Christmas is a special time of year for many. With 10 weeks to go, let me help you create a special, yet stressfree Christmas.
Every year we are determined not to become overwhelmed with the stress and worry. In this weeks blog; I’m sharing some of the things I do to try and keep Christmas stressfree and to a minimum when it come to preparation. Using these thoughts and ideas will mean that come Christmas, you’ll feel calm and ready to enjoy the celebrations.
What can you do now to limit the overwhelm that undoubtedly comes with the festivities?
Let’s be honest, most guest rooms can double up as a dumping ground especially when you are not expecting guests! Since an emabrrassing episode several years ago, we had a dinner party one year and one couple couldn’t get a taxi home.
“Stay!” we said, “no problem “we said! Then I remembered that the guest room was “almost guest room ready” except the bed was covered in clothes ready for the charity shop! I still cringe when I think about it now! Let’s but that episode to bed so to speak! I’ll add it wasn’t Christmas but it’s always good to be prepared!
Love this idea for a special touch instead of flowers for your guest room Christmas Table Top Tree
A guest room is a relaxing place for your guests not just to sleep but to enjoy space away from the household to relax and chill.
For the ultimate stressfree Christmas for your guests; include a basket of goodies that you know they’ll enjoy. I love to add something from Hotel Chocolate, a candle and a magazine or two.
A throw on the bed is always a good idea. How beautiful is this Dusty Pink Linen Bed Throw from Chalk Pink Linen Company?
In the bathroom include some toiletries, fluffy towels
Fresh flowers are always a nice touch so put a note in your diary to organise these for a few days before they arrive. Alternatively cut some from your garden and add a little festive sparkle.
I don’t mean get the decorations out right now but packing them away earlier this year seems like a life time ago. Can you remember what you have? How many broken items were there that you thought “I’ll fix” but never got there! It really is worth taking the trip to the store cupboard or attic to double check.
How do you fancy Christmas in a Box?? Take the stress away by having your table decorations delivered to you wherever you may be.
Perhaps you’re going planning a trip away this year?
Maybe you’re visiting relatives and would like to help remove the stress for them..?
Wherever you plan to spend Christmas – The Table Stylist have all your answers!
Christmas in a box, comes in two different styles; the Winter Wonderland and The Nutcracker. Both collections are the perfect gift idea for yourself or anyone who enjoys hosting dinner parties and special occasions.
The Winter Wonderland is my personal favourite. Picture the scene:
Transform your table top into a Christmas winter wonderland with a forest of snow dappled trees set against a white cotton runner & glittering fallen stars & faux snow.
Transform your table top into a Christmas winter wonderland with a forest of snow dappled trees set against a white cotton runner & glittering fallen stars & faux snow.
The glow of candle light creates a soft warming atmosphere. White frill cotton napkins are tied with dark green velvet bows, sprigs of fir and white berries while seagrass placemats provide a simple and elegant backdrop for your china.
Finally, for an extra special touch The Table Stylist have included fully recyclable crackers which come with jokes and hats and can be assembled with your own custom treats. You can rent or buy the whole collection or add to your collection each year. What a wonderful tradition to pass fown to your family?
Make it a special, stylish Christmas to remember. The Table Stylist have given me a special 15% discount for you on any of their items on their website; Simple add “CLAIRE15” at the checkout
Nothing says stressfree Christmas like Mary Berry’s Christmas Collection It combines time-honoured festive favourites with a variey of exciting dishes to spice up the season. By taking the traditional Christmas fare and giving it a twist, Mary adds sparkle to every celebration.
Simple yet reliable recipes and Mary’s handy hints will take the pressure off entertaining, whether it’s for the big day itself, a Boxing Day crowd or an intimate New Year family gathering.
With an invaluable Christmas Day countdown, sample menus, shopping lists and ever-popular tips on preparing ahead and freezing, this is the must-have companion to the festive season.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Mary Berry and her Christmas book is THE book I have always gone to. I’ve even gift it as birthday gift!
Consider also your freezer space.. I’ll be covering that more in a future blog, I’m just giving you a little hint!
A stressfree Christmas is all about preparation. 10 weeks is actually quite a lot of time. Bit by bit, taking stock of what you can do now and over the coming weeks, rather than tackling everything in the very last week, really does help.
Let me know which top tip you like best and remember to take a look at The Table Stylist with your 15% discount. before you know it, you will have already ticked one thing off your stress free Christmas list!
Top tips to boost your immune system this Christmas as we often forget the simple things that we do routinely when it gets busy. Here’s your gentle reminder..
There have been so many coughs, colds and all things horrid out there recently that may have stopped you from enjoying the run up to Christmas, maybe your fitness routine and even sleeping. (I’m not even going to mention the C-19 word!)
It’s all super busy at the moment and I don’t know about you but it’s tempting to start burning the candle at both ends just to stay on top of things isn’t it?
Here’s how to boost your immune system and keep strong this winter!
A healthy diet
Yup, you knew I was going to say that! It goes without saying that a healthy diet is by far the most effective way to boost your immune system.
Aim to eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, fresh fish and lean meat.
The best winter seasonal vegetables include broccoli, brussel sprouts, onions, peppers, apples, cranberries, clementines and spinach. Walnuts and brazil nuts are also great for the immune system.
Essential fatty acids Oily fish, sardines, mackerel, salmon and trout are all fantastic for fighting your immune system. Oily fish is a highly concentrated source of omega 3 essential fatty acids.
We can’t produce omega 3 so it is vital we get it from our diet. Aim to eat oily fish once a week at least or alternative supplement with a fish oil.
Herbs and Spices It is possible to increase your immune system with some herbal power!
Echinacea limits the duration and severity of infections by stimulating the immune system cells that are key weapons against infection. Available in capsules, tincture and extracts. Take a soon as that “cold feeling” starts as a short term remedy until any infection clears.
Ginger, used in cooking, not only adds to flavour but can help improve circulation and digestion. It can also be drunk as a herbal remedy to promote perspiration and reduce temperature from cold or flu!
Garlic has a reputation for being one of natures’ miracle cures. A great natural antibiotic, it helps boost the immune system and gives protection against colds and flu. Add to your recipes for additional seasoning but make sure you share or you could be sleeping on your own!
EtsyKeep hydrated with plenty of water and watch your caffeine levels in order to look after YOU!
Drinks
Although the body will naturally attempt to detoxify toxins through the lymphatic system, it may need a little help.
An excess of toxins can cause low energy levels, poor digestion, headaches, allergies, weight gain, skin problems and so on….. Ughhhh!
You will need to keep up fluid levels. Keeping up with the water will encourage lymphatic drainage, helping remove the unwanted toxins from the blood stream and lightening the load from the immune system.
If you do unfortunately go down that slippery slope of bugs, increase your vitamin C and D and also your greens and all being well, you’ll be fighting fit in no time.
I’ve written a Green Smoothie Book which is perfect to help you get additional greens into your diet.
Rest and sleep
Quite possibly the best medicine in the world, enough said! I know that I’ve been guilty of staying up late in order to get ahead of the Christmas wrapping or work before turning off the computer, but it really doesn’t do you any favours..
Please make sure you get plenty of good rest and if you need extra focus to stay on top of things – try a #powerofanhour or two!
“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.”
Irish proverb
Exercise!
‘Tis the festive season and all that and many of us, will embrace this time to relax, flicking from film to film and tucking into the chocolates or indulging in mince pies covered in double cream!
On top of that, in normal times, we are often tempted by party after party, (remember those??) Even if we aren’t partying as we traditionally would this year, I’m sure there will be many a family zoom night! It’s not surprising that many of us tend to feel sluggish and put on weight at this time of year!
Keep up the exercise when you can. Wrap up warm and go for a brisk walk with the family, tempting as it is to stay inside, when the sluggish feeling starts creeping in, head for the big outdoors!
Head to the beach or park for a game of cricket, rounders, the rugby ball or whatever takes your fancy. Most of all, have fun!
I have a little Mission for you, I really want you to enjoy your Christmas but how about this…. 20 burpees a day throughout the season, get the children involved, make it fun!
Make the most for the local area around you. Discover new trails and walks.
“To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.”
William Londen
I really hope these tips to boost your immune system this Christmas will help you have a happy and healthy season and your immune system remains well. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and if you follow me on Instagram, you can join in the conversation there too.
Please remember if you do start to feel poorly with Covid Symptoms, please do follow the Government Guidelines.
A healthy diet
