Merry Christmas from Clothes-Make-the-Man.com

Celebrity Top Tips for a Stress free Christmas


And so we’ve reached not only our last official post of 2015, but also our last post of our 12 Posts of Christmas with House of Fraser. It’s been a blast and I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have. To send us off on our Merry way to enjoy all what the Festivities have in store for us over the coming weeks we thought we’d speak to a couple of our friends and ask their learned opinion about taking the stress out of Christmas so we can enjoy it for all its worth 24/7 and eat, drink and make merriment over the Yuletide. Enjoy these lil pearls of wisdom and see you back here on 4th January 2016 for all you need to know to keep you ahead in the style stakes.

Take Care, Thank you and Merry Christmas

A.M.

 

imageOlympian, Tom Daley
My big tip would be to write lists way in advance of what you need to get. For example a present list of the people you need to buy for and what you get them and check it off as you go. Same for Xmas dinner.

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Designer and raconteur Sir Paul Smith

“Keep it simple and don’t try to be too ambitious. A single thoughtful gift is better than a sack-load of things that someone doesn’t want. And if it all gets too much, escape to a desert island on your own to escape any drama!”

 

imageActor Phillip Rhys, who over the Yuletide can be caught on the Doctor Who Christmas Special and new E4 show called ‘Tripped’
“Keep travel to a minimum. Surround yourself with your favorite people, a good bottle of wine and The Doctor Who Christmas Special.”

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Presenter and Sportsman Freddie Flintoff
“A tip on having a stress free Christmas is going away! Go away for Christmas, or book a restaurant. I know everyone likes Christmas at home, but you can open up your presents, spend time at home and play around with all the presents, go out and get something to eat and come back home, or else you’ll be washing up all afternoon.”

imageThe First Lady of Breakfast Television – Lorraine Kelly
“Think of Christmas as simply as Sunday lunchthat’s grown a bit big for its boots. Also delegate as much as you can. If friends and family are coming over then assign them tasks.
Someone can bring the starter, another can make the trifle and others can supply Christmas crackers, games to play, DVDs to watch and sweeties to eat. X”

imageRapper, MC & Prsenter of Lip Sync Battle in 2016 – Professor Green
“Go on holiday, alone.”

imageDJ, Presenter and Funhouse Master of Ceremonies – Pat Sharp

“For a relatively stress-free time on Christmas Day. Wrap some spare presents with no labels and then when unexpected guests turn up over the festive period, hey presto, you have that gift you had always planned to give them !”

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Chef, TV Host and all round good guy – Dean Edwards 

“My biggest stress busting tip would be to share the load at Christmas lunch. Coming from a large family we all bring something to the table, this year I’m roasting off a beautiful rib of beef, some fresh cranberry sauce and a lovely cider gravy. If everyone chips in it lessens the load on one person having to shop and cook for everyone.”

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Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire – Great Food inspired Gift Ideas by Amanda Lewis

imageOne of the many things Christmas is known for is the Food and the many different culinary delights associated with the Festive Season. Not just Turkey and Stuffing, but Nut Roast and Eggnog Traditional Triffle, mince pies and Christmas Pudding. Let’s face it Food is the thing that brings many of the people together at this time of year.

Buying something food related can take a lot of the stress out of gift giving and so we’ve selected some of the best inspiring ideas that would whet the text appetite of Foodies everywhere.

And our short film from House of Fraser today is a must see for any DIY, crafty, handy enthusiast.

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What a way to kick off today’s post with this futuristic copper-plated Tom Dixon cocktail shaker features a large belly and tapered ends which allows for a firmer grip and more balanced shaking. It offers an attractive functionality bringing cocktail culture and drinks traditions into a contemporary universe, perfect for a home bar or kitchen.

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What Kitchen could possible complete without this King of all appliances KitchenAid`s premium die-cast metal construction meets Nespresso coffee quality. Sturdy, stable and easy to clean, what more does any coffee lover want ?

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Whether it’s on a brisk walk come Christmas Day, at the Football on Boxing Day or if your crazy enough taking a dip on New a Year’s Day. This Flask from Lyle & Scott will come in handy on numerous occasion over the coming years.

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Barista & Co Cocoa Shaker in electric copper. Beautiful and unique with the Barista & Co embossed logo. For that elegant finishing touch with an ever so slight indulgence. Perfect for sprinkling chocolate or cinnamon onto freshly frothed milk. Plastic lid is provided to cover the top when not in use.

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This is THE much sor after hamper from Planet Organic. It has some of the most exciting products on the market, including a few of their very own! In it you will find innovative coconut products, bio-available sprouted breads, pastas & cereals and a few other special treats. Don’t forget, live by their mantra Eat Well, Live Better!

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OK now for something not as good for you, but it’s will definately make you warm inside. This richer more refined expression of this favorite Irish, Jameson Gold Reserve.

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Beautifully illustrated with vintage-style scenes from L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz, this stunning tea party kit is a charming gift for bookworms. Wrapped in a keepsake storybook box, find a selection of themed cookies from the stories of Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion, plus a peppermint teabag and extracts from the book itself – perfect for hosting your own trip to the Emerald City.

 

imageTake the stress out of what wines go well with what courses, what meats etc by entrusting your own personal smellier. Each bottle from TheGrapeClub.co.uk comes with it’s own personalised tasting note and food pairing.

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As sure as the New Year will bring broken resolutions and credit card bills, you can bet health kicks and gym membership won’t be far behind the, be one step ahead of the healthy pack with the Nutri Juicer by Sage with Heston Blumenthal.

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What’s there not to love about Movie night and now Movie Night at home just got a whole lot more authentic with this Smart Old Fashioned Movie Time Popcorn Cart !!! Why do you need one ? Errrr why don’t you need one ! Mores the point.

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Winter may only be upon us, but remember Summer is round the corner-ish and this stylish canvas barbecue tool set Barbecue Tool Set by ALL THINGS BRIGHTON BEAUTIFUL comes complete with tools and a canvas bag. You may have seen thisfeatured on Channel 4’s ‘Stephen Fry: Gadget Man!’ The four piece set includes easy-grip tongs, basting brush, two-pronged fork and flipper with a custom-made carrying case. The barbecue tools are made from the highest quality ash wood and stainless steel, making them exceptionally hard-wearing.

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The magnificent, perennially popular Classic Christmas Hamper from Fortnum & Mason presents everything one wants and needs for the big day. Expect fanfares as the lid is lifted to reveal the fruity, boozy, spicy St James Christmas Pudding and Cognac Butter, Sparkling Christmas Shortbread and Blackcurrant Preserve. Should I go on ? The fanfare continues with fondant Icy Mints, Cognac & Cranberry Fruit Cake, Piccadilly Biscuit Selection tin, and decadent Monarch Full Bodied Vintage Marmalade and a drum of Marc e Champagne Truffles. Refreshments includes, a Christmas Tea Caddy, a selection of wines & spirits such as, Brut Reserve Champagne, Cotes du Rhone, and Touraine Sauvignon Blanc to provide extra thrill, I think that’s it.

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What a stroke of Genius from M&S with this Christmas Breakfast Hamper ! A selection of breakfast favourites for Christmas morning including smoked salmon with breakfast blinis, Christmas coffee and tea. Make Christmas stress free by starting the day with breakfast already made !!!

Do they Know it’s Christmas ? Well they will if you wear any of these

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This Friday sees National Christmas Jumper day, this year working with ITV’s annual Text Santa Telethon, so all for some very good causes. Plus, whether it’s Christmas party wear, Christmas Eve catch up with friends, getting in the Christmassy mood while wrapping presents or simply to slip on come the big day,  Christmas Jumpers seem to have become must have items no matter how cool you are. So we’ve given you the options of either throwing yourself 110% into the festivities or if you’d rather be a little more reserve, errrr could that be Bar Humbug, no never, we’ve got that covered for you too. Enjoy !

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Made from 100% shetland wool this updated classic crew neck jumper from Howick with fairisle pattern is sure to become a favourite.

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You certainly won’t look out of place wearing this Barbour Martingale Crew Neck Jumper post December 25th.

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White stuff. offer us this laundered classic lambwool mix crew neck jumper, with a fairsle design, feauturing a contrast stag central design.

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Gant Fairisle Crew Neck Jumper offers us a real retro touch to Christmas, but you’ll be warm & toasty.

 

 

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You’ll literally, not be able to do anything but,  get into the festive spirit with this Christmas Jumper from Flintoff by Jacamo.

Alternatives to the Christmas Jumper

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Get graphical with this long sleeve t-shirt from Joules. Featuring a vintage-style screen print and fashioned from super soft fabric, it will be a welcome addition to any man’s weekend wardrobe.

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You can play it a little more subtle in this Reindeer Beanie hat from New Look

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Stand out from the Christmas a Crowd in this Batman Festive sweatshirt, but you can track down versions from Star Wars, Superman and numerous other favourites.

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No one could ever accuse you of not getting into the Christmas spirit if your busting these Christmas Cufflinks from M&S

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Not everyone likes to make such an obvious Christmas statement with their choice of apparel, but you can still partake, all in a much more covert manner in theses John Lewis Christmas Holly Socks.

It’s a time for Giving – IDEAS for all the family’s stocking fillers

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Every year no matter how much we exclaim the Christmas before, we always make the same old mistake, buying too much for one member of the family OR not enough for a certain member of the clan. This is where stocking filler gifts prove to be indispensable,  so today we’ve trailed the web looking for great inspirational ideas to suit pretty much any and every member of the family. So check it out.

 

Granddad
imageNot so boring 5 socks in a tin by Tommy Hilfiger

Little Brother

imageCrocodile print lunch bag and lunch box by Joules

Dad

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To mark the company’s 100th anniversary, Sir Paul Smith has created 10 unique colours of the Caran d’Ache 849 ballpoint pen.

Little Sister

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Barbour Girls Faux Fur Trapper Hat

Cool Gran

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Aveda’s A GIFT OF RENEWAL FOR YOUR JOURNEY.  $1 goes to Nepal earthquake relief with the purchase of this gift set .

Teenage Sister

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Little Mix Gold Magic 50ml Eau de Parfum Gift Set.

Mum

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Surprise her with this Estée Lauder Small Wonders Gift Set in one treasured collection. A gift she`ll love, during the holidays and all year long. This Limited-time collection includes five mini Eau de Parfum Sprays, including Modern Muse, Beautiful and Youth-Dew.

Teenage Brother

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STAR WARS Heat Changing Mug Gift Set

Fashionista Sister

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Structured Make Up Pouch By Whistles

Family Pet

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PEANUTS (As in Charlie Brown & Snoopy) DOG COLLAR by the Camridge Satchel Company

A gift for anyone

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Errr who doesn’t love Chocolate, especially at Christmas,  Charbonnel et Walker Milk Orange Thins

imageLots of brands this year’s have gone Christmas a Cracker Crazy this year and who need wrapping paper. This one is a great example from Molton Brown