Ok, Watford - hands up how many of you are rubbing your hands in glee at the prospect of staff Christmas parties, family get-togethers and reunions with friends over the festive period?

Thought so.

Yes, most of us enjoy a break from work, twinkling lights and over-indulgence, but herein lies the problem – if you're anything like us, you've been over-indulging since 1998 and the idea of trying to pour those 'curves' into something slinky gives you palpitations (although of course, that could be the bag of Minstrels you ate last night). 

And every year you think 'this will be the year that I walk into the restaurant looking like a supermodel. Those schoolfriends from 1995, used to seeing me trudge in, wearing a shapeless dress that was once black but has now faded to grey will be astounded and disgustingly jealous of my amazing transformation'. 

The problem is that whilst daydreaming about these grand reveal, you've managed to polish off a bag of crisps, KitKat and slice of Soreen. Whoops. Back to the drawing board...

Still, we may not have the talent (or magical sorcery) to make those excess pounds disappear, but we have got a couple of handy tips to ensure that you look the very best you possibly can for that Christmas party.

Make sure it fits!

Whether you're a size 6 or 26; Daniel Craig or Johnny Vegas; there is nothing worse than wearing an outfit that doesn't fit. Too big and it drowns you, making you look shapeless and larger than you actually are. Too small and you look like a pack of sausages stuffed into an evening dress.

And for you men, straining buttons and seams is not a good look! One too many vol-au-vonts and you could come-a-cropper.

This is where Esmeralda J's Exclusive comes in. Based on Bushey Mill Lane in Watford, Esmeralda J's Exclusive offers high quality tailoring and alterations. If you want a brand new, tailored suit, shirt or evening gown that fits you in all the right places and covers the bits you don't like, owner Jumana Vanat can help. 

Alternatively, if you have a trusty outfit that doesn't fit in quite the same way as it used to, or perhaps is looking a little worn (broken zip etc), take it along to Esmeralda J's Exclusive in Watford and it will be sorted. 

Plus, for your peace of mind, all aspects of the business are insured.

Want to know more about Esmeralda J's Exclusive? Click here to visit their feature.

The same goes for shoes, so if your favourite pair need a little TLC, you can count of Shamma Dry Cleaners to re-heel, re-sole boots and repair zips on-site. And of course, the Watford dry cleaners can ensure that your chosen outfit looks its best, with its range of dry cleaning services including suits, ties, dresses, suede, silk and much more.

Click here for more information. 

Focus on the hair and face!

If you're anything like us, a simple dark outfit is fine as long as the hair and face look amazing!  

So book an appointment at UD Hair and Beauty Salon, one of the longest established and most popular salons in Watford. Special occasion hair, colours and cuts, hand and nail treatments, waxing, sun beds, massage, facials – even teeth whitening, Botox and fillers – you can really go all out for the Christmas party season at UD Salon!

Visit the UD Hair and Beauty Salon feature to find out more.

Six weeks to lose the pounds!

Step away from the chocolate! If you are really unhappy about the way you look, six weeks worth of exercise can make a massive difference to your waistline.

Everyone Active Watford Leisure Centre Central offers flexible membership options and a huge range of facilities to suit everyone, from the gym bunny to couch potato, including a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, exercise classes, sports hall and climbing wall.

To find out more about Everyone Active Watford Leisure Centre Central, click here to go to their feature.To find out more about Everyone Active Watford Leisure Centre Central, click here to go to their feature.

So as Christmas approaches, don't panic – just call on Watford's finest to help you look your best!