It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - which means it's time to get organised

Can you believe the festive holidays are just around the corner? This year has passed quickly and, as we all, the holidays can be a stressful season, especially if you have family on the way. With everything that happened this year, many of us are in need of some festive fun with family, and of course, some wonderful feasts and food. One way to prevent the stress from piling up is to start getting organized now so that you can soak up the festivities with your guests.

Start buying food you can store

If you already know what meals and dishes you will need to prepare this holiday season, make a concentrated effort to buy items you will need when you see them. There's nothing more frustrating than seeing something, going back for it in a few days only to find out they have all sold out. Of course, make sure they are items that will stay fresh until needed. Items that work well are fruits cakes, conserves, pickles. crackers, and festive sweets and chocolates. Crisps and nuts are also great food items that can be stored in advance.

A roast to remember

Festive roast dinners are not half as daunting as they might first appear. Break it down into categories — meat; vegetables; gravy and condiments — and you'll realise just how simple it really is. Number of guests is the most important piece of information so you can work out how large your piece of meat must be. On average, for a roast dinner, 200-250g of meat per person should be enough, but any extra can always be used for a buffet spread later in the evening or for sandwiches over the next few days. Go for frozen roast potatoes and you'll also save lots of prep time.

Let them eat cake

It's the holidays, which means it's treat time for all. While you may limit yourself throughout the year, if there's one time you and the family should be allowed to indulge, it's now. Stock up on preserved fruit cakes and biscuits, just because it's handy to have things in the cupboards. The Choithrams range of festive cupcakes are also great for holiday party spreads, office gatherings or even for a festive-themed outdoor event.

Decorate over time

If you don't have time to deck the halls (and every single room in your house) in one go, spread it out over a few days, or even weeks. From a giant tree to a new set of twinkly lights for the stairs, it doesn't have to all be switched on at the same time like a town's tree lighting ceremony. It could actually be fun to get the family to spot what's new each day! Holiday home décor doesn't have to be expensive or time-intensive to make a big impact—in fact, it shouldn't. Instead, many ideas make use of small, affordable props, decorations, and furniture shifts so that you can build the winter wonderland you've always dreamed of without having to empty your wallet. And when it comes to colour schemes, don't be afraid to stray past red, green and gold.