As if the festive season wasn’t stressful enough, new research out today, commissioned by stylish electricals brand Sandstrøm, available exclusively at Currys and PC World, reveals that 1 in 2 Brits feel anxious about the appearance of their house before a visit from the in-laws.
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With 60 per cent of us expecting at least one visit from the in-laws this Christmas, it’s no surprise the lengths the UK will go to this festive season in order to prevent disappointing their partner’s parents.
One in five admits to spending money on their house prior to hosting the in-laws, spending on average £112 ahead of every visit; 1 in 10 spends as much as £300.
A third go as far as updating appliances such as kettles and toasters to avoid criticism from a partner’s parents and 1 in 7 even consider upgrading their oven or washing machine. The spending doesn’t stop there either, 1 in 10 also upgrade to branded groceries to impress.
Replacing the kettle, however, might be money well spent with 40 per cent of Brits claiming that they are expected to get the kettle on for their in-laws at a moment’s notice. The study also revealed that Brits make an average of 8 cups of tea a day for the in-laws when they drop by.
The rooms that cause most concern ahead of the in-laws coming to stay are the living room and kitchen but these worries are not unfounded as 1 in 3 says their in-laws will pass comment on the appearance of their house when they come to stay.
Parents-in-law themselves confess to having high expectations and 1 in 3 admit that they expect their daughter or son-in-law to have up-to-date homewares and appliances.
The study also revealed that those expecting a visit from the in-laws are more likely to spend time hiding items that might meet disapproval (1 in 7) than buying presents for their in-laws: just 3 per cenr would consider buying a partner’s parent a gift when they come to stay.
This doesn’t change as you grow older, and supposedly wiser either - 1 in 10 aged 55 years old and over still confess to hiding ‘naughty’ items such as alcohol and cigarettes ahead of the in-laws dropping by.
Ben Lovett, a Sandstrøm spokesperson said, “When we commissioned this study we had no idea just how much us Brits spend ahead of a visit from the in-laws.
“It’s an expensive time of year for everyone but hopefully we can help our customers save some money this Christmas with our design-led Sandstrøm electricals.
“The Sandstrøm range is stylish enough to keep the mother-in-law happy but affordable so won’t break the bank!”
Sandstrøm electricals, ranging from stylish TV and audio products to design-conscious tablet and eReader cases, and a wide range of sleek kitchen appliances and, are available to buy through Currys and PC World, in-store, online and via mobile.
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