Easy Christmas home hacks

‘Put together a “Christmas kit” with batteries, a mini screwdriver, scissors, twine and bauble hangers. Include some extension leads for the fairy lights, too. It will make putting up the decorations so much easier,’ says interiors stylist Joanna Thornhill.

Make a list of festive food and decide what you’ll cook, what you’ll ask others to bring and what you’ll buy. ‘If making your own cranberry sauce relaxes you, fantastic. If you’re doing it because you feel you’re in a competition, forget it,’ says psychotherapist Lola Borg.

‘Add homemade touches to bought decorations for a handmade look,’ says designer Sophie Conran. ‘Buy a faux garland or wreath (from sophieconran.com), then tie in baubles and decorations with florist’s wire.’

Don’t feel you have to keep up with festive fashions. ‘It’s fun to include new trends in your decs, but it’s important to keep a sense of your own history,’ says Joanna Thornhill. ‘Incorporate a few fresh pieces each season alongside vintage classics. Gather sculptural branches from your garden for centrepieces and paint pine cones to use as place holders for a personal touch.’