1. Instead of splashing out on expensive decorations, host a Christmas decorating evening. Get everyone to bring glitter, ribbons and other random things. You can make edible Christmas decorations or get inventive with old lightbulbs and macaroni.
2. Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to make Christmassy canapés, which can be as simple as cheese and mini sandwiches. The cutters can also be used to make pancake shapes (perfect for Christmas brunch!), to bake brownies and even to shape Christmas ornaments. There are literally dozens of ways you can use Christmas cookie cutters, so go nuts!
3. Bring a smile to children and adults alike with these Santa Strawberries, which are adorable, delicious and almost too easy to whip up!
4. If you’ve left it too late to grab an ugly Christmas sweater or can’t find one to your liking, make your own using tinsel, bows and anything else you might have to hand.
5. Don’t have a Christmas tree yet? Have more books than shelves? Tackle both problems using books and fairylights!
6. ‘Tis the season to be jolly. Shake up an easy but magical cocktail for the holiday season. We adore this twist on mulled wine and Nigella’s Christmas Cup.
7. Wine bottles have a way of piling up throughout December. Thankfully, bottles and corks can be repurposed beautifully as centrepieces, snowmen and even wreathes.
8. There is no such thing as too much glitter at Christmas. Whether you live in heels, flats or trainers, why not channel Cinderella and add some sparkle to an old pair?
9. Deck yourself with a mistletoe headband (homemade or bought) to maximise kissing opportunities. Or you can skip the mistletoe and stick to an irresistible red lipstick, peppermint-flavoured gloss optional.
10. Avoid the Christmas high street  and save some pennies – make your own gifts, whether simple or Anthropologie-inspired. Or just dash into Tiger and BUY EVERYTHING.

By The Mills & Boon team