Well readers, Christmas is very nearly upon us and planning is key to getting it right. Time spent making a time plan for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is time well-spent.

Not only does it help in organising the cooking, it also organises the mind and it is astonishing how many times forgotten jobs are picked up when writing a time plan. Below is a time plan laying out the most important jobs which can then be adjusted to fit with your menu.

Don’t forget to build time for you into the time plan. Time to get ready, or have a cup of tea is as important as a perfectly cooked dinner.

Tomorrow is your last opportunity to prepare for the big day and as day is getting closer and the heat is on. Jobs done on Christmas Eve will take the pressure off Christmas Day.

- Set the table. A great way to make sure you have everything.

- Sort all the cooking and serving dishes, the glasses, silverware and napkins for the dinner.

- Put white wines and Champagne to chill.

- Remove all frozen foods from the freezer.

- Parboil the potatoes and parsnips for 15 minutes, cool and keep refrigerated.

- Trim the Brussels sprouts and refrigerate.

- Make the dill sauce for the salmon, if not already done.

- Stuff the turkey.

- Get to bed at a reasonable time, always helps to start Christmas Day refreshed and well rested.

When the day has finally arrived it will definitely be a very busy one for the cook but try make sure it is a pleasurable one.

Cooks, don’t spend all the time in the kitchen alone, invite family or friends in to lend a helping hand, and to keep you company.

All the hard work will be worth it when sat with family and friends with contented bellies enjoying the Queen’s speech.