New & Now

Blue striped background with red writing.

I can't quite get my head round the fact that it's less than a fortnight until Christmas and I'm feeling woefully behind with my to-do list and am starting to get that sense of overwhelm I've been trying to avoid.

I haven't managed to finish all my gift shopping yet, but there's a pile of stuff that I can definitely start wrapping, so that's on the agenda this weekend – this clever tape dispenser from Amazon is a recent purchase I've been loving that promises to speed things up. I also need to blitz the house and get it party-ready as I'm hosting the Ideal Home team's festive do at mine next week. That 'hostess with the mostest' crown is destined to be mine!

I hope your to-do list is looking better than mine right now – but if not, here are some of the problem-solvers and hosting must-haves that'll make your life easier and help you catch up.

Amazon

Sxmrmnx Compact & Tape Dispenser - Perfect for Gift Wrapping & Crafts, Fits Various Tape Sizes With Easy Dispensing

Amazon

Christmas Village Wrapping Paper Fabric Storage Bag With Pouch (82 X 34 X 13 Cm) Water and Dust Resistant Holder for Rolls of Paper, Pocket for Gift Tags & Bows (grey)

Oliver Bonas

Bobbin Pink Margarita Glasses Set of Two | Oliver Bonas

Habitat

Habitat Peio Rattan Folding Dining Chair - Natural

Amazon

Command 2 X Christmas Xmas Fairy Light Hooks Clear [twin Pack] Self Adhesive Hooks & Strips

Lights4Fun

34cm Gold Osby Star Window Light

05/12/25 Embracing the tacky Christmas trend

I'm going for it with a gold Christmas tree in my kitchen, adorned with a selection of food-related baubles and kitsch decorations. I'll be throwing on handfuls of tinsel lametta (I'm thinking pink from Amazon) and topping the tree with a striped bow I've been stalking on John Lewis.

John Lewis

John Lewis Coffee Machine Bauble

Wayfair.co.uk

The Seasonal Aisle Pine Christmas Tree

nkuku

Bakara Star Tree Topper - Antique Brass

Anthropologie

Grilled Cheese Ornament

H&M

Pom-Pom Christmas Decoration - Red

M&S

Glass Hanging Ice Cream Cone Decoration