Denny's diary -- november nails

"I can't believe it's nearly that time of year! The bad weather is settling in and summer is truly over -- but don't feel blue, Christmas is around the corner and I just love the buzz and excitement", writes Leighton Denny.

"It's time to have a glitzy, fun manicure and get out your glad rags".

OVAL NAILS GET THE THUMBS UP * It's official - longer oval nails are the look for the season, requested time and again by stylists to the stars. Think metallics, plums, stormy blues and deep reds for Christmas nails. * This is also the time to experiment with nail art, but take heed, keep it simple. There's a fine line between tasteful and tacky. Try out my naked moon-effect by leaving the moon of the nail unpainted or filled carefully with a contrasting polish. DEAR LEIGHTON...

Q: I have a thriving manicure clientele, but I struggle to sell retail products, and last Christmas I lost out to my local department stores. How can I compete?

A: You can turn this around if you prepare in advance. Don't worry, you are in an ideal situation. While carryong out treatment, you have a captive audience and are able to advise on appropriate and glam gifts. Take inspiration from my own Christmas Collections -- affordable, eye-catching gift boxes filled with wonderful products. You can put together your own gifts with the brands you stock. Your display should be gorgoeus, and make sure you gift-wrap all purchases beautifully for that personal touch. Don't forget to include vouchers for manicure treatments to bring in a fresh clientele in the New Year. KIM SHINES ON FRIDAY NIGHT TV I had great fun with Kim Cattrall -- also known as Samantha Jones from Sex and the City, on the comedy show The Friday Night Project. Kim came into the Urban Retreat salon at Harrods for a manicure and was greeted by myself and Harrods' owner Mohammed Al Fayed -- who used my new VIP Diamon Buffer on her nails. Kim loved the effect of the buff and shine with conditioning oil so much, she decided not to cover up her nails with polish.