Now Bonfire Night has sizzled and frankly banged the evening away it's time to get planning for the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas finally feels like it's around the corner - hello Costa festive coffee cups, Monty the penguin and more amazing advent calendars than you can shake a stick at (the Liberty one is just perfection). With all the excitement, planning and preparation that goes into making Christmas memorable it can sometimes all get a bit much and you can find yourself feeling like Scrooge. So here's something a little bit different from me, a post that'll hopefully keep you in high festive spirits well into the new year and help you with those festive season woes. You're welcome.

 Plan, plan, plan

 Gift giving can be a minefield, there's only so many cashmere jumpers you can buy for the men in your life right? Every year I'll make a list of who I need to buy for and then conduct some serious research - I'm talking blogs, magazine gift guides and visiting Christmas shops online to get some real inspiration (Selfridges is one of my fave online destinations). Something Craig and I do nearly every year is have an overnight stay in a different town or city to Christmas shop, we often find ourselves laden with quirky, unusual gifts and it's fun to experience a different shopping destination. Travelodge* have some amazing deals for last minute breaks away so get browsing stat.

 Don't end up looking like something that should be at the top of the Christmas tree

The invites over the Christmas season come in thick and fast but that doesn't mean you have to fall into the glittered to high heavens trap, unless you want to that is. Velvet and lace are two sure fire ways to say hello festive fun without going over board or you could try adding a berry lip to a simple ensemble, NARS are bringing it in this arena. My favourite way to bring a bit of festive cheer to any invite? A faux fur jacket or a sequinned pencil skirt, team said skirt with a belted oversized knit to get the balance, Christmassy but on point. Don't fancy a faux fur jacket? Get your mitts on a faux fur clutch instead. Nothing says Winter Wonderland like a touch of faux fur.

 Be thoughtful and mindful of budget

 Now I'd love to buy Jo Malone crackers for my parents Christmas dinner table but unfortunately I can't be so frivolous, with a house still under renovation and a wedding to pay for it's all about budgets and discounts. Keep your eyes peeled for Black Friday discounts on the 28th November, sure team America get the best discounts but our British faves have started to cotton on too. If you're really panicking about money this Christmas then go handmade and thoughtful - homemade gingerbread in kilner jars, beauty sample filled stockings or create your own foodie hampers are all inexpensive but lovely gifts.

 The emergency stash

Family stopping by unexpectedly or worse a friend dropping round with gift you haven't planned for strikes fear in the most organised of Christmas folk. My advise? Keep an emergency Christmas stash in your cupboard, I'm thinking mince pies, gingerbread, mulled wine, a bottle of fizz, a gift bag and spare Christmas cards. You'll be looking like the hostess with the mostess which will undoubtedly impress, all thanks to a little forward planning.

 Most of all get festive and have fun

 Christmas will always be the most sensational time of the year for me, I love spending time with my family and friends, eating my body weight in Christmas themed fodder and generally just relaxing with my faves. Don't be tough on yourself at this time of year, get in the festive spirit and have fun! Throw on a Christmas jumper, watch Elf, dance around the house to the Michael Buble Christmas album and perv on decorations and Christmas wrap in Paperchase. I know I will be.

 How do you prepare for Christmas?
*Collaborative link