Home truths

Christmas with the Stars

Discover how these three celebrities spend their Christmas at home

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, who lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband Steve and their much-loved dog Angus, shares her Christmas plans

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TIME AT CHRISTMAS?

I really love the build-up to the big day, and most especially Christmas Eve when all the decorations are up, the table is set and the fridge is full. I light scented candles, open a bottle of cava and just take it all in. There’s that wonderful tingly feeling of looking forward to the big day.

WHAT’S YOUR NON-NEGOTIABLE MUST-HAVE AT CHRISTMAS?

Our daughter Rosie being home with us. She lives in London and will come over on Christmas Eve with her wee dog Ruby. Also we have to have a huge walk with the dogs before, and most especially after, the big dinner. I also have to have an entire Chocolate Orange for my breakfast which I refuse to share with anyone.

WHAT PART OF CHRISTMAS PLANNING DO YOU LOVE BEST?

I really love buying gifts for friends and family. You don’t have to spend a fortune but I like to get something I know people will love. I do a lot of shopping online and I might send wonderful hampers from Orkney or pamper gifts from Beauty Pie. I love the products of this brilliant beauty buyers’ club. They have cut out the middle man which means they offer high-quality skincare, make-up and candles at a fraction of the cost.

WHAT PART OF CHRISTMAS PLANNING DO YOU DISLIKE?

I don’t like really busy, overheated shops, grumpy stressed-out shoppers and the same old Christmas pop songs being blasted out in every store.

WHEN DO YOU PUT UP YOUR DECORATIONS?

As early as I can! Usually the weekend after my birthday on 30 November. I get Steve to bring all the boxes down from the loft and every bauble has a

IN THE HOT SEAT

Tree – real or artificial? Artificial, but it looks real. Stockings – yes or no? Always – with things like sweeties, lovely soaps or make-up for Rosie. Does your dog get a gift? Of course! Christmas meal – at lunch or dinner time? Usually around 3pm. Turkey or something else? Turkey and all the trimmings. story, either from my childhood or something I’ve bought on holiday.

ARE YOU A CHRISTMAS MINIMALIST OR DO YOU PREFER TO GO ALL OUT?

Never ever minimalist! I have a real wreath on the door, and lots of holly, mistletoe and poinsettias everywhere.

Lorraine is an investor in luxury-beauty buyers’ club Beauty Pie (beautypie.com) and you can watch her self-titled show every weekday on ITV.

Presenter, singer, dancer and author Alesha Dixon lives with her husband Azuka and their daughters Azura and Anaya Safiya in Hertfordshire

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TIME AT CHRISTMAS?

Christmas morning is always special but I love everything about Christmas because I ge