You know things are going to get off to a bad start if you find yourself bringing the Christmas food shopping in from the car on Christmas Eve and not being able to fit it all in the fridge. Things can only get worse if you wake up the next morning and remember you didn’t fill up the dishwasher the night before, that your guests will be arriving in an hour’s time, you haven’t made up their beds in the spare room and you really should have thought about dealing with that grubby little stain on view to everyone in front of the fireplace weeks ago rather than just as you’re about to put the turkey in the oven. If it sounds familiar, don’t worry. Plan ahead to spruce up your home to make sure it’s looking its best before family and friends descend.

Start by having a thorough clean of your refrigerator and kitchen cupboards to make space for all the extra goodies you’ve probably already started buying. Remove any outdated spices and sauces and make lists of what you need to restock up on. Take any special china, glasses and cutlery you keep for best and give them a thorough clean and take the strain out of the job by putting them all in the dishwasher with Fairy Active Burst. All spick and span and ready for the big day and no last minute rush to get everything clean on Christmas morning.

If you’re having guests to stay give the spare room a thorough clean the week before Christmas and then it will only need a light dust just before they arrive. Make sure the bed linen is smelling fresh and welcoming by using Lenors Sleep Sensations and add a seasonal spray of holly and Winterberry or Amaryllis or a Poinsettia to brighten up the room.

And think about all the little extra touches you can add to the rest of your home to dress it for the season. Tie festive bows on door handles and if you can’t afford a wreath a huge tartan bow in red, green and purple can look just as stylish and impressive attached to the front door.

And finally, perhaps the most essential get-ahead strategy you need to employ if you have children is to clear out as many of the broken, never-ever played with toys that are taking up valuable space soon to be occupied by another sack load from Santa. Make sure this is done now before the holidays begin or the sweet, little hoarders will try and sabotage your endeavours!