Maxi's Guide to Surviving Christmas

House of Hackney’s decorating doyenne, Maxi Malist, shares her top tips for coping with any dilemma the festive period may throw at you.

What are your top tips for coping with hosting Christmas at yours?

I personally use the three P’s: Preparation, Print and Prosecco. Preparation is key to the success. Figure out your personal colour scheme for the festivities and run this through your tree decorations, table settings and outfit. Then there's the preparation of food, dietary requirements, the guest list, avoiding unwanted guests and gifting. All of which can be dealt with using copious amounts of prosecco followed by an ample amount of print to distract the eye from burnt turkey and the price tags left on gifts.

How do you deal with difficult relatives?

This is where The House has really come to my rescue. They now sell printed silk pyjama sets! This gift is perfect for that difficult relative. Simply tell them to try it on before asking them to sit on your sofa, in my case the head-to-toe Mey Meh print of the PJs will make them disappear into my House of Hackney Mey Meh sofa. Along with the lavender filled eye mask, they’ll be sent straight to sleep! House of Hackney are geniuses. They've created a fully wrapped gift set that also silences and hides your mother in law… maybe.

What are your suggestions for Christmas shopping and making sure you choose gifts your friends and family will love?

Gifting can be hard so break it down. Think about what they already have and how you can enhance or detract from that, depending on each case. If they have exposed brick walls, then buy them wallpaper. If it’s a bad choice of boyfriend, then an eye mask may be in order. For those who own cream furniture buy them fabric and for dog owners it has to be a scented candle.

Do you have any tips for wrapping gifts?

Now this subject really tugs on my tassels. A gift that isn't wrapped with love, is less of a gift and more of a burden. A brass crocodile candle stick holder is the way to Maxi’s heart (this isn't a hint but feel free to take it as one). But if it’s like breaking into fort Knox when unwrapping then I may have to pass the parcel. Remember fellow maximalists: there is no need for maximalist taping. My tips for wrapping are give it time and enjoy it. Choose wrapping and ribbon that work beautifully together. Play with textures and shapes. This is your chance to show your taste in colour combinations. Surprise your loved one with a layer of gold tissue paper inside. It adds glamour and shows the time and thought you've put into it.

You must go to lots of parties over the festive season, how do you manage all those invitations? And do you ever turn anything down?

How can you ever turn down a party!? Although for a House of Hackney party I've been known to turn down a few things – usually sleep.

How do you stay looking so fresh with all these social events to go to?

After three events I simply switch my foundation for cement.