The house is undecorated, the cupboards bare – and guests are about to turn up. From emergency cocktails to the art of delegation, our expert tips will get you Christmas-ready
It’s Christmas Eve. You’re lying on the sofa, having finally clocked off until January, the wrappers of a now-empty box of Roses littered around you. Your partner comes in. By the way, she says, she’s invited people over. Some friends of hers. Also, your neighbours on both sides. Her sister might drop in too. She forgot to tell you. That’s fine, right?
This is absolutely classic her, but there isn’t time to fight about that now. You both look around at your home. It’s not looking fine. You’ve hardly decorated because you’ve been so busy and you’re off to the in-laws for the big day tomorrow anyway. You are so, so tired. You’ve got no food in. The supermarket will be rammed.
