Make lists, borrow bedding and put a bow on everything: how to host a stress-free Christmas

With a bit of planning, plenty of delegation and the right home comforts, you can reduce the Christmas cortisol

• How to host the perfect Christmas dinner

Whether you relish the role of host or it’s simply your turn, having a houseful of guests at Christmas can be hard work. Cramming everyone in, remembering everyone’s dietary requirements – and the fact that no matter how many glasses and mugs you think you own, it’s never enough.

Logistics aside, though, there’s something so magical about seeing your whole crew under your own roof. And from DIY troubleshooting to deliberately mismatched crockery, there’s plenty you can do to reduce the Christmas cortisol levels – and, yes, that includes delegation.