Anthea Turner counts down to the perfect Christmas

Anthea Turner assures me that her new book, The Perfect Christmas, is not designed to make ordinary women feel inadequate.

The title might sound ominously competitive, but the television presenter says her festive tips are firmly rooted in reality.

Away from the cameras, Anthea - who is best known for her stints on Blue Peter and GMTV, not to mention a rather complicated love life - says she likes nothing more than making her own Christmas decorations.

She says she was inspired to write her new book while filming a Christmas edition of BBC Three television series The Perfect Housewife, and claims it has been a labour of love.

"I've always loved Christmas. I'm a very hands-on person, and remember making decorations with my mum as a girl."

As the credit crunch forces us to tighten our purse strings, Anthea believes it's possible to have a wonderful Christmas on a budget.

"Christmas has got out of hand. But as we face our first credit crunch Christmas, this book does give you choices and ideas on how to get Christmas under control.

"I genuinely don't think you need to turn Christmas into something too big. But likewise there's no point burying your head in the sand and thinking it's going to go away, because it won't."

The book is a practical manual, filled with recipes, party games, decorating tips and present ideas.

But despite her love of homemade festive crackers and turkey stuffing, Anthea admits that her Christmas isn't always perfect.

"I've had horrific Christmasses when I haven't been in the right place with the right people and there's been turmoil in my life. And then I've had great Christmasses when everyone's been together, we've had great fun and there were good things going on.

"I think there's a huge pressure on people at this time of year. People need to remember that Christmas lunch can be just a Sunday roast and a cracker!"

When Anthea shocked the world in 1998 by leaving her husband/manager Peter Powell for married man and father-of-three Grant Bovey, the angelic TV presenter had to ride an emotional storm. Now happily married to Bovey, she admits that a complicated family set-up can make planning the festive season more difficult.

But she says there's no reason to let such issues spoil Christmas.

"Our Christmas day is Boxing Day really. That's when [Grant and I] have the children with us. We've carved it up quite neatly so there's not problem. It can be easy, as long as you're sensitive to everyone's needs."

In her new book Anthea aims to provide answers to some of the more pressing practical festive problems.

"I don't think the Angel Gabriel is standing there with a tick list, watching your every move," she laughs.

"You don't get prizes for making your own mince pies. I haven't made my own for three years. This book gives people ideas and choices on how to get everything done, and how to cut corners. It's a pick and mix book. You don't have to do all of it. I don't. Or rather, I have done all of it but not all at the same time."

Anthea says the best way to get things done is to take the lead.

"Delegate. Lead from the front, by example and be very decisive. Give everyone jobs and don't be a martyr. If someone says, 'Can I help', you say, 'Yes'."

ANTHEA'S EIGHT-WEEK PLAN

EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE:

Plan your Christmas meals - make lists of all the food and drink you will need.

Send out invitations.

Place orders for drinks and food.

Check you've got enough cutlery, china and glasses. If you're short of large serving dishes and bowls, try to borrow them from friends.

Write out your gift list. Set a budget and try to stick to it.

If you are making your own Christmas cards, start now.

Plan the theme for your Christmas decorations.

Buy Christmas wrapping paper, ribbons and trimmings.

Start adding a few Christmas items to your weekly shop.

If you are making them, now is the time to make your Christmas cake and pudding.

Check last posting dates and write them on your calendar.

Book Christmas and New Year taxis.

Arrange a babysitter if you are going to need one at any time in December.

Clean out the freezer - try to use up as much food as you can to make room for your Christmas foods.

SIX WEEKS BEFORE:

Start buying - and wrapping your gifts.

Plan the theme for your dining table and buy any accessories, such as crackers.

Check your table linen.

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE:

Start cooking dishes for the freezer.

If you are making mince pies, do them now and put them in the freezer.

Buy your Christmas cake and pudding if you are not making them.

Get your Christmas cards written and ready to post.

If you're planning to do a supermarket shop online book a delivery slot - deliveries for the week before Christmas are quickly booked up.

Do any last-minute online present shopping.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE:

Post your UK Christmas parcels and cards.

Cook and freeze sauces, desserts and vegetable dishes that can be made ahead.

Make/buy and freeze a few 'family suppers' for the busy days before Christmas.

Finish your gift shopping.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE:

Post any last-minute cards or parcels.

Buy your tree, but bring it into the house as late as possible.

Decorate your front door with a wreath.

Ice and decorate the Christmas cake, if you've made one.

Buy or collect evergreens and other foliage for Christmas decorations and arrangements.

Order non-perishable foods and have them delivered. Order flowers to be delivered next week.

ONE WEEK BEFORE:

Decorate the house and Christmas tree.

Shop for any foods that you need to see or touch before buying. Leave buying fresh food as late as you can.

If you've got a frozen turkey check how long it will take to defrost. Make a note on the calendar, so you don't forget to take it out of the freezer in time.

CHRISTMAS EVE

Lay the table.

Prepare as much as you can for the Christmas meal.

Prepare the after-dinner coffee tray.

By Sarah O'Meara