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

Make Christmas cooking a breeze with these prep-ahead recipes!

Do the hard work before the big day for a relaxed Xmas lunch

INGREDIENTS 3 litres of water200g sea salt100g brown sugar6 bay leavesHandful of thyme sprigs10 peppercorns1 orange (unpeeled and quartered)1 onion (unpeeled and quartered)5.5kg turkey75g goose fat50g

Experiment with your pigs in blankets

Make hearty dishes for hungry Twixmas guests with Alison Roman’s smart storecupboard recipes