How to have a stress-free Christmas

How to deal with unexpected guest this Christmas

Be prepared for extra guests

If a dinner for six turns into a party for 12, don't panic. A sit-down meal for six easily makes a buffet for many more, so have paper plates and napkins in reserve and lay out all the dishes at once.

If you need a few more nibbles you can't go wrong with nuts, pretzels and olives. For drinks, pick up a couple of wine boxes (look out for offers in the supermarkets) and decant into a carafe in the kitchen when needed.

Delegate
Don't think everything is up to you. Christmas should be a family time where everyone chips in and does their bit. Even the youngest children can join in - get them to lay the table with place-names and crackers. Even if you could do it quicker yourself let them use their imagination and feel part of the preparations.


Chosen by House to home

Extra guests this Christmas? No problem!

Related Features