Anthea Turner assures me that her new book, The Perfect Christmas, is not designed to make ordinary women feel inadequate. The title might sound ominously competitive, but the television presenter says her festive tips are firmly rooted in reality.

Away from the cameras, Anthea — best known for her stints on Blue Peter and GMTV, not to mention a rather complicated love life — said she likes nothing more than making her own Christmas decorations.

She was inspired to write her book while filming a Christmas edition of the BBC3 television series The Perfect Housewife, and claims it has been a labour of love.

“I’ve always loved Christmas. I’m a very hands-on person, and remember making decorations with my mum as a girl.”

As the economic climate forces us to tighten our purse strings, Anthea believes it is possible to have a wonderful Christmas on a budget.

“Christmas has got out of hand. But as we face our first credit crunch Christmas, this book does give you choices and ideas on how to get Christmas under control.

“I genuinely don’t think you need to turn Christmas into something too big. But likewise, there’s no point burying your head in the sand and thinking it will go away.”

The book is a practical manual, filled with recipes, party games, decorating tips and gift ideas. But despite her love of home-made festive crackers and turkey stuffing, Anthea admits that her Christmas is not always perfect.

“I’ve had horrific Christmasses when I haven’t been in the right place with the right people and there’s been turmoil in my life.

“And then I’ve had great Christmasses when everyone’s been together and we’ve had great fun.

“I think there’s huge pressure on people at this time of year. People need to remember that Christmas lunch can be just a Sunday roast and a cracker!”

When Anthea shocked the world in 1998 by leaving her husband/manager Peter Powell for married father-of-three Grant Bovey, the angelic TV presenter had to ride an emotional storm.

Now happily married to Grant, she admits that a complicated family set-up can make planning the festive season more difficult. But she says there’s no reason to let such issues spoil Christmas.

“Our Christmas day is Boxing Day really. That’s when Grant and I have the children with us. It can be easy, as long as you’re sensitive to everyone’s needs.”

In her book, Anthea aims to provide answers to some of the more pressing practical festive problems.

“I don’t think the Angel Gabriel is standing there with a tick list, watching your every move,” she laughed.

“You don’t get prizes for making your own mince pies. I haven’t made my own for three years. This book gives people ideas and choices on how to get everything done, and how to cut corners. It’s a pick-and-mix book.”

Anthea says the best way to get things done is to take the lead.

“Delegate. Lead from the front, by example and be very decisive. Give everyone jobs and don’t be a martyr. If someone says, ‘Can I help’, say, ‘Yes’.”

Follow Anthea’s eight-week plan

EIGHT WEEKS TO GO:

Plan your Christmas meals — make lists of all the food and drink you will need

Send out invitations

Place orders for drinks and food

Check you’ve got enough cutlery, china and glasses. If you’re short of large serving dishes and bowls, try to borrow them from friends

Write out your gift list. Set a budget and try to stick to it

If you are making your own Christmas cards, start now

Plan the theme for your Christmas decorations

Buy Christmas wrapping paper, ribbons and trimmings

Start adding a few Christmas items to your weekly shop

If you are making them, now is the time to make your Christmas cake and pudding

Check last posting dates and write them on your calendar

Book Christmas and New Year taxis

Arrange a babysitter if you are going to need one at any time in December

Clean out the freezer — try to use up food to make room for your Christmas fare

SIX WEEKS TO GO:

Start buying and wrapping your gifts

Plan the theme for your dining table and buy any accessories, such as crackers

Check your table linen

FOUR WEEKS TO GO:

Start cooking dishes for the freezer

If you are making mince pies, do them now and freeze them

Buy your Christmas cake and pudding, if you are not making them

Get your Christmas cards written

If you are planning to do a supermarket shop online book a delivery slot — deliveries for the week before Christmas are quickly booked up

Do any last-minute online gift shopping

THREE WEEKS TO GO:

Post your UK Christmas parcels and cards

Cook and freeze sauces, desserts and vegetable dishes that can be made ahead

Make/buy and freeze a few family suppers for the busy days before Christmas

Finish your gift shopping

TWO WEEKS TO GO:

Post any last-minute cards or parcels

Buy your tree, but bring it into the house as late as possible

Decorate your front door with a festive wreath

Ice and decorate the Christmas cake, if you have made one

Buy or collect evergreens and other foliage for Christmas decorations and arrangements

Order non-perishable foods and have them delivered. Order flowers to be delivered next week

ONE WEEK TO GO:

Decorate the house and Christmas tree

Shop for any foods that you need to see or touch before buying. Leave buying fresh food as late as you can

If you have a frozen turkey, check its defrosting time. Make a note on the calendar, so you can take it out of the freezer in time.

CHRISTMAS EVE:

Lay the table

Prepare as much as you can in advance for the Christmas meal

Set the after-dinner coffee tray.