Get your christmas party wear

With all the mid season sales on now it is hard to decide what to get.  Summer clothing are still on offer while there are basic winter items that I need.  I'm not one for buying clothes to wear next season unless it's really special and a bargain price.  But it's still autumn so you layer up with tights, cardigans and light weight tees so you can be wearing your summer clothing well into winter.

But thinking ahead to christmas, its a great time to get those most needed party wear.  Some christmas parties require formal party dress or party wear but others especially the ones after work its a matter of throwing off your work jacket, freshening up your make up and you're ready to go like those girls from the boots advertisement ..... here comes the girls. 

Ideally too with all the online bargains to be had, it is a great time to pick up a few gifts for christmas, fashion accessories likes scarves, handbags, jewellery and belts even always make handy christmas gifts for her and him.   Those christmas presents aren't going to buy themselves, so get cracking.

christmas gifts – all wrapped up

I like getting a jump start on Christmas by buying presents throughout the year and storing in my gift closet. But I’m doing my usual winter clean – out storing summer clothes and hanging winter essentials and realize that my closet is bear – just a few gifts.

Pre-buying christmas gifts is always a good idea as it takes the hassle and rush out of christmas shopping and helps me to budget better. Panic buying in the run up to christmas is not my idea of fun and can prove to be very expensive. Some people say to me, “oh I can’t think so far ahead”. Me, once I’m out and about shopping and see an appropriate present for a loved one then I buy it especially if it is a good price and on sale.

I do stick to a few ground rules when buying presents in advance:.

- Always have the person in mind for whom you are buying the gift. That said, I do like to stick to christmas presents that are easily transferable i.e. suitable for more than one person like jewellery gifts, silk scarves, leather belts, handbags which are some gift ideas etc.

- Stay away from presents that will expire for example food stuffs, some cosmetics etc

- If you are taking the risk and getting clothes then make sure that it is at least your size so you can wear it in the event that it is unsuitable for the person. You know how we tend put on extra pounds in the winter with all the indulgence and luxury foods in the build up to Christmas.

- Latest fad clothing also a definite no no - stick to the classic fashion that never dates.

- One of my key rules is to buy presents for family and friends that I would use myself. Mind you, sometimes I do tend not to want to part with some gifts.

Shopping throughout the year for christmas presents really takes the pressure off gift buying during this festive season and you can spread the cost over a longer period and avoid escalating bills come Christmas. So next time you are out and about shopping or browsing the internet keep an eye out for unique quality gifts that would be perfect for your friends, family and loved ones.

Christmas wine gifts

I am not much of wine drinker but when I do indulge it is not about dulling the senses but about truly enjoying wine that delights the palette with its rich blends of fruit and spices. So I do like to keep my wine rack stocked for those special occasions. That way I always have a special bottle of wine handy to give to my host when invited to someone's house for dinner.



Christmas wine gifts
With Christmas not far off, a gift of a bottle of wine can come in handy for those you neglected to include on your Christmas gift list but who surprises you with a gift. Investing in a case of wine can save you face and money for Christmas as Marks and Spencer is currently offering 25% of all wines and free UK standard delivery on all orders.


xmas dinner wine
For those of you planning an elaborate Christmas dinner party, this is the perfect time to stock up on your christmas dinner wine or your festive party mix case with something for everyone including wines, roses and reds.