AT YOUR SERVICE

Everyone needs a little bit of extra help at Christmas time – and not just for emergencies.

Especially when you are getting the house ready!

A very wise person once said that there are two types of family Christmases; the ones where the carpets are shampooed before the guests arrive and the other when you have them cleaned afterwards.

If you have tiny kids coming to stay, or have someone so clumsy that all they have to do is look at bowl of trifle and it falls on the carpet, just chill and get the experts in afterwards to do the cleaning up. The same rules apply for sticky fingers, walls and decorating.

But when it comes to sitting in front of a log burner, make sure that the chimney is swept in plenty of time and ready for lots of extra work while people are home all day. Come to think of it make sure the log store is topped up – and the gas or oil tanks too, while you are at it.

We have always been told to post early for Christmas but also remember to book early! Appointments in the most convenient timeslots at the hairdressers, salon and barbers get booked up early.

So do taxis and mini-buses, and if you are travelling away for Christmas, make sure that the car is in tiptop condition with the service booked if necessary and the tyre fitter, if new ones are needed.

And also four-legged friends who need to stay at the catteries, kennels or the care of their dog walkers – or even someone coming in to check on the aquarium while you are away!

If you are looking for some help with your parties, get those orders in as soon as possible at bakers and caterers and the rental for glasses.

Then when the holiday time comes you aren’t doing any last minute running around and can relax.

And one last thing . . . you did remember to get that dress or suit you are going to wear dry cleaned, didn’t you?