Tis the season!

Forget about decking the halls this Christmas, as far as I'm concerned, Christmas should be an occasion to deck yourself out in fabulous clothes. While you're racing around Chadstone at 4am picking out gifts for your nearest and dearest, make a couple of stops for yourself to ensure you're looking fine on Christmas day.

Here's the low down on what to wear if… You're hosting Christmas… If you're hosting the big day then chances are you're going to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen with your hands full and surrounded by countless stain-inducing substances like cranberry sauce and red wine.

Granted, when you're up to your elbows in turkey your outfit is probably the last thing on your mind, but as the hostess you should still try to look fabulous.

Don't even think about wearing high heels, instead opt for some embellished flats or sandals.

A jersey maxi-dress in a dark tone will help you avoid stains and keep you comfortable (and is very accommodating for the obligatory overeating).

Keep accessories to a minimum, nothing too dangly that might dip in the gravy. You're a guest and it's a formal occasion… First of all, get excited, it's not every day you get to dress up in something fabulous for Christmas.

You could play it safe with black or red, or you could be a little more exciting and experiment with colour. Rich jewel tones of ruby, emerald and sapphire are everywhere this year - and will ensure you look like the very spirit of Christmas.

Even though it's a formal event, chances are you're going to eat and drink too much, so you want to be comfortable. Steer clear of sky high heels, anything that's too tight, short or exposes too much flesh - keep it classy.

You're going to a restaurant or a bbq… Maybe this is the year you're letting someone else do all the grunt work and meeting the family at a restaurant for Christmas lunch, or perhaps you're heading to a backyard barbie for an afternoon of prawns, cold meats and icy beers.

It's not a formal occasion, but you don't want to be turning up in a tracksuit either, so it's best to aim for three quarters casual, one quarter smart. Pairing your jeans with something sparkly is an easy way to get into the festive mood, while a printed floral maxi dress is the epitome of summer.

Truthfully, the maxi dress is your best friend on Christmas day, it disguises all evidence of over-indulgence, is comfortable and can be dressed up or down.

It's just a quiet affair at home… I was going to recommend resisting the urge to remain in your pyjamas all day, but perhaps hanging out in your PJs is the ultimate Christmas indulgence.

You and your other half could give each other some seriously comfy PJs or loungewear for Christmas and then spend the rest of the day testing them out eating, drinking and lazing around in supreme comfort.