If you've been allocated the role of head chef on December 25, there are plenty of short cuts to minimise the last-minute madness. "Lists, lists, lists," are the key to a successful Christmas dinner, according to Mary Cadogan, editor of the Good Food Countdown To Christmas.

She also advises: "Delegate as much as possible. It is so nice if people are coming to Christmas dinner for them to bring something, even a plate of chopped Brussels sprouts. People like to be asked."

Cadogan has this festive food countdown to avoid your head boiling along with the potatoes.

12 WEEKS TO GO Make Christmas cake.

11 WEEKS Make Christmas pudding.

EIGHT WEEKS Go through your cupboards and freezer and make way for Christmas food. Make a list of all the things you need to buy.

SEVEN WEEKS Make a list of the drinks you will need. Order the turkey.

SIX WEEKS Make chutney and first part of freeze-ahead dinner party.

FIVE WEEKS Buy Christmas crackers.

FOUR WEEKS Shop for wines, spirits and mixers - arrange delivery if necessary.

THREE WEEKS Update shopping lists. Plan food needed for everyday cooking, entertaining and Christmas food.

TWO WEEKS Decorate the Christmas cake.

ONE WEEK Defrost your mince pies ready for any visitors.

Countdown to Christmas, edited by Mary Cadogan, is published by BBC Worldwide, priced £9.99.