Candleholders and lanterns from The Danes add a magical touch to the Christmas table. The walls are in Farrow & Ball’s School House White, which helps to maximise the light, airy atmosphere.
WINTER LAYERS
Considered alterations to the layout of this Cotswolds cottage have transformed it into a light-filled home for modern living and made the most of its bucolic setting
FEATURE CHARLOTTE DUNFORD PHOTOGRAPHY ASTRID TEMPLIER STYLING GILL NICHOLAS AND MIKE BIRCH
In the kitchen by deVOL, Sam felt painting the island in Farrow & Ball’s Smoked Trout would be the perfect foil for the deep olive green cabinets.
Victorian Treasure
Mindful of honouring the integrity of her serendipitous find, Sam Palmer has gone the extra mile to create a thoughtfully renovated home that lends itself to the festive season
FEATURE JANET MCMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH
Naturally festive
A sensitive yet pragmatic approach to renovating a Tudor farmhouse has resulted in a delightfully characterful home, reflecting classic country style
FEATURE AMANDA HARLING
PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL
What to do in
DECEMBER
This is the month to prepare for seasonal merriment by adding thoughtful decorative details, choosing gifts, baking sweet treats and making the home fit for a festive welcome
ADD Festive Cheer
Christmas is always made more special with items that add a little bit of old-fashioned loveliness, particularly handmade and specially sourced pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgic tradition. Take time out to consider the details that really make Christmas so magical, from easy-to-make decorations to pretty tableware adorned with classic festive motifs.
Be creative and make garlands to hang from a dresser or mantelpiece by slowly drying orange and apple slices in a warm oven, and threading with colourful string along with cinnamon sticks, star anise or bay leaves. Alternatively drape along the length of the Christmas table as an alternative to foliage and dot with candles. Source tableware decorated with well-loved festive motifs such as pretty baubles, bows or sprigs of mistletoe and use to serve sweet treats to guests to make them feel all the more welcome. Elevate homemade mince pies by sourcing a tiny cutter in the shape of a heart or holly leaf to create the lids. They will be sure to raise a smile and bring festive cheer to everyone.
RIGHT Mistletoe plates, from £22 each, Emma Bridgewater
Oslo
ONE FINAL THING
Season’s greetings
Create anticipation for December parties and visiting family and friends with a festive outdoor display. Try positioning several potted pine trees, with LED lights twinkling in the branches, either side of the front door. In this scene, there is a combination of real and faux trees. For a relaxed style, take a pointer from how the pots are arranged in an asymmetrical way. Mix in black lanterns with rechargeable candles to keep the look timeless and finish with an oversized door wreath with a sumptuous extra-large bow for the warmest welcome.
real-look artificial Christmas tree (by door), from £129; Pot-grown Christmas trees, from £24.99; Large Black Metal lantern, £24.99; Alabama lantern, £9.99; Essentials pillar candles, from £1.99; Traditional kraft gift wrap, 2m, £1.99, all Dobbies Garden Centres