Hot Brands Cool Places - The Festive Issue 2018

HOT BRANDS

Cool Places

FESTIVE HOME

DECEMBER 2018

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Festive Wishes

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to our Festive Home issue, packed full of ideas for friends, family and the home. We are delighted to feature an interview with Sarah Callander Beckett, Owner of Combermere Abbey about the exciting restoration project.

In the lead up to the Festive celebrations, we’ve included some very helpful advice from our top UK chefs on how to prepare in the kitchen. There is something quite special about curling up with a good book, and we have an absolutely delicious collection of Top 10 Festive Reads, plus a gift guide and Winter Beauty Round-up, full of gorgeous gifts.

If you are planning to revitalise your home in the New Year we have plenty of ideas for updating your home from the wonderful companies in our Directory.

Alternatively if you are planning a last-minute getaway, or are looking ahead to next year’s holidays we have plenty of suggestions in our Festive Escapes. We also have a selection of beautiful venues if you are planning a wedding, or special event in 2019.

As this is our last magazine for 2018 we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to our magazines throughout the year, to the fabulous companies in our Directory, the authors and the PR/publicity teams who always respond to our requests so promptly, and to YOU, our wonderful readers who always give us such positive feedback. We wish you all a very happy festive holiday and a peaceful and happy 2019.

Kaye, Louise and the whole Hot Brands Cool Places team xxx http://www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com Cover and inside image courtesy of Garden Trading: www.gardentrading.co.uk Other images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.

Kaye

Kaye Thorne // Editor in Chief All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items. Inclusion in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

IN THIS ISSUE...

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Interviews Sarah Callander Beckett Owner of Combermere Abbey

Christmas Day Top tips for the day itself from renowned UK chefs...

Top Ten Festive Reads

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Festive Gift Guide

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Features Get set for Winter with our Beauty Feature

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JOHN LEWIS OF HUNGERFORD John Lewis of Hungerford is the original painted kitchen company, starting back in 1972, creating high quality, tailored kitchens and now including bedrooms and furniture. Our team of talented and dedicated designers can turn your dream into a realisation and our highly skilled craftsmen will bring your designs to life in our Oxfordshire factory.

Discover more at www.john-lewis.co.uk

THE PAPER PARTNERSHIP The Paper Partnership is nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside in southern England.

With clients in over 55 countries worldwide and led by a partnership who share a passion for great wallpaper, the studio uses traditional painting and printmaking techniques to create original and inspiring designs for any interior.

www.thepaperpartnership.co.uk

THE TREASURE TROVE The Treasure Trove is an online Shabby Chic and Vintage Furniture Store based in East Sussex. We source our furniture from all over the UK and Europe, searching for time-worn or faded items that need The Treasure Trove’s restoring touch.

All our furniture is lovingly hand painted and restored and delivered directly to your door with FREE UK DELIVERY. Why not see what treasures you can find www.thetreasuretrove.co.uk Tel: 01323 488 049

www.thetreasuretrove.co.uk

JOHN ATKINSON BLANKETS England’s Finest Blankets. John Atkinson blankets are woven and hand finished in the heart of Yorkshire using the skills, knowledge and craftsmanship that can only be achieved by hundreds of years of passionate and dedicated manufacture.

Our blankets dress the homes of Royalty across the globe and are the perfect traditional finishing touch to any home.

www.atkinsonblankets.co.uk

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Interview

Sarah Callander Be

Owner of Combermere Abbey

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What inspired you to start the restoration project at Combermere Abbey?

eckett

Combermere Abbey is a very unique place with 900 years of history and a number of listed historic properties, including the Abbey itself.

When I took over the estate in 1992, all of them needed restoration and with my background in PR, I decided that they needed a new purpose and direction.

y

Each restoration project has embraced a new enterprise following its repair, to give the estate a sustainable future. Also, I always loved working with people, so converting the stables into beautiful holiday cottages was preferable to running an equestrian business!

I liken the estate to a patchwork - making sure that the traditional elements like organic farming and woodland management fit in well with the newer tourism and hospitality businesses.

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What have been achievements?

Interview If a couple want to book their wedding at Combermere Abbey, what can they expect?

It is their day, and our philosophy is to exceed their expectations, and help them achieve what they want and more. We believe in being honest with them and bend over backwards to create a memorable day from start to end.

They can expect stunning surroundings with beautiful gardens, breathtaking architecture, ancient trees and historic parkland.

Our extraordinary team will always ensure that our couples are well looked after.

Our fabulous Walled Gardens are exclusively theirs for the day, and 50 of their guests or family can stay onsite in our luxury cottages, a stone's throw away from the bridal party. The bride has a private Gothic Lodge for the night before and for her wedding preparation on the day. Our family’s 1927 Crossley Saloon vintage car is used to chauffeur the bride to the ceremony and it can also be featured in photos. The wedding night is spent in the beautiful North Wing, with a delicious breakfast cooked by Stephan our House Manager in the morning.

If they are looking for a romantic venue in a unique setting, we have it in spades.

your

most

significant

Breathing life back into the estate, both in terms of the buildings and their new uses, as well as seeing the enjoyment of our leisure guests, brides and their families when they come here.

The restoration of the Abbey itself, spanning over 20 years with the North Wing being rebuilt in 2014-16, was fabulous and incredibly emotional.

The house finally looks and feels whole again.

What does the future have in store for Combermere Abbey?

There are always opportunities around the corner, but I am very excited by the current range of enterprises and looking forward to developing them even further. It has taken 25 years and has grown organically, which is the best way. Now the buildings are restored, I would like to put energy into the woodland and landscape. In fact, we have started to plant woodland glades for the bridal couples in our fabulous Big Wood, with its oaks and yews that are over 500 years old.

What else is available to visit in the local area We sit on the borders of Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and North Wales. Our area is full of wonderful gardens and houses to visit, market towns, attractions for children; Chester with its cathedral, zoo and Storyhouse theatre. Super pubs and restaurants with lots of fun outdoor spaces to walk, cycle or take a canal boat.

What makes a perfect Christmas for you?

Being surrounded by family and friends, as well as keeping some of the traditions we have always enjoyed in my parent’s day here. Midnight Mass, stockings, late Christmas lunch and finally opening presents before a movie and scrambled eggs. https://combermereabbey.co.uk

image courtesy of Doug Krier Photography

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GO MODERN

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Our exciting autumn/winter 2018 collection features contemporary furniture for indoors and out from leading European designers and manufacturers. Look out for our brand new stylish family friendly dining tables, bedroom furniture, freestanding and fitted wardrobes, cosy sofas and superb storage ideas for any space (even the tricky ones!). We also stock a wide range of accessories from design-led rugs to eco-friendly bioethanol fires.

www.gomodern.co.uk

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GROHE GROHE is the world’s leading provider of sanitary fittings and a global brand, dedicated to providing innovative water products. For many decades, GROHE has been committed to the brand values of technology, quality, design and sustainability.

www.grohe.com/uk

GARDEN TRADING The Garden Trading collection embraces a clean, practical and uncluttered lifestyle. Combining classic materials with innovative designs; the range of contemporary lighting and timeless furniture for the home and garden adds distinctive style in any setting.

www.gardentrading.co.uk

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LSA INTERNATIONAL Founded in 1960s London, LSA International is a contemporary design brand specialising in handmade glass. For over 50 years the company has created collections for bar, table and decoration and continues to launch brand new products each season. Materials are carefully selected to ensure the brand’s signature quality and complex artisan techniques are translated into distinctive products.

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THE HEADBOARD WORKSHOP The Headboard Workshop's user friendly website makes choosing beautiful headboards easy.

They have over 30 years of experience in delivering exceptional craftsmanship, skilfully made products to order and on time, leaving you free to relax along with hundreds of delighted customers nationwide.

https://www.theheadboardworkshop.co.uk

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THE FOOTSTOOL WORKSHOP The Footstool Workshop are an experienced team of skilled craftsmen, designers and upholsterers, having been in the furniture business for over 20 years. Whether you want something to sit on, to rest your weary feet on, to stack your magazines on, to use as storage or just to look beautiful to fill a large space, TFW have loads of gorgeous products to choose from.

www.thefootstoolworkshop.co.uk

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THE NATURAL RUG COMPANY The Natural Rug Company is a small family business specialising in the sale of made to measure bordered rugs made from Sisal, Seagrass, Coir and/or Wool. Contact Val for more information or to obtain samples from our free sampling service.

www.naturalrugcompany.co.uk

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LITTLE LUCY WILLOW Create the perfect child's bedroom this autumn with luxurious furniture by Little Lucy Willow. Painted and upholstered in warm, subtle shades with matching accessories, our nursery and children’s bedroom collections are stunning, practical and built to last.

www.littlelucywillow.co.uk

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Jason Atherton

Feature

“Cooking Christmas dinner for your loved ones can be daunting but there are a few simple tricks that can make things easier without missing out on a delicious dinner full of flavour. Save yourself time on Christmas Day and have a starter that you can prepare ahead of time and serve cold such as a salad of smoked salmon with fennel, apple & radish and crème fraiche.

Accompaniments such as bread sauce can be bought pre-prepared but it is simple to make from scratch and is guaranteed to taste better than the supermarket version. Use sourdough bread and infuse the milk with spices including cloves, cinnamon, mace and bay to add a depth of flavour.”

Jason Atherton is Chef Patron of The Social Company

Christmas Day

Top tips for the day itself from renowned UK chefs...

Greg Marchand “I love to make duck rather than turkey. I tend to use ‘Challand’ duck; a big one that can feed six to eight people. Buy your duck a week in advance, then dry age it in the fridge so the skin becomes crispier. Roast with honey, fennel and coriander seeds.

I also love to make Brussel sprouts more exciting by pan frying them with sliced kumquats. Don’t be afraid to use spices for the Christmas day meal – roast your carrots with Vadouvan (a mixture of curry and spices from Pondicherry in India), and seasoned bergamot juice. It makes the side dishes that bit more interesting.”

Greg Marchand is the Chef Patron of Frenchie (Rue de Nil and Covent Garden), Frenchie Cave au Vin and FTG

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Michael Caines “Christmas for me is all about added extras – I like to roast my carrots in scented honey (lavender is my favourite) with a good helping of goose fat, and add slightly crispy rosemary, smoked pancetta and roasted chestnuts to my Brussel sprouts. Making your own stuffing from scratch is also so easy and so much more delicious than anything you can buy. I add a range of herbs and spices to onions, sausage meat, breadcrumbs and garlic and bind with egg yolk, before steaming for 25 minutes. It’s great the next day too!”

Michael Caines is Chef Patron of Lympstone Manor in Devon

Paul Ainsworth “At Christmas, be sure that you don’t solely focus on the meat; vegetables and side dishes are equally as important in creating the perfect Christmas dinner. Making simple but delicious tweaks to your dishes will take everything to the next level of luxury. Adding truffle oil and parmesan to your cauliflower cheese or bacon pieces and chestnuts to your Brussel sprouts will enhance the flavours of the vegetables and have your guests going back for seconds.”

Paul Ainsworth is Chef Patron of Number 6 in Padstow

Michael Carr “One of my favourite things to do is make Hassleback potatoes, rather than the traditional roasties. I use tiny, new season potatoes which you baste with goose fat and add small pieces of bacon to before roasting. Using tiny potatoes means they crisp up nicely. To make the goose fat crispy, brown off a block of goose fat with some butter, garlic, thyme and spices. Let it cool and set in the fridge, then dice it up and put into the scored potato cracks. Goes extra well with sprouts!”

Michael Carr is Chef Patron of Restaurant 92 in Harrogate

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Ellis Barrie, The Marram Grass “For the tastiest Brussel sprouts, roast diced bacon and hazelnuts in the oven at 165°C for 15-20 minutes.

Blitz the mixture to a coarse crunch crumb and use to heavily season your sprouts along with grated cheese and local honey Cook your carrots in a litre of carrot juice with ½ a star anise, 2 crushed cloves of garlic, 1 cinnamon stick and one crushed cardamom. Once carrots are cooked remove from pan and reduce remaining carrot juice to 100ml liquid and pass through a sieve.

Add carrots back into reduced liquid and reduce to a glaze. Remove from heat and fold in 50g of butter and season with salt, pepper, chopped parsley, toasted sesame seeds and chopped chestnuts.”

Ellis Barrie is Chef Patron of the Marram Grass in Anglesey, and one of 2018’s Great British Menu finalists.

Ellis will be opening a second site, this time in Liverpool, in early 2019.

Bryn Williams’ Christmas bacon sarnie “A little controversial, but I like to remove the icing and marzipan from any leftover Christmas cake and then pan fry the cake in a drizzle of oil. Finish it off by throwing in a knob of butter and fry until crispy on the outside and moist in the middle. Serve it with bacon and it’s just like a deliciously rich fruit chutney.”

Bryn Williams is the Chef Patron of Odette’s in Primrose Hill and Porth Eirias in Wales. He’s Executive Chef of Bryn Williams at Somerset House

Christmas cranberries and curry from Tom Aikens “Cranberries are one of my favourite festive ingredients. I always prepare lots of them so I have enough to go with cold roast turkey the next day. They are also delicious with leftover cold cuts in a Boxing Day sandwich, or as an addition to a turkey pie. Meanwhile, my favourite use of old, tired looking vegetables is a good old British vegetable curry, which can of course get funked up as much as you like. Cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut, fennel, carrot, courgette, cabbage – anything goes. Made with a meat or veg stock, coconut milk, natural yogurt – whatever takes your fancy. But then all the spices you can use are endless; cumin, caraway, turmeric, coriander, mace, fenugreek, mustard seeds, add some toasted seeds from nigella, sesame, pumpkin, sprouted grains.

Add some red lentils or old fruit like banana apple or mango, it all works.”

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Francesco Mazzei’s festive tortelli in brodo “I hate wasting food at any time of the year, but I think it’s particularly important to think about this at Christmas, when there are always so many leftovers. One of my favourite things to make with the leftover turkey and vegetables, is tortelli in brodo. I take all of the remaining meat off the turkey, then make a beautiful broth from the bones. I then chop the turkey meat with the vegetables (anything except the potatoes), season to taste, and use this mixture to stuff the tortelli. I add a dash of marsala to the broth – it adds a great flavour, and it is Christmas after all! To serve, you simply ladle the hot broth over the tortelli. Delicious.”

Francesco Mazzei is Chef Patron of Sartoria on Savile Row, Radici in Islington, and Fiume at Battersea Power Station

Sat Bains’ Christmas leftover tortilla “Use your trimmings to create a beautiful festive tortilla. Simply crush your leftover vegetables and add to a non-stick pan with a few drops of olive oil and fry for 5 minutes. In a bowl, whisk 6 eggs and season with salt and pepper. Pour in egg mixture and leave to cook over a gentle heat for 8-10 minutes. Put pan under the grill for a few minutes until the top is set. You can add really anything to your mix including onions, garlic and bacon! The perfect dish for a Boxing Day brunch!”

Sat Bains is Chef Proprietor of Two-Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains

Lisa Goodwin-Allen’s mince pie affogato “I love using up leftover mince pies by making a mince pie ‘affogato’ – I place a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, crumbling over a warm mince pie, adding a good shot (or two) of Pedro Ximenez Sherry, and grating some orange zest over the top. It’s delicious.

My favourite way to use leftovers from Christmas lunch is my leftover turkey, Brussel sprout and ham turnovers. They’re super simple and can be made using everything you have left in your fridge. Simply melt 20g of butter, add 100g of sprouts, a diced onion and sweat until soft. Add some crushed garlic, 60ml of cream, season and cook for 4 minutes before adding in a handful of diced turkey meat and ham. Roll out a sheet of puff pastry and cut into two squares, then spoon in some of the mixture and fold over – pinching the sides to ensure you don’t have air pockets. Slash with a knife before baking at 230 degrees for 5-7 minutes until golden.”

Lisa Goodwin-Allen is Executive Chef of 1-Michelin starred Northcote in Langho, LancashireI S S U E ˚ 6 3 HOT BRANDS 25

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LOAF Brit-brand Loaf makes laid-back furniture for people to kick-off their shoes and lead happier, more relaxed lives. Launched in 2008, the homeware brand has made it their mission to encourage people to enjoy their homes more. The comfy sofas and upholstered beds are hand-produced in Long Eaton, Derbyshire - the heart of British upholstery making. And the mattresses are handmade in Wiltshire. Loaf’s makers are chosen for offering the best quality and craftsmanship available and they’re mostly family-run companies.

Stockist details: LOAF.COM / 0845 459 9937

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ELLA JAMES Shop at www.ellajames.co.uk for pretty gifts and inspiration - a gorgeous selection of delightful gifts and items for your home.

www.ellajames.co.uk

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DUSK LIGHTING Dusk Lighting provides a wide range of quality lighting solutions at affordable prices that are suitable for both home and garden. Our experienced team are more than happy to assist our customers to find the correct lighting products to create the desired atmosphere. Based in the heart of Devon our team works hard to ensure we stock some of the best brands of sophisticated design.

www.dusklights.co.uk

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GLAZEBROOK & CO. Glazebrook & Co. Classic Cutlery for modern living. Finest Stainless Steel designs with alternative dishwasher safe Cream and Black Handle Knives. For more information visit: www.glazebrook.com Email: sales@glazebrook.com or Tel: 020 7731 7135 Free Sample Service. Delivery Worldwide

www.glazebrook.com

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COCOON&ME Working with jute, rope, cotton, recycled textiles, wool & any other material that is makeable, Cocoon&me uses macrame, crochet & knitting to produce a range of original beautiful products for you, the home, business & garden. Working with planet friendly materials, designs are handmade & unique, the realisation of the designer's creative spirit & love of aesthetic beauty. Put simply, the aim is to make beautiful objects for everyday living & life. Cocoon&me also offer workshops & party's, sharing her creations with people in Brighton, Farnham, Manchester & Sheffield to name a few.....

www.cocoonandme.com

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ATTICUS & GILDA Atticus & Gilda is a night wear company based in London designing stylish PJ's nighties & travel accessories for boys & girls. Using thoughtfully sourced fabrics all in 100% cotton, this season sees us launch our stunning printed kimonos.

www.atticusandgilda.co.uk

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RUFUS RABBIT Here is Rufus Rabbit’s secret recipe for baby gift loveliness: Take one funny bunny from a ‘Did You Know…’card or two, insist on gorgeous, organic and reasonable with a splash of pink and blue. Add lots of yummy packaging and a soupcon of kindness and spice, then voila, done to perfection … our Rufus Rabbit baby gifts are really rather nice!

www.rufusrabbit.co.uk

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DOUGLAS THE BOY WONDER Love dogs. Love design. Love Douglas The Boy Wonder! Douglas is an antique dog discovered in an antique shop in deepest darkest Norfolk. His gift and accessories range is fresh, contemporary and sure to delight any fan of dog inspired design.

https://www.thelittledog.co.uk

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WHITE RABBIT ENGLAND White Rabbit England is the brain child of sisters Charlotte and Victoria who set out to recreate the magical lamps they loved as children. They loved white rabbits and had a pet white rabbit called Harvey. “So White Rabbit was a perfect name for the business and we always say ‘white rabbits’ to each other on the first of the month for good luck too!”

www.whiterabbitengland.com

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GONE CRABBING At Gone Crabbing you will find a range of both kids t-shirts and hoodies – designed and made in Turkey concentrating on top quality fabrics and prints. There is also a myriad of giftware from tea towels, mug, aprons, oven gloves, beach towels, stationery, their best selling line of soaps along with many other items to fill your bucket. The whole range can be found online at www.gonecrabbing.co.uk or at their flagship store in North Norfolk – the original British crabbing store.

www.gonecrabbing.co.uk

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Top 10 Festive Reads Book Reviews

There is something comforting amid all the hustle and bustle of the lead up to the Festive season to curl up with a wonderful festive book and this year we have an absolutely gorgeous collection. Like a fabulous selection box of the most delicious chocolates, we present our Top 10 Festive reads:

Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights Carole Matthews

Christmas at the Beach Hut

Synopsis: 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. As she soon finds out, making delicious cakes on the water isn’t always smooth sailing!

Veronica Henry

Then Fay gets a call, one that sends her back to her friends and back to the Cake Shop in the Garden. It will be hard being away from Danny, she knows, but surely their relationship is strong enough to survive…?

Fay soon falls back in love with her passion for baking – especially now she is back on dry land! – and starts to wonder if she should have ever 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 – and is it possible for her to have everything she ever wanted?

Synopsis: Everyone adores Christmas . . .

Especially Lizzy Kingham. But this year, she is feeling unloved and underappreciated by her family. The present-buying, decorating and food shopping have all been left to her.

So she wonders . . . what would happen if she ran away and left them to it?

Lizzy heads to her favourite place: a beach hut on the golden sands of Everdene.

There she meets an unlikely collection of new friends, all running away from something. But the spirit of Christmas gets under Lizzy’s skin: soon the fairy lights are twinkling and the scent of mulled wine mingles with the sea air.

Back at Pepperpot Cottage, her family are desperate to find her. For Christmas isn’t Christmas without Lizzy. Can they track her down in time and convince her she means the world to them, every day of the year?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/

Hot Brands Cool Places Review Carole Matthews is one of those magical authors who always deliver a book that can be savoured and enjoyed like a delicious meal. Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights is another gorgeous example, we loved returning to The Cake Shop in the Garden, one of our favourite books written

by Carole. Full of delightful characters and with an captivating storyline, Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights is a beautifully written and charming read, perfect for Christmas.

Hot Brands Cool Places Review Veronica Henry is one of our favourite authors, when one of her books arrives it is such a delicious treat, you know it will be beautifully and thoughtfully written, touching the heart of anyone who reads it.

Christmas at The Beach Hut is no exception, very current and totally absorbing. A perfect excuse to stop Christmas preparations and curl up with this gorgeous book.

The Mother of All Christmases The Christmas Stocking and Other Stories Katie Fforde Synopsis - Guaranteed to make this your happiest Christmas ever! Join Katie Fforde and enjoy her seasonal gift to you; six Christmas-themed short stories just right for anyone who loves romance, humour and happy-ever-after endings. The collection includes: Christmas Stocking: Romy is all set to join her boyfriend and his family in France for Christmas, though truth be told she isn’t looking forward to it very much. And then she meets Felix – and her plans for the big day suddenly become a lot more interesting.

Candlelight at Christmas: It was meant to be the perfect Christmas – surrounded by friends and family in their beautiful home in the country. But then the lights go out, and Fenella knows she will have to work very hard to keep everyone happy…

The Christmas Fairy: It’s Christmas Eve in Crinan, and a young man is on his own with only his nephew and niece for company.

Then Ella arrives. Dressed as a fairy, she is determined to wave her wand and give them all the best Christmas ever.

And many more stories! https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Hot Brands Cool Places Review There is a real skill in creating satisfying short stories, and Katie achieves this to perfection, this gorgeous festive selection fulfils every criteria of a perfect Christmas read.

So make a warm drink, put the preparations on hold and curl up and enjoy. This delightful collection is like a warm hug in a book!

Milly Johnson A Winter Beneath the Stars Jo Thomas Synopsis: Halley has been running from her problems for years.

On a courier trip to Tallfors, deep in Swedish Lapland, everything is going to plan. Halley has her bag, with two precious wedding rings inside for delivery... until she doesn't.

The only way to save the wedding is to team up with mysterious reindeer herder Bjorn, the one person who can lead her across the snowy tundra to be reunited with her bag.

On a journey of a lifetime beneath the stars, with only the reindeer and a bad-tempered stranger for company beside the fire, Halley realises that she will need to confront her past heartaches in order to let the warmth of love in once more… https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Hot Brands Cool Places Review This is such a fabulous read! Full of pace and energy, we absolutely adored this book. Jo always researches her books really thoroughly and in this case Katie Fforde was with her too!

Capturing the imagination this book has such tremendous pace you feel exhilarated just by reading it. Impossible to put down, it is a wonderful Festive delight.

Synopsis: Eve Glace – co-owner of the theme park Winterworld – is having a baby and her due date is a perfectly timed 25th December. And she’s decided that she and her husband Jacques should renew their wedding vows with all the pomp that was missing the first time. But growing problems at Winterworld keep distracting them …

Annie Pandoro and her husband Joe own a small Christmas cracker factory, are well set up and happy together despite life never blessing them with a much-wanted child.

But when Annie finds that the changes happening to her body aren’t typical of the menopause but pregnancy, her joy is uncontainable.

Palma Collins has agreed to act as a surrogate, hoping the money will get her out of the gutter in which she finds herself.

But when the couple she is helping split up, is she going to be left carrying a baby she never intended to keep?

Annie, Palma and Eve all meet at the ‘Christmas Pudding Club’, a new directive started by a forward-thinking young doctor to help mums-to-be mingle and share their pregnancy journeys. Will this group help each other to find love, contentment and peace as Christmas approaches? https://www.amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Review We love Milly Johnson’s books and The Mother of All Christmases is a delight, it has all the ingredients of a perfect read, humour, romance, but also a poignancy that will take you from laughter to tears, but ultimately will uplift you, in the sublime way that Milly has of completing all her novels.

A wonderful Christmas read!

Book Reviews

Top 10 Festive Reads

The Christmas Sisters Sarah Morgan Synopsis: It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree, but who’s around it that matters most.

All Suzanne McBride wants for Christmas is her three daughters happy and at home.

But when sisters Posy, Hannah and Beth return to their family home in the Scottish Highlands, old tensions and buried secrets start bubbling to the surface.

Suzanne is determined to create the perfect family Christmas, but the McBrides must all face the past and address some home truths before they can celebrate together . . . https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Hot Brands Cool Places Review What we love about Sarah Morgan’s books is the way she holds the attention from the first page to the very last, as a reader you want to curl up and enjoy every minute of her delightful books.

The Christmas Sisters has all the components for a wonderful read, believable characters, atmospheric location, humour, romance and uplifting touches of pure Christmas magic!

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An Island Christmas – Jenny Colgan Synopsis: Christmas on the remote Scottish island of Mure is bleak, stark – and incredibly beautiful.

It’s a time for hunkering down, getting cosy in front of whisky barrel wood fires, and enjoying a dram with the people you love – unless, of course, you’re accidentally pregnant to your ex-boss, and don’t know how to tell him. In what should be the season of peace and goodwill on earth, will Joel think Flora is a bearer of glad tidings?

Meanwhile Saif, the doctor and refugee from war-torn Syria is trying to enjoy his first western Christmas with his sons – but without his missing wife. Can the little family possibly find comfort and joy?

Travel to the beautiful northern edge of the world and join the welcoming community of Mure for an unforgettable Christmas. https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Hot Brands Cool Places Review We love our visits to the beautiful Scottish island of Mure, and this is another very welcome return. What we love is the way that Jenny paints such a realistic picture of the island and its characters that you feel it’s quite possible to take a boat and visit. An Island Christmas is both poignant and heart-warming and as our days get shorter and colder, makes this a wonderful weekend festive read.

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Somewhere Beyond the Sea Miranda Dickinson

Not Just For Christmas A Christmas Gift

Natalie Cox

Sue Moorcroft

Synopsis: Charlie hates the holidays, and this year is shaping up to be her worst yuletide ever. Her boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, her flat is out of bounds after a gas leak, and her mother has gone to spend Christmas in Melbourne with her fifth husband. Finding herself single, mildly concussed and temporarily homeless, Charlie hesitantly agrees to dust off her wellies and spend the festive season in Devon, looking after Cosy Canine Cottages, her cousin Jez's dog-care centre.

Synopsis: Georgine loves Christmas. The festive season always brings the little village of Middledip to life. But since her ex-boyfriend walked out, leaving her with crippling debts, Georgine’s struggled to make ends meet.

To keep her mind off her worries, she throws herself into organising the Christmas show at the local school. And when handsome Joe Blackthorn becomes her assistant, Georgine’s grateful for the help.

But there’s something about Joe she can’t quite put her finger on. Could there be more to him than meets the eye? Georgine’s past is going to catch up with her in ways she never expected. But can the help of friends new and old make this a Christmas to remember after all? https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Hot Brands Cool Places Review In A Christmas Gift, Sue has written a compelling story, addressing some important issues, but also capturing the generosity of spirit of people and ultimately leading to a romantic and memorable Christmas.

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However, her plans for a quiet rural Christmas with only the four-legged friends for company are dashed as soon as she meets Malcolm the deaf Great Dane, Hugo, his gorgeous (but engaged) owner, and Cal, the undeniably attractive but unbearably haughty and patronising local vet... https://www.amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Review If you love dogs you will love this book. A gentle and humorous take on life in the country, served with a sparkling romance, a menagerie of animals and an unusual Christmas tree!

A perfect book to get you in the mood for the Festive season.

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Synopsis: Can you fall in love with someone before you’ve even met? Seren MacArthur is living a life she never intended. Trying to save the Cornish seaside business her late father built – while grieving for his loss – she has put her own dreams on hold and is struggling. Until she discovers a half-finished seaglass star on her favourite beach during an early morning walk. When she completes the star, she sets into motion a chain of events that will steal her heart and challenge everything she believes.

Jack Dixon is trying to secure a better life for daughter Nessie and himself. Left a widower and homeless when his wife died, he’s just about keeping their heads above water. Finding seaglass stars completed on Gwithian beach is a bright spark that slowly rekindles his hope.

Seren and Jack are searching for their missing pieces. But when they meet in real life, it’s on the opposing sides of a battle. Jack is managing the redevelopment of a local landmark, and Seren is leading the community campaign to save it. Both have reason to fight – Seren for the cause her father believed in, Jack for his livelihood. But only one can win. With so much at stake, will they ever find what they are really looking for? https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Hot Brands Cool Places Review This is not strictly a Festive read, but it is such a sparkly book and was one of our favourite reads in 2018. It captures your imagination from the very first moment when Seren finds the halffinished seaglass star. Set in the most amazing location, which Miranda describes with such evocative detail that you can see the stars, feel the sand, breathe the air. We love the way that Miranda has structured the story from the two perspectives, and the poignant and sensitive way she portrays their emotions. A wonderful uplifting feel-good read!

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Festive Gift Guide If you are looking for something stylish and unusual for a Festive Gift, here is our selection:

TROPICAL PARADISE, SEASHORE & LIBRARY CANDLE FROM THE NATIONAL THEATRE BOOKSHOP

FABER POETRY DIARY 2019 FROM THE NATIONAL THEATRE BOOKSHOP

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ROKA BACKPACK FROM THE NATIONAL THEATRE BOOKSHOP

KINTO VERMILION PORCELAIN BRIM TEAPOT FROM THE THE TATE SHOP

LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG DREAMS BOOKS FROM THE NATIONAL THEATRE BOOKSHOP

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NEAL’S YARD ENHANCE YOUR RADIANCE WILD ROSE COLLECTION This award-winning collection harnesses the antioxidant, vitamin-rich goodness of organic rosehips.

With a one pot wonder balm, body elixir and hand cream, as well as muslin face cloth, this gift provides the ultimate ritual for naturally radiant skin that glows with health and beauty.

NEAL’S YARD ENERGISING MEN’S COLLECTION Practical and classically stylish, this wash set gift is a ready to go skin and body care routine.

NEAL’S YARD PREPARE FOR BED DUO Snuggle down with the restful essential oils in our pillow mist and relaxing roll-on aromatherapy blend – the perfect gift for cosy nights.

Available to buy online from https://www.nealsyardremedies.com

CRABTREE & EVELYN ZEST FOR LIFE CITRON & CORIANDER ESSENTIALS Boost the Holidays with an energising set of citrus-packed essentials to revive the senses.

CRABTREE & EVELYN BOOGIE WONDERHANDS HAND THERAPY VAULT There’s a scent for each day of Christmas and beyond with this ultimate Hand Therapy collection.

CRABTREE & EVELYN ROSEWATER & PINK PEPPERCORN HYDRATING 60 SECOND FIX Scrimp on time not effect, with this fast-acting hand duo. Cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate in one.

Available to buy online from http://www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk

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WINTER SPECIAL THE BODY SHOP® THE BODY SHOP CAMOMILE 123 KIT This much-loved Camomile 123 Kit is specially formulated to gently remove even waterproof make-up. Our bestselling Camomile duo is made with calming Camomile, and is suitable for sensitive skin. Simply remove, cleanse and wipe away last night’s party, just like that!

THE BODY SHOP® SACK OF PEPPERMINT CANDY CANE DELIGHT Handmade jute bag made by our Community Trade supplier in India Reusable pouch that is 100% natural Sack is filled with a mix of refreshing treats, infused with the uplifting scent of peppermint candy canes THE BODY SHOP® HOUSE OF BERRY BON BON DELIGHTS Want to smell like winter berries freshly foraged from the forest? Just look at the fruity, zingy treats hidden inside our woodland cabin.

They’re infused with cranberry seed oil from the floodplains of North America and leave skin feeling instantly uplifted. www.thebodyshop.com

KORRES BASIL LEMON & GINGER LIME DYNAMIC DUO Stroll through a herbal garden with this luxurious shower gel duo, enriched with active plant extracts. Our creamy-foam shower gels are packed full of with wheat proteins and Althea extract, helping to maintain the skin’s natural moisture levels.

The perfect gift for those who love a little bit of everyday luxury.

KORRES LITTLE STARS It may be Christmas, but it’s never too late to escape to the Mediterranean. This luxurious little shower gel set will have you dreaming on Santorini summers in no time.

The ideal gift for the globetrotter in your life, this set of four favourites includes: Bergamot Pear Shower Gel 40ml, Fig Shower Gel 40ml, Lavender Blossom Shower Gel 40ml and Bergamot Jasmine Shower Gel 40ml. www.korres.com

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Our next issue is about 2019 travel, but if you want a taster of what's to come and want to start planning now or book a Christmas / New Year Break, why not look in our Autumn Escapes Travel Magazine for inspiration!

Thank you for all your support during 2018 - Happy Holidays!

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Cool Places

AUTUMN ESCAPES

OCTOBER 2018

ISSUE NO˚62

Just click on the cover to view the magazine!

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HOT BRANDS

Cool Places ISSUE No˚63

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