1. What a swell party you can put on...

Parties can become the ‘same old’ long before the 12 days of Christmas are up.

So why not try something different? Here Chris Barber, of The Castle pub in Hurst,offers you the chance to try the spirit of adventure and make your party the talked-about event of the season.

2. Forest’s on your doorstep

For a quick getaway, NICK IVE suggests heading south to explore the charm of the New Forest. He’s found the perfect base

3. Hungary for a relaxing break

Promised fine wine, views, accommodation and a massage, LAURA HERBERT headed to Hungary hoping to unwind. Eventually her wish came true

4. Kitten heels, hairy bikers and top turkeys

The three Copas sisters run a successful turkey farm in Cookham Dean, which has impressed the Hairy Bikers.

Alison Hepworth reports for food monthly.

5. Horoscopes 1st - 7th December

Matters preying on your mind would fare better out in the open. Don’t keep them bottled up inside. Someone’s anxious to get something off their chest; be honest with them and they will find it easier to be candid in return.

6. Pet Finder: Purrfect puss

Golden oldie Mavis is on the look out for a nice retirement home.

7. Learn how to carve that turkey this Christmas

“Turkey carving is a lost art,” says Antony Worrall Thompson. “Birds are so piddly and small these days and the Sunday roast is dwindling, so people rarely find the need to carve.

8. Go Organic: Buy nothing for 24 hours

Next Saturday is the official Buy Nothing Day, one of my favourite days of the year.

9. My festive berries are being eaten by fat pigeon

Gardening at this time of year is a bit like housework  where you save yourself extra effort if you tidy as you go.

10. Pole lot of fun

When is exercise really fun? When it’s ‘sexercise’. Join City Woman on her quest to find fun and flirty fitness sessions to spice up your regime