Creating a room where guests want to spend time takes the pressure off busy hosts, says Arabella Youens

NO-NONSENSE SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY HASSLES

Guests coming over this Christmas? Here’s how to make the most of the space you have with our expert advice and clever tips

WELCOMING VISITORS TO STAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS OR THROWING A WINTER SOIRÉE? TALLULAH RUSHAYA ASKS THE PROFESSIONALS FOR TIPS ON HOW TO BE THE HOST WITH THE MOST AT THIS JOYFUL TIME OF YEAR

Daisy Lindlar knows she’s very lucky. The 32-year-old and her partner are looking forward to spending their first Christmas in their private rented home with labradoodle Gizmo, who is eight months old

This is an age-old problem. The simplest answer is to start with less, so decluttering is always the first step. Sort through your belongings and separate what you use daily from what you only need se