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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article