Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year – but it can also be the most stressful if you’re hosting. In the countdown to Christmas, former Good Housekeeping editor Gaby Huddart shares tips and tricks to get your home fit for the festivities

NO-NONSENSE SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY HASSLES

Betty Middleton had only moved in two weeks earlier, but already she was starting to annoy me with her frequent knocks at my back door. “Would you like a slice of my lemon drizzle? It’s home-made!” No

Make a sustainable start to the New Year and fill the quieter days after the festive flurry with these mindful greener crafting ideas that will bring lots of joy but won’t cost the earth

Our round-up of the funny, fascinating and unusual stories this fortnight

Food and recipes have always offered comfort to Diana Henry. As she brings out a book celebrating her life as a food writer, she reveals how festive cooking brings her the most joy of all