Hosting this Christmas? Let us help you with the festive juggle
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This week: how to boss Christmas at home; genuinely great-smelling scented candles; and the best festive hampers. Don’t get the Filter delivered to your inbox? Sign up here. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.
![[Muji Amber and Sandalwood 1 Wick Candle]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/801b162320790627a44ad8bcd04956ba5f3cec0a/0_0_5000_3000/master/5000.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Whether you relish the role of Christmas host and do it every year, or it’s just come around to your turn, it’s guaranteed to raise those already high festive cortisol levels. From cramming everyone in to remembering all the dietary requirements, it’s rarely easy.
![[Felicity Cloake tries homemade gingerbread and drinks sparkling wine as she tests Christmas hampers]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/9a4cdc9abd0f5b9baa9d74eb3d24cc3d61386684/0_448_6720_4032/master/6720.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
But seeing the whole crew under your own roof is always magical, and there’s plenty of prep you can do ahead of time to make things easier. Here’s how. While the kids write their lists to Santa, pen one of your own: everything you’ll need for your guests and the meals you’ll be serving. Lucy Turnbull and Emma Cantlay, hosts of the Seasonal Supper Club in London, advise: “Write down what you want to cook, then work backwards to the prep. Consider fridge space and how long each element takes to make.” Also do a walk-around of your house to see if any jobs need doing. My list of 50 easy winter home updates provides some useful tips.
![[Clothes on hangers and boots]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/91e84d18f2c0f64288525fcde68aec8c8948ef77/0_164_3000_1800/master/3000.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Check if you need extra kitchenware so that you can avoid panic buying. Intentionally mismatching plates, serving dishes and glasses (try these gorgeous coupes from M&S, as recommended in our recent guide to homeware gifts) is less stressful than trying to find like-for-like replacements.
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