Party Season Prep – Start Now!

Technically it is already the second week of November, how did that happen so fast? Starbucks red cups are back in full force and I am donning my down jacket to head to work in the morning. I feel like just the other day I was putting together my collage for what to wear when it is 100 degrees out and now I am searching for mittens and the warmest tights I have.  What does this mean? The holiday season will be here sooner than you think – 23 days until turkey and 48 days until Christmas!

We all want to look amazing over the festive party season, when our calendars bulge with work parties, meet ups with friends and family, and festive occasions. However, with a busy party season usually comes rich food, extra drink, late nights and lots of running around – all of which can leave us looking and feeling not quite at our best.

Get a head start on looking great by starting your pre-party season prep now, before life gets too hectic. Here’s how to make sure you’re looking your very best come December:

Exercise
It can be hard to summon the motivation to exercise once the dark nights start to draw in. While all you might want to do it cosy up on the sofa in front of the TV, keeping up or starting an exercise routine will pay dividends when it comes to looking great in your new party dresses! If you can’t bear the thought of jogging in the drizzle and cold, swimming is a great all round exercise, sorry of course I would say that,  and it has the added benefit of being pretty relaxing, and indoors to boot! You might need to invest in a new swimsuit or tankini, especially if the only swimwear you have is your summer holiday bikini collection, but after that swimming is a very cheap way to exercise. You can pick up a tankini from George for under a tenner, so there’s no excuse not to start swimming your way sexy today!

Eat Fresh
Ok so we’re all craving mashed potatoes and gravy instead of salads, but try to hold back from the dumplings, pies and puddings. Instead, enjoy the fresh seasonal produce that’s in the shops and supermarkets – spicy pumpkin soup anyone? Autumn salads can also be delicious, with butternut squash, beetroot, kale and celeriac as the stars of the show, and instead of apple pie, try seasonal apples spread with peanut butter for a tasty, healthy snack or dessert. Or, I have made a recommitment to my juicer and you can find me whipping up a cucumber, green apple, spinach, and ginger juice a few days a week! Eating well now will mean that you look and feel better come the busy festive season – plus you’ll be able to indulge in all those winter treats without the side helping of guilt!

Good Night’s Sleep
Many of us feel completely frazzled come January, and it’s little wonder. December is a whirl of shopping, social events and entertaining, and all the stress, late nights and good living take their toll! Make sure you get plenty of zzz’s in advance, so that you’re bright eyed and bushy tailed for when the busy season hits. Oh, and naps are always a good idea.

Relax
Similarly, while you might think that the time off over Christmas is a good time to relax, in reality, it rarely is. Seemingly endless family visits, overexcited children and late nights mean that the holiday season can actually be the most stressful time of year. Enjoy taking some time out to relax this autumn, so that you can go into December stress-free and feeling great. Yoga, swimming or Pinterest activities such as baking or crafting are all good for relaxing the mind and body, so why not try something new?

Prepare
Looking great over the party season takes forward planning, so if you’re thinking of trying out a new hairstyle or beauty treatment, do it now! A practice run will mean that you still have time to correct any mistakes (unless you go for a short crop!) before December. You can also take this time to get your hair, nails and skin into tip top condition, with regular treatments, moisturizing and exfoliation.