THE ENGLISH HOME

A letter from home

Designer Susie Watson invites us into her home to show how she creates a cosy and creative Christmas setting. For details, see page 90.

Christmas is set to feel very special this year: a celebration to mark the passing of a challenging 2020 for many, and perhaps a renewed appreciation of simply spending time with those we are closest to. Our December issue is therefore designed to help savour every moment of the festive season.

As preparation is key, we have gleaned ideas and advice from designer Susie Watson on how to decorate our homes for Christmas, inside and out, to ensure they feel cosy and magical (page 90). Meanwhile, interior designers Joanna Wood and Christopher Vane Percy welcome us into their fabulously dressed homes (pages 36 and 46) and offer advice on how to create and add the finishing touches.

Our gift guide contains wonderful ideas for everyone you might need to buy for (page 83), but we are also mindful that many will want to create handmade presents for loved ones (page 114), as well as adding thoughtful additions for guests (page 98). There are suggestions for using seasonal foliage and berries to create natural displays in the festive instalment of The Seasonal Home (page 120), whilst Matthew Fort has opened our eyes to a mouthwatering alternative to the traditional figgy pudding (page 72).

I do hope you enjoy all these treats and wish you a very Happy Christmas from everyone on The English Home team.

Samantha Scott-Jeffries, Editor

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The ENGLISH HOME Celebrating December 2020 the e ence of | Issue 190 | £4.75 | Engli h UK Edition tyle

MAKE IT MAGICAL Decorating ideas for seasonal sparkle

SETTING THE SCENE Personal insights from designers Joanna Wood, Susie Watson and more

SEASONAL FLAIR Elegant entertaining Flowers & foliage

PERFECT PRESENTS • Handmade • Thoughtful • Brilliant buys

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COSY CHRISTMAS FIVE beautiful homes dressed for comfort & joy

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: © RACHAEL SMITH

EDITORIAL

Editor Samantha Scott-Jeffries Managing Editor Sarah Feeley Art Editors Claire Hicks, Rebecca Stead Sub Editor Lea Tacey Decorating Editor Katy Mclean Features Editor Eve Middleton Homes & Lifestyle Editor Clair Wayman Editor-at-Large Kate Freud

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HOM mforts

Prepare the home and revel in the joys of the season with our selection of festive buys

Take a seat

Jewel tones and rich textures add a wonderfully festive touch to the home come the winter months. This inviting sofa in wine-red velvet provides a sumptuous spot to sink into, be it curled up with a book for a silent night in, or for exchanging gifts with family and friends. Humphrey two-seater sofa in Claret cotton matt velvet, £2,440, sofa.com

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

Waiting for Father Christmas

These simple and stylish stockings make a wonderful addition to the home at Christmas. Made with 100 per cent Merino lambswool and woven in Lancashire, they can also be personalised. Team with a co-ordinating cushion for a four-legged friend to complete the scene. Scallop Stripe stockings, £46 each; Little Cress cushion, from £70, all Tori Murphy

Candlelit magic

Cast a soft glow over proceedings with a selection of pillar candles in a cheering red hue. (NB Never leave lit candles unattended.) Red Pillar Candles, from £4.50, Nordic House

Season’s greetings

Made with a moss base and a combination of foliage including eucalyptus, rosehips, and fir cones, this stylish wreath ensures visitors are welcomed with scent, colour and charm aplenty. Berry, Herb and Foliage Christmas Wreath, £95, The Real Flower Company 