New larger harddrive ordered - need guidance on type of backup to create

I ordered a new larger internal laptop harddrive. What is the best way to make a backup of my existing system so that when the new harddrive arrives I can be up and running in the shortest amount of time?

If it helps, today was the first day I restored a backup (disk recovery option not just files) and I found it to be a confusing process. My current laptop harddrive has three partitions: a large C drive, a small hidden one for who knows what, and a partition for backups (not Acronis - probably setup by Windows 7).