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How to Look Like You’ve Got Christmas Completely Under Control

Festive Christmas Mall Shopping

Let's be honest, Christmas has a habit of creeping up on us. One minute you're enjoying autumn walks and pumpkin spice everything, and the next you're being asked what everyone's plans are for Christmas whether you've bought your presents and who's bringing the pigs in blankets.

And if you're reading this thinking you've still got plenty of time, you're certainly not alone!

We recently asked how everyone's Christmas preparations were going, and the results were pretty reassuring for anyone who hasn't quite got started yet...

  • 53.4% haven't started Christmas shopping yet.
  • 16.7% think it's simply too early to think about Christmas!
  • 13.1% have bought a few things.
  • 4.6% are well underway.
  • 5.8% are nearly finished, with just a few things left.
  • 6.3% have already finished! (We need to know your secrets!)

So, whether you're firmly in the 'haven't started' camp or one of the super-organised 6.3%, we're here to help you look like you've got Christmas completely under control. Or at least, make a very convincing attempt!

1. Master the Art of Christmas Gifting

Nothing says organised quite like having everyone's presents sorted before December even gets going. Even if that's not quite the reality, a beautifully wrapped gift can certainly give the impression!

Start with your Christmas list and think about what everyone would actually love. Fashion finds, beauty treats, cosy accessories and little luxuries are always a good place to start.

For the fashion lovers, Urban Outfitters is a brilliant new addition to Midsummer Place, with plenty of inspiration for those harder-to-buy-for friends. Looking for something a little more luxurious? Victoria's Secret is perfect for gifting PJs, slippers and feel-good treats.

Shopping for someone who has everything? A gift card is your secret weapon. It gives them the freedom to choose something they really want, and you can tick another name off your list. Win-win!

2. Get Your Festive Outfit Sorted Early

There is nothing worse than realising you have absolutely nothing to wear three hours before the Christmas party.

Think statement dresses, tailored trousers, sparkly accessories and those finishing touches that make an outfit feel extra special. Suit Direct is perfect for finding those smarter festive looks, while New Look has plenty of options for party dresses, statement accessories and seasonal styles.

Don't forget the shoes! Schuh has you covered with everything from party heels to stylish boots.

Whether it's a work Christmas do, a festive bottomless brunch or a big family gathering, having a few go-to outfits ready will make life so much easier.

Our advice? Don't leave the Christmas party outfit until the week of the party. Future you will be grateful.

3. Make Your Home Look Like a Christmas Pinterest Board

You don't need to go full-on Christmas elf to make your home feel festive. A few well-chosen touches can make all the difference.

Think cosy cushions, festive candles, beautiful decorations, twinkling lights and a wreath that makes your front door look like it's straight out of a Christmas film.

For those finishing touches, Bath & Body Works is a must-visit new opening at Midsummer Place. Think gorgeous seasonal scents, candles and home fragrance that will have your home smelling like Christmas in no time.

Choose a colour scheme and stick to it for that effortlessly coordinated look. Whether you're all about traditional reds and golds, winter whites or something a little more glamorous, a little consistency goes a long way.

Bonus points if your home smells like cinnamon and Christmas trees!

4. Don't Forget the Little Extras

It's often the little things that make Christmas feel extra special. Stocking fillers, Secret Santa presents, festive pyjamas, new slippers and those last-minute bits you've inevitably forgotten.

LEGO is a great shout for fun gifts and stocking fillers.

Keep a little gift stash ready for unexpected visitors, extra Secret Santa exchanges and those people who somehow always appear on your Christmas list at the last minute.

A few thoughtful extras can save you a festive shopping panic later.

5. Plan Your Christmas Social Calendar

December is always busier than you think. Between festive drinks, family gatherings, Christmas markets, shopping trips and catching up with friends, your diary can fill up surprisingly quickly.

Get those dates in the calendar, book your festive meals and make time for a little Christmas shopping along the way.

Planning a festive shopping trip with friends? Make a pit stop at GAIL's, another exciting addition coming soon to Midsummer Place, for a coffee, pastry or something delicious to keep you fuelled while ticking off that Christmas list.

And remember, you don't have to say yes to absolutely everything. Sometimes the best festive plan is a cosy night in with a Christmas film and a hot chocolate.

6. Wrap as You Go (Trust Us on This One!)

We've all been there. It's Christmas Eve, the wrapping paper is everywhere, the scissors have disappeared and you're questioning why you didn't start sooner.

This year, make a little wrapping station and tackle presents as you buy them. Keep gift tags, ribbon, tape and wrapping paper together so everything is ready when you need it.

A coordinated wrapping theme is also a brilliant way to make your presents look beautifully put together, even if you bought half of them on the same afternoon!

While you're shopping, don't forget to pick up those final gift additions. Waterstones, and Sostrene Grene is a great place to look for stationery, cards and little finishing touches to make your presents look extra special.

Your Christmas, Sorted (Well, Almost!)

Looking like you've got Christmas completely under control doesn't mean having every single detail planned months in advance. It's about making a few clever choices, getting ahead where you can and leaving yourself enough time to enjoy the fun bits.

From finding the perfect presents to picking out your festive party outfit, discovering exciting new stores and enjoying a little festive pit stop at GAIL's, Midsummer Place has everything you need to make this Christmas feel a little more magical.

So grab your shopping list, put on your favourite Christmas playlist and let's get festive!

*Please note prices were correct at the time of publishing, and all stock is subject to availability