These 10 tips will make your festive season as easy as possible

What if I told you that (in 10 easy steps), you could become one of those people who glide through the Christmas season with ease? You could have all your presents bought ahead of time. You could learn to cook in the coming weeks. You could distinguish Prosecco from Champagne (and like, actually understand the difference?). You could have a Christmas tree that lives to see the big day. I’m giving you this – sort of – with 10 tips for your easiest festive season yet.

From where to shop, to when to book a manicure, here’s your Christmas, wrapped up.

By Rachel Spedding

• 1 Know when to order your presents

  If you fail to buy all your presents in the Black Friday deals (learn from this), online shopping is still a good idea. If you’re shopping on Amazon – smart – the last day to ensure Christmas Day delivery is 21st December (order as late as 11.59pm). For one-day delivery, it’s the 23rd. Gift cards can be bought on the actual day, just saying.
• 2 Everything you need to know on Christmas trees

  Real trees use around 10x fewer materials, and 5x less energy, than their artificial equivalent. Better yet, you can recycle ‘em. Head to this website to find suppliers around your postcode. Your tree (and its wondrous scent) will last around six weeks. You can then find a recycling service (and answers to all your burning q's), here. 
• 3 The only Christmas playlist you'll need. Ever.

  Okay, I’m holding off arguing this one (yes, Leona Lewis ‘One More Sleep’ really is the best Christmas song), but should you wish/need to appease all, it’s good to have a playlist to hand. You can crack it out at parties, in the office, on your commute. This one’s got something for everyone, including Britney Spears (who knew?).
• 4 How to chill Prosecco quickly

  No matter how much Champagne (Lambrini) you think you need, it’s always more. If you need to instantly chill the fizz, fill a bucket/tub/bath with ice, water, and salt – the secret ingredient – and pop in your bottle(s). Leave it to sit for a few minutes and it’ll be just the right temperature for downing drinking. ​
• 5 When to book your eyelash appointments

  If you’re into the lash-enhancing thing – be it extensions, LVL, or a good ol’ tint – you could follow suit with the rest of our Treatwell lot, and make your appointment on the most popular day for it in December: the 22nd. That way, your lashes will last for two weeks (or longer), so you'll be fluttering thise bad boys right through to 2019. Jammy. ​
• 6 How to not have a breakdown because of Sellotape

  It’s like it knows. It taunts us. It tries to be impossible. If sellotape had eyes and a small mouth, it would be grinning, constantly. Anyway, beat it at its own game. Stick a paperclip to the end of the tape so you can pick up exactly where you left off each time tape is required. Easy.
• 7 This easy Christmas cake recipe

  I’ll say it now, nothing beats Iceland’s chocolate yule log. If it was up to me, this would be the only Christmas cake, but, since it’s “tradition”, and everyone still gets far too excited about dried fruit, the simplest recipe online is this one. You're supposed to have it ready 3 months pre-Christmas Day in order to ‘feed it’ with Brandy on the regular. *Searches for nearest Iceland*.
• 8 Look out for gift guides

  Gifts. Mum? Easy. Sister? Dreamy. Grandads? Well, monogram socks, obviously. Never fear, gift guides will help you to source a gift for everyone in your life. I’d suggest signing up to the email send outs of relevant brands, then you’ll be the first to spot their gift guides once released (and hopefully bag a discount too).
• 9 Book your nails in December

  A two-week mani is the gel, or shellac, equivalent of the classic mani, so it lasts a whole lot longer. The polish (cured under a UV lamp), is seriously strong, and will endure even the most intense present wrapping session. December is our most-booked month for this treatment – follow this example to keep your nails looking frresshh 'til NYE.

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• 10 How to always 'win' the Christmas cracker

  The most useful tip of all. Sure the contents of the crackers are pants, but the victory. The formula: hold your end of the cracker lower (so that it tilts in your direction), and administer a slow, controlled pull. Don’t twist it. You will win.

  Let’s face it, your small cousin needs to learn a lesson in defeat anyway. ​

  With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.