Here are ten great ideas for gifting, decorating, and celebrating the season ahead to help you get started.

• • Thoughtful secret Santa
    Make your Secret Santa extra special with a gift that gives back. Choose a second-hand book from Lions Bookstore, where profits support various local charitable projects. It’s the perfect way to give twice—once to your recipient and once to the community.

• • Christmas recipes
    Planning your festive meals? Now’s the time to look up your favourite recipes and check your pantry for ingredients. Booths and Another Weigh have everything you’ll need to create delicious holiday dishes. Hilary has made up some mini Christmas cake kits at Another Weigh for vegan and non-vegan versions. Competitively priced at £4.50, it makes two small cakes, one to keep and one to gift.

• • Festive home décor
    Looking for Christmas decoration inspiration? Head to Armstrong Ward, one of Cumbria’s most beautifully decorated stores. Their stunning selection will give you plenty of ideas to create the perfect holiday atmosphere in your home. It could be the bauble that’s the 2024 addition to the tree, additional crockery or a welcoming throw or cushion.

• • Advent calendar countdown
    Start the Christmas countdown in style! Booths offer a fantastic range of Advent calendars, from cheese and chocolate to other creative themes. Find the one that suits your taste and make every day of December a treat!

• • Don’t forget the batteries
    With Christmas comes toys, gadgets, and lots of lights—make sure you’re stocked up on batteries! Booths have a wide selection to keep everything running smoothly, ensuring no disappointing lack of power on Christmas morning.

• • Easy Christmas feasting
    Need inspiration for your Christmas menu? The Booths Christmas Book 2024 is packed with ideas and tips to simplify feeding your guests. Plus, you can order food online ahead of time, so you’re not rushing around at the last minute.

• • Cosy Christmas drinks
    Take a break from the hustle and bustle at Elsewhere Bar, where you can enjoy cozy coffee, cakes, and local drinks. Their inventive homemade cocktails and mocktails are perfect for festive gatherings. With themed evenings on offer, it’s an ideal spot to bring colleagues, friends, or family for some holiday cheer.

• • Festive finery
    At Armstrong Ward, find a carefully chosen Lily & Me collection. Create multiple outfits from dresses, tops, tunics, knitwear, skirts, and trousers. It will see you through the new season and beyond.

• • Launching on the 12 November at Pizza Express
    Enjoy classic Christmas tastes with a little pizzazz with Pizza Express’s Festive Set Menu, from irresistible Dough Balls in Blankets and a turkey & cranberry Christmas Feast pizza to Loaded Snowball Dough Balls. All are at great value, with two courses (starter & main) for just £19.95 or three courses for just £25.95. You can also raise a glass to the party season with a Pomegranate Mimosa and Elfspresso Martini.

• • A final word
    If hosting friends and family at Christmas has thrown up some frustrations with how your kitchen works as an entertaining and cooking space head to Lakeland Kitchen. They will be full of ideas and solutions to fit most budgets.