Then add stale breadcrumbs, season with vegetable bouillon powder and add a little warm water to bring it together.”

Help! I have a Christmas mas morning hangover

FIX IT: “If you want a cooked breakfast, try poached eggs with roasted tomatoes and wholemeal toast,” says nutritionist Dr Naomi Newman- Beinart.

“If you can’t handle that, then a banana is the way to go.

“Bananas contain potassium, m, a mineral that is lost when you drink alcohol and contributes to symptoms of dehydration. Don’t forget to drink lots of water too.”

Help! I’m worried about getting everything cooked on time

FIX IT: “Time everything to the meat, and leave plenty of time for potatoes, which always take longer than you think. Free up oven space by cooking veg on the he hob, hob,” says Kate Young, author of The

Little Library Christmas.

“Ask for one or two trusted helpers in the kitchen and send everyone else out on a pre- lunch walk. Any stress is better without an audience.”

Help! The white wine is warm

FIX IT: “The fastest way to cool ol wine is to chill it in a bucket of ice and water,” says Richard Bampfield, Lidl’s master of wine.

“That does it in 10 minutes, whereas a freezer will take nearer half an hour.”

Help! Our sparkling wine has lost its it fizz

FIX IT: “While the famous spoon sp trick won’t do any harm, it won’t help much either,” says Richard. “Put a cork or stopper in the bottle, or cling film over the top, and return it to the fridge. That way, it will stay fresh for up to 48 hours.”

Help! Hel I’ve forgotten to buy a present

FIX IT: “Instead of dashing out for a last- minute gift, think of a special promise such as baking a cake or a post- lockdown lunch at your favourite restaurant,” says Tiffany Wood, author of The All- Year Round Christmas

Handbook. “Write it on a bit of paper, roll it up, tie with ribbon and hang it on the Christmas tree.”

Help! Hel How do I make m my table look festive? f

FIX IT: “Placing a smaller side plate on top of each dinner plate can make your place setting look luxurio ous,” says Valda Goodfellow, ta tableware expert from Go Goodfellows ( goodf. co. uk).

“Na Napkins always make a meal feel more special, whether they’re linen or paper. And make your own place cards from card, paper or even wrapping paper, and hand decorate them with sprigs of holly or dried rosemary tied with ribbon.”

Help! I hate one of my presents

FIX IT: “Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the odd underwhelming gift under the tree,” says Rupert Wesson, academy director at etiquette experts Debrett’s.

“But revealing any disappointment to the giver could cause offence, especially if they’ve put a lot of time and effort into it. So dig deep, act delighted and say thank you. Never tell them the truth.”

Help! Drink is flowing too fast

FIX IT: “For those still teetering on the acceptable side of tipsy, administer carbs, such as mince pies, turkey sandwiches or leftover roast potatoes, and encourage them to drink plenty of water between drinks,” says Rupert.

“If the host is drunk, make a swift exit. If it’s a guest, call a taxi and send them home.”

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Instead of dashing out for a gift, think of a special promise