It’s that point in the calendar when everyone starts asking “where did the year go?”

As the long weekend rolls out, the inevitability of Christmas beckons and with it, all the tasks around the house that have been left undone. While it is definitely too late to start a major renovation, there’s just enough time to do some small updates that will have a big impact when guests drop by. That is, if you follow a few simple guidelines to keep the project – and your sanity – on track.

Keep trades to a minimum

If you’re thinking that there’s time to widen a doorway, install a built-in banquette or redo that small second bathroom, forget it, says head of interiors at Studio Johnston, Stefania Reynolds.

“In terms of the reality of the availability of trades before Christmas it is really hard,”

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