Home: How to stay organised during the festive season

It is possible to strike a balance during the Christmas holidays between chaos and calm, say professional organisers 

Winding strings of lights around a piece of cardboard ensures they won't be tangled up when you're decorating next Christmas. (plain white string lights from €15 at www.lights4fun.co.uk)

Twixmas: The twilight days between Christmas and New Year when you’re not quite sure of the day of the week, and life consists of late-night bingeing on films, followed by lazy lie-ins and all-day pyjama-wearing while gorging on cheese and mince pies.

Amid a sea of gifts and the detritus that comes with having everyone at home, you might want to take an hour or two to get straight.