Characterful, comfortable homes all dressed for Christmas
THIS PAGE The green leafy tablecloth from The Charpoy is the perfect foil for Beauvamp’s red and beige Tiffany Ruffle lampshade. Curtains in Julia Brendel’s Lulu in Palace Blue pick out the blue tones in F&P Interiors’ Folie wallpaper.
Personalised embroidered crowns from All Frills are a fun touch for the family OPPOSITE Sarah, outside what was the original front door. The Richmond wall light in antique brass is from Corston Architectural Detail.
MERRY & BRIGHT
Sarah Kirk enjoys injecting her cottage in the Cotswolds with cherished decorations and foraged greenery to ensure it sparkles throughout the festive season
FEATURE & STYLING JANET MCMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH
traditional
THIS PAGEIn the entrance hall, Luna the Labradoodle offers guests a warm welcome.
The oversized portrait of the first Duke of Richmond is by Balthazar Gerbier and the Iron Coral console with marble top is from Tyson.
OPPOSITE Joanna sits by a tree bedecked with
decorations, such as baubles and faux poinsettias, from her shop.
Festive ELEGANCE
Drawing on her extensive knowledge and experience, interior designer Joanna Wood has created a bright and welcoming feel in her mews-style house which she built from the ground up
RECLAMATION STORY
Pouring love and hard work into restoring a 400-year-old thatched cider barn, cow barn and smallholding has given Jules and Steve Horrell a new way of life
FEATURE, STYLING & PHOTOGRAPHY CLAIRE WORTHY
LEFT Jules and Steve usually place token presents under the tree, preferring to give experiences, like a weekend away. On the armchair, upholstered by Piper Trimmers, is a blanket featuring artwork by Louise Bourgeois.
ABOVE A flamboyant wreath from Pamplemousse Dorset on the door to the cow barn and the heathers and cyclamen leading up to it add a splash of winter colour. The oak frame extension was built by Frameworks.
What to do in JANUARY JANUARY
Create joyful moments by giving generously, celebrating festive flavours, making a warm welcome and finding time to savour the season with family and friends
Benedict pendant lamp, £195; Large round Marcus dining table, £2,995; Ormoy dining chair in Ocellus Print, £695; Hongwu pot in Dijon, £95; Liaodong pot in Dijon, £195; Lakadema Leopard candle holders, £60 a pair; Kintaro plates, from £65 for a set of four; Kintaro bowls, £70 for a set of four, all Oka
RELAX and make the most of quiet moments
During Christmas and New Year, impromptu gatherings offer opportunities to feast on indulgent festive treats.
Gather round the breakfast table and linger for longer with a bowl of muesli made even more special with some Christmas dates, nuts or cranberries added for seasonal flavour. Or be ready to serve up a feast full of flavour whenever friends or family pop in. A stash of classic mince pies and a fruit-filled Christmas cake finished off with some seasonal berries will always go down a treat, and as the latter matures as the days
go by, the taste only gets better. Look further afield too – a German bundt cake has such festive connotations, as does a deliciously buttery Italian panettone that can be brought out in an instant to go with a cup of tea or a celebratory tipple such as Italian dessert wine Vin Santo. Or some sweet tasting Levantine baklava pastries – they are all perfect for welcoming friends, family members, neighbours over the festive period, or even just to enjoy in a quiet cosy moment of solitude at the end of a busy day.
Countdown to
Christmas
Create a festive planner now to make next year even more magical.
a countdown to Christmas 2025.
Be inspired by the magic and sparkle at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire when planning
RIGHT Tickets go on sale in the summer, so book early to avoid missing out on the sensational sounds of a Glyndebourne Christmas Carol service.
