By STEPHANIE DARRALL


The secret of a stress-free Christmas is 'first impressions' according to Pippa Middleton as she gives her fans a guide for the perfect celebration.

The 'Ten Tips for a Perfect Family Christmas' published on Party Times online party magazine advises readers to welcome guests with pathways lit with candles and fairylights.

Other pointers include sprucing up Christmas trees with colourful decorations, baking Christmas cookies and shopping online.

Family Christmas: While the Duchess of Cambridge will attend her first Christmas at Sandringham with the Royal family, Pippa's magazine offers advice on welcoming family members for the occasion

While the Duchess of Cambridge will attend her first Christmas at Sandringham with the Royal family, Pippa's magazine offers advice on welcoming family members.

Festive treats: The tips recommend brightly coloured baubles and homemade gingerbread houses

The magazine says: 'Have guests met by a beautiful red berry wreath and windows decorated with silver snowflake cut-outs, reindeers and Christmas trees using snow spray.'

Advice on decorating the tree is also given as it is suggested that bright, unusual baubles are used along with candy canes and edible chocolate decorations.

Festive treats such as Christmas cookies cut into reindeers and stars and popcorn covered in edible glitter are also suggested.

Patterned tablecloths are suggested as a quick and easy dressing for the dining table but fairylights take the centre stage.

The magazine says: 'At this time of year everything seems to gleam so fill your house with lots of tiny lights such as green Christmas fairy lights.

'Fairy lights play an essential part and can be draped from beams, twisted round staircases and hung around door frames for a winter sparkle.

'Rustic rattan reindeers nestled in a corner and wrapped with fairy lights look stunning and magical.'

Finishing touches are also included in the guide to make 'Christmas extra special'.

The guide suggests: 'A pack of sky lanterns and a wonderball party favour game or snowball splatter game hidden away and brought out on Christmas day will add a special touch and if you don’t use them they’ll be perfect for New Year parties too.'


Perfect: Pippa Middleton published her 'Ten Tips for a Perfect Family Christmas' on Party Times which advises readers to welcome guests with pathways lit with candles and fairylights


source:dailymail