Hassle 3 Christmas at home

Hassle 3 Christmas at home

Christmas is a magical time of year, full of peace and goodwill. By contrast, preparing to celebrate the festivities at home can be a stressful experience. But with a little careful planning and delegation this needn't be the case. So how do you get Christmas at home with minimum stress and maximum sparkle?

What goes into organising the perfect Christmas at home?

• Start with the little things – Christmas cards, advent calendars – and go from there.
• Decide on the gifts, purchase them well in advance to avoid unkindly fellow Christmas shoppers and wrap them ready for delivery
• Put your lights up, if you are using ones and decorate the Christmas tree
• Plan your Christmas party– some thought will need to go into this if it's to stand out from the mulled wine and mince pie get-togethers
• If it sounds like a horrendous amount of planning, delegate to Hassle 3. Simply hand over your to do list and we'll do the hard work. We have got great relationships with professional chefs, catering companies, cleaners and interior decorators, all of whom can come to your home to make your dreams a reality without you lifting a finger.

How far in advance do you usually start planning?

• To have everything ready for the big day, start mid-November.
• If you are planning to cook a traditional Christmas lunch you will need to pre-order the turkey or goose mid November, whether this is from one of the supermarkets, your local butcher or directly from a free-range farm.
• The last posting date for UK first-class mail is 21 December, but with the ever-present threat of postal strikes it would be best to get Christmas cards in the post well in advance of this date. That means beginning to write cards or ordering pre-printed cards first week of December to leave enough time for addressing envelopes and getting them to the post office.
• Corporate Christmas gifts are a headache for many a businessman. Hampers and cases of wine or champagne can be the perfect treat for work colleagues, but some of the top suppliers – such as Harrods and Fortnum and Mason - have their delivery dates booked up weeks in advance.

Is there anything that clients need to be reminded about in particular?

• No offence, but men often need reminding of what gifts they are supposed to be buying!
• I have put together a list of gift suggestions for all the various people in your life. So please feel free to ask for an inspiration before you get started.
• If you are buying gifts for elderly people, please refrain from buying another pair of socks or a tie – they probably receive them every Christmas and Birthday! Instead, give them something unique, like Internet lessons or tickets for West End shows.
• If you are planning to treat your little ones to some festive activities, these should be booked in advance. For example, visiting Santa's grotto is a magical treat for children, but at Harrods it was fully booked by mid-September. However at Hassle 3 we can suggest plenty of other places and next year you will receive a reminder from us early in the autumn so you can visit the place of your choice.

How to make Christmas really enjoyable?

• Most people have Christmas Day organised but forget to make plans for the time between then and New Year
• It's a good idea to have some activities up your sleeve to keep everyone entertained. A pantomime or musical is a classic treat, and open-air ice skating is always a hoot. Even if it's a good, brisk walk to work off the turkey and build up an appetite for the next big meal, when you've got guests it's always advisable to plan ahead. At Hassle 3 we can send you recommendations for pantos, open-air ice rinks and scenic walks in your area. We can also send you suggestions for family games.

How can clients best cope with the stress associated with planning Christmas?

• Simply hand it all over to us, Hassle 3. Give yourself enough time – start talking to your lifestyle expert now, and come December you'll be worry-free.
• Having said that, Christmas-related stress can be a great excuse for a bit of pampering. Talk to Hassle 3 and we can book you in for a mind-calming massage or a soothing spa session.

Hassle 3 guide to stylish Christmas gifts for under a tenner

It is the time of the year to be thoughtful yet thrifty, not to remortgage your home on iPhones, X-boxes and that Prada shoes. The fact is, a tenner and a bit of imagination can go a long way with these simple ideas.

Velvet Beauty Bag

A lovely gift for a BFF or A-list auntie, this velvet bag looks and feels decidedly opulent. Perfect for make-up, jewellery or (whisper it....) love letters. Velvet beauty bag, £8, Cox and Cox.

Scented soy candles

These mandarin scented soy candles in recycled glass bottles are a lovely gift for winter. Simple but gorgeous, the beauty of soy is that it's virtally smoke and soot-free. Recycled glass soy candles, £4, ECOutlet.

Fig bar soap

Imagine a countryside walk with the Mediterranean sun on your back - this fig-scented soap will take you there. Triple milled with palm and almond oils, it gives a luxurious lather and offers a long-lasting fragrance. Fig bar soap by Côté Bastide, £8, Bodie and Fou.

Pinhole camera kit

Great for big kids and little kids alike, go back to basics and explore how a tiny pin hole refracts and captures light rays to produce real photos. Genius stuff. Pinhole camera kit by Ridleys, £9, Breeze.

Cocktail shaker

No booze cupboard is complete without a cocktail shaker, and in fire engine red, this one makes for a stylish departure from the classic stainless steel. Cosmopolitans all round? Red cocktail shaker, £9.99, Drinkstuff.

Change The World notebook
Now that's a mission statement. Perfect for big thinkers with even bigger strategies. Change The World notebook, £7, Beautiful Things.

Apple feeder
Although it's 95p over budget, we couldn't resist giving it a place on our list. This chic apple feeder can be hung from branch, hedge or hook and will help our feathered friends get through the winter. Apple feeder, £10.95, Lily and Lime.

Friendship birds

Made from weathered metal, these two birds make a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Give one to someone special and keep the other as proof of an enduring friendship. Friendship birds, £9, Cox and Cox.

Planning a winter wedding? Here are some useful ideas to make it winter special.

In search of something old? The Vintage Wedding Dress Company sells authentic gowns as well as fur capes, antique lace and other wedding accessories. Restore, reinvent and recreate with the help of Heirloom Couture. Who says second time around isn’t as special?

Keep guests entertained with party tricks performed by magician Daniel Reed. Jazz singer Emma Munro-Wilson or a gospel choir will help them feel the music within, while burlesque dancers will get everyone in the mood.

Wedding romances are always the main attraction, so keep palm reader Philena Bruce on hand to figure out the future of new relationships.

Whatever people say, cards are a big deal. For a stylish start, send Louise Richardson’s bespoke invitations or Chartula Studio’s laser-cut stationery. For everything else, take a trip to Mount Street Printers.

All this planning getting you down? Don’t get your knickers in a twist; take some time off to party with your friends.

By the time the big day rolls around you’ll be high on life; let your guests get high on sugary treats. The Original Tricycle Company has a posh 1930s or a wacky 1960s trike for serving magnificent ice creams. Or opt for a tiered cheesecake piled high with strawberries, blueberries or blackberries.

It’s a sweet start to married life.

Planning a winter wedding? Make sure you don’t get a frosty reception.

In search of something old? The Vintage Wedding Dress Company sells authentic gowns as well as fur capes, antique lace and other wedding accessories. Restore, reinvent and recreate with the help of Heirloom Couture. Who says second time around isn’t as special?

Keep guests entertained with party tricks performed by magician Daniel Reed. Jazz singer Emma Munro-Wilson or a gospel choir will help them feel the music within, while burlesque dancers will get everyone in the mood.

Wedding romances are always the main attraction, so keep palm reader Philena Bruce on hand to figure out the future of new relationships.

Whatever people say, cards are a big deal. For a stylish start, send Louise Richardson’s bespoke invitations or Chartula Studio’s laser-cut stationery. For everything else, take a trip to Mount Street Printers.

All this planning getting you down? Don’t get your knickers in a twist; take some time off to party with your friends.

By the time the big day rolls around you’ll be high on life; let your guests get high on sugary treats. The Original Tricycle Company has a posh 1930s or a wacky 1960s trike for serving magnificent ice creams. Or opt for a tiered cheesecake piled high with strawberries, blueberries or blackberries.

It’s a sweet start to married life.

3 hassle-free tips to de-clutter your small things

Quick no-brainer tips how to sort it out:

Notebook Organizer
Organize receipts, lists, and other items in a notebook that can accommodate papers of different sizes. Use whole-puncher to create holes in your items. Then, attach the items to plastic disks (these are the bits that make up the spine of your notebook). Create numerous sections for your different activities.

Points Card Organizer (Tesco Clubcard, Nectar and so on)
One way to quickly and easily organize these cards is to place all of them on a ring. Simply punch a hole in each card and add it to the ring. Try to punch all of your cards in the same spot to make identifying them easy.

Earring Organizer
Do you ever find that your earrings turn into an unmanageable jumble? Here's a simple solution: Place small cups (i.e. Japanese sake cups) on a tray, and place a pair of earrings in each cup. This method makes organizing earrings easy and attractive.

Enjoy!

Organizing tip of the day: clothespin photo and notes hangers

Clothespins can be used to organize and hang papers, photos, and cards when they're turned into refrigerator magnets.

To make them:

• Remove the springs from wooden clothespins
• Lightly sand wood with sandpaper
• Coat with acrylic paint and let dry
• Reattach springs
• Affix a small magnet to 1 side of each pin with multipurpose cement

Time tricks - how to make the most of your time

Here are three simple steps to make sure you are in control.

1. Start and finish it - every time you break up an activity with another you loose focus. Getting back into the right frame of mind takes precious time. By all means divide large projects into smaller chunks, but complete each chunk with as few interruptions as you can.

2. Take breaks - at the same time you, you need to build in breaks (at suitable points) in order to regain efficiency. You might think you do your best work when you are exhausted and high on caffeine, but sadly this is when most mistakes occur.

3. Time busters - identify the activities which steal your time, but add no value to your life. These might include driving and parking when you could take a train, watching TV programmes you don't enjoy or poorly organised filing system.

Crash course on Time Management

Want to make more efficient use of your precious time? Follow these steps to make it happen.

1. Pass the task on - many of us seem to think that it's brave to struggle solo but you don't have to be a super hero. Consider delegating tasks and who could help you: maybe another mum could pick up the kids from school once a week; try to delegate some paperwork to a colleague. Even passing on one small task could make a big difference!

2. Get organised - and plan. Make sure you have an aim in mind for meetings, have a clear desk and clear home and don't let tasks creep up on you. Be disciplined about use of technology - turn your phone off and only check it at intervals. Set times during the day to check email and stick to them. Phone messages and emails can be major and unnecessary distractions. Don't forget to schedule in time for yourself and your family alongside all your other plans. Unless you're organised in those areas too, it won't happen.

3. Learn to say no - if you keep saying yes to keep people happy, eventually you are going to let them down. Manage their expectations and only take on board the work that you feel you can realistically complete. Be firm, keep eye contact, take a breath to collect your thoughts and say no immediately before you say anything. You can always change your mind afterwards if you want, but you'll find it harder to back out of something if you've already said yes!

4. Simplify life - by juggling too many balls, our brain consistently thinks about each and every one of them. So simplify your life and throw out everything you don't use. Be honest with yourself. Cut down on your memberships of societies and clubs, keeping just your absolute favourites. Use the library so you aren't collecting books that clutter up your home and shop in a limited number of shops and for brands you trust. By cutting out the choice and keeping things simple you won't have as many things to think about and you can focus your mind on the important tasks and get more done.

3 ways to avoid a rip-off

Here are 3 tips which will save you money by avoiding being ripped-off.

At home

Whether you need a plumber, electrician, or builder, always ask below questions before agreeing to any home repair work:

''How long has the contractor been in business?''

''Do they belong to a trade organisation?''

''Are they insured?''

"What is the hourly rate plus the call-out fee?"

If the job isn't urgent, make sure to ask for the references and get estimates from three other businesses.

At the garage

Garages can be amongst the worst offenders for padding out the bill. Before having your car serviced or repaired, tell them exactly what you want done, agree a fee and insist on an itemised bill (they probably won't like it) and ask whether they have a complaints procedure in place. If there is a problem, contact them immediately. Don't forget to keep a record of dates, times and what was agreed.

At the bank

Banks can charge for the costs incurred when you go into the red, but they're not allowed to charge excessively. Sit down and work out what you're owed by going through statements and highlighting any excessive charges. Then write to the bank and keep record all correspondence and phone calls. Banks are telling customers they're not entitled to reclaim charges so you need to be persistent. If this fails, visit consumeractiongroup.co.uk for advice.

Cycling is the new Golf

I have been watching my partner, David, cycling around 50 miles couple of times a week and wondering where on earth does he get his enthusiasm from (I can barely do 10 min spinning on our high-tech indoor CycleOps without constant whingeing!). Now, he has never been into Golf but has always said that Cycling is what does it for him.

So cycling is a great workout and can even help build your career network.

When it comes to executives and networking, many successful people are pedaling instead of "driving" on the golf course in order to develop strong professional social circles.

Movers and shakers enjoy mixing business and biking for a variety of reasons. Some use cycling regularly as a popular social activity so top bosses can get acquainted in an active, informal manner. Rob McGovern, CEO of Jobfox, is among the many in pursuit of connections on the bike path. "Golf just doesn't work," he says. "It's slow and sedentary. Besides, who has five or six hours in a day to network? Think of it as having all the social aspects of golf, but while wearing spandex and going 20 mph with a heart rate of 150 beats per minute."

Some added doctors, lawyers and businesspeople into their social networks, thanks to cycling. Going on rides, like prospecting sales professionals, can build business relationships and increase mutual affinity.

Overall, I see this wheeling and dealing in a very positive light. Cycling is healthier than golf and a sound body makes for a sound mind, which translates to better performance in the office. So, go ahead and saddle up.

Quick tips how to Ride right

1. Know when to schmooze. That's before or after, not during the action. Sure, some executives may enjoy business-flavored chat while going 20 or 30 mph, but many want to achieve a goal first and talk later.
2. Gauge your skills. Connect with a group that complements your professional interests and matches your skill level. A cyclist who looks weak on wheels might be judged as weak in the Boardroom.
3. Be accountable. Show upon time with equipment that's in good working condition. If you hold up the action, you could come across as unreliable.
4. Love it. If cycling isn't your thing and you're doing it strictly for professional reasons, it will be obvious, and your effort could have a negative effect.

Enjoy it!

Wedding gift ideas

I always find it very difficult to think of presents to buy the newlyweds that are both useful and beautiful (I went very wrong with a dustbin once!). So I have done some research and came up with a selection of ideas that bride and groom will fall in love with.

1. Dinnerware set - it is a must-have on any newlyweds list. Urbane and eclectic, this Villeroy & Boch collection is ultra-modern, with groovy yet elegant lines. Prices start from £11.95 at John Lewis.

2. Cutlery - it might seem an obvious choice, but this minimalist cutlery designed by Arne Jacobsen for Georg Jensen (originally designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen) is the ultimate wedding gift.

£169 at georgjensenstore.co.uk.

3. Super stylish candelabra in chrome (featured in Real Homes Magazine). Simple yet beautiful...without breaking the bank! £18 at Heals.

4. Silver cake stand - this stylish silver heart shaped, two-tired cake stand will be perfect for a fun tea party. Get it for £69.95 at Cocoa Bean.

5. Set of three Heart Trugs - this handy set of stylish chickenwire trugs with heart shape rims and tall rounded handles baskets will have endless uses in newlyweds home. £17 at Dibor.

6. Set of ''Grand Office'' cheese knives - this stylish and professional stainless steel kitchen utensils with beautiful detailing are the ultimate wedding gift. £33.50 at Lavender & Sage.

6. Chopping Board Set - this multi-award-winning chopping board comprises of a stylish storage case and four colour-coded chopping boards. Each board has its own illustrated tab to make life easier. £42 at Joseph Joseph.

Happy shopping!