Well, it’s almost here! If you still have to shop, good luck! Wear comfy shoes, break for lunch (and maybe enjoy a glass of wine), shop some more and then go home and wrap, wrap, wrap. Don’t leave the wrapping to the last minute.
Make your guests feel at home
If you are having family or friends to come and stay over the festive period and have a spare room, make it as comfortable as possible for them. Make up the bed with your best linen and put out soft fluffy towels. Put out a box of tissues and a perfumed room spray, also hand cream if your guest/s is female. Leave a few magazines in the room and make sure the bedside lamp has a bulb. It’s always a good idea to leave a spare blanket in the room too, some evenings can be quite chilly if there’s been a storm. If you really want to go the extra mile and spoil your guests (space permitting) make up a small basket of fresh fruit and put a few fresh flowers from your garden in a small vase or place a few delicious chocolates in a pretty bowl. I promise you, your guests will feel very welcome and truly pampered!
Also let them know where the tea, coffee and sugar is, as well as cups and mugs. Guests can then make themselves an early morning cuppa without feeling they have to wait until you are up and about.
Most of all, try and prepare as many food dishes as possible before they arrive, so you can enjoy your time with them. Prepare a few dishes which can be frozen, as well as having a loaf of bread and milk in the freezer. Stock up your cupboards with tinned goods; such as tuna, pasta and sauces, nuts, crisps, savoury crackers, tinned tomato and onion, and also make sure to have a box of custard and milk. None of it will go to waste and could be a real life saver.
All that’s left to say is have a wonderful, peaceful and relaxing Christmas and New Year and if you are going away, drive carefully and come back safe.
Merry Christmas everyone. I’ll be back in 2014! Oh, and shop till you drop!
Julie
