Affinity Luxury Lifestyle Magazine December 2018

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PRICELESS

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

www.affinitymag.co.uk

WWW.AFFINITYMAG.CO.UK

It's time for Panto!

WIN! A family ticket to Robin Hood at MK Theatre

ISSUE 90

It's all about giving

Gift Guides for everyone

Celebrate the season

with wreaths, crackers and stockings

ISSUE 90

A better nights sleep

How to stay warm in bed this winter

A Christmas dinner party feast

Your step by step guide

Party Fashion Edit

Styles you'll love

A Codega Experience in Venice this wintertime

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Welcome...

I’m loving...

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It’s always lovely to see all the beautiful, inspiring décor ideas at Christmastime, from trees to garlands it is amazing how we can turn our homes into something magical. You’ll find lots of ideas to inspire you in this issue including some of our favourite Christmas wreaths (page 50) and crackers (page 54).

The lead up to Christmas is my favourite time of year.

Getting the decorations up, planning the presents and of course festive food with family and friends. We’ve got together with top chef and foodie Sophie Michell for an entire festive dinner party menu, including canapes and fizz pairings, turn to page 37 to give Nigella a run for her money!

Our gift inspiration is a plenty, but don’t forget about yourself in all the madness of the season, we want you to feel glam and gorgeous this month which is why we’ve chosen some of our favourite party dresses that’ll have you feeling a million dollars (page 21).

It’s not too late to escape this month - To celebrate the festive season, Malaga’s Gran Hotel Miramar, is drawing its guests into contemporary winter reverie with luxurious epicurean delights. Offering guests, a spectacular backdrop, decked out in Christmas and New Year finery, for the array of festive feasts on offer, all showcasing exceptional local cuisine, the finest Andalucían ingredients and ancient festive traditions for a warm and hearty celebration, turn to page 68 if you’re tempted.

5 1. Bomb Cosmetics Santa Says Set, £19.99, www.bombcosmetics.co.uk 2. Pierre Marcolini Chocolate Advent Calendar, £49, Harrods 3. Gold Bag, £80, Dune, London 4. Lulu Guiness Clutch Bag, £95, Amara 5. Hotel Chocolat Festive Chest, £150, www.hotelchocolat.com

Finally, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and see you in the New Year!

Love & Hugs

Jane x

Cover Littlewoods Ireland

Don’t forget to join us on social media, we love getting to know you!

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Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 962106 - 07507 602401 Advertising: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 962106 - 07507 602401 Graphic Design and Photography: David Zita dave@affinitymag.co.uk

@affinitymagz

All adverts are printed in good faith. Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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CONTENTS 25

12 Relieve your Hangover 16 Hot Picks 23 All that Glitters 27 Christmas Gift Guide 34 Chocolate Treats 37 Dinner Party Dining 43 Festive Fizz 46 Christmas at Wernhers 49 Deck the Halls 59 WIN! Panto Tickets 62 Christmas Jumper Time 64 Discover Venice 70 Your Stars

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Pucker Up

Dolce & Gabbana Beauty introduces a new liquid lipcolour texture: Dolcissimo. Enhancing your sensuality to the extreme, Dolcissimo is the ultimate accessory to dress lips with intense and longwear matte colour, instantly creating a captivating allure. The clue is in its name: a wordplay on ‘Dolce’, capturing its essence and pushing it further. If ‘Dolce’ is Italian for sweet, then Dolcissimo is the sweetest.

Available to buy for £36 exclusively from Harrods.

Festive Fizz

Baylis & Harding’s have launched their new limited edition range, Festive Fizz Collection. The range includes a hand wash (£2), bath foam (£3) and shower gel (£3) in gold and white packaging. Festive Fizz is a fresh green fragrance with a herbal blend of citrus green tea, bergamot, and an amber base.

The Festive Fizz Collection is available from Waitrose & Partners stores and online at waitrose.com.

Scented

Fragrance specialist and historian Roja Dove has announced his collaboration with women's fashion label Winser London. The two brands have collaborated to create a perfumed candle.

The candle combines the scent of Gentian flowers with a fresh blend of Citrus Fruits, Galbanum, Vetiver, and Musks, softened by Rose and Violet.

The Roja Dove x Winser London Perfumed Candle is now available to buy for £89 from Winser London boutiques and online from winserlondon.com.

Little Cherubs

Beauty brand MAC Cosmetics have launched their new Shiny Pretty Things collection. The collection contains lipsticks, lip glosses and much more. The collection also features a selection of kits and sets of the products. www.maccosmetics.co.uk

BEAUTY UPDATES

Shining Beauty

Charlotte Tilbury , have launched their new limited edition luxury Palette of Pops. The two new palettes include: Supersonic Girl and Starlight, priced at £39 each and available exclusively from charlotte.tilbury.com

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Relieve your Hangover Symptoms to Keep on Top of the Festive Antics

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arty season is nearly upon us, and with a lot of celebrating comes a lot of drinking! It wouldn’t be Christmas for many of us without the office party; catching up with every single friend and family member, mulled wine at festive markets, Bucks Fizz with your Christmas breakfast and maybe even a Baileys night cap!

Our experts have provided their top tips to help you relieve those dreaded symptoms, helping you to carry on in the festive spirits!

Replenish your Micronutrients “The diuretic effects of alcohol can increase loss of vitamins and minerals. In terms of vitamins, the watersoluble B vitamins and vitamin C may be particularly affected, as they are poorly stored in the body. These vitamins have vital roles in energy metabolism, as well as detoxification, so reduced levels could contribute to low energy and build-up of toxins. Minerals may also be easily depleted, such as magnesium that is necessary for energy production, and manganese, selenium and zinc that help to protect our cells from free radical damage,” explains Nutritionist and Fitness Instructor Cassandra Barns.

Top Tip: For a multivitamin and mineral food supplement, containing vitamin C and the B vitamins, try the new sense for Busy Lives Wholefood Supplement Capsules (RRP £14.99, www.boots.com). These capsules contain doses of zinc, selenium, copper and manganese – all of which may be easily depleted by alcohol intake. If you are using the tablets, take one before drinking with food, and one more with breakfast the day after.

Drink Enough Water "This may be obvious, but it is still often ignored by most drinkers. It can be helpful to have a large glass of water before starting on the alcohol, a glass between each alcoholic drink, and at least one large glass before going to bed. To improve your hydration, it is ideal to drink water that contains extra electrolyte minerals such as potassium, sodium and magnesium – the minerals that are easily lost in sweat and urine and that are particularly important to have in the right balance in our cells and blood. Natural coconut water is ideal for this, as it naturally contains a good balance of the electrolyte minerals," explains Cassandra.

Eat Something before Drinking Alcohol Cassandra adds, “Make sure that you eat a meal – or at least a substantial snack – before drinking, as it helps to lessen irritation of the stomach lining that can lead to nausea and vomiting, and slows the absorption of the alcohol, reducing its impact on your blood sugar and your liver. Make sure that what you eat contains protein and ideally some healthy fats, as these are broken down more slowly than carbohydrates or sugars and stay in the stomach for longer. Good protein foods are meats, fish, eggs, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds. Healthy fats can include olive oil or other good quality seed oils (e.g.

flaxseed), avocado, nuts and seeds. It can also be helpful to take a few capsules of fish oil or omega-3 oil before drinking to help coat the stomach and replenish levels of fatty acids that may be depleted later through alcohol consumption.”

Top Tip: To help line your stomach try a high strength supplement such as NHP’s Omega 3 Support (www.naturalhealthpractice.com).

Help Detoxify your Liver "The liver is responsible for processing and breaking down about 95% of the alcohol we consume. So to help your liver do this – and to get rid of chemicals such as acetaldehyde – try to include foods that promote healthy liver function, both before and the day after drinking.

Protein-rich foods are one of the food groups in this category, as proteins break down into amino acids that are used by the liver for detoxification. Particularly important is the amino acid cysteine, which has a specific role in acetaldehyde breakdown, as well as in proteinrich foods it can be found in ‘cruciferous’ vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and cabbage,” Top Tip: itsu are launching for a limited time this New Year, ‘losing your vegan’ity’ (£4.99, www.itsu.com). This low calorie meal is packed with protein rich tofu and ‘cruciferous’ vegetables, helping you give your liver the detox it may be yearning for.

Suffer with Type 2 Diabetes? Know your Limits “When you have diabetes, drinking alcohol can cause your blood glucose levels to either rise or fall, depending on how much you have eaten, how much alcohol you consume, how quickly, and the amount of carbohydrate present in the drink or mixer. For example, beer and sweet wine can cause blood glucose levels to rise. Alcohol also stimulates your appetite, so you are more likely to over eat, affects your judgment and will-power so you are less likely to make healthy food choices, provides ‘empty’ calories that are readily converted into fat in the body and contribute to fatty changes in the liver and pancreas, which are associated with insulin resistance,” explains Dr. Sarah Brewer, working in association with CuraLin Diabetes supplement (www.curalife.co).

Top Tip: “If you have diabetes, your doctor may suggest that you only drink one or two units of alcohol per day.

Also that you only drink alcohol when your blood glucose levels are well controlled and that you avoid sugary drinks and mixers,” advises Dr. Brewer. As well as making healthier choices we can look to herbs and plant extracts to support balanced blood sugar levels too. CuraLin (£59, www.curalife.co) is a specially formulated dietary supplement containing ten herbs and plant extracts traditionally used to support insulin sensitivity, helping to keep blood glucose levels under control – so you have one less thing to worry about!

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Midlife Madness N

o apologies for the fact that this piece has a very female orientation – I am a female so feel I have a fairly accurate insight to at least one of the species and whilst agreeing that binary thinking in terms of gender may not be helpful, that is what I’m doing here, so turn the page if making generalisations about females will offend!

Phew! So with that bit out of the way I want to declare that I see myself on the very ‘girly’ end of the female stereotype spectrum! By that I mean I love pink things and pretty things, I love sparkly things, flowery things, spas, make up, long dresses, romantic comedies and any other things that will pop into your head as being at the very girly end of girly. I could add here that I also don’t understand the offside rule, am useless at parking, and despite the tales to the contrary I find it almost impossible to mult- task, I am very easily distracted and find technological things seem to ‘misbehave’ when I am anywhere near them, though they jump to attention when my husband enters the room.

I did warn you not to read if you would be offended!!

One of the things I love the most is shoes. Sigh – don’t we all love them! I don’t just mean shoes, I mean sandals, flip flops, boots, ankle, knee high or thigh. It is true that many of us never have enough storage for all of them and most of us probably spend too much on them, but don’t they make us feel good! Even if I don’t wear them somehow just knowing they are in my cupboard and are a perfect match for that particular outfit (you know the one you bought on impulse that isn’t really you and actually you might never actually wear) gives me a nice warm glow inside.

And that in essence is my point. Buying shoes (substitute your weakness here, scarves, necklaces, earrings, bags, blouses, skirts, dresses or whatever) gives me a lovely

warm glowy feeling. That has to be good for me, right?

And if something makes you feel good then you should do it regularly – you owe it to yourself, surely, and lots of research tells us that doing things we enjoy releases lots of feel good hormones which is also good for us.

So, following on to a very logical conclusion, I should be supported to do the things I love, providing they don’t hurt others! Obviously if I was to use these as weapons that would be different but that hasn’t happened very often honestly!

Maybe there could be some sort of charitable endeavour to support people doing what they love or buying what makes them happy, as that will improve everyone’s mental health. But if I take that to its logical conclusion, we could probably bankrupt the country (hang on hasn’t that happened anyway) in no time, as I also like holidays abroad, nice cars (pink of course) and if someone suggested a nice private island in the southern hemisphere then I could probably go along with that idea too.

Okay, I can see there are certain obvious flaws in my plan, not least the fact that in terms of equality we’d need to offer things that also make chaps feel good – fast cars and owning football teams don’t come cheap. So perhaps I’ll have to rely on the old model and get on writing a lengthy Christmas list in the hope those dear elves and the nice old chap with the white beard come up trumps! I don’t think I dare leave it to dropping vague hints, I think I need to be very organised about this and come with a list with plenty of pictures - after all my health depends upon it.

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Nail It! S

aramanda1, award winning Hair and Beauty Salon in the village of Great Denham on the outskirts of Bedford, are a CALGEL approved salon, offering clients this one phase gel nail system, that is not only bold, glossy and versatile, but also offers protection and strength to the natural nail.

Saramanda1’s owner and proprietor Mandy is a CALGEL Pro and not only does she place a big empathise on the health of her client’s nails, she also loves all things glitz and glam, so if you want a little extra nail art or glitter added to your nails this festive season, then let Mandy work her magic and give your nails the WOW factor!

If gel nails aren’t for you, don’t worry Mandy is also fully trained in Acrylic Nails. Whether it’s extensions or overlays, the choice is yours.

Whatever you choose, know that the salon use only the best EU approved high quality products.

The salon is open Monday – Saturday (please check website for times) and prices start from £25 for CALGEL natural overlay.

For more details or to book for either CALGEL or Acrylics please contact the salon on: 01234 351473 or visit the website: www.saranmanda1.co.uk

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Crown Chakra Necklace, £65 - £100, www.charlotteswebuk.com

Pierre Marcolini Chocolate Christmas Tree, £139, Harrods

AFFINITY HOT PICKS

S'well Florals Bottle, £35, Amara

Blue Velvet Cosmetic Bag, £12, Next

Holly Red Check Pyjama Set, £48, Eye Mask, £7.50, www.cyberjammies.co.uk

Rinbow Sparkle Blazer, £49.99, New Look

This month’s must have gifts and accessories

Earrings, £12, River Island

ESPA Vetiver and Black Spruce Candle, £35, www,espaskincare.comjpg

Leopard Print Block Heel, £65, River Island

Midnight Blue Lamp. £34.99, HomeSense.jpeg

Rainbow Sequin Bag., £30, Accessories

Reindeer Drop Earrings, £5, M&S

Bronze Metallic Leather Sugarcube, £42.50, www.zatchels

Kate Spade Thank You Keepsake Box, £69.99, Very

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Taking Action For I

think most people would agree that they want to be happy. In fact, when it comes to children most parents would probably list happiness, possibly along with health as top of the list of things they want for their children.

Now while we are all aware that happiness means different things to different people, which is fine, in essence we are all chasing a similar goal. With happiness there are a few central themes that we’d all identify as important, namely ensuring our basic needs are met, probably not just met but well met really, and that we have a chance to enjoy time with people we love, that we indeed have a set of people we feel ‘connected’ to and that we have time to do things we want to do.

There are of course all sorts of other factors that people may need to say they are truly happy, some people might feel they need jobs that challenge and extend them, whereas others may get that kind of stimulation or fulfilment from hobbies or other pursuits.

But even allowing for the individual differences we all want to be ‘happy’ and there are some common themes, so how can we take action to make sure we experience as much happiness as we can in any situation. Bearing in mind that life will throw us some things that can diminish our happiness, we owe it to ourselves to act when we can to ensure our own happiness as far as is possible.

One of things people often struggle with is the notion that we are responsible for our own happiness, often blaming other people or situations for them NOT being happy. But as the only thing we have control over is ourselves and our reactions then there really isn’t any other possible position than that we ourselves are responsible for our own happiness. Many people may appear to have everything they need to be happy yet they remain unhappy – now I appreciate that for some people there may be chemical imbalances that make feeling happy difficult but for most of us there are a few steps we can follow which should lead to an increase in the happiness we feel.

Accept that it is up to you and you Deserve It! Life will throw things at you – all sorts of challenges but we can never protect ourselves from the unexpected and we only have to look at some people who have endured immense hardship, yet somehow are still happy and positive, to realise it is possible to remain happy even in adversity. It’s worth checking your mindset too – many people who aren’t happy sometimes have an internal belief that they don’t deserve to be happy. But happiness is a natural state if our needs are met. If you consider a healthy well cared for baby or toddler you will notice an inherent

Happiness

tendency to happiness, they smile when things or people delight them, which will be most things or people, and the sound of a small child laughing is magical. They take joy in the moment and tend not to ‘worry’ about the future.

Shift your Focus There is a lot to be said for focussing on things outside of yourself – too much introspection doesn’t make for happiness. By this I don’t mean comparing yourself to others, that is a definite path to unhappiness but rather making it a point to help others, be concerned about others and whether it is being attentive to neighbour or colleague or volunteering evidence suggests this improves happiness.

Be Grateful.

It’s very easy to concentrate on the things we might want but actually when we start each day by celebrating what we have and being grateful – bearing in mind there will always be people who have a lot less that we do, we can often begin to feel a lot happier.

Stay Connected with People Humans are social animals and while there are individual differences having social contact is vital for happiness. So, make sure you stay connected to the people that are important to you. However busy you are, make time for the people you care about.

Be Yourself and Stop Comparing Yourself to Others One sure route to unhappiness is trying to be someone you are NOT. Putting on a pretence is exhausting and usually people feel compelled to do this by comparing themselves to others. The fact is every one of us is unique and when we can recognise that and be comfortable with who we are we will be on the way to experiencing greater happiness

Be Present Even though physically we are always living in the moment, in terms of our thoughts they usually revolve around the past or the future, We’ve probably all had a drink and been surprised that its gone as we haven’t ‘thought’ about it all – even though we have physically had it we have not attended to it. Being in the moment is something we can learn to do more through mindfulness or meditation.

Wherever you find yourself now, in terms of happiness it is up to you. You can decide to take action for your own happiness today – and reap the benefits of that.

You’ll find more tips at www.attunedsuccess.co.uk or contact sheila 07921193479 or email mulvenneysh@aol.com

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FASHION

Miss Selfridge

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Rose Gold Dress, £35, Tu Clothing Gold Maxi Dress, £25, George at Asda

Maxi Dress, £68, Lipsy

George at Asda

Star by Julien Madonald, £180, Debenhams

Shimmer & Shine

Silver Shoes, £45, Wallis

Metallics aren't just for Christmas – they can be for any occasion, dressed up or down

Pleated Skirt, £45, Lipsy

Top, £17.99, Bon Prix

High Neck Top, £34.99, Lipsy

Draped Skirt, £58, Little Mistress

Skinny Jeans, £35, Very

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All that Glitters It’s Christmas time, which means it’s not only the tree that needs to be dressed, you need to adorn yourself with a little sparkle too

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Hair Clip, £15, Accessorize Cocktail Ring, £49.50, J.Crew Earrings, £9.50, M&S Necklace, POA, Accessorize Drop Earrings, £150, Folli Follie Alan Hannah Blossom Bracelet, £35, Debenhams Jon Richard Ring, £25, Debenhams Jon Richard Earrings, £10, Debenhams Earrings, £14.99, River Island Necklace, £16, River Island Necklace, £118, J.Crew Ring, £16, Accessorize

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Ted Baker Florenz Flare Necklace, £89, John Lewis

Box Bag, £25, Very Michelle Keegan Jumpsuit, £80, Very

One Shoulder Dress, £37.99, Bon Prix

Ruffle Dress, £38, Very

Ghost Bella Dress, £245, John Lewis

Red Sequin Dress, £75, Debenhams

Lipsy

Red Hot Bored of your LBD? Then it’s time to take inspiration from Red, the perfect festive colour that’ll have you looking stylish and sexy at any Christmas party.

Feather Earrings, £12, Next

Britney Heels, £55, Debenhams

Drop Earrings, £9.99, Bon Prix

Beaded Dress, £39.99, Bon Prix

Jumpsuit, £65, River Island

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Deccadence Bag, £85, Dune London

Necklace, £19.50 M&S

Debut Dress, £99, Debenhams

One Shoulder Dress, £60, Lipsy

Star by Julien Macdonald, £89, Debenhams River Island

Heels, £95, Dune London

Lace Layered Dress, £55, Wallis

Little Black Dress A wardrobe staple that we all have at least one, cocktail party or casual date they suit any occasion, here’s some of our favourites

Dress, £55, River Island

Earrings, £12, River Island

Dress, £45 , M&S

Velvet Maxi Dress, £75, River Island

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Christmas Gift Guide Fabulous last minute gifts

wilko

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Sanctuary Spa Indulgence Hamper, £45, Boots Sanctuary Spa Lavish Luxuries, £20, Boots Glam & Glow Liquid Lights Vault, £185, Selfridges Slip Leopard Print Silk Eye Mask, £45, Amara Fresh Grapefruit Bath and Body Gift Set, £26, www.thewhitecompany.com Roger&Gallet Extrait de Cologne Rose Mignonnerie, £99, www.lookfantastic.com ESPA Bergamont and Jasmine Shower & Hydrate, £36, www.espaskincare.com Lee Stafford Blondes Have more Fun Set, £14, Boots L'Occitane Hand Cream Trio, £21, www.uk.loccitane.com Crabtree & Evelyn Boogie Wonderhands Gift Set, £55, www.crabtree-evelyn.com Face Favourites Ren Skincare Set, £32, www.renskincare.com Diamond Clean Sonic Electric Toothbrush, £299, www.philips.co.uk Urban Decay Naked Cherry Vault, £92, www.urbandecay.com Space To Dream Gift Set, £38, www.spacenk.com

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Drink Connoisseur

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13 1. Whisky Gift Set, £80, Not Another Bill 2. Veuve Clicquot’s Special Edition Christmas Bottle, £170, Harrods 3. Ciroc Black Raspberry Limited-Edition, £35, www.getitinkd.com 4. Warner Edwards Satisfaction Collection, £40, Debenhams 5. Sipsmith Gin & Truffle Gift Set, £20, Debenhams 6. Virginia Hayward Pink Gin & Treats Hamper, £34.99, www.virginiahayward.com 7. Deux Flutes d' Armand De Brignac Gift Set, £465, Harrods 8. Pinkster Boozy Berries, £6.50, Debenhams 9. Martini Negroni Cocktail Set, £35, Selfridges 10. McQueen's Colour Changing Gin, £19.99, Aldi 11. St Germain Elderflwer Liqueur, £2.95, www.thewhiskyexchange.com 12. Hennessy V.S Limited Edition by VHILS, £32, Harvey Nichols 13. Revelation Chardonnay & Cabernet Merlot Gift Set, £35, John Lewis

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1. Mustard Bag, £10, Matalan 2. Oh Deer Mug, £6, M&S 3. Dragonfly Key Ring, £8, Dorothy Perkins 4. Slipper Socks, £8, F&F 5. Sanctuary Spa Decadent Delights, £14, Boots 6. Being by Sanctuary Spa Bath Bomb, £4, Boots 7. Cranberry & Clementine Fudge Bauble, £10, crabtree-evelyn.com 8. Pom Pom Hat, £10, Dorothy Perkins 9. Metallic Candle, £3.50, Primark 10. Scarf, £10, Dorothy Perkins 11. Part-Time Working Mummy - A Patchwork Life, £10.49, www.amazon.co.uk 12. Women's PJ's, £6, Primark 13. Being by Sanctuary Unicorn Milk, £15, Boots

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5 Chocoholic Treats Under £10

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1. Chocolate & Orange Shortbread, £5, M&Co 2. Star Chocolates, £2, Hotel Chocolat 3. Winter Cocktails, £10, Hotel Chocolat 4. Jolly Santa, £8, Hotel Chocolat 5. Chocolate Hip Flask, £5.50, White Stuff 6. Guylian Temptations, £5, Sainsbury's 7. Chocolate Filled Bauble, £4.99, Homesense 8. Holdsworth Champagne Chocolate, £5, John Lewis 9. House of Dorchester Gold Stones Chocolates, £5, John Lewis 10. Charbonnel et Walker Chocolate, £8.99, Very

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A Christmas Dinner Party with

Sophie Michell & Pommery Champagne This Christmas wow your dinner guests with an entire festive menu including champagne pairings for each course with Pommery Champagne’s chef ambassador, Sophie Michell. Christmas is a time for overindulgence and Sophie has perfected a wonderful menu, teamed with the perfect bubbles.

Top chef and foodie Sophie Michell comments: " The lead up to Christmas is my favourite time of year.

Getting the decorations up, planning the presents and inevitable many dinners we have with friends at home is all part of the fun. It's great to have some good recipes planned, and these are some of the best festive ones for me this year. Christmas would not be Christmas without Champagne either and Pommery has a vintage for every occasion. From Brut Royal for unexpected guests to Louise Nature on Christmas morning, it will be part of the festive season from start to finish�.

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Buckwheat Blinis with Smoked Salmon, Vodka Spiked Crème Fraiche & Salmon Keta A classic canape that everyone loves during the festive season, the buckwheat makes it really authentic and adds a nuttiness to it. The vodka is optional, but it is a little kick that works great with the salmon.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

300g smoked salmon 1 tablespoon keta (salmon roe) Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the Sour Cream 150ml sour cream ½ teaspoon lemon zest Splash of vodka

For the blinis; 200g buckwheat flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 300ml semi-skimmed milk 2 free-range eggs ½ teaspoon olive oil, for frying

Method For the sour cream mixture, simply place the sour cream, lemon zest and vodka in a bowl. Mix together, season and set aside.

For the blini mix, place the buckwheat flour and baking powder in a bowl with some salt and pepper. In a separate bowl or jug, whisk the milk and eggs together. Gradually whisk the liquids into the dry ingredients until a smooth batter is achieved.

Place a non-stick frying pan or blini pan (see tip below) over a medium heat and add a splash of oil. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the batter into the pan for each pancake – you might be able to cook more than one at a time, depending on the size of your pan. Cook for about 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip over and cook for another 4 minutes on the other side. When cooked through, transfer to a plate in a low oven to keep warm and repeat the process with the rest of the batter.

When all the blinis are ready, top each one with the smoked salmon, keta and some sour cream mixture, and serve.

Chef’s tip: You can get blini pans, which are small frying pans. They are a great investment for all your pancake needs.

Serve with Pommery Apanage Prestige NV

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Chicken Liver Parfait and Red Onion Marmalade on Chicken Skin These little bites are a modern take on pate canapes of old and really pack a punch of flavour.

The champagne bubbles balance the richness perfectly and go down a storm at Christmas.

Ingredients (Makes 20)

250g chicken skin 100g red onion marmalade Salt and freshly ground black pepper Small edible flowers, to garnish

For the Chicken Liver Parfait; 100g unsalted butter 1 large shallot, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 150g free-range chicken livers, trimmed 15ml brandy 100ml double cream 2 sprigs of thyme, leaves picked and finely chopped ½ tablespoon sea salt a pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Take two baking trays that fit snugly on top of each other and cut two sheets of greaseproof paper to fit the trays. Line one of the trays with one of the sheets. Take the chicken skin and lay it out on top of the paper, spreading it out flat. Season with salt and pepper. Top with the other sheet of greaseproof paper, then fit the second baking tray on top. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and crisp, then leave to cool.

Now make the chicken liver parfait. Place a large frying pan over a medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt, then add the shallots and garlic and cook for about 8 minutes until translucent. Add the chicken livers and continue to cook for about 10 minutes, turning frequently, until they are golden and brown. Add the brandy, cook off the alcohol and then add the cream and the thyme. Add the salt and pepper, then take off the heat.

Leave the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer to a blender and blitz until very smooth. Place in a bowl and cover in clingfilm, with the clingfilm pressed down on top of the parfait so that it doesn’t develop a skin. Leave to cool completely, then, either in a blender or by hand, beat again. Transfer to a piping bag.

Break the chicken skin into small cracker-sized shapes. Pipe a little parfait on top of each one, then add a bit of red onion marmalade. Arrange on a serving plate and garnish with small edible flowers.

Serve with Pommery Grand Cru Vintage 2006

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Rainbow Root Vegetable Salad with Labneh, Truffle Honey and Pistachios Over Christmas time we have a diet of super rich foods, this is a stunning, colourful seasonal salad that is a great start to a meal. It’s pretty, but is also easy to put together and works well as a big platter for larger groups too. The truffle and labneh adds a bit of luxe.

Ingredients

12 baby carrots 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 yellow heirloom carrot 1 orange carrot 1 purple heirloom carrot Drizzle of olive oil 300g labneh (or full-fat Greek yogurt) 2 raw baby candy stripe beetroot, finely sliced Handful of pea shoots 100g pistachios, chopped 100g truffle honey Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the Pickled Beets 3 bunches of baby yellow beetroot, leaves and stalks trimmed 3 bunches of baby purple beetroot, leaves and stalks trimmed 500ml cider vinegar 200g caster sugar 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 red chilli, halved lengthways 2 garlic cloves, peeled

Method

Begin by making the pickled beets. Place the yellow beets in one saucepan and the purple in another and cover both with water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender. Take off the heat, drain and leave to cool.

Once cool, rub the skin off with your hands. Try to keep the stalks attached. Transfer to two bowls, still keeping the colours separate.

Pour the vinegar into a saucepan and add the sugar, peppercorns and fennel seeds. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. When all the sugar has dissolved, take off the heat and add the chilli and garlic. Now pour half of the vinegar mixture over the yellow beets and half over the purple beets. Transfer to two separate containers, seal and place in the fridge.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6. Place the baby carrots on a roasting tray, drizzle with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 10 minutes until cooked through and golden.

Use the peeler to peel the other carrots into thin strips. Place in a bowl, season and drizzle over a touch of the dressing.

Finally, after all that prep you can plate it! Spread some of the labneh (or yogurt) across each plate and then arrange the pickled and candy beets and roasted and stripped carrots across it. Scatter over the pea shoots and pistachios.

Serve with Pommery Brut Rose NV

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Roast Cod with Braised Fennel and Clams

This is a colourful and deeply flavoured main course that is lovely to serve as a slightly different option.

The fish and fennel are great with Champagne. If you want to up the luxury, then use halibut instead.

Ingredients

4 thick-cut pieces of cod fillet (about 150g each) Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the Braised Fennel; 1 teaspoon olive oil 2 fennel bulbs, finely sliced 2 banana shallots, finely sliced 100ml sweet dessert wine Generous pinch of saffron threads 50ml orange juice

For the Clam Dressing 300g live clams, washed 50ml white wine 100ml extra virgin olive oil Juice of 2 lemons A handful of freshly chopped tarragon 100g cherry tomatoes

Method

Begin by cooking the fennel. Place a deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the olive oil, fennel and shallots and sweat down for about 10 minutes, making sure not to colour. Then add the sweet wine, saffron and the orange juice, season and cook until golden and softened – this should take about 15 minutes.

Now move on to the clam dressing. Heat a saucepan over a high heat and chuck in the cockles and the wine. Cover with a lid and cook until the shells are open – this should take about 4 minutes. Discard any shells that have remained closed. Remove from the heat and let cool. Strain the cooking liquid and set aside.

When cool enough to handle, remove the flesh from the clam shells and set aside.

Mix the cooking liquid with the olive oil, lemon juice and chopped tarragon. Then quarter the tomatoes and add, along with the clam meat.

To cook the cod, heat up a frying pan over a medium heat. Season the cod well and place in the frying pan, skin-side down. Cook for 8 minutes on this side until the skin is deep golden brown and crisp, then flip over and cook on the other side for 4 minutes until cooked through. Reheat the fennel and then plate up with the cod on top and a couple of spoonfuls of the clam dressing. Any leftover dressing will keep for about 2 days in the fridge.

Serve with Pommery Brut Royal NV

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Chocolate Truffles There is so much chocolate around at Christmas, but making your own is seriously impressive and they are soooo much better. These are some of the best and simplest and perfect as a little gift with a bottle of champagne Method

Ingredients (Makes approx. 30)

250ml double cream ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of sea salt 500g dark chocolate (about 60% cocoa solids is good), finely chopped 50g cocoa powder

Line two baking sheets with greaseproof paper. Place the cream, vanilla and sea salt in a saucepan over a medium heat. Bring to the boil for a minute, then remove from the heat and add the chocolate. Stir well until all the chocolate has melted, then set aside to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour.

Once cool enough, pour the chocolate mixture into a piping bag and pipe little mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, then place in the fridge for about 1 hour until set. Roll in the cocoa powder and serve. The truffles will keep for a few weeks in the fridge, but bring them to room temperature before eating.

Serve with Pommery Royal Blue Sky NV

Festive Lunch Menu

2 Course - £9.95 & 3 Course £12.95 Served 12-3pm Monday to Saturday

Festive Pudding Night 22nd December

Main course & all you can eat desserts only - £16

Tuesdays

Buy one get one Free on all Main Courses, Served 12-9pm

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What Pommery Champagne will you choose this Christmastime

Pommery Brut Rose Champagne NV The colour is pale yellow with faint green highlights. This is lively, fresh and vivacious, fine, delicate and generous. Citrus fruit and white flower notes combine with small red fruits to offer elegance balanced with great finesse and complex finish £41.99, www.ocado.com

Thirsty Thursday

Half price drinks every Thursday 4pm-6.30 pm with free nibbles

Every Friday served 12-9 Fish and Chips Takeaway

Sundays

Choice of 4 roasts and full ala carte menu served all day(12-9pm) Children eat two courses free every Sunday (one per full paying adult)

01234 781 678

info@millhouse-riverside.co.uk www.millhouse-riverside.co.uk millhouse_hotel

Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant Mill Road, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1NP

Pommery Brut Rose Champagne NV Delicate pink with salmon tones in colour and fine bubbles. The nose has small red berries suggesting roundness and softness enhanced by vivacious freshness. A subtle rosé character with a perfectly rounded, long finish. £47.99, www.ocado.com

Pommery Royal Blue Sky NV A pale yellow colour, on the nose are notes of dry figs & almond paste then touches of marshmallow and honey. The flavours blend with simplicity and elegance finishing with lemony and dried orange notes, laced by hints of spices. To be served over ice. £54.99, www.ocado.com

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The Countdown’s On

Alternative Puds

The queen of cakes with secret ingredients, Kate Saunders from Blackberry Cottage, has just launched her Christmas puddings for this festive season, including one suitable for most dietary requirements. The free from Christmas pudding is free from gluten, dairy, egg, nut and soya with no added refined sugar.

Each is handmade in small batches, using juicy currants, sultanas, raisins which is steeped in brandy, then combined with the spices and the rest of the ingredients.

Her other Christmas puddings are handmade and come in three more flavours: Ale and carrot Christmas pudding, Rum cask cider Christmas pudding and the Stout Christmas pudding. The 4 flavours, in 2 sizes 450g and 900g cost £8.00 and £15.00 and can be ordered online at www.blackberrycottagefayre.co.uk

Willy Wonka and his Chocolate Factory

Christmas is a time for indulgence, and Fitzrovia’s Sanderson hotel will be taking this to heart for the festive season with a Willy Wonka-inspired takeover that will see the hotel transformed into everyone’s favourite chocolate factory.

The takeover will see the famed Long Bar at Sanderson adorned with overflowing vintage sweet jars and psychedelic swirls, whilst the floral ceiling feature will be decked with giant candy canes and colourful ribbons. Wonka-style factory gates will lead out to the Courtyard garden beyond, and visitors will be welcomed into the bar by a pair of giant lips decked with real bubblegum balls and a faint, sweet aroma of bubblegum. A bespoke cocktail menu will feature the likes of the Wonka’s Martini, a mix of Grey Goose vodka, Eager apple juice, green apple and lemon; Glop Glop, a concoction of Mozart dry chocolate vodka, Briottet orange liqueur and Lillet Blanc vermouth; and The Blue Meadow Star, mixing Star of Bombay gin, orange, and Fever-Tree Elderflower tonic.

This Carluccio’s limited edition advent calendar is a foodie’s dream. Carluccio’s have hidden a different mini product from their Italian larder behind each colourful ‘door’! Enjoy the chocolate treats and biscuits and discover some of Antonio’s favourite Italian store cupboard essentials, including chilli pesto, wild boar ragu, fig jam and truffle butter.

Priced at £75 and available instore and online at www.carluccios.com

FOODIE NEWS In keeping with Sanderson’s tradition of celebrating the nonconventional with their Christmas tree, the Willy Wonka theme will be showcased in an edible, rainbow tower in the lobby. Over two metres high and constructed from stacked vintage sweet jars stuffed with colourful candies, the tree will be lit by glowing fairy lights and topped with a giant rainbow lollipop, bringing Willy Wonka’s magic to the heart of the hotel.

A ‘Golden Ticket’ room package includes a standard room and choice of golden ticket upon check in. Depending on the envelope chosen, guests can win exclusive prizes ranging from a complimentary breakfast or bottle of champagne to a Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea for two, Champagne flight & canapes in the Purple Bar for two, or even a complimentary night’s stay.

Sanderson’s chocolate factory will be open to guests, whether or not they hold a golden ticket, from 27th November 2018 until 4th January 2019.

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Festive Foodie at Wernher Restaurant,

Luton Hoo Hotel & Spa

f you indulge in only one festive feast this month, then it has to be a visit to the Wernher Restaurant at the historic Luton Hoo hotel, where their festive menu is full of delightfully delicious dishes that not only look divine they taste divine too.

Arriving at the hotel we’re greeted by the doorman who leads us through the elegant entrance lobby, with its intricate rugs, goldplated mirrors, ornate fireplaces and antique furnishings and shows us into the opulent restaurant, with its glittering chandeliers, tapestries and floor to ceiling marble, you can’t help but feel you are being transported back in time, to the charms of yesteryear to a dining room that wouldn’t be out of place in a Royal Palace.

Seated in front of a beautiful marble fireplace we sit back and relax with an aperitif and appetisers of beetroot and apple marshmallows whilst we peruse the festive menu and what foodie delights it has to offer.

We begin with starters of roasted parsnip soup for myself and salmon gravlax for hubbie. Infused with curry oil and apple chutney, the soup was flavoursome with a slight hint of curry beneath the strong flavours of the parsnip, a real treat for the taste buds. The gravlax was presented beautifully, the squid crisps and pickled beetroot not only added texture but also enhanced the full flavour of the salmon.

No festive menu would be complete without traditional roast turkey served with all the

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trimmings, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The turkey was succulent, the mini sprouts a delight and the Madeira gravy was the ‘icing on the cake’ - an explosion of flavours that went down a real treat. Line caught supreme of cod was our other choice, sprinkled with a crunchy salt and vinegar crumb in a white wine sauce, beautifully presented. The cod was some of the tastiest I have ever eaten, all accompanied with a refreshing white Beaujolais as recommended by our sommelier.

Attention to detail in the Wernher Restaurant is second to none, from the exquisite décor, to the knowledgeable, friendly staff nothing is too much trouble. Each dish is an aesthetic dream served with precision and care.

Desserts looked just as tempting and although Christmas pudding is on the menu, we decided to skip it and opt instead for the yule log (a chocolate lovers dream) served with Guinness ice cream that complements effortlessly.

Cranberry and orange frangipane was the other dish, a creamy citrus delight with pastry that literally melts in the mouth proving that every dish you eat is just as good as the last.

Coffee was accompanied with delicate petit fours, and as with the rest of the evening they were faultless.

Service and attention to detail in the Wernher Restaurant is excellent, add to that the stunning surroundings of Luton Hoo and you have the perfect evening of food, drink and luxury.

The Festive menu is available now until Sunday 23rd December, price at £46 per person for dinner and £27 per person for lunch. Definitely a must for a pre-Christmas get together with family or friends.

To book your festive dining at Wernher Restaurant contact reservations on: 01582 698888 or visit www.lutonhoo.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS AT THE MILLHOUSE Party in the Marquee

Includes Free arrival drink & live DJ playing 7pm-1am The snacks available from the bar are: Chicken Nuggets & Chips Scampi & Chips Beef Chilli On Nachos With Cheese Nachos with Cheese, Salsa & Sour Cream (V) All £5 Garlic Bread (V) Chips (V) Cheesy Chips (V) All £3 Tickets are only £5

Dinner in the Restaurant

Four Course Meal & Entry to the Marquee for the Midnight Countdown Starter Duo of Duck Pate and Smoked Breast Cumberland Sauce, Brioche & Pea shoots Fish Course Grilled Fillet of Plaice Crab & Chive Risotto, Parmesan Crisp Main Course Braised Blade of Beef Wholegrain Mustard Mash, Wilted Greens & Tomato & Thyme Jus Dessert Assiette of Desserts Sticky Toffee Pudding, Triple Chocolate Brownie, Lemon Posset & Homemade Ice Cream Tickets only £50

01234 781678

info@millhouse-riverside.co.uk www.millhouse-riverside.co.uk millhouse_hotel

Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant Mill Road, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1NP

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DECK THE HALLS

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Frosted Berry & Fruit Wreath, £32, www.tch.net jpg

Christmas Wreath (arificial), £39.99, Greycourt Florist, Kempston, Bedford

Antique & Plum Wreath, £110, www.realflowers.co.uk

Green Leaves Wreath, £40, Cox & Cox

Bark & Berries Wreath, £22.99, Dobbies

Red Berry And Grey Spruce Wreath, £35, Red Lilly

White Berry & Cone Wreath, £30, www.tch.net

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Peacock Feather Wreath, £57, Gisela Graham

Luxury Gold Wreath, £34.99, Greycourt Florist, Kempston, Bedford

Tutti Frutti Wreath, £165, Berries & Baubles

Door Candy Give your guests the perfect festive welcome with one of these fabulous wreaths

Nordic Wreath, £85, www.realflowers.co.uk

Luxury Wreath, £34.99, Greycourt Florist, Kempston, Bedford

Nostalgia Wreath, £110, Interflora

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1

Hang up

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Spruce up your fireplace with one of these Christmas stockings, and hope Santa leaves you a few surprises

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Green Tartan Stocking, £14, Marquis & Dawe Grey Fluffy Stocking, £22, Debenhams Luxe Faux Fur Stocking, £25, White Stuff White Knitted Stocking, £14.99, Homesense Jan Constantine Tiger Stocking, £55, Amara Llama Stocking, £12, Paperchase Knitted Stocking, £18, Debenhams Joanna Buchanan Linen Stocking, £116, Amara Sequin Soldiers Stocking, £55, Amara Velvet Stocking, £55, Bonordic Pink Glitter Stocking, £20, River Island Plaid Fabric Stocking £7.50, Gisela Graham Hide Stocking, £40, Amara

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You’re Crackers

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No Christmas dining table would be complete without a few crackers to pull, here’s round some of our favourites

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11 13 1. Metallic Marble Crackers, (set of 6), £46, Amara 2. Geese Crackers (set of 6), £15, Sara Miller London 3. Pine Needles Crackers, (set of 6), John Lewis 4. Rosa Gardener Crackers, (set of 6) £29.95, Annabel James 5. Gin Crackers, £19.99, Aldi 6. Starburst Monochrome Crackers (set of 6), £12, John Lewis 7. Marble & Copper Crackers, (set of 6), £10, Debenhams 8. 12 Days of Christmas Crackers (set of 12), £25, Laura Ashley 9. Pine Cones Crackers, (set of 6), £34.95, Annabel James 10. Deer Crackers (set of 6), £15, Sara Miller London 11. Sophie Allport Holly Crackers (set of 6 ), www.sophieallport.com 12. Gold Luxury Crackers, (set of 6), £30, John Lewis 13. Musical Crackers, (set of 8), £19, Amara

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Swashbuckling Fun with Peter Pan Darren Day, Flawless,The Grumbleweeds and Rachael Wooding are to star in this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Peter Pan, at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate, from Friday 7 to Sunday 30 December.

In a fairy tale flight to Neverland, Peter transports the Darlings on an adventure they will never forget, full of evil pirates, The Lost Boys, a very hungry crocodile and the meanest man in Neverland, Captain Hook.

Actor, singer and television presenter Darren Day will play the dastardly Captain Hook. Darren has had a varied career having starred in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease, Summer Holiday and Godspell and numerous UK tours. He since went on to host You Bet! and Don’t Try This at Home for ITV. Last year Darren came third in Celebrity Big Brother, released his album This is the Moment and starred as Tick in the UK tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and as the Teen Angel in Grease across the UK.

Street dance troupe Flawless, made world famous having competed in the finals of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, have been a mainstay of the hiphop dance scene for over a decade having been formed by Marlon Wallen and Amelia Benoit in 2005. That same year the troupe won the annual National UK Street Dancing Championships. In 2010 the boys took to the road in their Chase the Dream tour. They made their feature film debut in 2010 in StreetDance 3D and its 2012 sequel StreetDance2 and appeared alongside Kylie Minogue in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen at the Diamond Jubilee Concert.

Robin Colvill and James Brandon, better known as The Grumbleweeds, will star alongside them as Smee and Starkey, Captain Hook’s first mates.

Regulars on the UK comedy scene since the 1960s across radio, television, theatre, cabaret and pantomime the ‘guv’nors’ of live comedy will bring their inimitable style of family entertainment, musical comedy and laughout-loud routines to the production. Musical theatre star Rachael Wooding plays the part of Mimi The Mermaid. Having taken leading roles in West End musicals We Will Rock You, Saturday Night Fever, Fame, Hairspray and Jersey Boys and the title role in the UK tour of Evita, Rachael wowed TV audiences in the 2016 series of Britain’s Got Talent.

For more information or to book tickets, call Box Office on 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

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The Merriest of Pantos Don’t miss the ultimate pantomime adventure Robin Hood, at Milton Keynes Theatre this December. Starring one of the nation’s favourite soap actors Shane Richie along with comedian and panto veteran Peter Piper as Friar Tuck and Musical Theatre star Gina Murray as The Spirit of Sherwood.

Having established himself as one of the nation’s favourite soap stars, Shane has won numerous awards and millions of fans for his portrayal of Albert Square’s loveable landlord Alfie Moon in EastEnders. Most recently Shane released his critically-acclaimed album A Country Soul, an album inspired by his musical heroes and contemporary country sounds. Away from EastEnders, he has appeared in Making Dad’s Army for the BBC and Benidorm for ITV1 and Redwater alongside his EastEnders co-star Jessie Wallace, a six-part drama series based on their soap alter ego’s lives.

Join the most heroic outlaw of them all as the arrowshooting hero Robin Hood strives to win the hand of the

beautiful Maid Marion while he and his trusty band of Merry Men (played by breathtaking acrobatic troupe The Acromaniacs) outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham in a show packed full of comedy, action, adventure and plenty of glitz and glamour!

Brought to you by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Robin Hood features all of the ingredients of a perfect pantomime; a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh out loud comedy, bundles of audience participation, stunning scenery, and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy.

Book your tickets now for the sheriff-busting, tightswearing, hog-roasting pantomime extravaganza!

Robin Hood runs at Milton Keynes Theatre from Saturday 8 December 2018 until Sunday 13 January 2019. Tickets are on sale now at www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes.

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WIN! WIN! WIN! We have a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) to giveaway for this year’s fun filled panto on Wednesday January 2nd at 7pm. To be in with a chance of winning, tell us “What’s the name of the forest Robin Hood lives in?” and send your answers to jane@affinitymag.co.uk Winners will be drawn on Christmas Eve (24th December) – GOOD LUCK!

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Fry’s Footie corner

There has been a lot of talk in the game bout a winter break but I am a firm believer that the festive period is crucial to clubs within the football pyramid, particularly those like ourselves in the EFL. Historically, our attendances have been excellent around Christmas and although we are away this year on Boxing Day and a few days later, we do have a New Year’s Day fixture to look forward to at the ABAX Stadium.

I understand that the weather can often wreak havoc around this time of year, but let’s be honest, that winter snap could hit in December, January or February. When would you schedule a winter break in this country? You just have to trust that the games take place and we have been lucky in recent years, not many of our fixtures have fallen foul of the weather.

I love football. I would play every day if I could. Back in my day you would play three or four games in as many days.

At Premier League level these days they complain if they have to play three games in seven days. Players are commodities these days.

Speaking of the Premier League, it was good to see Claudio Ranieri back in management as he took charge at Craven Cottage, home of Fulham. His achievement of winning the Premier League with Leicester City was a fairy-tale story

and I am sure that he will get Fulham moving away from trouble at the foot of the division.

At the time of writing, Burnley look in trouble, but calls for their manager to be sacked is a disgrace. Sean Dyche has worked wonders on a limited budget at Turf Moor, took the club into Europe and beat the odds every single season.

They might have had a slow start to this season, but I have faith that he will get them winning games and I am sure they will start moving up the table. One of my old clubs, Birmingham City, have had some good results in the Championship of late, but did lose the local derby to Aston Villa who then recorded a 5-5 draw against Nottingham Forest.

That score line reminded me of my management days.

Goals galore. I had some high scoring games when I was in charge of Barnet, it was a case of ‘we will score more than you’ and most of the time, we did just that.

Merry Christmas and enjoy the festive football, I know I will!

Barry

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Christmas Fun Get into the swing of the festive season with our pick of Christmas Jumpers just for him, they’ll add the novelty factor to your festivities

Christmas Elf Jumper, £20, Tu Clothing

Coca-Cola Jumper, £20, Tu Clothing

Santa Claus Jumper, £19.99, New Look

Santa Jumper, £8, Primark

Santa Jumper, £25, Burton Menswear

Light Up Jumper, £29.50, M&S

Christmas Jumper, POA, Debenhams

Sprouts with Lights, £29.95, M&S M&Co

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TRAVEL

Skyscanner

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This Winter Discover Venice at Night with the Codega Experience teeped in history and culture, Venice has a magic about it that enchants all visitors who choose to stay in this incredible place, which is almost frozen in time and overflowing with beauty of every kind.

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The Baglioni Hotel Luna is home to a fully-fledged art gallery and the recent restoration now highlights the incredible beauty of the style and architectural lines.

From the balconies of the suites and top suites of the Baglioni Hotel Luna, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the Venetian Lagoon and the Royal Gardens, which stretch over the San Marco basin and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.

Perfectly located steps from St Mark’s Square, Baglioni Hotel Luna can now exclusively arrange evening tours of Venice called The Codega Experience.

The “Codega” – a Venetian word derived by the ancient Greek word ‘odegos’ which means ‘guide’ – was a

professional guide and protector with perfect knowledge of the intricate maze of narrow streets and squares of Venice. He would accompany wealthy visitors, merchants or noblemen around the city, especially at night, lighting up the way with a lamplight.

Your guide, dressed as a Codega, will meet you at the hotel and take through the streets and magical atmosphere of Venice by candlelight after sunset.

The Codega Experience is available starting from €360 and it includes a 1-hour walking tour and the Caffé Baglioni Signature Aperitivo for up to two people.

The Signature Aperitivo at Baglioni Hotel Luna includes a glass of Italian sparkling wine (Ferrai) and tasters of Venetian delicacies. Rooms start from €250 per night on B&B basis, based on two sharing.

For bookings and further information please visit baglionihotels.com/Venice

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Move Over, There's a Brand-New Chalet On The Rocks in Chamonix halet On The Rocks, a brand-new chalet joins Chamonix's stylish set for the winter ski-season 2018/19. Steering away from the traditional log-cabin look and aiming for the fashionable ski-set, Chalet On The Rocks created by Cedric Hanisch, whose passion for interiors and love of the mountains has achieved a chalet that exudes a sophisticated approach, that will provide skiers with an end-of-day relaxing, yet bang on trend architectural mountainside setting. Incredibly stylish, Chalet On The Rocks is set on a hill above the valley, providing the most amazing unobstructed views of Mont Blanc, Aiguille du Midi and Glacier des Bossons.

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Chalet On The Rocks, sleeps 11 in five bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms; two living areas; three balconies; a sauna and the envy of the neighbourhood - the best-placed jacuzzi in the Alps, providing the view you've always been looking for! Ideal for families, groups of friends or even a small group of corporates, looking for a high-end mountain retreat.

Drawing on Chamonix's dramatic landscape, Cedric's goal was to create a home that combined tradition with modernism blending in Chamonix's charming and

historical location. Working closely with the architect, his desire for radical geometries and minimalism represent his own personal choice, yet at the same time aims to give the style-conscious cognoscenti a designer vibe feel, which still very much respects the Alps, conveying an opulent yet distinguished mountainside ambience.

Featuring a bold and minimalist interior design, three dramatic fixed clamped steel frames eliminate the need for interior walls, providing a vast open space surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows which provide breath-taking mountain views, giving the guest the feeling the landscape is incorporated into the interior of the chalet. The main area is beautifully lit with low-hanging lights, well-lit drop lights hang over a bar. Bedrooms define the essence of mountain chic. Heated dark hardwood floors contrasting with charcoal grey wood furniture and crisp fresh white bedding. All en-suite bathrooms, combine mosaic and ceramics effortlessly.

Reclaimed grey wood, combined with anthracite and rich organic browns on the faรงade add to the desired sculptural character, integrating the structure of the chalet with the natural tones of the mountain.

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Dinner under the stars, or inside with a large crackling fire in the background, Chalet On The Rocks offers both indoor and outdoor dining options. Inside, a designer solid wood table easily accommodates a large dinner party, whilst two outdoor terraces allow for dining on warmer evenings. Friendly five-star deluxe service is provided by a chef and house-keeper team who prepare daily breakfast, with lunch and dinner on demand, offering a variety of innovative cuisines. Dietary and allergy requirements are catered for. A wellstocked cellar carefully curated by Cedric, a knowledgeable wine connoisseur, who has sourced the best wines from around the globe complement the excellent cuisine.

Besides, taking care of your immediate requirements in the chalet, the housekeeper will act as your own private concierge throughout your stay, from helping organise ski-school for the children, to assisting and booking other activities and helping you select the best restaurants that Chamonix has to offer, should you decide to dine out the odd evening.

A double garage, comfortably accommodates two large 4x4s, while a ski room, complete with boot warmers provide a practical element.

Whilst the garden may not be required during the winter, a rock garden with two terraces, along with a barbecue area, provide an alfresco option during the warmer weather - think warm pit fires, atmospheric storm lanterns and a glass of chilled Krug.

And besides the ski-season, Chalet On The Rocks enjoys the perfect location for summer sports hiking, climbing, mountain-biking, or for the golfer, close proximity to some of the best golfing in the Alps.

Chalet On The Rocks is a three-minute drive to the Brevent or Aiguille du Midi lifts and close to Chamonix Centre-Ville. Nearest airports include; Geneva 97km, Lyon 217km, Chambery 143km. Private transfers to the Chalet can be arranged.

BOOK IT

Prices start from 10,000 euro (ÂŁ8,754) a week, with New Year still available.

For information and reservations, please call (44) 7968846116, email rentals@chaletontherocks.com or visit www.chaletontherocks.com

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Spanish Festivities for Christmas and New Year at Malaga’s

Gran Hotel Miramar o celebrate the festive season, Malaga’s grand luxury hotel, Gran Hotel Miramar, is drawing its guests into contemporary winter reverie with luxurious epicurean delights. The hotel offers a spectacular backdrop, decked out in its Christmas and New Year finery, for the array of festive feasts on offer, all showcasing exceptional local cuisine, the finest Andalucían ingredients and ancient festive traditions for a warm and hearty celebration.

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Perfect as a base to explore Malaga and enjoy the unique festive atmosphere in the city, Gran Hotel Miramar is situated just five minutes’ walk from the city centre. Visitors can expect special celebrations from November through to January including seasonal concerts, carol services and Christmas bazaars perfect for picking up gifts, holiday baskets and a host of other items. Not to miss is the stunning Christmas light display and show in the city’s famous Calle Larios which kicks off with a huge street party on 30 November – one of the most talked-about attractions in Europe. Forming the backbone of Christmas traditions in Andalucía are the belenes, or live nativity scenes, where many townsfolk dress up and use the town’s streets, houses and plazas as their stage. Visitors can follow a special route through Malaga to see many of the scenes. On 28 December, the city celebrates its annual Verdiales Festival. This traditional music and dance contest, an intrinsic part of Christmas in Malaga, sees performances from over 30

competitors, also known as ‘pandas’, from the local mountain villages.

Noche Buena, 24 December Festivities in Spain traditionally kick off on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve), with an elaborate family feast of regional dishes using the best local ingredients. In Andalucía, expect consommé with sherry from Jerez; gambas from the sea that cradles the south of the region; and jamón from the black pigs reared in Huelva. For guests at Gran Hotel Miramar meanwhile, last-minute Christmas shopping or sightseeing in the art and cultural capital of Spain is the perfect prelude to a classic five-course festive menu at fine-dining establishment, Príncipe de Asturias. The enticing culinary experience created by executive Chef Diego Nicás and his talented team includes fresh crab meat terrine, seaweed caviar and sea asparagus; royal salmon salad, shrimps and fennel carpaccio; aniseed rock fish bisque with lobster medallions; and Christmas capon with dried apricots and pistachios, and all the trimmings.

24 December 2018 - Price €150 per person, including wine pairing selection.

New Year’s Eve The perfect toast to New Year, a magnificent five-course menu influenced by Malaga’s regional specialities also offers

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refined wine pairings selected carefully for each dish. Starting with curated cocktails served alongside fresh Mediterranean oysters, prestigious Iberian meats from the mountains and local cheeses, guests can then enjoy an exclusive menu of lobster and crayfish Royale, mirepoix of rockfish, cockles and razor clams; black sea bass with dill gnocchi and marine smoothie; beef tournedos, potato mille-feuille and pumpkin turbant with white truffle sauce; all finished with a 24 carat gold dessert.

31 December 2018 - Price €360 per person, including wine pairing selection.

Christmas and New Year’s Day In the incomparable setting of the Mediterráneo Restaurant, looking across to the Mediterranean Sea, guests can enjoy a Swing Brunch on Christmas and News Year’ Day with an exquisite selection of traditional sweet and savoury delights. Live cooking stations will feature typical regional seasonal favourites such as tapas and ceviche, Iberian meats and international cheeses, and fresh seafood brought in that morning from the Mediterranean. Rounding off celebrations, an assortment of delectable treats from the province of Malaga delight including Borrachuelos (referred to as ‘drunken cookies’ due to the wine in the dough, they are filled with a sweet filling and covered in honey); Roscos de vino (made with sweet wine, the crumbly cookie is covered in a sugar glaze); and one of Spain’s most famous sweets – Turrón (a bar of nougat and almonds, often featuring interesting new flavours such as gin and tonic, bubblegum and blackberry). Live music entertainment will create a charming setting pairing musical rhythms and exquisite cuisine for a leisurely, glamorous brunch.

25 December 2018 and 1 January 2019 - Price €130 per person, including wine pairing selection.

BOOK IT

Rooms at Gran Hotel Miramar start from €236 per night including breakfast, excluding tax and service.

For further information visit www.granhotelmiramarmalaga.com/en

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STARS Manish Kumar Arora (K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant) reveals what’s in store for you this month

Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December) This is a strong time for de-stressing through creative expression or immersing yourself in a hobby, the arts, or other forms of dramatic entertainment, You will be one step closer to knowing where you are headed, and you will have re-built faith in yourself. Enjoy the breeze of happiness it brings to your love life and try to make the most of the best opportunities to improve your love life.

Favourable Dates: December 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 22 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Green

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Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) There can be a very strong desire to get away, to change the pace of your life, and to do something totally different than you usually do. There can be a nice feeling of joy and comfort in thinking about the bigger picture, long-term goals, and far-off plans. There can be an opportunity to enjoy yourself, and a very pleasant, playful mood now and inhibitions and defensiveness tend to drop.

Favourable Dates: December 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) You may receive a cosmic push towards expressing yourself more creatively and experience an increased drive to take charge of your life. Issues surrounding personal appearance, the body, and one’s image become especially important.

This can be a fine time for getting your point across, as well as for networking activities or socialising. You can be especially witty or insightful, and others appreciate you for your ideas and gestures.

Favourable Dates: December 7, 9, 16, 18, 25, 27 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue

Pisces (19 February – 20 March) Activities that feed your imagination and sense of magic can thrive now. This can be a good time for progress or ideagenerating when it comes to creative matters or a romance.

You are more able to express yourself in subtle ways, to feel in touch with what’s inside, and to convey your inner world or message easily. Words may not be quite as effective as body language and actions now and It should be a relaxing month, Favourable Dates: December 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 21 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red Aries (21 March – 19 April) The month begins with a real burst of energy, confidence and power. There would be trend towards greater flow of personal income but be aware that the flow can just as easily come in and go out if you’re not careful. Your mind often will run along moneymaking ideas and anything that has to do with communicating those ideas. You would get more attracted to unusual plans, fields and concepts.

Favourable Dates: December 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Grey

Taurus (20 April – 20 May) You are due to gain recognition in your professional life and sexual and romantic satisfaction will follow close behind.

Your public image and professional affairs will demand extra time and responsibilities but the rewards that follow will be worth it. You would crave love and loyalty from your favourite playmate. You are emotional, sensual and very alluring to members of the both opposite and same sex.

People who like to play with fire will be instantly attracted to you.

Favourable Dates: December 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Blue & Black

Gemini (21 May – 20 June) This is a time when you are working hard, taking on your fair share of duties and responsibilities and either reaping some of the rewards of your hard work or facing the consequences of poor choices. You become aware of what you have and haven’t accomplished to date. You are now treated to a realistic look at what you have built and

achieved. You would take a new class, upgrade your skills and keep moving.

Favourable Dates: December 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow

Cancer (21 June – 22 July) A spunky period for your love life occurs this month, when your charm is super and romance fairly sizzles. Partnered Cancerians will be having a good time. It is a fabulous opportunity period for scheduling a romantic getaway. You are destined to meet someone who will jump at the chance to take you out of a lonely situation. There will be an excess of romantic energy. You are likely to make changes in your life that break you out of your usual routines.

Favourable Dates: December 3, 5, 10, 13, 21, 23 Favourable Colours Blue & White Leo (23 July – 22 August) It’s a period of reworking or sluggishness on the career front. You will be one step closer to knowing where you are headed and you will have re-built faith in yourself. Ideally, you may adopt a more mature attitude towards adventure and facing the unknown. You let go of self-defeating attitudes that have been holding you back. There can be surprising developments in love where people from other places are involved.

Favourable Dates: December 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & White

Virgo (23 August – 22 September) You are likely to feel more confident and enthusiastic about your ability to earn a living and you may choose to develop your talents in order to boost your earning power. However, you may also be just as inclined to splurge on yourself, plumping up your nest or your store of personal possessions. Ideals and spiritual goals that you may have taken for granted or worked with for many years seem superficial or not particularly useful to you now.

Favourable Dates: December 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Brown

Libra (23 September – 22 October) Your income is likely to increase and there may be an opportunity to improve your future financial situation. It may be time to settle some of your debts, financial or otherwise. Nothing broadens your perspective quite like seeing other cultures and communities. Synchronicity is thick when you embrace your adventurous side. Trust your inner voice when tackling a difficult project Putting one foot in front of the other is often the best way to start.

Favourable Dates: December 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favourable Colours: White & Blue Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) This is a good time to go for a raise, or take part in various dealings with financial institutions. You will see some shift in your attitude towards pleasing a significant other, more sociability, and the desire to bring balance to your life. A stronger focus on professional goals will also develop. Your comfort zones matter, and now is the time to take care of your own needs without eclipsing the needs of others.

Flashes of insight from your dreams can assist you.

Favourable Dates: December 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours: White & Green

manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com

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Weekend Starts Here....

Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights

By Carole Matthews

Join Fay and her friends this Christmas and indulge in this wonderful, cake-filled novel of romance and friendship.

Fay and Danny are madly in love and it's all Fay's ever dreamed of. But she left everything - including the delightful cake shop she used to run - to be with Danny on his cosy canal boat The Dreamcatcher. And as she soon finds out, making delicious cakes on the water isn't always smooth sailing!

Then Fay gets a call that sends her back to where it all began, back to where she first met Danny, back to her friends and the Cake Shop in the Garden. It will be hard being away from Danny but their relationship is strong enough to survive, isn't it?

Fay soon falls happily back in love with her passion for baking - especially now she's on dry land again! - and starts to wonder if she ever should have left. With Christmas around the corner, Fay is determined that her friends will have a very merry time, but does that mean even more time away from Danny? Can Fay really get everything she ever wanted in Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights?

Surviving Christmas with The Relatives

Surviving Christmas with the Relatives is a heart-warming, riotous take on the traditional festive family get-together, as disparate relatives are thrown together in a confined space for a three-day ordeal. The film sees two sisters and their families come together in their recently deceased parents' falling down country house, with chaotic consequences. Miranda and Dan are refugees from city life trying to set up a small holding with their kids in tow, and Lila is a fading Hollywood star married to her alcoholic agent. Ancient sibling rivalries flare up again to sabotage the hope for a season of good will.

Release Date: 30th November

Welcome Home

Bryan and Cassie are seeking any means to help repair their shattering relationship, and a home-sharing website known as "Welcome Home" leads them to renting out a beautiful villa in the romantic countryside of Italy. However, once Cassie befriends a handsome, yet sinister, neighbour and ignites jealousy in Bryan, this promising vacation to grow closer, instead turns a once loving couple against each other in a dangerous and violent game.

Release Date: 11th December

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PRICELESS

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

www.affinitymag.co.uk

WWW.AFFINITYMAG.CO.UK

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