At home with Margaret

Why is it that women feel so responsible for Christmas? We want everything to be perfect and everyone to enjoy themselves. Be strong! We don't need to be worried into a state of panic. I run a Bed and Breakfast near Chiddingly in East Sussex, and over the coming months I'll be sharing a few tips for stress-free, low budget, good old-fashioned make-do-and-mend home-making.

1.Liven up your living room. There is some fantastic wallpaper available which can really brighten up a dark corner. You don't need to spend months re-decorating a whole room, just tackle one wall and make a feature of it.

2. In the bedrooms be adventurous with colour and pattern. Check prints, combined with floral can look stunning as long as you tone or contrast the colours. A tall hat stand makes a wonderful temporary wardrobe useful for extra guests over Christmas.

3. There's no need to buy decorations, why not fill the house with the natural scent of orange and clove. Slice large oranges, scatter with cloves and place on greaseproof paper and dry out in warm oven for a few hours. Thread the fruit with ribbon and hang. This time of year needn't be stressful and expensive. Plan carefully, use your time wisely and make room for some handmade festive charm indoors this Christmas.

Margaret Clarke, Netherwood Lodge Bed and Breakfast. www.netherwoodlodge.co.uk. Bookings 01825 872512.