Christmas 2026 | Food, Gifts, Recipes & Decorations

That’s really up to you. Some people wait until the start of December, while others like to get the lights up a bit earlier and be done with it. If you’re buying a real tree, putting it up closer to Christmas can help it stay looking fresher for longer.

Keep it away from radiators and other direct heat, and make sure the stand has enough water if it’s designed for one. A cooler spot in the room helps too. A thirsty tree is not a subtle house guest.

Measure your space before you buy. As a rule, leave enough room for the stand, the topper and a bit of breathing space from the ceiling. If you’re decorating a smaller room, a slim tree can do the job nicely without taking over completely.

Start with the lights, then add baubles, ribbons or garlands, and finish with your topper. Spreading decorations evenly helps the tree look balanced. If the children want to take creative control, perhaps just guide from a respectful distance.

Classic red, gold, silver and green are popular for a reason, but you can keep things simple with one or two shades if that suits your home better. Matching your tree, table and mantel decorations can help everything feel pulled together without too much fuss.

Pick a few key areas to focus on, such as the tree, front door or dining table, rather than trying to do every corner of the house. Wreaths, candles, fairy lights and a well-dressed table can go a long way. It’s festive, not a department store window display.

Simple crowd-pleasers usually work best: roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, stuffing, festive traybakes, hearty desserts and easy starters you can prep ahead. If you’re feeding a full house, recipes with straightforward ingredients and clear steps tend to make Christmas Day run a bit more smoothly.

Christmas pudding is the classic, but plenty of households also go for trifles, cheesecakes, chocolate desserts, mince pies and yule logs. It’s worth having a mix if you can — one traditional option and one for the people quietly hoping for chocolate.

Yes, and it’s usually a very good idea. You can prep vegetables, make desserts, sort sauces and set the table ahead of time. Doing a few jobs early means less rushing on the day and more time for the important business of eating.

Keep it simple and make a plan. Start with the main areas people will actually see, check what you already have before buying more, and decorate in stages if needed. A few well-chosen touches often do the job better than trying to turn your house into Santa’s second home.