Cvvchbhvvg by Primaveradea3

Free with DEC 2020/JAN 2021 issue housebeautiful.com/uk

FROM THE EDITOR This month

ALWAYS REMEMBER WHEN DECORATING YOUR HOME FOR CHRISTMAS TO NEVER LEAVE LIT CANDLES UNATTENDED PHOTOGRAPHS MATTHEW MONFREDI; DEBI TRELOAR; ALAMY

am always advocating the importance of planning ahead at this time of year, and saying how good organisation is the key to enjoying the lead up to Christmas. The reality is that I rarely follow my own advice! One year I managed to complete my shopping by the middle of November, had all my cards written and ready to post the first week of December, and the Christmas tree decorated and in place a full week before the big day. But it was a one-off. Normally, I’m rushing about on those few days leading up to the 25th, deciding what to prioritise and what to forget about – and it’s a stressful feeling! So, this year, I have challenged myself to get in shape and ‘start Christmas now’. Present buying first – and a big thank you to the HB team for curating such a great choice of gifts in our special supplement. Card writing next. I want to stay connected with people I rarely see by writing them a note. This year it feels even more important. Finally, decorating and I’m going to do it with gusto and enthusiasm. I’ve no idea, as things stand, how many of my family will be able to come ‘home for the holidays’ but I’m going to take inspiration from our decorating pages starting on p24 to make our house feel as festive and jolly as possible. The truth is, it has been a tough year for us all in different ways and as it comes to a close, it feels like a fitting moment to thank the HB team for all the hard work they have put into producing this magazine during 2020 (mostly) from their own homes. On behalf of us all, I wish you a very happy Christmas and healthy and peaceful New Year.

LOUISE PEARCE Editor-in-chief

JUST FOR YOU In the months to come, we want to give our loyal House Beautiful readers something a little special in the form of exclusive offers with leading homeware brands. We’re starting with 20% off* decorations, furniture, homeware and paint at Cox & Cox. Simply visit housebeautiful.com/uk/ offersdec20 to get your discount code.

AND FOR 2021… We’re privileged to work with some of the UK’s best-known names in home design including DFS (above), Carpetright, Dreams and Hillarys. Don’t miss some of the exciting offers and events we have lined up for you with our brilliant partners in 2021! T&CS *Offer valid from 6 Nov 2020 to 3 January 2021. Promotional code is not valid against sale items, discounted items or gift vouchers. Only one promotional code can be used at any one time. Discount does not include shipping. For full terms & conditions please visit coxandcox.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 3

Stylish Inspiration For Modern Living

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DEC 2020/JAN 2021 THE CHRISTMAS EDIT 11 News, shopping and inspiration, featuring glittering baubles, the coolest crackers, fun stockings to hang on your mantelpiece, stylish wrapping paper and the most beautiful festive wreaths 48 FIND THE BEST… Festive tableware. Whether it’s a traditional family affair or a sparkling soirée, we show you how to make your table the star of the show 54 GET CRAFTY! Add a personal touch to your decorations with our speedy and simple projects 62 THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE CHRISTMAS Meet the names behind some of the brands that set the festive design agenda

STYLE & DECORATING 24 SEASONAL SPARKLE Indulge your romantic side with glacial blues and greens and dusty pinks for a glamorous look that’s dreamy and oh, so pretty 6 housebeautiful.com/uk

32 TWILIGHT MAGIC Set mulberry pink, emerald green and spicy ginger against moody blues for a sumptuous look 40 ALL IS CALM Adopt a serene Scandi approach to decorating with natural touches and contemporary accessories

CHRISTMAS HOMES 70 A COPENHAGEN CELEBRATION December arrives and every room comes alive with much-loved decorations 82 HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Returning to the farm where she grew up gave one woman a chance to build anew 94 NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL In an idyllic forest location, an open-plan apartment is transformed by finds from nature 104 COASTAL CALLING Getting their seaside bolthole decked out in style is key to a couple’s stylish Christmas 112 PERFECTLY CRAFTED In a characterful West Sussex cottage, handcrafted details mingle with Scandi touches

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FOOD, LIVING & WELLNESS

COVER STORIES

122 A FESTIVE FEAST Create a showstopping meal 130 GOOD TO SHARE Laid-back food perfect for enjoying

3 20% OFF AT COX & COX 11 100S OF CLEVER SEASONAL STYLE IDEAS 48 MAGICAL TABLE SETTINGS 54, 150 EASY GIFTS TO MAKE 134 SIMPLY ENCHANTING Decorate with flowers and foliage 69 45 PAGES OF STUNNING CHRISTMAS HOMES 178 SOPHIE CONRANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHRISTMAS INSPIRATIONS 122, 130 FABULOUS FESTIVE FEASTS TO SHARE

between Christmas and New Year

134 SIMPLY STUNNING Fresh flowers and foliage are 140 144

transformed into sophisticated seasonal decorations SENT WITH LOVE Say Happy Christmas with flowers A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Food, drinks, music and decorations for getting into a celebratory mood THANK YOU FOR HAVING US Homemade gifts for hosts A TIME TO REFLECT Relax and press pause

150 154 160 WINTER BERRIES Bring a touch of home-grown magic to Christmas with fruit-bearing shrubs and trees 178 MY CHRISTMAS INSPIRATIONS Sophie Conran

HB OFFERS, EXCLUSIVES & MORE 4 SUBSCRIBE Enjoy fantastic savings and free delivery 9 CONNECT WITH US Be a part of the conversation 166 CL COLLECTION AT DFS See the fantastic range of sofas created in collaboration with Country Living 174 EXCLUSIVE HOLIDAY OFFER Book a full-board, no-fly cruise around the British Isles and see some spectacular sights 176 WHERE TO BUY Stockist details

COVER Photograph The White Company. For Christmas decorations and accessories, please visit thewhitecompany.com Photographer Polly Wreford at sarahkaye.com Art direction Mary Norden

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winter

pop

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT/EDITOR LOUISE PEARCE Group Editorial PA Sandra Tear sandra.tear@hearst.co.uk

HOMES & FEATURES Style & Interiors Director Sarah Keady Homes & Gardens Director Carolyn Bailey Features Editor Liz Murphy Deputy Style & Interiors Editor Amy Neason Deputy Homes & Interiors Editor James Cunningham Lifestyle & Homes Writer Alicia Ford Homes & Style Assistant Daisy Bendall Homes Intern Tilly Nathan Special Projects Editor Elaine Griffiths Digital Editor Olivia Heath Digital Writer Lisa Walden GROUP EDITORIAL PRODUCTION Workflow Director Carly Levy Group Managing Editor Ingrid Eames Group Chief Sub-Editor Michele Jameson Chief Sub-Editor Helen Bonthrone Deputy Chief Sub-Editor Julie Pannell-Rae Sub-Editor Molly Price ART & PICTURES Creative Director Barbora Hajek Group Art Editor Roger Browning Art Editor Linsey Cannon Designer Laura Sheppard Design Intern Leo Terry Picture Director Patricia Taylor Picture Researcher Charlie Hedges GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR GABY HUDDART CHIEF BRAND OFFICER, LIFESTYLE & HOMES SHARON DOUGLAS PA to Sharon Helen Hart Brand Development Director, Lifestyle & Homes Alistair Wood CLIENT DIVISION Managing Director, Fashion & Luxury Jacqueline Euwe Director of Endorsements & Licensing Laura Cohen Licensing Coordinator Chelsea Ellis Director of Travel Denise Degroot Director of Motors Jim Chaudry Client Director, Personal Finance Pete Cammidge Client Direct Director, Fashion & Beauty Emma Barnes ADVERTISING DIVISION Chief Agency Officer Jane Wolfson Executive Assistant Tanya Stewart tanya.stewart@hearst.co.uk Lifestyle Group Agency Director Matt Downs Lifestyle Group Regional Director Lisa Bhatti Head of Business Management Lucy Porter lucy.porter@hearst.co.uk Client Director Homes & Lifestyle Natasha Bailey Business Manager Wendy Meekings wendy.meekings@hearst.co.uk Senior Client Executive Keaton Baynes keaton.baynes@hearst.co.uk Head of Classified Lee Rimmer lee.rimmer@hearst.co.uk SHOWS & EVENTS Shows Director Lauren Hubbard 0743 626 0947 Shows Manager Jonny Watts 0771 483 0302 Sales Managers Louise Duckett 0743 575 1517 Nikki Mellody 0745 801 3960 CONSUMER SALES & MARKETING Marketing & Circulation Director Reid Holland Head of Consumer Sales & Marketing James Hill Head of Promotions Marketing Aoibheann Foley Head of Subscriptions Marketing Justine Boucher Digital Marketing Director Seema Kumari COMMUNICATIONS Director of PR & Communications Effie Kanyua PR Manager Clare Fenny Journalist enquiries pressenquiries@hearst.co.uk PRODUCTION Production Manager Greta Croaker Senior Advertisement Production Controller Paul Lockett paul.lockett@hearst.co.uk HEARST EUROPE PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER JAMES WILDMAN Chief Financial, Operations & Data Officer Claire Blunt Chief Operating Officer Giacomo Moletto Chief People Officer Surinder Simmons Chief Content Development Officer Betsy Fast Chief Strategy Officer Robert Ffitch HEARST INTERNATIONAL Senior Vice President/CFO & General Manager Simon Horne Senior Vice President/Editorial & Brand Director Kim St Clair Bodden

Published by Hearst Magazines UK, a trading name of The National Magazine Company Limited (Registered in England number 112955) whose registered offices are at House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ

DEC 2020/JAN 2021 ISSUE PUBLISHED 6 NOVEMBER 2020

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SUBSCRIPTIONS Already a subscriber? Visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/ managemyaccount to update your contact details, renew your subscription and find out when your next issue is due to be delivered. Contact us at hearstmagazines.co.uk/ contact-us. Call us on 01858 438440*. Lines open weekdays, 8am-9.30pm; Saturdays, 8am-4pm. You can also contact us regarding back issues and special editions. Write to House Beautiful, Hearst Magazines UK, Tower House, Sovereign Park, Lathkill Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9EF. Please quote your subscription number in all correspondence. For new and renewal orders, call 01858 438440* or visit hearstmagazines.co.uk. Phonelines are open weekdays, 8am-9.30pm; Saturdays, 8am-4pm. DATA POLICY Sources, uses and disclosures of personal data held by Hearst Magazines UK are described in the official Data Protection Register. Hearst Magazines UK observes the Mailing Preference Service ISSN 0955 3533, Hearst Magazines UK, Reg No 112955 England.

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CONNECT WITH US We’re here to help and inspire you ith Christmas around the corner and a new year racing towards us, the focus of this issue is very much on getting our homes ready for the festive season. Perhaps this year more than ever, we’re all in need of things to celebrate, and we hope all the seasonal ideas in this issue will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. Don’t forget, we also have lots of other ways to entertain you online – on Instagram and Facebook @housebeautifuluk, and of course, on our website, housebeautiful.com/uk.

Joi n th e conversa ti on Pomegranate wrapping paper by Sophie Conran

THE PERFECT TREAT If you’re not already part of the House Beautiful family, there’s never been a better time to subscribe. See page 4 for our special offer, visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/ hb-magazine or call 01858 438440 and quote 1HB11999. You can also order the latest issue from magsdirect.co.uk/housebeautiful for free next-day delivery. And if you’re thinking ahead to Christmas present ideas, see our special Gift subscription offer on page 120.

DECK THE HALLS Trimming the tree, wrapping the presents and enjoying a glass of bubbly are just a few of the things designer Sophie Conran (left) loves about Christmas. On page 178, she shares some of her festive traditions and her plans for this year’s celebrations.

Stay stylish with our fabulous House Beautiful Modern Living Collections

Meanwhile, our Digital Editor Olivia Heath has been busy ﬁlling our online platforms with great festive ideas for your homes. Do share with us on Instagram how you like to decorate for Christmas. Just search for #loveyourspace and join in the chat.

E NJOY NE WS AND OFFE RS We’re so proud of our partnerships with some of the UK’s best-loved brands, including DFS, Carpetright, Hillarys (see left) and Dreams, bringing you House Beautiful products. Next year, we’ll be revealing more news of our Modern Living Collections, including great offers – don’t miss out!

TWEET US and catch news on our twitter @HB

FOLLOW our boards on pinterest. com/house_beautiful

LIKE AND SHARE our photos and videos on Instagram @housebeautifulUK

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 9

THE SEASON’S BEST BAUBLES, CRACKERS, STOCKINGS AND MORE…

This month we're lovi ng FESTIVE FLOURISHES Carefully considered decorative touches bring special moments of magic and joy to the season. Polaris gold star bauble, £5; Bazaar stripe baubles, £10/two; Payne bauble garland, £18; Noella black paper trees, £10 each; Noella cream paper tree, £12; Serena brass dinner candle holders, £25 and £35; Noella black paper bauble, £8/two; all Habitat

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BEAUTIFUL BAUBLES Trim your tree with these colourful and quirky decorations 1 Bloomsbury ombre leaf tree decoration, £5, John Lewis & Partners 2 Shimmer glitterball bauble, £1.69, Dobbies 3 Purple ribbed glass bauble, £4.50, Ella James 4 Glass pine cone decoration, £9.45, Cielshop 5 Golden palm tree decoration, £10.50, Graham & Green 6 Bloomsbury glitter scallop swirl bauble, £5, John Lewis & Partners 7 Silver and gold shooting star decoration, £12, Rockett St George 8 Green leaf and red berry glass ornament, £10, Att Pynta 12 housebeautiful.com/uk

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9 Golden zebra bauble, £25/twelve, Cox & Cox 10 Paper tree bauble, £1.50/three, George Home 11 Broste Copenhagen Deco Ball glitter glass bauble, £22/three, Heal’s 12 Beatrice bee ornament, £12, Daylesford 13 Recycled paper bauble cone, £32/six, Rose & Grey 14 Red teardrop bauble, £2.99, Homesense 15 Rococo wire panel bauble with metal leaves, £2, Wilko 16 Red and green radish ornament, £8/six, The Hambledon House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 13

OUT WITH A BANG

Have a cracking celebration with these stylish designs – sure to give your table the wow-factor 4

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1 Piccadilly cracker with recipe, £60/six, Fortnum & Mason 2 Woodland reusable fabric cracker, £14.95 each, Not on the High Street 3 Bubbles & Fizz cracker, £18/six, Sophie Allport 4 Black and gold star cracker, £38/six, Rockett St George 5 Art Nouveau peacock feather cracker, £25/six, John Lewis & Partners 6 Winter Whales luxury cracker, £36/six, Nancy & Betty Studio 7 Luxury glitter cracker, £8/six, George Home 8 Festive foliage cracker, £21.50/six, Meri Meri 9 Modern eucalyptus print cracker, £19.99/six, Gisela Graham 10 Luxury handmade black & white splatter cracker, £50/six, Cox & Cox House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 15

STOCKING FILLERS Gorgeous designs that are as exciting as the treats inside!

1 Red knitted stocking, £5, George Home 2 Ginger Fair Isle stocking, £42, Catherine Tough 3 Cotton Holly and Berry stocking, £15.50, Sophie Allport 4 Southwold Forest Green stocking, £15, Garden Trading 5 Blue Man in the Moon stocking, £65, Jan Constantine 6 Handmade latch hook stocking with tassels, £175, Not on the High Street 7 Elca spotty stocking, £46 (personalisation, from £2.50), Tori Murphy 8 Laja striped stocking, £46, Oyoy Living Design 9 Green velvet stocking, £55, Ferm Living at Nordic Nest 10 Red velvet stocking, £18, John Lewis & Partners 16 housebeautiful.com/uk

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ALL WRAPPED UP The ﬁnishing touches to make your gifts extra-special…

1 Winter Berries luxury double-sided wrap, £2.75/sheet, Caroline Gardner 2 Robin wrap, £2.50/sheet, Lorna Syson 3 Decorative leaf toppers, £12/10, The White Company 4 Christmas Nutcracker tape, £12/three, Papermash 5 Oak Leaves and Acorns wrapping paper, £9.95/roll, Nancy & Betty Studio 6 Assorted geometric wrapping papers, £15/5, Choosing Keeping 7 Celestial giftwrap, £20/8 sheets, The Shop Floor Project 8 Do Not Open ’Til Christmas gift tags, £7.95/10, Liberty London 9 Rifle Paper Co Deck the Halls wrapping, £7.50/roll, The Paper Parlour 10 Brass paper scissors, £21.50, Quill 11 Pine Cones Christmas gift tags, £3.95, Nancy & Betty Studio House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 19

WELCOME

Deck your door with a magical wreath for an entrance to remember

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COMPILED BY ALICIA FORD AND AMY NEASON

1 Abari metal star wreath, £22.95, Nkuku 2 Gold mistletoe wreath, £35, Rose & Grey 3 Red berries wreath, £25, Homebase 4 Eucalyptus and leaf wreath, £40, Amara 5 Enchanted Advent wreath kit, £39.99, Enchanted Floristry 6 Fresh festive wreath, £95, Grace & Thorn 7 Green foliage wreath, £85, Hudson Home 8 Blackened iron eucalyptus wreath, £55, Curious Egg 9 Gold palm leaf wreath, £45, Graham & Green 10 Club Tropicana dried ﬂower wreath, £100, Not on the High Street House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 21

Dazzling details Twinkling glass and iridescent finishes create a fantastic atmosphere that ignites memories of frosty dawns and festive celebrations. Baubles Blush glass bauble, £25/42; Light green glass decorated bauble, £30/20; Champagne glass bauble, £25/42; Blush decorated glass bauble, £30/20; Blush mini glass baubles, £10/28; Blush Finial baubles, £10/ five; all John Lewis & Partners

ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N

SEASONAL SPARKLE It’s the most wonderful time of the year, filled with magic and wonderment – so why not indulge your romantic side? Glacial blues and greens combine with dusty pinks for a glamorous look that’s dreamy and oh, so pretty

A fairy-tale ﬁnish Prepare to amaze by including some unexpected elements. Pink feather plumes in glass vases are a frothy addition, while ethereal baubles inspired by folk tales complete this star-studded ensemble. Unlit St Petersburg Blue tree, £259; Gold fairy topper, £15; baubles, from £4 each; wrap and ribbon, from £3; Pink Plume sprays (on mantelpiece), £12 each; Harvard cabinet, £399; all John Lewis & Partners

Perfectly imperfect A hint of faded grandeur – think dappled textures and pleasing patina – helps to give a contemporary edge to sweet shades. A raw-plaster-effect wall is a fantastic backdrop to tarnished metals and ceramics with rustic glazes. Metal mistletoe decoration, £20/bunch; Berica cup, £6; Pion bowl, £11; Pion small carafe, £13; Pion large carafe, £15; Pion cup, £8; Berica espresso cup, £3; all House Doctor at Nordic Nest

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Top table If your style is more restrained, you can still create a delicately glamorous look by introducing subtle hints of faded rose alongside sophisticated shades of bronze, mocha and taupe. Forge moments of magic with smart metallic finishes and whimsical floral displays. Found chairs, £169/two; Vintage cocktail glasses, £12 each; Pion black plates, £15 each; baubles, from £4 each; all House Doctor at Nordic Nest

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ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N

Take it easy

Opposite The key to a beautifully wrapped gift is taking time over the final flourishes. Bows look beautiful, but present toppers are the icing on the cake – you can make your own with dried foliage and mini baubles, or try recycling old decorations.

Everyone needs space to relax during this busy time of year. Carve out a corner for yourself by decorating a daybed with pretty festive touches and pile high with cosy cushions – the perfect spot for some welcome time out from all the celebrating.

Snowflake Tile giftwrap, £4/5m roll; Damask Tile giftwrap, £4/5m roll; Damask Tile tissue paper, £3; Tapestry Robin Cream giftwrap, £5/5m roll; Blush glass baubles, £10/28; Champagne tags, £3/20; curling ribbon pack, £3/8 rolls; all John Lewis & Partners

Blind in Small Zebra print fabric, £112/m, Neisha Crosland at F&P Interiors. Mini white paper bells, £1.25 each, Re. For similar day bed cover, try the Istra collection at Romo. Basalt table, £550, Martin Huxford Studio. Walter table light, £419, Original BTC

PHOTOGRAPHY MARK SCOTT STYLING LORRAINE DAWKINS

The gift of giving

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ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N

While a bedroom might not be the first place you would think of decorating in festive style, recreating this enchanting set-up just involves switching your bedding to something suitably seasonal, and adding a simple, but effective display of greenery, baubles and fairy lights. 30 housebeautiful.com/uk

Blissford four-poster king-size bed, £449; Forest Dawn side tables, £50 each; throw, £15; double sheepskin faux fur rug, £35; all Argos. Winter Foliage bedding, £25/king-size set; fairy lights, £8; baubles, from £1.50 each; all Sainsbury’s FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

COMPILED BY AMY NEASON

Starry night

Variety show

Centre stage

Rich colours look fantastic used across a range of materials, such as vintage glassware with fluted finishes and hammered metals with textural motifs. Bowls of baubles create a simple, yet effective display that will look lovely on a sideboard – or added to the dining table as a pretty centrepiece.

Opposite Dress the table with pretty glass and china, and hang decorations above to ramp up the party spirit. These paper pieces add a sense of fun and drama. For maximum visual appeal, vary the shapes and sizes and stagger the heights.

PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY WREFORD STYLING SARAH KEADY

For similar trays and bowls, try Zara Home or H&M Home. For similar baubles, try John Lewis & Partners

Talia grey spindle chairs, £95 each, Habitat. White linen tablecloth, from £95, The Linen Works. For similar honeycomb decorations and snowflake paper fans, try Party Delights

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ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N

TWILIGHT MAGIC

PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY WREFORD STYLING SARAH KEADY

Opulent tones are the way to go for a sumptuous look. Set mulberry pink, emerald green and spicy ginger against moody blues to show them off in all their glory

Gifts galore Beautiful wrapping raises present giving to another level. Mix and match designs for a laidback look, and search out sustainably produced and recyclable designs. Folk wrapping paper (from top) Ink Blot; Mulberry Stripe; Starry Night; Green Allium; all £3/sheet, Rowen & Wren

Room to relax Opposite We can’t think of a nicer place to hunker down over winter than this dreamy corner. The cocooning navy on the walls instantly inspires relaxation while delicious jewel tones feel uplifting and festive. Elysee chandelier, £482; Insignia double-arm wall light, £81; with velvet shades in Forest Green, £30 each; Russula table lamp, £188; all Pooky. Oscar sofa in Claret velvet, £2,590; Betty armchair in Olive velvet, £590; Hepburn coffee table, £290; all Sofa.com

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Final ﬂourish There’s something very special about receiving a beautifully wrapped gift tied up in velvet ribbon, while dried sprigs of rosemary and orange slices make pretty finishing touches. Folk wrapping paper in Starry Night, £3/sheet; velvet ribbon in Petal Pink, Black, Plum, Duck Egg and Olive Gold; all £8/5m; Rowen & Wren

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Ready for Santa Striped accessories add a smart graphic edge to festive decorations, while cheery pops of colour bring the look to life. Wall painted in Aubusson Blue paint, £41.95/2.5L; ﬁreplace and mirror in Paloma chalk paint, £5.95/120ml; ﬂoor in Paris Grey chalk paint, £5.95/120ml; chair and stockings in Ticking fabric in Olive, £34.95/m; all Annie Sloan

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Deck the hall Make a staircase a beautifully decorated focal point. Start with abundant foliage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; copper beech and eucalyptus are used here or opt for faux foliage if you prefer. Weave in seasonal stems, baubles and fairy lights, securing with florists wire. Flowers and foliage, from a selection at Scarlet & Violet. Fairy lights, from a selection at Lights4fun. For similar glassware try LSA International

PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY WREFORD STYLING SARAH KEADY FEATURE COMPILED BY AMY NEASON

FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

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ALL IS CALM Take the festive frenzy in your stride by adopting a serene Scandi approach to decorating. Pair natural touches with contemporary accessories for an elegant yet easy-going feelâ&#x20AC;Ś

Carefully curated Opposite Less is more when it comes to the Nordic look, so keep the scheme simple with a palette of pared-back neutrals. From a selection at Bloomingville, available from Nordic Nest

Light the way A twinkling glow will make your home feel warm and welcoming. Fairy lights look lovely on delicate star-shaped frames, while LED pillar candles are a safe alternative to the real thing. On cupboard Potted Christmas trees, £19.99 each; Osby large star light, £14.99; Sphere TruGlow LED pillar candles, £24.99/four On mantelpiece Mistletoe wreath, £14.99; Osby oversized star light, £32.99; all Lights4fun

Tastefully tranquil Dress your table in beautifully understated style. Use a slubby linen tablecloth as your base and add a delicate felt table runner for texture. Layer crockery with napkins and a single eucalyptus stem, completing the look with pretty festive tumblers. Frosted Stag tumbler, £3.50; Stag side plate, £3; matte dinner plate, £3; Stag pasta bowl, £3.50; mini LED dome, £3; felt table runner, £8; cutlery, £18/16 pieces; all Matalan

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Natural balance Seasonal foliage will bring a monochrome scheme to life, and eucalyptus is a great option with its muted tones and amazing scent. Opt for wooden decorations to continue the Scandi theme.

Wooden tree wall ladder, £12; faux sheepskin rug, £25 On cabinet LED Christmas scene wooden star, £6; ceramic candleholder, £6; wooden LED Christmas tree, £10 On table Stag tableware, from £3 for a side plate; antler hurricane lantern, £18; all Matalan

Woodland wonder A faux pre-lit tree with frosted branches will transport you to the snowy Norwegian forests. Stick to a white palette for a magical feel. Cotswold Snowy tree, £499; baubles, from a selection; giftwrap, from a selection; willow basket, £30; Hendricks armchair, £449; Seam coffee table, £399; Design Project No150 Smoke glass lantern, £40; Tom Raffield Mullion floor lamp, £495; all John Lewis & Partners

ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N

PHOTOGRAPHY MARK SCOTT STYLING HANNAH DEACON

Fireside chat Get the flames flickering and your stockings strung up for the perfect Christmas scene. Include texture where you can – think weathered wood, fluffy sheepskins and chunky knits. These will encourage you to cosy up and relax. For similar bench, try Design Vintage. Teddy Bear, from a selection at Steiff. Extra large Quad Ivory sheepskin, £250, Graham & Green. For similar wooden sledge, try Smallable. Stockings, £46 each, Tori Murphy

ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N

To all a goodnight Where better to wait for Christmas morning than between luxurious linen sheets – layer with velvet cushions and comforting throws. Housewife pillowcases in Toulon Dove Grey, £30 each; Oxford pillowcases in Classic White, £37.50 each; all The Linen Works. Velvet and linen cushion, £25, Cox & Cox. For similar throws, try Design Vintage. Leather rug, £113, Nordic Nest. Baubles, from a selection at Gisela Graham. Presents in a selection of giftwrap from Paperchase

COMPILED BY AMY NEASON

FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

FIND THE BEST...

FESTIVE TABLEWARE We might only be able to have small gatherings this Christmas, but we can still create a sense of occasion – so set a beautiful table and make it feel special 3

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N AT U RAL H ER ITA GE 1 Sutton tableware, from £42/six pieces; Elden napkins, £44/six; Stuart cutlery set, £305/36 pieces; all Neptune 2 Lay Wilko’s Red Berries garland, £12, down the centre of your table and weave in fairy lights for extra sparkle 3 The Vintage tealight holder, £6.50 from Nordic House, has lovely embossed detailing 4 Make the occasion extra-special with these beautiful Adam Lippe Coquille crystal wine glasses, £180/four, Oka 5 Festive red never goes out of style. Linen placemat, £25, Ferm Living 6 We love the contrast of the modern matt-black finish and vintage-style design of the Vora cutlery set, £99/16 pieces, Made 7 Combined with traditional touches and natural elements, black provides definition and a contemporary edge. Dinner candlestick, £30, The White Company 8 A woven seagrass placemat will add textural interest, £10/two, Design Vintage 9 Emma Bridgewater’s Hawthorn Berries & Robin bowl will bring a hit of nostalgia, £19.95 10 The Olivia 12-piece dinner set offers textural detail and a subtle, neutral background, £110, Habitat 48 housebeautiful.com/uk

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S PARK LE & JO Y 1 Incorporate the glitzy Swag bauble, £7, Debenhams, into your tablescape 2 Fill a decorative bowl like this one, £15 from Sophie Allport, with pine cones for a pretty centrepiece 3 This Rippled tumbler is a twist on a simple design, £36/four, Rebecca Udall 4 Add glamour with the Domed napkin ring, £20/four, Amara 5 Suspend the Olive Leaf wreath, £32, Rose & Grey, above a table or lay flat and place candles within 6 Pale green is a great accent for a white scheme, and we love the combination in this Sarah K Wave napkin, £58/four 7 Silver Trees crackers, £20/12; Snowflake napkins, £20/four; Snowflake tablecloth, from £35; all John Lewis & Partners 8 There’s something so luxurious about quality cutlery, such as the Symons set, £280/42 pieces, The White Company 9 A grey glaze gives a shimmering finish to the Perl bowl, £48/four; side plate, £48/four; dinner plate, £56/four; all Soho Home 10 Sophie Conran’s Groove candle, £15/two, brings a decorative flourish 11 Ensure everyone knows where to sit with the Pinecone placecard holders, £25/six, The White Company House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 49

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SC AND I MID NIGHT 1 Linen napkin, £8.99/two, H&M Home. Avani placemat, £16.95; Avani coasters, £26.95/four; both Nkuku 2 The Star garland is great for styling your table, £25, House Doctor at Nordic Nest 3 Smoked Grey Ripple champagne saucers are super-elegant, £39/two, Ferm Living 4 Paler tones add freshness to a moody scheme. BlissHome dinner plate by Nadiya Hussain, £13, John Lewis & Partners 5 Red berry stems would look gorgeous in the Zaani glass vase, £29.95, Nkuku 6 Relaxed linens such as Broste Copenhagen’s Gracie napkin, help to soften dark tones, £9 each, Nordic Nest 7 Use the Jewel snowﬂake decoration, £24/two from Amara, to gather your napkin 8 With a gold rim and twinkling pattern, the Etched Stars candleholder sets the scene for a magical night, £6, Oliver Bonas 9 Made from recycled paper, the Standing Paper Pulp Christmas tree is perfect for a table, £10.50, Rose & Grey 10 The Woodhouse tablecloth is pure cotton, £102, Tori Murphy 11 Hand forged using traditional techniques, the Sirkali servers are £39.95, Nkuku 50 housebeautiful.com/uk

LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL WHITING/STYLING BEN KENDRICK

FIND THE BEST

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LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY KRISTEN PERERS/STYLING JEN HASLAM COMPILED BY AMY NEASON

RE A DY T O PA RT Y 1 With a minimal silhouette, the Balance candleholder, £30, Rose & Grey is bold yet simple 2 Yellow and gold details ensure the Polosa glasses will wow guests, £22/two, Oliver Bonas 3 John Lewis & Partners’ Japonism bauble, £7, will add a festive feel 4 The Mercury tumbler, £3.50 from Matalan, is just the thing for a cold drink! 5 For a dynamic look, create height – the Toppu ceramic tray, £44, Oyoy Living Design, will do the trick 6 H&M Home’s amber tealight holder, £1.99, will produce a magical glow 7 Scallop Trim napkins in Raspberry, £65/four from Matilda Goad, are on our wishlist! 8 Wrapping paper and ribbon, from a selection at Paperchase. For a similar cracker, try Not on the High Street 9 The Lave plate by Villeroy & Boch, £16, Amara, combines striking colours and patterns with subtle texture 10 At just £15/16 pieces, the Brushed-gold-effect cutlery set from George Home adds a stylish touch 11 With a gold interior, the Fusion serving bowl, £25 at John Lewis & Partners, dishes up understated glamour FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 51

GET CRAFT Y! Add a personal touch with our speedy, simple and super-gorgeous projects WORDS AMANDA MORGAN

POMPOM BAUBLES Forget the wrapping-aroundcardboard method you learned at school – for these beauties, all you need is wool, scissors and your hand! Wrap the wool loosely around your fingers until you’ve got a good bundle. Remove your hand and tie a length of wool tightly around the middle of the bundle, then cut the loops at both edges before fluffing out. Pair with paper tree decorations for an ultra-crafty look. Wool, from a selection, Hobbycraft. Similar paper baubles, Not On The High Street

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JUMBO CHAIN Bigger is definitely better when it comes to paper garlands. Cut out rectangular strips of paper in your desired colour scheme (this idea is perfect for using up leftover wrapping paper). Glue the first one together to form a circle, then loop the next strip through the circle to form a linked chain. Metallic paper rolls, from a selection, Bright Ideas Crafts

BEJEWELLED PLACE SETTINGS Found some old baubles that don’t fit with your design scheme this year? Don’t cast them aside – instead arrange a few of them in elegant champagne coupes and add a handwritten name tag to create a simple yet striking place card for your festive table. Similar champagne coupes, Maxim Champagne Saucers, £15/four, M&S

BESPOKE CANDLE HOLDERS Update ordinary pillar candles by setting them in painted or paper-covered terracotta pots filled with sand for stability. Top the sand with a ring of florist’s foam and dress them to impress with sprigs of foraged seasonal foliage, such as ivy, holly and mistletoe berries. Arrange in groups on a tray scattered with leftover baubles for a stunning side table decoration. 6in pillar candles, £3.80 each, Price’s. Pots, £2.40/three, Terracotta World

SLIPPER GIFTS Honey, I shrunk the Christmas stocking! For a quirky take on this festive tradition, pop a wrapped present or two into some chunky, knitted house slippers and tuck under your guest’s bed (or outside their bedroom door) for them to find on Christmas morning. And as an added bonus – they can wear the slippers around your home to keep their toes nice and toasty too! Knitted slippers, from a selection, Etsy 56 housebeautiful.com/uk

QUICK CRAFTS

SCANDI-STYLE FOLIAGE STARS Make use of those offcuts of pine or spruce and turn them into natural, Nordic-inspired decorations for your walls by tying the ends together to make a star. This also works with sprigs of holly, mistletoe, eucalyptus or other seasonal foliage. Attach to the wall with removable sticky strips or loop with rustic garden twine and hang in windows or from mirrors. No More Nails removable strips, ÂŁ5.50/10, Wilko. Twine, from a selection, Nutscene

These brightly coloured festive designs can be quickly run up on a sewing machine or even stitched by hand. Just sandwich some cotton wadding between two pieces of fabric, pin together and mark out the shape you want before cutting out and sewing. They also make great personalised name tags. Cotton sateen fabric, £4.85/m, Dunelm. Cotton wadding, £8.50/m, Croft Mill 58 housebeautiful.com/uk

PHOTOGRAPHS LIVING4MEDIA/BAUER SYNDICATION/SEASONS AGENCY, JALAG, OLAF SZCZEPANIAK; NARRATIVES/POLLY WREFORD; MARIE CLAIRE IDEES/CAMERA PRESS

PADDED DECORATIONS

QUICK CRAFTS

These gift boxes are so easy to make and look fabulous stacked under the Christmas tree

PAPER-COVERED GIFT BOXES Transform an old box into perfect packaging with nothing more than a glue stick and some wrapping paper. Either cover both the top and bottom in the same design, or keep one patterned and one plain for contrast. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve popped your gifts inside, complete the look with complementary ribbons and handwritten tags. Smart upcycling! Similar wrapping paper, Paperchase. Similar ribbon, The Ribbon Shop

QUICK CRAFTS

TABLE TOPPER Set the scene for a beautiful Christmas with a display of brightly coloured baubles in a bowl. For added sparkle, intertwine with some twinkling fairy lights. Tip: if you don’t have enough spare baubles to make an impressive display, fill the bottom of the bowl with packing peanuts or crumpled up tissue paper before adding the decorations on top! Similar baubles, John Lewis & Partners

TINSEL HEART Pretty though it is, tinsel isn’t generally known for its mouldability… unless you wrap it around florist’s wire, that is! Once supported in this way, it can be formed into whatever festive shape you fancy, such as hearts, stars, snowflakes and more. Tinsel, £2.25/2m, The Christmas Shop. Mini craft pegs, £2.95/100, Baker Ross

STAR-STUDDED STAIRCASE For a modern take on a traditional stair garland, buy or make paper stars in a variety of colours and sizes (search ‘folded paper stars’ online for step-by-step instructions). Working from the top, attach each star to the spindles or hang from the banister with invisible thread to give the impression they’re floating. HB Similar paper stars, £12.95/eight, Ethical Shop. Invisible thread, £2.50/200m, Hobbycraft FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

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THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE

CHRISTMAS Meet the names behind some of the brands that set the agenda for how we decorate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the way we celebrate!

HEADER HERE

THE DECORATING GURU

Dan Cooper of John Lewis & Partners

Known to everyone at John Lewis & Partners as ‘Mr Christmas’, Dan Cooper is the retailer’s festive buyer and the guru behind the vast number of decorations and baubles sold each year. ‘We start working on our Christmas ranges 18 months in advance,’ says Dan, ‘and this is where the fun begins for us. We’ll discuss trends in fashion, design and colour, and then let our imaginations run riot!’ Is there a key to working on such a huge range? ‘Having a guiding thought that links everything,’ explains Dan. ‘In the past we’ve based our themes on fairy-tales, traditions and hobbies. This year it’s all about movements in art, from Post Impressionism to Pop Art. It’s been an incredibly exciting collection to work on, as there’s so much to inspire us,’ he says. When it comes to tree decorating, Dan believes ‘the rules are there to be broken, and it’s supposed to be fun, so don’t put yourself under pressure. Think about it like decorating woodwork. The lights are your primer, the undercoat your plainer baubles and then your favourite decorations form the topcoat!’ In his own home, Dan has ‘a colossal collection of decorations – more than 5,000,’ and dresses a jaw-dropping seven Christmas trees during the festive season – ‘I’d love to find space for an eighth!’ he says. johnlewis.com

This year’s theme for John Lewis & Partners is art movements, from Post Impressionism, shown here, to Pop Art and Renaissance

THE FESTIVE FLORIST

Hazel Gardiner

Hazel (also pictured opposite) focuses on texture and layers

The bold floral displays created by Hazel Gardiner set the scene at department stores, in art galleries and on television programmes, as well as at weddings and other private events. ‘Christmas is a really busy time,’ she says, ‘and I love using the best the season has to offer. I create displays with everything from eucalyptus and ivy to bold amaryllis and scent-filled paperwhite narcissus. I like lots of textures and layers, and don’t worry too much about using traditional Christmas colours.’ One trend to look out for this year? ‘Cottagecore,’ says Hazel, ‘which reflects the resurgence of learning traditional skills. Keep your eyes peeled for dried flower garlands and wreaths made with natural and foraged materials – these are great as they’ll last for many years, as long as they’re stored out of direct sunlight.’ As well as running immersive flower-arranging workshops, this year Hazel is going virtual. ‘I’ll be sending out kits with everything you need to make a beautiful wreath,’ she says, ‘and all the materials have been thoughtfully selected in my signature wild and natural style.’ hazelgardinerdesign.com House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 63

BEHIND THE BRANDS

THE ONLINE GIFT-SHOP MAKERS & SELLERS

Our Lovely Goods

Heirlooms of the future, Jan’s festive stockings are sold around the world

Find handcrafted natural wax candles, botanical skincare and homewares at Our Lovely Goods

THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING DESIGNER

Jan Constantine

Famed for creating beautiful fabric items, Jan Constantine designs festive stockings, often stitched with antique gold thread and embellished with sequins. The pieces, which are sold around the world, feature a range of festive delights, from traditional snow scenes and nativity sets to colourful glam rock and Union Jacks. Jan says her inspiration comes from all over: ‘From childhood memories to travel and my love for fashion and interiors, whatever excites me the most makes it onto the drawing board!’ Alongside her main collections, Jan also creates exclusive designs with department stores too. ‘I love working with buyers and getting a look at their top-secret moodboards – and seeing my stockings hanging in Liberty and Harrods is one of my favourite parts of the job,’ she says. ‘I know our customers treasure our stockings year after year,’ Jan muses, ‘and this means we really do think of our pieces as heirlooms for the future.’ janconstantine.com 64 housebeautiful.com/uk

WORDS JAMES CUNNINGHAM

Small businesses have always been the place to go for gifts that have more of a personal touch, and the Aberdeen-based Our Lovely Goods is no exception. Ebi and Emmanuel Sinteh are the husbandand-wife team who launched the lifestyle brand in May 2019. ‘We’ve turned our passions and creativity into something tangible,’ says Ebi, ‘and it’s so rewarding.’ The couple create pieces ‘for self and surroundings,’ she says, from candles and skincare to art prints and storage baskets. ‘Candles are our bestselling item, and they make great gifts,’ Ebi says. When creating the fragrances, the couple draw their inspiration from the feelings they want to create in a space: ‘We start with an idea of what we want to evoke, whether that’s the scent of classic books with The Old Library or the aroma of pine tree forests with Into The Woods.’ For Christmas, they’re creating curated gift boxes that will include their own products, ‘plus small things from other brands we love,’ says Ebi, and they hope to run festive workshops too. As with many independent producers, the pieces sold on the Our Lovely Goods website sell out fast, so shop now. ourlovelygoods.com

THE CRACKER MAKER

Nancy & Betty Studio

Crackers from Nancy & Betty contain plastic-free gifts that you’d actually like to use and keep

Hannah Bidmead created Nancy & Betty 10 years ago, naming her stationery brand after her grandmother and her grandmother’s twin sister. The ecofriendly crackers she designs are now the jewel in the crown of her collection, ranging from whimsical pieces to luxury traditional styles. ‘Christmas crackers are a British invention,’ Hannah explains, ‘and we’ve had them on our tables for the past 150 years – there would be something missing without them!’ Nancy & Betty’s crackers are all handmade in the Kent countryside, ‘with our team of elves putting in over 2,000 hours of work by the time Christmas Eve comes around,’ laughs Hannah. ‘Every prize in our cracker is something useful you’d actually like to use,’ she says, ‘from strawberry jam to a garlic grater!’ From crackers in an all-over Brussels sprout print to an elegant oak leaf pattern, ‘there’s a design for every table this Christmas, and we hope they will make people stop and smile’. nancyandbetty.com

Christmas window displays in the Selfridges, London store are dazzling and fun – like this rock -and-roll Santa from 2018

THE WINDOW DRESSERS

Selfri dges London’s Oxford Street is the busiest shopping district in Europe, and the department store Selfridges occupies a whopping 155 metres of space along the thoroughfare. The storefront’s 29 windows are among the retail industry’s most prime real estate, enticing shoppers inside and setting the scene for the magic within. ‘We start planning ideas more than a year in advance,’ says Morag Hickmott, Selfridges’ senior creative lead for windows, ‘and hundreds of team members are involved, from the initial concepts through to the execution.’ For Christmas, past displays have included a feathered dress on a snowy mountain backdrop, and a rock-and-roll Santa Claus complete with electric guitar. Influence comes from various spheres, including fashion, art and culture, with the visual merchandising team ‘drawing inspiration from everyone and everything around us,’ says Morag. ‘We use our windows to tell a story,’ she continues, ‘and at Christmas, we always want that story to be heartwarming, fun and bold.’ selfridges.com HB House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 65

HOMES All dressed up and ready to sparkle…

A COPENHAGEN CELEBRATION Christmas comes early in a light-ﬁlled Danish villa, and the whole place comes alive with festive spirit

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL

On the site of the farm where she grew up, one woman has created a spacious family retreat

Effortless understatement epitomises the style of an open-plan apartment in an idyllic forest setting

104 COASTAL CALLING 58 66 PERFECTLY CRAFTED 82 112 Getting their beachside home just right in time for Christmas is one couple’s aim for a relaxed break

PHOTOGRAPH CATHERINE GRATWICKE

Handmade details mingle with Scandi influences for a fairy-tale feel in this West Sussex cottage

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 69

AT HOME

A COPENHAGEN CELEBRATION

In this gorgeous Danish villa, the tree is up by early December, every room is ﬁlled with much-loved decorations, and the whole place comes alive WORDS ANJA BLINKENBERG PHOTOGRAPHY BIRGITTA WOLFGANG BJØRNVAD/THE SISTERS AGENCY 70 housebeautiful.com/uk

HOME PROFILE WHO LIVES HERE

Camilla Møller, her husband Claus, and their teenage daughters, Caroline and Annabel THE PROPERTY

A red-brick villa built on the outskirts of Copenhagen in 1905

HALLWAY Placed in front of the door to the garden, the tree has been decorated with an eclectic mix of old and new Christmas ornaments. A quirky bowl by Bjørn Wiinblad stands on the windowsill WINDOW DRESSING Camilla has hung baubles from Casa Casino on colourful ribbons across the window

AT HOME

amilla MØller’s stunning home is an eclectic mix of classic furniture, family heirlooms, contemporary pieces and French vintage finds. Throughout, the walls are painted in white and soft pastel hues, with occasional areas of floral wallpaper making a statement. In the living room, bold colour is introduced with a large red and white rug, which contrasts beautifully with the original wooden herringbone floor. The house really comes into its own at Christmas. Camilla loves festive traditions, and from early December, her home is decked from top to bottom with the family’s much-loved

decorations. On tables, at the windows and on windowsills, Camilla’s carefully grouped items work together to striking effect. The Christmas tree is generously decorated just like in the classic Danish children’s story, Peter’s Christmas by Johan Krohn, using a mix of old, new and inherited pieces, as well as Camilla and Claus’s daughters’ homemade decorations. ‘It’s not about colour coordination or fashion – the Christmas tree is decorated with an interesting mix and every single piece is hung with love,’ reﬂects Camilla. ‘Many of the decorations are like small pieces of art,’ says Camilla, who is fascinated by the craftsmanship, materials and design of these treasures she has collected over the years. The

HALLWAY A dark wood sideboard from Green Square is the perfect spot to display books and decorative items. Above it hangs an antique French mirror from Fil de Fer PORTRAIT Camilla in her characterful home WINDOWSILL Colourful gnomes made by Caroline and Annabel are arranged alongside ceramic figurines

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 73

‘It’s not about colour coordination or fashion – every single decoration is hung with love’

AT HOME

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM

Camilla has placed twisted hazel branches decorated with ornaments from Casa Casino on the mantelpiece. The small black wooden stool is from De Fire Årstider, and the colourful baskets came from Kira

Striking wallpaper from Tapet Café covers the wall that separates the kitchen and dining room. ‘It adds an exciting effect together with the graphic red and white Ikea rug under the dining table,’ says Camilla

DINING TABLE Camilla loves to create drama with a quirky twist and a mix of old and new. Here pink walls and the vibrant rug work perfectly together. Around the inherited dining table sit Wishbone chairs by Hans Wegner, while above hangs a crystal chandelier. The bar trolley is Mathieu Matégot for Gubi and the

painting above it, which was passed on from Camilla’s grandparents, is by Trier Mørch. The tall antique candelabra is from Fil de Fer in Copenhagen

TABLE DETAIL Royal Copenhagen china, and antique Bohemian crystal glasses sit on a rich blue tablecloth that was hand-embroidered by Camilla’s grandmother

AT HOME

‘Many of the decorations are like small pieces of art’

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 77

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I love being together with my family, decking out our home and dressing the tree togetherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

AT HOME

festive season is deﬁnitely a favourite time of year for the family: ‘I love the cosiness, the decorations, the get-togethers and the giftgiving,’ Camilla says with a smile. ‘And I love being with my family, decking out our home and dressing the tree together.’ Not surprisingly, Camilla likes to use lots of colour on her Christmas table, such as red candles and red poinsettias along with a ﬁne hand-embroidered blue tablecloth made by her grandmother. This year, the Christmas table features red and green, as well as silver baubles and Royal Copenhagen plates. Hyacinths with the bulbs dusted with silver and the girls’ colourful homemade gnomes are put by each place setting. The traditional

Christmas dinner in Denmark is either roast pork or duck, which the family will enjoy on Christmas Eve. Claus will prepare the meat outside on the terrace in a closed Japanese kamado grill, while the potatoes, red cabbage, prunes, apples and brown sauce are made in the kitchen. And for dessert, it is the traditional risalamande (rice pudding) with warm cherry sauce. After dinner, the family dance around the tree holding hands, before dancing through each room singing Danish Christmas carols. It is only then that the gifts are given out and everyone stays up late, enjoying the fun and the joy of being together. HB

KITCHEN/DINING SPACE Carpenter Flemming Larsen made the cupboards, which have been painted in a soft grey. The dining table is by Poul Kjærholm and chairs are Hans Wegner. The glass pendants are from Design By Us and the lampshade above the table is from Tine K Home. A French antique candelabra from Fil de Fer sits on the windowsill, while the miniature chairs are from an antiques shop in Monaco

FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 79

Get the look Recreate Camilla and Claus’s elegant home with smart classics and decorative pieces

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8 7 1 Handpainted dinner plate, £42, Rebecca Udall 2 Marlin hammered silver bowl, £35, Perch & Parrow 3 Haldon candelabra, £125, Oka 4 Franklin table lamp, £80, Sofa.com 5 Burly tealight holder in Aqua, £6, Pooky 6 Sheepskin cushion, £50, Sweetpea & Willow 7 Lugo dining table by Ercol, £789, Barker & Stonehouse 8 Red Panel rug by Hanse Home, £109.99, Wayfair 9 Champagne hammered jug, £69.95, Culinary Concepts 10 Wishbone-style chair, £195, Onske 11 Utility glass vase, £45, LSA International 12 Red berry twig tree, £99, Gisela Graham FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

Rustic gold lantern, £21.99, Home Luxe Co 80 housebeautiful.com/uk

Navy Blue tablecloth, £9.99, Homescapes

Coloured wine glasses, £29.95/four, Dibor

Pink Asiatic Pheasants plate, £17, Burleigh

Red dining candles, £6/two, True Grace

COMPILED BY DAISY BENDALL

S T Y L E I T FA S T F O R U N D E R £ 3 0

AT HOME HOME PROFILE WHO LIVES HERE

Onitha Jarrold, an upholsterer and furniture restorer, her husband Dan, a recruitment business owner, their sons Noah, Isaac and Finn, and Sunny, the family cockapoo THE PROPERTY

A new build constructed in 2017, incorporating material from the original barn, in Westerfield in Suffolk PRICE The property was originally owned by the family MONEY SPENT £450,000 WHAT IT’S WORTH NOW

£1.1 million

TABLE SETTING Simple wooden tree decorations from Oliver Darton Design bring a low-key festive feel. Crockery, place mats and tableware are all from Vanil

EXTERIOR Onitha and cockapoo Sunny

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Returning to the farm where she grew up gave one woman and her family the chance to create a spacious and light-ďŹ lled home on the footprint of a historic barn WORDS CIARA ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 83

AT HOME

OPEN-PLAN SPACE The kitchen, dining and living area forms the heart of the home. Shaker-style cabinetry in ash was created by Manor Farm Reproductions and painted in Kigali from Paint & Paper Library. The island unit is an upcycled vintage plan chest, its wide, shallow drawers ideal for storing cutlery and other kitchen paraphernalia. A vintage haberdasher’s cupboard separates the dining and seating areas

ow best to honour the heritage of a building is always a challenge when repurposing it for a different use. But this Suffolk barn conversion by the Jarrold family has achieved a beautiful balance between what was there before and what is now their family home. ‘I used to mentally walk through the house every night as I was falling asleep, trying to envisage how the layout would work,’ says homeowner Onitha Jarrold. She and husband Dan developed the site and outbuildings, which were originally in the grounds beside her old family house, to create this striking modern build. Their sons Noah and twins Isaac and Finn, as well as Sunny the cockapoo, have all been along for the journey too. ‘I spent a lot of time creating moodboards and drawing sketches,’ says Onitha who runs furniture refurbishment brand, Rekindled Home. Beautiful

interiors and sustainability are close to her heart. ‘I wanted to create a personalised interior for us but, as we have quite an eclectic mix of items, it took some time to plan how it would all fit into the space.’ From the start, the couple wanted to incorporate as much eco-conscious design into the build as possible, as well as make the house feel homely with salvaged and vintage floors and furniture. Floors throughout the ground level are 300-yearold reclaimed oak from a chateau in France. ‘There is very little here that has been bought as new. The floors give warmth both physically and aesthetically, which makes it feel cosy despite the building’s size,’ says Onitha. ‘Being built from mostly modern materials, the house could have felt a bit austere, but by surrounding ourselves with meaningful pieces of furniture that have a story, and putting in a little extra effort and love, we’ve given it character and honesty.’ In

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AT HOME

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Putting in a little extra effort and love have helped to give it characterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

LIVING ROOM Onitha upcycled the original Arne Jacobsen rocking chair and sideboard, which came from a charity shop, using Annie Sloan paints to create a colourful vibe in this light space. They work perfectly with the mid-century sideboard, coffee table and sofa, which were

imported from Danish dealer UK-DK. A Berber-style rug from La Redoute adds softness on the pale oak floors

DETAIL Origami baubles from Folded Side Project decorate the sideboard alongside a vase from Vanil. An art print by Lulu Horsfield hangs above House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 87

SNUG Dark walls, painted in Mallard by Dulux, ensure the space is cosy and intimate, and are the perfect backdrop to a vintage yellow sofa from UK-DK and colourful cushions made by Onitha. Distinctive artworks above bring the room to life

INHERITED PIECES The 1960s Harrods sofa (just seen) once belonged to Onitha’s parents, while the dresser – painted in Annie Sloan’s Graphite – had been Onitha’s aunt’s

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the kitchen, traditional Shaker-style units have been made from ash by a local cabinetmaker, while the island is a vintage architect’s plan chest topped with a worktop. It has six large shallow drawers – ideal for storing cutlery, spices and baking trays. Another recycled item is the mid-century haberdashery unit that sits between the dining table and seating area in the kitchen, and was a 40th birthday present from Dan to Onitha. ‘It’s made from oak and glass and came from a local antiques market. I love the history behind it and can imagine the stories it could tell,’ says Onitha. In the light-drenched, double-height atrium in the reception room is the wow-factor feature of this home – magniﬁcent ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows that allow uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside from both downstairs and upstairs. ‘The installation process was nail-biting,’ says

Onitha. ‘They were transported on a flatbed lorry and lifted into place using a suction crane. It was worth it though, as we couldn’t be happier with the result. The view is like a constantly changing piece of art. We often find ourselves gazing out, watching the sunset rather than the television. It really connects us to the landscape.’ The stair tower that leads to the top floor of the house stands in place of the original barn’s threshing porch. Outside, it is clad in oak and painted black, which is a reference to the ancient barn that once stood here. The rest of the structure’s cedar cladding was chosen because it starts off reddish-orange in colour and then silvers over time, helping the building blend into its environment. The tower has an unobtrusive front door and 30 small letterbox windows – the intention being that it should look subtle from the outside, but from

AT HOME

‘One of the things I have learned is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve a high-quality result’

the inside, create ever-changing miniature views of the surrounding countryside. Upstairs, paler oak flooring gives the house a Scandi, shoes-off feel, while textures such as sheepskin, linen and soft upholstery in the bedrooms keep the cosy factor high. Continuing the old-made-new theme into the family bathroom, the rolltop slipper bath was bought from a local auction and repainted in a soft pink. Onitha similarly upcycled the bathroom cabinet by adding retro-style brass-coloured legs and handles and painting it a striking dark green. The leftover marble tiles from the floor were used as a splashback either side of the basin. ‘One of the main things I have discovered throughout this project is that you don’t need to spend an absolute fortune to achieve a highquality result. You just have to remain extremely careful with your product selection and management,’ explains Onitha. However, the finished project does not come without its own story of grief. ‘Having very sadly lost both of my parents recently, the location holds even more significance for me, and many special memories of happy times,’ says Onitha. And there will undoubtedly be many more joyful times ahead for the family in this beautiful house. HB To see Onitha’s work, go to rekindledhome.co.uk 90 housebeautiful.com/uk

AT HOME STAIR TOWER

UP THE WALL

BATHROOM

Designed by architect Peter Wells, this features letterboxstyle windows, which provide glimpses of the countryside as well as creating an everchanging canvas of light as the sun moves through the day. The pendant is from Dowsing & Reynolds and decorations are from the Happiness Store

The climbing wall was Danâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idea as he wanted to make the house fun for the children. The steps lead up to an attic den with TV and games consoles, shared by all three boys and is accessible from each of their rooms. The bed is from Very, the bedding is Primark and cushions are from Dunelm and Amara

A keen recycler, Onitha bought the rolltop bath and cabinet at auction and updated them. The bath has been painted in Antoinette by Annie Sloan, while the cabinet is painted in Amsterdam, also by Annie Sloan, and has had brasscoloured handles from Dowsing & Reynolds added. The gold

taps are sourced from Ebay and leftover marble floor tiles from Topps Tiles have been used as a splashback

MAIN BEDROOM In this serene space, the couple chose a bed from Made and bedside tables from West Elm, with accessories from Ikea FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

Get the look Combine characterful ﬁnds with colourful pieces for Onitha and Dan’s effortless style 3 1

2 4

1 Colorful Abstract No1 unframed poster, £14.95, Desenio 2 Pink paper Christmas tree, £15, Rose & Grey 3 Shaw pendant, £80, Habitat 4 Bridget armchair, £399, Made 5 Jungle Leopard cushion by Podevache, £55, Amara 6 Holly & Berry jug, £20, Sophie Allport 7 Libby footstool, £319, House Beautiful at DFS 8 Faux cheese plant, £10, Matalan 9 Arrow Berber rug, from £30, George Home 10 Regent velvet sofa, £439, Dunelm 11 Mid-century media console, £729, West Elm FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

Ceramic vase, £22.50, Oliver Bonas 92 housebeautiful.com/uk

Giant gold foil Pinwheel set, £20, Other Letters

Scarf print cushion, £7, George Home

Grey linen napkins, £9, Chalk Pink Linen Company

Glitter ornament, £22.99, The Contemporary Home

COMPILED BY TILLY NATHAN

S T Y L E I T FA S T F O R U N D E R £ 2 5

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AT HOME

NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL Located in the idyllic forest of Hareskoven near Copenhagen, this open-plan apartment is transformed at Christmas, with understated and natural decorations WORDS, PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING LENE SAMSÃ&#x2DC;/HOUSE OF PICTURES

94 housebeautiful.com/uk

HOME PROFILE WHO LIVES HERE

Interior decorator and photographer Lene SamsĂ¸, her children Lucas, 16, and Filippa, 14, and their dog Figo THE PROPERTY

The apartment is part of a house built in 1964, in Hareskovby, Northern Zealand, Denmark

KITCHEN Two bar stools from Ikea offer a spot to linger at the breakfast bar. The ladder leads to an open-plan loft, which houses Leneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedroom

KITCHEN DINER Lene has decorated the traditional Christmas

tree with a mix of new baubles and antique ones that belonged to her great-grandmother. The kilim carpet was found at a flea market in Sweden, while the hat hanging on the wall was bought at Danish store Brandts Indoor

nterior decorator and photographer Lene Samsø combines her home and work life in her new apartment in the idyllic forest of Hareskoven, where she creates lifestyle, food and design articles for Danish and international magazines. She also styles and photographs interiors catalogues and works as an interior designer for both private and corporate clients. And as soon as she switches into ‘Christmas mode’ her home transforms into Santa’s workshop, where she makes festive decorations, wraps gifts for photoshoots and tests her festive recipes. Throughout the whole ﬂoor, Lene has created an open-plan living and working space that she shares with her two children and their dog Figo. Alongside this, the apartment features a loft with exposed wooden

beams and, while not large, it has been cleverly arranged to ensure every square metre is well used. The open-plan layout accommodates three separate zones: a kitchen, a dining area, and a TV space with a corner sofa. A three-metre-long table has been placed centrally and serves several functions - dining table, worktable and desktop. Made from old scaffolding boards that have been sanded down, lacquered and mounted on a trestle base from Hay, it is surrounded by Eames chairs. Lene starts working on Christmas articles well ahead of the festive season itself, usually in the autumn. ‘For the last months of the year, the room is gradually ﬁlled with props, ornaments, branches, and all sorts of things that I use in my job. It may sound a bit messy, but it is

AT HOME

OPEN-PLAN SPACE A long table takes centre stage and has many uses, from crafting and dining to home-working. In the corner, the TV area is defined by a Berber-style rug from Beni Ourain that Lene bought in Morocco, and a modular Carmel sofa from Ilva, on which are cushions from Broste

Copenhagen, Brandts Indoor and Ikea. A Chinese chest next to the sofa acts as both storage and side table, while the bowl table from Mater Design sits alongside a rattan stool from Madam Stoltz, which is moved around the apartment as needed. A Flavia lamp from Rue Verte casts a cosy glow

AT HOME

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I prefer natural decorations and tend not to experiment with much colourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 98 housebeautiful.com/uk

FESTIVE TOUCHES Opposite, clockwise from top left An Advent wreath from Georg Jensen floats below the beams; natural tones of grey and white are the theme of this year’s gifts, which feature raw leather string that came from Broste Copenhagen, plus ribbons, feathers, cinnamon sticks and twigs; interior decorator and photographer Lene; a spiced chocolate cake decorated with truffle balls and cranberries sits alongside two of

Lene’s grandmother’s Holmegaard glasses filled with Christmas sangria

THE ART OF DISPLAY This page The white sideboard, which consists of two Besta cabinets from Ikea, fits well under the sloping ceiling and is the perfect spot for exhibiting pictures and favourite treasures. Above the table hangs a rustic branch that Lene found in the nearby forest, which she’s decorated with festive baubles and pine cones

TRADITIONAL SCENE The snow-covered forest is magical at Christmastime FOREST FINDS Lene loves the patina of untreated bark. Here a simple decoration with three little candles held in place with string, shows it off to perfection, while delicate paper snowflakes are a pretty embellishment to another foraged find

100 housebeautiful.com/uk

AT HOME

LOFT BEDROOM Lene’s bed is tucked under the eaves in this cosy space. She has dressed it with piles of cushions, a bedspread from Broste Copenhagen and a throw from Bahner. Old crystal lamps – a flea market find – hang above a rattan stool used as a bedside table FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

quite cosy and really adds to the festive atmosphere,’ she says. ‘It’s so lovely when guests come by as I can try out my ideas and get some feedback.’ There are festive touches all around her home, most of which are understated and classic. ‘I see so many of the new trends through work, so when it comes to decorating my own home I have a more traditional approach. I prefer natural colours and tend not to experiment much. I mostly keep to brown, grey and greenish-blue. There may be a year when I’m suddenly fond of purple or another colour, but it usually passes,’ she laughs. Organic elements also play an important part in the rest of her home, where the large windows let in plenty of natural light and dark-stained ﬂooring creates a warm contrast to the white walls and ceilings. Wood features a lot, supplemented by bamboo, wool, leather

and ceramics, while kilim cushions and rugs provide a vibrant contrast to the natural palette. ‘I love to surround myself with rustic bowls, vases and pots, which are beautiful statement pieces in their own right. At Christmastime, I ﬁll them with foliage from hedgerows and the forest, found on our walks with Figo. Nature’s own ornaments, such as pine cones and larch branches, immediately become festive when you gather them on a tray or place in a vase and decorate with baubles.’ Lene likes to hang branches above the dining table, decorated with pretty ornaments. Or she may place one, undecorated, against a wall, or directly on the Christmas table. ‘A branch that has been lying on the forest ﬂoor and has acquired a patina can be one of the most beautiful things. It adds a touch of “elves and magic” to the Christmas decorations,’ she laughs. HB House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 101

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Get the look Get Lene’s sophisticated Scandi style by decorating with soft greys and peachy pinks 2

12 11 6

10 9

1 Paloma throw, £45, Habitat 2 Naryla lantern, from £19.95, Nkuku 3 Smoked glass pendant, £99, Barker & Stonehouse 4 Rattan tray in brass finish by House Doctor, £30, Trouva 5 Terracotta table lamp by Bloomingville, £91, Nordic Nest 6 Printed tassel cushion, £35, Madam Stoltz 7 Mango wood Bowl table by Mater, £474, Heal’s 8 Layla three-seater sofa, £649, House Beautiful Collection at DFS 9 Red tribal kilim rug, £159, Myakka 10 Rattan end table, £85, The Rattan Company 11 Linen tablecloth in Dove Grey by Piglet, £83, Swoon 12 Viva teapot, £40, Amara FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

COMPILED BY DAISY BENDALL

S T Y L E I T FA S T F O R £ 2 5 A N D U N D E R

Leaf etching glass vase, £9, Sophie Allport

Small Chana decorative star, £25, Amara

Hammered metal tray, £21, Maisons du Monde

Zico Amethyst tealight holder, £5, Habitat

Pillar candle, £7/two, Garden Trading

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 103

AT HOME HOME PROFILE WHO LIVES HERE

Mark Hampshire and Keith Stephenson, who run homeware company Mini Moderns THE PROPERTY

A converted railway carriage at Dungeness, Kent

COASTAL CALLING Getting their home decked out in good time is key to one coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relaxed Christmas by the sea WORDS CELIA RUFEY PHOTOGRAPHY JODY STEWART 104 housebeautiful.com/uk

EXTERIOR Situated between two lighthouses on the beach at Dungeness, this former railway carriage is now a stylish shoreside bolthole

LIVING SPACE The curve of the ceiling indicates the width of the original carriage, with the dividing beam marking the 1950s extension.

Filled with mid-century furniture, complete with 1960s record player and Christmas decorations, the space reflects the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love of Scandi style. The Charnwood woodburning stove and twinkly lights add to the cosy atmosphere, and the colourful cushions are by Mini Moderns

AT HOME

DINING TABLE

KITCHEN

The length of the carriage allows for a neat corner for a dining table, with the rooflight that gave the train’s guard a view down the track flooding the space with natural light. The shelf on the wall above holds greenery and Christmas lights, adding to the festive feel. The Linchpin table is from Unto This Last, and is surrounded by 1950s Eames DSS chairs

By removing the wall and door that separated the kitchen and passageway, Mark and Keith created a larger, more open-plan space. The Ikea cabinets have been given the bespoke treatment, with a stainless-steel worktop

KITCHEN DETAIL Mini Moderns mugs hang on hooks, while a chopping board in the Paisley Crescent design sits beneath

WORDS NAME SURNAME PHOTOGRAPHS NAME SURNAME

f Christmas on the beach sounds more sandy Bahamas than shingle in Kent, then Mark Hampshire and Keith Stephenson’s railway carriage home tells a different story. The couple behind homeware brand Mini Moderns, they design and sell wallpaper, ceramics and accessories around vintage-inspired themes. They already had strong associations with Dungeness and were staying nearby in 2011, when Mark came across two properties for sale on the beach. ‘By Monday morning, we’d had an offer accepted on one of the old railway carriages,’ he laughs. How these railway carriages happened to be on the beach at all is answered when Keith reveals their history: ‘In the early years of last century, employees of Southern Railway were allowed to buy old carriages and drag them to the beach as holiday huts.’ And their carriage is just one in the higgledy-piggledy row facing the sea along the shingle, recently made famous by the fundraising effort to save the late ﬁlm

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 107

director Derek Jarman’s old home and sea-garden that sits among them. ‘As soon as our purchase went through, we made regular trips to Dungeness at weekends and began to strip out the carriage and make plans for how to reconﬁgure the space,’ Keith continues. ‘It took us the best part of a year to get it to a state ﬁt to stay in.’ Mark and Keith live most of the week above their London studio-cum-warehouse, and Christmas is always an extra-special time for them, as Mark explains: ‘It’s the one time in the year when we can take a whole week away from running the business and hunker down in Dungeness. Otherwise, it’s where we come at weekends, summer and winter.’ Each year, getting ready for Christmas happens in the middle of December, when they come down specially to put up the tree, hang the lights and decorate the carriage. ‘We both absolutely love Christmas,’ Mark enthuses. ‘It’s not all about presents, it’s the feel of the season. Then, 108 housebeautiful.com/uk

when we arrive for Christmas itself and step through the door, it’s ready and waiting for us to celebrate.’ Their decorating style mixes rustic with Scandinavian, in tune with the way they have arranged the interior around a love of mid-century-style furniture, colour and pattern. One aspect of the carriage that delighted them is that it was one of the few designed for the guard and equipped with a rooﬂight that enabled him to look down the track for oncoming hazards. Now, this generous glazing throws extra light into their living room. The pair created this sizeable space by taking down stud partitions between three bedrooms along the front of the carriage, where windows deliver the main view of the beach. The next question was about the choice of a decorating colour. ‘There was so much brown wood everywhere with cladding, interlinked joists and tongue-and-groove boarding that the space still felt incredibly small,’ Keith explains. ‘By painting the walls, ceiling and woodwork white,

AT HOME

‘There was so much brown wood everywhere. By painting the walls, ceiling and woodwork white, the space was suddenly so much brighter’

except for the few walls we’ve papered, the space opened out and was suddenly so much lighter. It also helped integrate the ceiling divisions where the carriage was extended along the front in the 1950s.’ Furniture is mainly mid-century, and one signature piece is the Guy Rogers New Yorker sofa dating from the 1960s, a design sold through Heal’s in London. Keith purchased it on Ebay without realising he had. ‘I didn’t mind though,’ he laughs. ‘It’s perfect here as the green tweed has helped establish other colours in the room, including our tendency to use green and bright patterns when decorating for Christmas. Another point about mid-century furniture,’ he adds, ‘is that it stands on spindly legs so you can see under it, which helps increase the sense of space.’ Tucked into the corner are more spindly legs, this time in aluminium, belonging to 1950s Eames DSS side chairs set around the dining table. Keith and Mark gutted the kitchen then removed the door and

HALLWAY

MAIN BEDROOM

Although there is an entrance and porch at the front of the property, the main entrance with a more spacious hallway is at the back. The pattern on the Dungeness wallpaper by Mini Moderns includes elements that can be seen from the windows, such as abandoned fishing boats, the two lighthouses and old huts

Colours and pictures here evoke the sea, with furniture continuing the mid-century vibe. The wallpaper is Backgammon and cushions are the Pavilion print, both from Mini Moderns. The blanket features the pattern of the carpet laid in the Royal Festival Hall in 1950 and is from the Southbank Centre Shop House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 109

AT HOME

The decorating style mixes rustic with Scandinavian

a section of the passageway wall making it instantly open plan. Then they called in a joiner to give new Ikea cabinets the bespoke treatment. ‘Again, the units we chose sit on thin legs,’ Mark says, ‘and the worktop is stainless steel, a bit like a ﬁshmonger’s, so quite appropriate for Dungeness. There isn’t a lot of cupboard space here but there’s a surprisingly roomy pantry and the shelf along the wall for display.’ To this pair of designers, decorating for Christmas is about detail and the homemade. ‘Dungeness is swathed in mystery,’ Keith says. ‘And you can never tell myths and legends from the truth so it’s always an exciting place to be, especially at Christmas. For us, this is the home where we can light the stove for warmth, with candles and tree lights for festive atmosphere. We love making decorations too,’ Mark adds, ‘collecting ﬁr cones to paint white and making our wreath from broom, other grasses and seed heads of sea kale we’ve picked to dry in summer. We like to amuse friends by telling them we make our Christmas wreath from beach holly!’ So the magical spirit of Dungeness that brought them here even has a hand in the decorating. HB Visit Keith and Mark’s online shop at minimoderns.com

BEDROOM

OUTSIDE

Sitting under the arched roofline, the guest room is decorated in Mini Moderns’ Whitby wallpaper

Mark collects wood to feed the stove – an essential element for staying cosy during the Christmas season

BATHROOM Part of an extension added in the 1990s, the bathroom is fitted with white-painted tongue and groove 110 housebeautiful.com/uk

FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

Get the look Mark and Keith’s unique beachside home is ﬁlled with mid-century pieces and distinctive prints 1 3 2

8 9 7 1 Dutchbone Devi Vintage desk lamp in Gloss Green, £129, Cuckooland 2 Larkin cotton throw in Dark Blue, £39, Made 3 Letto tray, £39, Marimekko 4 Club wall light in Black, £79.80, Jim Lawrence 5 London Calling side plate, £45/four, Royal Doulton 6 Watts coffee table, £349, Swoon 7 Spira Wave cushion cover in Blue, £18.95, Hus & Hem 8 Florence Trieste rug, £63, The Rug Seller 9 Hugo three-seater wool sofa bed, £1,479, Pepper Sq 10 Striped cushion cover, £45.25, Wearth London 11 Ludde sheepskin rug, £29, Ikea FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

COMPILED BY DAISY BENDALL

S T Y L E I T FA S T F O R £ 2 0 A N D U N D E R

Whitby enamelware utensil pot, £20, Mini Moderns

Mallory Yellow earthenware mug, £16/four, Habitat

Kent Map unframed print, £14, Mapply

Hanging pot, £18.95/ three, Annabel James

Panama stoneware pitcher £19.99, Kitchen Craft

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 111

AT HOME

HOME PROFILE WHO LIVES HERE

Anna Phillips, a knitwear designer, her husband Jeff and children Miller and Herbie THE PROPERTY

A Victorian terraced cottage in Steyning in West Sussex

DINING ROOM

PERFECTLY CRAFTED In this characterful Sussex cottage, handmade details mingle with Scandinavian influences for a cosy festive feel WORDS CAROLINE ATKINS PHOTOGRAPHY CATHERINE GRATWICKE STYLING CAROLINE REEVES 112 housebeautiful.com/uk

All ready for a seasonal feast, the table setting includes beautifully simple napkin rings. Above it hangs a Scandinavian-style candle garland woven with ivy, myrtle and eucalyptus leaves. The wooden bench came from I Gigi in Hove, while the two antique French metal school chairs were found at Josephine Ryan Antiques

114 housebeautiful.com/uk

AT HOME

radition comes naturally to Anna Phillips at any time of year. She likes the feel of individual, handcrafted things that are made to last, whether it’s the beautiful knitwear she designs in natural yarns and classic styles or the hand-built furniture she and her husband Jeff have created from old floorboards and packing crates. At Christmas, she loves digging out vintage baubles to add a burst of vibrant colour to the backdrop of winter greenery and simple furnishings. Sprays of mistletoe berries gleam between the ornaments on a mantelpiece, while garlands of festive foliage trail along bedheads and bookshelves, framing pictures and mirrors – while the little corner fireplaces that create interesting angles in each room are filled with baskets of holly and clusters of big pillar candles. Their Victorian terrace cottage, in the Sussex town of Steyning, has a cheerful intimacy that makes it the perfect place for Anna and Jeff to celebrate with their sons Miller and Herbie. ‘Jeff and I both work from home, so this is a rare chance to just “be” and have family time together,’ says Anna, who designs interiors as well as woollens. The house is less than ten minutes’ drive from the sea, and backs onto a path that leads straight up to the South Downs, where they enjoy long walks on frosty mornings. The front living room, with its small bay window overlooking a quiet street, provides a grown-up

retreat. The big family dining room behind – knocked through into the kitchen and extended into the garden – has a table that is large enough for Anna’s design work during the week and becomes the centre of festivities at Christmas. ‘I’ve got a studio shed in the garden,’ Anna explains, ‘but I use the kitchen a lot, too, particularly in winter.’ The first floor provides a bedroom for the boys as well as a spare, and the loft is Anna’s and Jeff ’s – an incredibly versatile space that is the sunniest room in the house in summer, but feels dark and cosy in winter. Anna’s mother is Danish, so she has inherited a Scandinavian sense of light and colour and the walls throughout are painted in contrasting shades of off-white, with highlights and accents that chase away any hint of December gloom. Anna’s approach to interiors focuses on creating comfortable rooms that can be used and lived in. Despite the elegant palette she has chosen, and the antique pieces used throughout the house, there’s a robustness here that stands up well to the frenzy of games and present opening. ‘I’d hate to have to worry about finger marks on furnishings,’ she says. ‘With two small boys, things will always need cleaning and patching.’ However, hers are particularly lovely patches – squares of vintage French linen that make the original upholstery even more beautiful. ‘I don’t hide anything,’ says Anna, ‘except the television – and the underfloor heating, which was our one concession to modern luxury! I like being able to see how things

KITCHEN The cabinets were handmade by Jeff from packing crate slats, while the worksurfaces were originally school laboratory bench tops

TWIN BEDROOM Miller and Herbie enjoy decorating the Christmas tree in their bedroom together. The fireplace was found on Ebay for £20

LIVING ROOM Candles and lamps create a soft glow in this room, where Anna relaxes on the sofa. The pared-back palette in this space offsets the colourful Christmas decorations and foliage to beautiful effect

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 115

AT HOME

The house comes into its own in winter, when glowing candlelight brings its rooms to life

work.’ Hence the uncarpeted floorboards, the kitchen cabinets built by Jeff from the slats of packing crates, and the utilitarian-style squirrel-cage light bulbs – mostly unshaded – on their old-fashioned twisted-cord fittings. All of this gives the festivities a simple, handmade feel. Upstairs in the boys’ room – where Miller and Herbie will be awake and bursting with excitement from about 5 o’clock on Christmas morning – the twin beds are made from the same salvaged boards as the floor Anna and Jeff laid in their attic bedroom. The children will rush in to open stocking presents on their parents’ bed, which has a headboard constructed from a pair of old doors picked up from nearby Ardingly Antiques Fair. Nothing goes to waste in this house, and everything finds a use: the kitchen work surfaces are cut from old school laboratory bench tops (suitably industrial alongside the zinc-topped table) and Jeff even made the oven splashback from leftover fireplace tiles. It takes much longer to source furnishings this way, Anna admits, but there’s nothing to beat the satisfaction of finding exactly the right thing – the old office swivel chair that acts as a ‘carver’ at the head of the kitchen table, the striped beach windbreak that creates a canopy over the spare bed, and the fireplace in the boys’ room that she found for £20 on Ebay. And against this quiet, pared-back setting, Christmas decorations have even more impact. It’s a winter house, says Anna, and comes into its own at this time of year, when glowing candlelight brings rooms to life. Bunches of baubles hang on wall hooks and coat rails and even from kitchen shelves, and little white-painted wooden stars create frosted silhouettes against walls and windows. Strings of knitted 116 housebeautiful.com/uk

Danish red-and-white flags are swagged across the mantelpieces and around the tree (‘It’s a tradition in Denmark – everyone does it’), and a candle garland woven with ivy, myrtle and eucalyptus hangs above the big kitchen table. They celebrate Christmas Eve in Danish style, with a feast of roast pork and caramel potatoes prepared by Anna’s mother, and when they sit down to a lunch late on Christmas afternoon – after a long walk on the Downs while the turkey roasts – the candlelight will reflect in antique pewter plates and her grandmother’s silver cutlery. ‘It’s a wonderful place to enjoy the children’s excitement,’ Anna says, ‘and when the wrapping paper is finally cleared away, the house has a lovely sense of quiet – the perfect way to end the day.’ HB To view Anna’s knitwear designs, visit hambroandmiller.co.uk

SPARE BEDROOM A striped beach windbreak creates a striking canopy over the bed. On the bedside table, a gleaming array of baubles and candles creates a festive feel. One of Anna’s stunning Scandiinspired knitted jumpers is kept on display

Get the look Cheery reds, traditional pieces and lots of greenery ensure Anna and Jeff’s cottage feels cosy 2

6 9

1 Reclaimed bench, £240, Hemming & Wills 2 Sleek Edison pendant, £44, Industville 3 Bowl candleholder, £49, Ferm Living 4 Faux Succulent & Eucalyptus garland, £45, Cox & Cox 5 Friendly Folk cushion, £69, Andrew Martin 6 Chablis & Roses Mink velvet sofa, £1,195, French Bedroom Co 7 Regimental stripe rug, from £52, Weaver Green 8 Mini Christmas tree (incl pot), £15, The Little Botanical 9 Dillie champagne saucer, £38/four, Rowen & Wren 10 Paisley quilt by IB Laursen, £42, Gilbert & Rose 11 Forest Dawn dinner plate, £3.50, Sainsbury’s 12 Pirouette table lamp and shade, £263, Pooky FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

COMPILED BY DAISY BENDALL

S T Y L E I T FA S T F O R £ 1 8 A N D U N D E R

Nobodinoz Savanna velvet garland, £13.95, Bobby Rabbit

Stoneware mustard pot, £7.50, Know & Love

Folk Art Christmas decorations, £18 for 18, Cambridge Imprint

Gold glass lantern, £16.99, Homesense

Grey soft touch throw, £15, Argos Home

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 117

Silk White shutters, Hillarys

THE ART OF WINDOW DRESSING Styling your windows is more than just a ﬁnishing touch – it has the power to transform a room. Find your perfect ﬁt with Hillarys

o matter what your interiors style, natural light is vital – but equally important is knowing how to dress the windows that let the sunshine in. It’s a part of the room that needs to be both practical and decorative – whether it’s offering shade in a suntrap of an office, maximising the light in a small lounge or keeping out draughts from your bedroom, window furnishings have an important role to play. With so many options available, from curtains to blinds and even sleek shutters, it’s well worth getting an expert to shed some light on the best solution for your space. Whatever your budget, Hillarys combines professional knowledge with top-quality personal service to help you choose tailor-made window dressings that can really elevate your home.

THE EXPERT CHOICE While it may be tempting to choose style over substance, it’s not quite as simple as picking a curtain that complements your new sofa. ‘When it comes to dressing windows, there are a number of factors to consider,’ explains Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys. She notes that your choice will come down to a combination of function, property style, and type of room and window – as well as your own personal taste, of course. ‘The benefit of choosing Hillarys is that your local advisor will come to your home and help you choose the right window furnishing for your room, budget and window type,’ Yvonne adds. As well as helping you decide on your style of curtains, blinds or shutters, Hillarys advisors also take care of measuring the window and fitting the final piece – all as part of the service.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T F E AT U R E

THE HUE FOR YOU Whether you’re aiming for Scandi-style minimalism or an eclectic ambience, colour can have a huge impact. Burnt orange, sienna and apricot shades are on trend for 2021, but you’ll need to take into consideration the other elements of the room. ‘Look at large pieces of furniture and the colour of your ﬂooring and walls, as these are the dominant areas. Then use these to bring in complementary colours and patterns,’ advises Yvonne. Can’t decide? Booking an appointment with Hillarys will give you the chance to see your new look in situ, as your advisor can bring samples along to make sure it all ties together.

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MATERIAL MATTERS Amazing Spaces» .LVYNL *SHYRL KPZJV]LYZ /PSSHY`Z» huge range of fabrics

WINDOW SHOPPING So what are the options? Shutters look swish in Victorian or Edwardian houses and add instant kerb appeal, while for bathrooms and kitchens you may want a moisture-resistant blind; and for your bedroom, you might prefer a cosy curtain with blackout lining. In fact, you may even choose to combine two products to give you the best of both worlds, such as blackout rollers paired with a sheer voile curtain. Offering varying levels of light, different textures and patterns, and cord or motorised controls, a bespoke blind can be a simple ﬁx for awkward windows. If drapes are more your style, however, Hillarys has a huge range of fabric choices and curtain linings that will create an air of luxury and warmth in your room – you can even choose coordinating cushions to pull your colour scheme together.

Architect and TV presenter George Clarke discovers the expertise that goes into every Hillarys order… Forenza Apricot curtains, Hillarys

SIZE MATTERS ‘When it comes to measuring up, Hillarys has it sorted – their professionals will visit your home and measure your windows to LUZ\YL [OL WLYMLJ[ Ä[ » MADE TO MEASURE º6UJL `V\»]L THKL `V\Y choice, the team at the Nottingham factory get to work on crafting your bespoke order, complete with quality checks to LUZ\YL P[»Z \W [V Z[HUKHYK » THE PERFECT FINISH ‘The Hillarys team will L_WLY[S` Ä[ `V\Y J\Y[HPUZ blinds or shutters so you KVU»[ OH]L [V ¶ [OL`»SS L]LU [PK` \W HM[LY [OLTZLS]LZ »

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FOOD & LIVING Inspiring ideas for making the most of the season

PHOTOGRAPHY MATILDA LINDEBLAD/HOUSE OF PICTURES STYLING YLVA BERGQVIST/HOUSE OF PICTURES

A SPECIAL TIME

Some Christmas traditions might be off the agenda this year, but we’re looking forward to making the most of every moment and sharing, where we can, good food and good times – and trying to spread a little kindness to friends, family – and hosts!

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A showstopping Christmas menu, plus laid-back food to share once the big day is over

Stunning ﬂoral decorations, and the ﬂorists offering beautiful blooms by post

Everything you need for a night to remember, and handmade gifts that say ‘Thank you for having us’

Take time out to reﬂect, reboot, and lift your spirits by connecting with nature

FOOD

F L O W ERS

C E LEBR ATE

RELAX

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F O O D I N S P I R AT I O N

A FESTIVE FEAST Celebrate the big day with this showstopping menu that’s guaranteed to delight – and easily halved for smaller gatherings

MENU serves 8, or adjust for fewer people Sca llops wi th caper & lemon butter sau ce Ca esa r sal a d cups Qu ail’s eggs wi th dukka h Cra b bri och e bites ed Sweet and sour pum pki n wi th caram elis chestnuts and sti r-fri ed Savoy cabbag e Ra ck of venison wi th a herb crust and wi ld mushroom sau ce Cel eri ac rösti Beetroot, horsera dish and dil l gra tin Blood-ora nge mousse wi th Cam pari jell y and caram el ora nges Gol d-l eaf am aretto truffles Sal ted caram el Florentines

Scallops with caper & lemon butter sauce Caesar salad cups Quailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eggs with dukkah Crab brioche bites Turn the page for the recipes

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Scallops with caper & lemon butter sauce The scallops can be prepared in advance to step 2 and chilled for up to 24 hours until ready to cook. SERVES 8 40g softened butter Zest of 1 small lemon ½tbsp freshly chopped parsley, plus extra to garnish 16-24 fresh scallops, depending on size 8 clean scallop shells 2tbsp capers, drained and rinsed Lemon wedges, for squeezing 1 Beat together the softened butter, lemon zest and chopped parsley. 2 Divide the scallops between the shells (or use individual gratin dishes). Put a dollop of the flavoured butter into each shell. Season to taste. 3 Heat the grill to high. Arrange the scallop shells (or dishes) on a baking sheet. Cook the scallops for 2-3min, turning halfway through. 4 Serve hot, garnished with the capers, parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Caesar salad cups This is a bite-sized version of the classic Caesar salad. MAKES 16 ½tbsp olive oil 4 anchovies, ﬁnely chopped 1-2 slices of white bread (crusts removed) diced into small cubes ½ small garlic clove, crushed ½tbsp freshly chopped parsley 16 Little Gem lettuce leaves, separated and trimmed Parmesan shavings, to garnish

FOR THE DRESSING 2tbsp mayonnaise 2tbsp full-fat natural yogurt Juice of ½ lemon 1tsp Dijon mustard ½tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 Mix together the dressing ingredients. Check the seasoning. 2 Heat the olive oil in a small pan and add the chopped anchovies. Cook for 1-2min to melt into the oil. Add the diced bread and stir-fry until golden. Then add the crushed garlic and cook for 30sec. Tip into a bowl and toss in the parsley. 3 Arrange the lettuce cups on a platter. Drizzle with the dressing and sprinkle with the crouton/anchovy mix. Garnish with the Parmesan shavings.

Quail’s eggs with dukkah Egyptian in origin, dukkah is a mixture of herbs, spices and toasted hazelnuts, served here as a dip with quail’s eggs but more often with bread or vegetables. MAKES 16 50g hazelnuts 40g sesame seeds 1tbsp each coriander and cumin seeds 1tsp freshly ground black pepper 16 quail’s eggs 1 Heat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan/gas mark 3. Spread out the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and cook for 5-10min until golden, stirring once or twice. Cool. 2 Chop the hazelnuts or coarsely blitz in a food processor. Tip into a bowl. 3 Place a pan over a medium heat.

Dry toast the sesame seeds until golden, then add to the hazelnuts. 4 Put the coriander and cumin seeds into the same pan and toast for a few minutes until golden. Cool, then grind in a coffee grinder or in a pestle and mortar. Add to the hazelnuts with the pepper. Season. 5 Bring a pan of water to the boil, lower in the eggs and cook for 3min precisely. Remove with a slotted spoon and plunge into a bowl of ice-cold water. 6 Serve the dukkah as a dip with the eggs, either peeled or unpeeled depending on your preferred presentation.

Crab brioche bites Simple to prepare and packed with flavour, the crab mixture can be made up to three hours in advance. MAKES 16 100g fresh white crab meat ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped Zest of ½ lemon 2 spring onions, finely chopped ½tbsp finely chopped parsley A couple of shakes of Tabasco sauce (optional) 2tsp crème fraîche 4 slices of brioche loaf 1 Mix together all of the ingredients, except the brioche. Check the seasoning. 2 Toast the brioche. Remove the crusts, then cut each piece into 4 squares. 3 To serve, top each square with a small pile of the crab mixture.

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Sweet and sour pumpkin with caramelised chestnuts and stir-fried Savoy cabbage Serve this vegetarian main course with the celeriac rösti, mushroom sauce and beetroot gratin, ensuring all your guests get a similar meal without too much extra work. SERVES 4 1tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, bruised 3 sprigs of rosemary 500g peeled pumpkin or squash, cut into 1cm-thick slices

2½tbsp runny honey 1tbsp sherry vinegar 400g Savoy cabbage, shredded 40g butter 180g cooked chestnuts ½tsp black sesame seeds 1 Heat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7. Put the oil, garlic and rosemary in a roasting pan and place in the oven while you prepare the pumpkin. 2 When the oil is hot, add the pumpkin slices and roast for about 30min until almost tender. Pour off the oil and remove the garlic and rosemary. 3 Add 2tbsp honey and the vinegar to the pumpkin and toss well. Return to the oven for 10min, turning halfway through and basting with the honey and vinegar. 4 Meanwhile, bring a pan of salted water to the boil. Add the shredded Savoy

cabbage and cook for approximately 2-3min until it’s tender. Drain and refresh under cold running water. Set aside. (You can do this the day before, then chill in a bowl of cold water until needed.) 5 When ready to serve, melt half of the butter in a pan set over a medium heat. When it stops foaming, add the cooked chestnuts and heat up, stirring, for 5min. Add the remaining honey and cook for 2min. 6 In another pan, melt the remaining butter and stir-fry the cabbage. Toss with the black sesame seeds. 7 Put a celeriac rösti (see the recipe on the following page) onto a warmed plate. Top with 2-3 slices of pumpkin, then a spoonful of the Savoy cabbage. Garnish with the caramelised chestnuts. Drizzle with mushroom sauce (see recipe on the following page) or a splash of extra virgin olive oil around the rösti. House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 125

Rack of venison with a herb crust and wild mushroom sauce A rack of venison makes a luxurious alternative to turkey and needs less preparation and attention during cooking. Allow 2-3 cutlets per person, depending on appetite. SERVES 8 10g dried wild mushrooms 110g fresh breadcrumbs 2tbsp each freshly chopped curly parsley, rosemary and thyme Zest of 1 orange 3tbsp olive oil 2 x 8-rib racks of venison 2 shallots, ﬁnely chopped 200g tiny button mushrooms (or large mushrooms, sliced) Large sprig of rosemary 100ml masala 4tbsp double cream Freshly chopped curly parsley, to garnish Trufﬂe oil, for drizzling (optional) 1 Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Put the dried mushrooms into a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave to soak for 20min. 2 Mix together the breadcrumbs, chopped herbs, orange zest and 1tbsp oil. Brush the venison with oil, then press the mixture along the top of the racks. (They can be prepared to this point, then chilled for up to 24 hours). Transfer to lipped baking sheets and cook in the oven for 25min for medium-rare. Rest for 20min in a warm place, covered with foil. 3 Meanwhile, strain the dried mushrooms, reserving the liquid but leaving behind the last few gritty drops. Finely chop these mushrooms. 4 Heat the remaining oil in a sauté pan. Gently fry the shallots until softened. Add the fresh mushrooms and rosemary sprig, 126 housebeautiful.com/uk

and sauté until golden and cooked through. Add the rehydrated mushrooms and their liquid and cook to reduce by half. Pour in the masala and, again, reduce by half. Stir in the double cream. Remove the rosemary and check the seasoning. Stir in the parsley. Keep warm. 5 Slice the venison racks into cutlets. Serve plated with the mushroom sauce and a celeriac rösti. Drizzle with truffle oil, if you like. Redcurrant jelly is also a delicious accompaniment.

Celeriac rösti Use cooking rings for a neat, elegant-looking rösti, or fry freeform for a more rustic effect. They can be cooked in advance and reheated in a hot oven for 5-10min. MAKES 8 600g celeriac, peeled and grated 600g Desiree potatoes, grated 2 medium eggs, beaten 2tsp Dijon mustard Leaves from 2 thyme sprigs 2tbsp plain ﬂour 30g butter 2tbsp olive oil 1 Put the celeriac and potato into a clean tea towel, gather up the ends and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible. 2 Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients (except the butter and oil), along with plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper. 3 Put the butter and oil in a large frying pan set over a medium heat. Divide the celeriac mixture into 16 and squeeze to form balls. Put 3-4 balls into the pan and push down evenly with the back of a fish slice to form discs. Fry gently for 5min until golden and set – don’t move them about while they’re cooking or they will fall apart – then turn over and cook for another 5min. Keep warm while you cook the remaining rösti.

Beetroot, horseradish and dill gratin If you can’t find fresh horseradish, try Winborgs’ Pepparrot, which is available from larger supermarkets or can be ordered online from scandikitchen.co.uk. Creamed horseradish from a jar just won’t have the same punch.

SERVES 8 1kg beetroot, scrubbed and trimmed 300ml double cream 100ml whole milk 3tsp grated horseradish (or Pepparrot) 1tbsp freshly chopped dill, plus extra to garnish 1 Heat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan/ gas mark 3. 2 Thinly slice the trimmed beetroot using a mandolin or sharp knife. 3 Put the cream, milk, horseradish and dill with 1tsp salt into a large pan and bring to the boil. Add the beetroot; stir to combine. 4 Tip into a large shallow ovenproof dish. Cook for 1-1½hr until tender. Leave to stand for 10min before serving, scattered with more dill. This dish can be cooked 24 hours ahead and reheated when needed: cover with foil and reheat for 20-30min at 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.

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Gold-leaf amaretto truffles Look for gold leaf in the baking aisle of supermarkets or in specialist cake-making shops. MAKES 35-40 150ml double cream 250g plain chocolate (65-70%), broken into pieces 50g butter 2tbsp golden syrup 2tbsp amaretto Cocoa powder, for dusting Gold leaf, for decorating

RECIPES AND FOOD STYLING ALISON WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY CLARE WINFIELD STYLING WEI TANG

1 Put the double cream in a small pan and bring to the boil. 2 Put the chocolate pieces, butter and golden syrup into a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Pour over the cream. Leave to melt and resist the temptation to stir it. Once it has melted, you can then stir to combine. Set aside until it cools to room temperature. 3 Beat the ganache with an electric hand whisk or using the K-beater in a food mixer until fluffy and slightly lighter in colour. Beat in the amaretto. Chill until it becomes firm, but still pliable. 4 Sift a layer of cocoa powder onto a large plate or tray. Scoop out teaspoons of the ganache and roll into balls between your hands. Roll in the cocoa powder to cover and transfer to a petit-four case. 5 Using the tip of a small artist’s paintbrush, take up a small piece of gold leaf and lay on top of each truffle. The truffles will keep in the fridge for up to five days.

Blood-orange mousse with Campari jelly and caramel oranges Blood oranges are in season from December until March, but if you can’t find them, cartons of the juice are available in supermarkets. SERVES 8 27g sheet gelatine 750ml blood orange juice (about 10-15 oranges) 160g caster sugar 50ml Campari 4 room-temperature medium eggs, separated 300ml double cream

FOR THE CARAMELISED ORANGES 125g caster sugar 150ml water 2 blood oranges, peeled and segmented 1 First make the jelly. Soak 19g of gelatine in cold water for 5min. Remove and squeeze out any excess water. Heat 600ml blood orange juice and 50g sugar in a medium pan until just steaming hot and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat, add the soaked gelatine and allow to melt, stirring to dissolve. Add the Campari. 2 Put 8 x 200-250ml glasses or bowls on a tray. Divide the jelly between the glasses. Leave to cool, then chill until set. 3 Once set, make the mousse. Soak the remaining gelatine, as before. Heat the remaining juice in a small pan until just hot. Take off the heat and add the gelatine. Leave to melt for a few moments, then stir to dissolve. 4 Whisk the egg yolks and remaining sugar together for 5min until thick and doubled in volume. 5 Gradually whisk in the orange juice and gelatine. In another bowl, whisk the cream until it just holds its shape. Fold into the egg mixture. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff. Using a large metal spoon, fold a spoonful of the whites into the mixture to loosen it, then gently fold in the remainder. 6 Divide the mousse between the glasses and return to the fridge to set. This can be done up to 24 hours before serving. 7 To make the caramelised oranges, put the sugar in a small pan and heat gently to dissolve. Turn up the heat slightly, and cook until golden brown. Carefully add 150ml cold water at arm’s length and simmer briefly until syrupy. Place the fruit into a bowl and pour over the caramel. Cover and leave to stand overnight in a cool place, but not the fridge. 8 To serve, remove the puddings from the fridge 20min beforehand. Garnish with the orange segments and a drizzle of the caramel sauce just before bringing to the table.

110g flaked almonds 110g dried sour cherries 55g candied peel Zest of ½ orange 55g plain flour 1tsp mixed spice 250g plain chocolate, broken into pieces FOR THE CARAMEL 397g tin sweetened condensed milk 150g light soft brown sugar 150g butter ¾tsp fine sea salt 1 Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Line 2-3 large baking sheets with baking parchment. 2 Put the butter, cream and sugar in a large pan and heat until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to the boil, then remove from the heat. 3 Add the flaked almonds, sour cherries, candied peel, orange zest, flour and mixed spice and stir to combine. 4 Drop teaspoons of the mixture onto the baking sheets, spacing well apart. Flatten with the back of a wetted spoon. Bake for 8-10min until golden at the edges. While the Florentines are still hot, tidy up the edges if necessary with the edge of a teaspoon. Leave to harden, then transfer to a wire rack. 5 For the caramel, put the condensed milk, sugar and butter in a pan and heat to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring regularly to stop the mixture catching, for 4-5min until thickened. Stir in the salt and leave to cool for a few minutes. 6 While the caramel is still warm, spread a heaped tsp on the flat side of each Florentine and set aside on a tray to harden – chill them to speed up setting. 7 Put the chocolate into a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water and leave to melt, stirring to combine at the end. 8 Dip the caramel side of the Florentine into the chocolate, shaking off any excess. Leave to harden, chocolate side up, on a wire rack. They will keep for 2-3 weeks in an airtight container. HB

Salted caramel Florentines These jewelled petit fours are made even more special with a coating of chewy salted caramel just under the chocolate. MAKES ABOUT 50-55 55g butter 90ml double cream 110g granulated sugar House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 129

H EI NA TDEERR EHNETREER T A I N I N G W

GOOD TO SHARE These delicious recipes from organic food producer Daylesford are perfect for that time in between Christmas and New Year. Just scale them up or down depending on the size of your gathering 2 bay leaves Pinch of salt 2 candy beetroot, peeled and very ﬁnely sliced TO SERVE Crème fraîche 150g smoked salmon A little fresh dill

Smoked salmon & beetroot blinis An old favourite, blinis with smoked salmon are always well received at Christmas gatherings. Made with buckwheat flour, they’re gluten-free and a healthy

boost for your gut. Serve with a hearty dollop of delicious crème fraîche. MAKES 18 BLINIS FOR THE BLINIS 120g buckwheat ﬂour 5g dried yeast

Pinch of salt Pinch of sugar 100ml keﬁr 75ml whole milk 1 egg, separated FOR THE BEETS 150g sugar 150g white wine vinegar 2 sprigs of dill 4 peppercorns

1 Begin by making the blini batter. Combine the buckwheat flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a mixing bowl. Warm the kefir and whole milk together in a small saucepan until lukewarm, then pour into the flour and yeast mixture. 2 Stir well until you have a completely smooth, thick batter. Cover with a tea towel or cloth and leave to one side for 30min. 3 Meanwhile, to pickle the beetroot, place the sugar, vinegar, dill, peppercorns, bay leaves and salt in a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Stir to make sure all of the sugar has dissolved and pour over the sliced beetroot in a bowl. Leave to cool. 4 After 30min, stir the egg yolk into the blini batter. Then beat the egg white until stiff and fold this into the batter until it’s evenly combined. 5 To cook, heat a frying pan and lightly grease with a little oil. Use a dessertspoon to drop the batter into the pan, forming small circles. Cook for 2-3min until bubbles form on the top of the blini. Flip over and cook for 30sec longer before removing to a plate or tray. 6 To serve, simply spoon a little crème fraîche onto each blini, followed by a slice of salmon and a wafer of pickled beetroot. Finish with a sprig of dill.

Butternut squash, Adlestrop cheese and cavolo nero crumble Bold enough to be served as a standalone dish, this is also a great accompaniment to roast chicken, pork or lamb. It will also work with any kind of sweet autumn squash or pumpkin. SERVES 4-6 1 butternut squash (about 1kg), peeled and deseeded Oil for coating Salt and pepper 120g cavolo nero leaves 50g Adlestrop cheese, crumbled FOR THE SAUCE 25g butter 1 onion, ﬁnely sliced 1 garlic clove, crushed 2 sprigs of thyme, leaves only 1 bay leaf 100ml white wine 250ml vegetable stock 250ml double cream Salt and pepper Squeeze of lemon juice FOR THE CRUMBLE 55g oats 15g pumpkin seeds, roughly chopped 25g hazelnuts, roughly chopped Salt and pepper 1tbsp honey 1 Preheat the oven to 200ºC/ 180ºC fan/gas mark 6. Halve the squash lengthways and cut

into slices just over 1cm thick. Toss in a little oil, salt and pepper and roast on a tray for 20-25min until just tender. 2 To make the sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the onion. Cook gently for 2min before adding the garlic, thyme and bay leaf. Sweat gently for a further 10min until the onion is soft and translucent. 3 Pour in the wine and reduce by half until syrupy. Pour in the stock and reduce by half again, then pour in the double cream. Simmer for 2-3min to thicken the sauce, stirring to stop it sticking or burning. Season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice and set aside. 4 To make the crumble topping, combine the oats, seeds and nuts in a bowl. Season well, then add the honey and mix together well with your hands. 5 Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and blanch the cavolo nero leaves for 2min. Drain well, squeeze out any excess water, and roughly chop. 6 Once the squash is tender, tip into an ovenproof dish along with the chopped cavolo nero, distributing evenly. Spoon the onion sauce over the top, stirring a little to cover everything evenly. Scatter over the cheese, followed by the crumble topping. Bake for 20min until piping hot and lightly golden brown on top.

Turkey salad with cranberries and pistachios Laced with raw sprouts, herbs and spices, this leftover turkey salad is really satisfying and wholesome. Serve with a spoonful of organic yogurt and a sprinkling of toasted pistachios. SERVES 8 FOR THE SALAD 100g wild rice 2tbsp olive oil 2tsp nigella seeds 1tsp yellow mustard seeds 1tsp cumin seeds 100g quinoa 80g lentilles vertes (or puy) 400ml water 300g sprouts, finely shredded 350g cooked turkey, shredded 30g parsley, finely chopped 100g pistachios, toasted Squeeze of lemon juice Natural or coconut yogurt, to serve FOR THE DRESSING 3tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely sliced 120g cranberries 4tbsp pomegranate molasses

8tbsp white wine vinegar 75ml water 1 Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and add the wild rice. Simmer gently for 25-30min until tender. Drain and allow to cool. 2 Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and add the spices. Fry for 2min until they begin to pop and then stir in the quinoa and lentils. Continue to fry for 3-5min, stirring continuously until the spices and grains are aromatic and toasted. 3 Pour in the water, stir well and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid and simmer gently for 18-20min until the water has been absorbed and the grains are tender. 4 To make the dressing, heat the oil in a shallow pan and add the onion. Cook gently for 8-10min until the onion is soft and slightly golden. Add the cranberries, followed by the pomegranate molasses, vinegar and water. Simmer gently for 10min until syrupy. 5 Combine the rice and grains, sprouts, turkey, parsley, pistachios and dressing, and plenty of salt and pepper, in a large bowl and stir well. Add a little more olive oil if needed and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with a drizzle of yogurt.

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Pickled blackberries and red cabbage with chicken liver pâté Blackberries can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes. The sweet-sharp pickle cuts through the richness of the pâté, and if you have any leftover pickle, it pairs well with a charcuterie board or goat’s cheese on sourdough toast. SERVES 4 1 beetroot 250ml red wine vinegar 2 sprigs of thyme 50ml water ¼ red cabbage, thinly sliced 150g blackberries 4 slices of sourdough bread 160g good quality smooth

chicken liver pâté 1 green apple, cored and cut into batons Chutney, to serve 1 First, cook the beetroot. Remove leaves and gently wash the beetroot – do not peel at this stage. Put into a pan, add just enough boiling water to cover and simmer for 30-40min, or until tender. Drain and allow to cool a little before peeling and dicing. 2 Put the vinegar and thyme sprigs into a pan with 50ml water. Place over a medium heat and bring to the boil, then immediately take it off the heat. 3 Place the cabbage and blackberries in a non-metallic bowl and pour over the hot pickling liquid. Leave to cool, then remove from the liquid and set aside. 4 Toast the slices of sourdough and top each one with a spoonful of pâté. Garnish with the beetroot, apple, cabbage and blackberries and serve with chutney.

Clementine, stem ginger and honey steamed puddings These steamed puddings are laced with warming Christmas flavours and look the part too. Decorated with caramelised clementine slices and jewels of pomegranate, they make a beautiful finishing touch to a festive feast. MAKES 8 PUDDINGS 150g stem ginger in syrup 8 clementines 180g butter 180g soft brown sugar 4 eggs 130g self-raising ﬂour 1tsp ground ginger 1tsp mixed spice 80g ground almonds 3tbsp almond milk 100ml honey 100ml ginger syrup (from the stem ginger jar) 1 pomegranate, seeds only Ready-made crème Anglaise to serve 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/ 160°C fan/gas mark 4. Chop

the ginger, then zest and juice four clementines, reserving the juice for the syrup. Slice two peeled clementines into thin rounds and segment the remaining two. 2 Mix the butter and brown sugar (saving a little for sprinkling) until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs. Stir in the flour, spices, ground almonds, almond milk, ginger and clementine zest. 3 Lightly butter 8 small dariole moulds. Sprinkle a little brown sugar and place a slice of clementine in the bottom of each mould. 4 Divide the batter between the moulds and place in a deep baking tin. Add boiling water one third of the way up the sides of the moulds and carefully place in the centre of the oven for 25-30min, until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Leave to cool for 5min then remove from the water and place on a tray or plate. 5 To make the syrup, place the clementine juice, honey and ginger syrup into a small pan. Bring to simmering point for 6-8min until slightly reduced. 6 To serve, place the puddings on plates and cover with the syrup, clementine segments, pomegranate seeds and lastly the crème Anglaise. The puddings will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days once baked.

Cranberry, orange and almond panforte The mix of orange, dried cranberries and festive spices conjures all the best loved flavours of Christmas. Perfect served with coffee when you know you’ve had enough to eat, but a slice of something sweet would really hit the spot. 120g dark chocolate 90ml runny honey 30ml sherry 50ml orange juice 200g dried cranberries 40g dried figs, roughly chopped 60g candied peel, finely chopped 250g almonds, roughly chopped 100g walnuts, roughly chopped 110g plain flour 35g cacao powder 150g coconut sugar Zest of 1 orange

1tsp mixed spice ½tsp ground cinnamon ¼tsp salt 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/ 160°C fan/gas mark 4. Set a pan of water on a medium heat and bring to a simmer. Break up the chocolate into pieces and put into a heatproof bowl placed over the simmering pan. Once melted, add the honey, sherry and orange juice and mix. Take off the heat. 2 Combine all the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and stir together until thoroughly combined. Pour the chocolate mixture over and stir through – the contents of the bowl will look very thick, but continue to stir until everything is nicely coated in chocolate. 3 Grease and line an ovenproof frying pan or 20cm cake tin. Spoon the mixture into the pan or tin and press down until evenly distributed. Bake in the oven for 35-40min, or until set at the sides. 4 Leave to cool before removing from the tin. Cut into slices and serve.

WINTER’S FARE We all have our favourite foods at Christmastime, but what about those less conspicuous ingredients at their best in December? James Devonshire from the Daylesford Cookery School shares his seasonal secrets…

PHOTOGRAPHS STOCKFOOD/JONATHAN GREGSON; GETTY; ALAMY

Pears can be preserved or pickled

CREAM OF THE CROP Celeriac is delicious roasted whole, crushed as a tasty alternative to mashed potato, or shredded raw and tossed with vinaigrette or mayonnaise. Make a celeriac purée with similar flavours to bread sauce (onion, cloves, peppercorns, bay leaf, cream) for an amazing accompaniment to many winter dishes. Jerusalem artichokes Slice thinly and layer in a creamy gratin, or simply scrub and roast whole before adding to a classic soup base of diced,

sweated onion and celery. Purée with stock until smooth and finish with hazelnuts and truffle oil. Turnips These hugely underrated vegetables can be sensational roasted with butter, or served raw in a slaw cut into matchsticks with pear and apple.

SWEET AND SAVOURY Pears and quince can be roasted with game or pickled and preserved at this time of year. For something sweet, caramelize with butter and serve with bay leaf ice cream.

TRADITIONAL TWIST Venison is a great seasonal ingredient that offers a fresh approach to festive meals. Consider serving a whole haunch or stuffed saddle with roasted beetroot and orange, wilted Swiss chard and a root vegetable purée. Partridge is another often overlooked festive ingredient. It’s wonderful with aromatic flavours such as ras el hanout. Serve with bulgur wheat, pomegranate and a yogurt-based sauce. HB See daylesford.com

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MAKE IT MAGICAL

SIMPLY STUNNING Fresh flowers and foliage can be easily transformed into the most beautiful Christmas decorations

ADVENT WREATH This simple, elegant decoration epitomises a less-is-more approach to festive decor. TO MAKE 1 Form a wire wreath or buy a ready-made wire frame. If you’re planning to hang it as shown,

the wire needs to be rigid. 2 Secure foliage around the wreath with flower thread or florist’s wire – here, eucalyptus stems have been used. 3 If you’re going to be hanging it up, attach four lengths of string to the wreath and tie together at the top; make a loop for

hanging. If you do this before adding the foliage, you can ensure the string is hidden. 4 Attach four clip-on candleholders and add the candles. 5 Safety ﬁrst If you’re going to be hanging the wreath, make sure the string is long enough to ensure the lit candles don’t

scorch anything above; never leave lit candles unattended. WHERE TO BUY For wreaths, floral tape, flower thread and florist’s wire, try floristsuppliesuk.com; for clip-on candleholders, try etsy.com or amazon.com

FABULOUS FLOWERS Use a floral foam wreath to create a luxuriant design to hang or use as a centrepiece. TO MAKE 1 If you’re planning to hang the wreath, first tie string or florist’s wire onto it and make a loop at the top for hanging it up. 2 Water the foam wreath well, then start inserting the flowers and foliage. Cover up any string, or florist’s wire you may have used, and build up to create a beautiful arrangement. WHERE TO BUY For ﬂoral foam wreaths and ﬂorist’s wire, try hobbycraft.co.uk

+ QUICK TIP

Water the wreath regularly so the foam remains constantly damp. This should help the ﬂowers stay fresh for longer. Replace any faded stems with fresh ones if necessary.

SITTING PRETTY Make your guests feel special with this lovely place setting that includes a fresh flower and a notebook they can keep. TO MAKE 1 For a rustic look, use a birch bark napkin ring – you can buy these ready-made or make your own using birch bark sheets, available from craft shops. If you’re making them, cut a strip to size and glue the ends together to form a ring. 2 Place a napkin in the ring and add a single fresh flower and some small sprigs. 3 Place the napkin ring on top of a notebook – you could write a personalised message inside for an extra-special touch. WHERE TO BUY For birch bark napkin rings and sheets, try etsy.com; for similar baubles, try heavenlyhomesandgardens. co.uk; for napkins, try aerende.co.uk; for notebooks, try Hay at hauslondon.com

MAKE IT MAGICAL

A LITTLE BEAUTY Keep flower arrangements looking good throughout the season by hand tying with string before placing in a vase. TO MAKE 1 Gather the flowers together and remove any leaves from the lower part of the stems to avoid them sitting in water. 2 Assemble the flowers in your hand and build up the

arrangement, adjusting until youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re happy with how it looks. 3 Hold the arrangement in place by tying the stems together with string. 4 Trim the stems at an angle before placing in a vase. WHERE TO BUY For a similar glass vase, try ikea.com; for small wooden crates, try etsy.com; bauble, as before

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 137

MAKE IT MAGICAL

ALL LIT UP If your interior style has a bit of an industrial edge, this stunning arrangement will fit in perfectly. TO MAKE 1 Line a wooden box with plastic or buy a ready-lined box. 2 Add some soaked floral foam. Insert candles securely into the foam, then add flowers to create your display.

PHOTOGRAPHY KIRA BRANDT/HOUSE OF PICTURES PRODUCTION AND CAPTIONS BENTE HALKJÆR/HOUSE OF PICTURES COMPILATION AND WORDS SARAH KEADY

WHERE TO BUY For a similar wooden box, try wayfair.co.uk; for similar beaded star decorations, try notonthehighstreet.com; for ﬂoral foam and cones, try hobbycraft.co.uk or etsy.com

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SHAPING UP WELL Sticking to a single type of flower or foliage can create a really striking effect. TO MAKE 1 Make the frame from sturdy wire or buy a ready-made frame. (If you’ve opted for fresh flowers, a florist’s foam frame will ensure blooms stay looking good for longer as you can keep it damp.) 2 If using a wire frame, wrap floral tape around the wire and attach flowers or foliage with flower thread or florist’s wire; if

using a floral foam frame, water well first, then insert flowers. 3 For a neat finish, gently tuck the stems of the flowers added last under the flowers that were attached first. 4 To hang up the wreath, attach some string or wire and tie a loop at the top. Depending on the shape and the flowers used, you may want to do this before you start attaching them. WHERE TO BUY For ready-made wire wreaths, try hobbycraft.co.uk HB

Natural selection Flowers and foliage used in these arrangements include poppy anemones, astrantias, Geraldton wax flowers, hydrangeas and eucalyptus.

FABULOUS FLOWE RS

A beautiful bouquet created by JamJar Flowers, featuring soft pink roses, trailing foliage and scented eucalyptus

Sent with love Looking for the perfect gift for Christmas? Why not say it with ﬂowers… here are a few of our favourite online ﬂorists offering bouquets, blooms, wreaths and more 140 housebeautiful.com/uk

BLOOM & WILD Best known for its innovative ‘letterbox bouquets’, Bloom & Wild works with ethical flower farms around the world to source the best quality blooms. Founder and CEO Aron Gelbard was inspired to set up the company, which also offers a flower-subscription service, after seeing the success of Graze, the snacks-through-theletterbox company: ‘I wondered if the same sort of idea and packaging might work for flowers too. I went around London with a notebook and ruler, measuring thousands of letterboxes – three months later we launched our first collection.’ Bloom & Wild has three distinctive Christmas ranges this year. Zoë Marie Williams, head of creative, explains: ‘Woodland Wonders is for the Scandi lovers, with abundant foliage in luscious greens, woody textures, aromatic scents and winter berries; Boughs of Jolly, with its sweet-wrapper brights and metallics, is the collection for maximalists, with pops of colourful blooms set among glittering grasses and golden dried stems; while Traditional Tidings captures the festive spirit and everyone’s favourite traditions. You’ll find everything from mulled-wine hues to seasonal scents, such as clementine, cinnamon and clove, nestled in this collection.’

BLOOM & WILD’S CHRISTMAS HOME STYLING Lead florist Caroline Grimble says: ‘Go all out with your floral styling! Try cutting down the flowers and seed heads from a bouquet and placing them in mini milk bottles or jam jars. Pop them down the centre of your dinner table, then weave in a mix of Christmas baubles and coloured ribbons to finish.’ bloomandwild.com

Bloom & Wild’s Christmas collection includes contemporary bouquets (above) alongside quirky pieces, such as the tiny Twinkle Tree (left)

JAMJAR FLOWERS A pretty Dickensian yard in Kennington, south London, is home to the bijou and beautiful JamJar Flowers. The creation of Melissa Richardson (right) and Amy Fielding, JamJar’s signature style – charming bundles of seasonal blooms arranged in jam jars, pickle jars and enamel buckets – was inspired by the gardens and woods surrounding Melissa’s childhood home in Sussex. The talented duo supply flowers to many of the capital’s top restaurants, and have also expanded the business to include the JamJar Edit, a collection of quirky botanical gifts and handcrafted vessels and vases. ‘Christmas is a special time for JamJar,’ says Melissa. ‘We like to reflect the best of British winter hedgerows in our arrangements and include things like dried flowers, seed heads, twisted willow and old man’s beard.’

MELISSA & AMY’S CHRISTMAS HOME STYLING Informality and seasonality are the hallmarks of JamJar Flowers’ arrangements, as can be seen in this wreath featuring winter berries and seedheads

For our table it will be lovely hellebores with luscious roses and anemones, and evergreen foliage and berries. We also like deliciously scented narcissi and hyacinths in pots that can be planted in the garden after they’ve flowered. For colours, we favour pure white and cream with blush and sage green, and occasional injections of deep luxurious plums and reds. jamjarﬂowers.co.uk (London delivery only) House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 141

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ARENA FLOWERS

JOHN’S CHRISTMAS HOME STYLING

Sustainability and a principled outlook are at the very heart of this brand. ‘Our luxury bouquets are lovingly packed and delivered direct to your door in 100 per cent compostable and recyclable packaging,’ says John Hackett, Arena’s managing director. John is justifiably proud of the company’s ethical credentials: ‘We include Fairtrade flowers whenever possible, and pledge to plant a tree and donate £1 to Women’s Aid for every order placed. We believe flowers are the best and most wonderful way to spread happiness and keep friends and family connected.’

For festive favourites such as amaryllis, cut each stem to the same length, then place evenly around the rim of a vase working from the outside in, crisscrossing the stems as you go. Place your arrangement somewhere cool, away from heat, draughts, fruit or vegetables. To preserve your Christmas flowers, dry them by either letting the water evaporate out of the vase completely or hanging them upside down in a cool dry place. Once dried, they will look gorgeous in a vase by themselves or used in wreaths with other dried flowers. arenaﬂowers.com

WORDS AMANDA MORGAN COMPILED BY SARAH KEADY ILLUSTRATIONS GETTY

Pine cones, sprigs and scarlet berries make up Arena Flowers' traditional festive wreath

FABULOUS FLOWE RS

FLOWERBX If it’s chic and simple you’re after, check out Flowerbx’s hand-picked blooms with a twist. ‘We create single-variety flower arrangements in a bunch rather than traditional mixed bouquets,’ says Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, the creative voice behind the brand. With a background in fashion (she formerly worked at fashion house Tom Ford), Whitney sees flowers as the finishing touch to a room in the same way a bag completes an outfit. ‘We focus on quality, sustainability and, above all, seasonality. All our flowers come straight from the grower and are cut to order so they stay fresh for longer, making them the perfect gift.’

WHITNEY’S CHRISTMAS HOME STYLING I like to keep things seasonal and tonal. And I always go for a garland – they’re long-lasting and so versatile. Our garlands look amazing on a mantelpiece or a bannister, or styled down the middle of a table. When it comes to flowers, my favourite way to create an eyecatching centrepiece is to group a bunch of one type of seasonal flower together – the more the better. Stick to this simple idea and it’s hard to go wrong. ﬂowerbx.com

SEASONAL STARS Can’t choose between flowers or foliage for your festive styling? Go for both – and plenty of it! THE FLOWERS Poinsettia The red ‘flowers’ are not flowers technically, but bracts. This festive favourite (left) looks stunning when styled in groups of three. Cream varieties are also available. Amaryllis Tall and stately, these elegant blooms come in a variety of shades from winter white to ruby red. Christmas rose As its name suggests, Helleborus niger, with its large white flowers, blooms around Christmas time, making it the perfect choice for your winter home. Hyacinth Add a splash of colour to your room with these delightfully scented blooms. Place in a cool, bright spot to keep them looking their best. Hydrangea The large, multi-petalled mophead hydrangeas make a stunning centrepiece when fresh, and you can use the dried heads in pretty mixed wreaths.

THE FOLIAGE Mistletoe It wouldn’t be Christmas without mistletoe (left). Its evergreen leaves and abundant white berries will stay fresh for a few weeks after harvesting. Eucalyptus Bluish-green in colour with a slight tinge of silver, the slender leaves have a delightful piney scent and are wonderful woven into garlands and wreaths. Holly With its deep green, prickly leaves and bright red or black berries, this seasonal staple is a must for wreaths. Ivy You can’t have holly without ivy. Use it in garlands and wreaths, trailing out of arrangements, or to surround candles on a platter for a decorative centrepiece. Pussy willow The dried stems of the Salix discolor are covered in fuzzy catkins. Place in a clear glass vase or jar and weave through with fairy lights for a twinkling display.

THE POTTED PLANTS Bring the garden inside with our pick of best potted plants for Christmas

Flowerbx’s garland brings some Christmas magic to a mantel (above), while a seasonal candle is set among scented dried fruits (left)

Cyclamen These hardy plants (left) provide colour from late winter to early spring and like a position with lots of natural light. thompson-morgan.com Christmas cactus Flowering from late November to late January, Schlumbergera prefer semi-shaded spots and will reward you with a riot of colourful blooms. prickldn.com Cymbidium Flowering from mid-autumn to mid-spring, this orchid thrives in cool temperatures. mcbeansorchids.com Gardenia With deep green foliage and showy flowers, these are perfect for south-facing windows. thompson-morgan.com Jasmine A scented climber with pretty flowers, this makes a statement in sheltered porches or conservatories. crocus.co.uk

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 143

TO REMEMBER Big parties may be out this year, but we can still celebrate the season in style. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to add a dash of panache to even the smallest of get-togethers

W I N T E R E N T E R TA I N I N G

he festive season will be a little quieter for many of us this year, but that’s all the more reason to make the time we do spend with our loved ones feel extra special. Whether it’s a games evening with snacks and nibbles or seeing in the New Year with canapés and cocktails, we’ve got some ideas to help you turn a small gathering in your own home into a night to remember. From personalised table stationery to a wellstocked home bar, here are a few of the magic ingredients that will help get the party going...

MAKE IT PERSONAL No matter how small or informal your celebration, you can create a sense of occasion by using menus and place cards. ‘Table stationery has become increasingly popular, and offers an easy way to create a more personal and memorable experience,’ says Jennifer Grant, founder of stationery studio Romeo & Jules. ‘We’ve created a series of ready-to-write menus and place cards in a variety of colours and patterns, in packs of two or six to reflect our “new norm”. The cards arrive blank and offer a chance to show off your best scribing skills!’ A tip for designing your own festive table stationery is to make it personal to you by picking out a particular element of your home – such as a colour scheme or an interesting feature like a fireplace. And don’t forget to hold back a spare menu for a scrapbook or memory box to recall those special moments in years to come.

At Home place cards and menus, from £6, Romeo & Jules

DINING IN IS THE NEW DINING OUT Create an atmospheric restaurant experience at home by treating yourself to some gorgeous new tableware

1 Patterned tablecloth, £19.99, H&M Home 2 Rosa linen napkins in Mustard, £40/four, Soho Home 3 Antique Brass tealight holder, £9, Rose & Grey 4 Sahara Pink carafe, £15, Sainsbury’s Home 5 Napkin rings by Nkuku, £30/four, Amara 6 Radicchio oval platter, £50, Liberty 7 Havana goblet in Amber, £48/four, Soho Home 8 Antonia napkins in Apricot, £44/six, Neptune

8 7

1 6

3 5

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 145

House Beautiful Long Beach velvet sofa, £2,299; footstool, £399; both DFS

5 WAYS TO SET THE MOOD Thanks to the events of this year, we’ve all become a little more intimately acquainted with the inside of our homes, which can make it difﬁcult to see your space in a celebratory light. Try these ideas to help get you in the party spirit REORGANISE YOUR FURNITURE This will do wonders to revitalise your space. If your dining table is normally tucked against a wall or into a corner, bring it into the centre of the room just for the night and dress it beautifully. Or if your evening’s main event is a quiz, arrange your seating to allow different teams to sit together.

SWITCH UP YOUR LIGHTING Think back to a great party or an evening spent in your favourite restaurant, and recall how lighting plays a huge part in creating atmosphere. Turn the lights down low, and consider repositioning table lamps from elsewhere in the house to get the mood just right. Candlelight is perfect for that warm, festive glow, and strings of fairy lights can be dotted around for added sparkle.

DON’T HOLD BACK Even though there may not be so many of you this year, take the same pleasure

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DECK THE HALLS 1

as you usually would in decking out your home with bunting and festive decorations. Fresh flowers always help to make a space feel extra-special too. DON’T FORGET THE MUSIC If you’re struggling to decide which tunes to play at your party, music-streaming platforms such as Spotify offer a wealth of playlists to suit every mood. Whether you’re planning a 1980s-themed disco or want to recreate a French fine dining experience, a good soundtrack is crucial.

ADD SEASONAL SCENTS A festive home fragrance will immediately conjure up a Christmassy mood. Choose something warming and comforting. Classic high street scents for this time of year include Yankee Candle’s Christmas Collection, starting from £1.99 for a votive, or The White Company’s Winter Collection, from £8 for a fragrance oil.

1 Rose Gold floral paper fan decorations, £9.99/five, Ginger Ray 2 Gold foil confetti balloon, £3.99/five, Party Pieces 3 Silver glitter star mini garland, £9, Meri Meri

W I N T E R E N T E R TA I N I N G

CUPS OF CHEER

RAISE THE BAR A well-stocked bar is a key component of any festive celebration. First, designate a specific area – a drinks trolley, console or coffee table, or even your kitchen worktop. Gather basic equipment and ingredients together ahead of time. If you’re serving cocktails, you’ll need to equip your bar area with a cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer and muddler, along with a selection of jugs and pretty glassware. Choose your drinks wisely – a couple of key spirits and mixers, alongside beer, wine and soft drinks will be plenty to create some delicious drinks. And finally, don’t forget to stock your bar with lots of ice kept chilled in a stylish bucket. Swoon Cole glass bar cart, £199; Firecracker lights, £30; Peacock Feather champagne ﬂutes, £9 each; gin goblets, £25/two; Peacock Feather gin glasses, £10 each; Peacock Feather highball glass, £10; Peacock Feather tumblers, £9 each: all John Lewis & Partners

CRANBERRY SPICED PUNCH This chilled festive punch makes a nice change from warm versions. Serve over ice with fresh, tangy cranberries that pop when you bite into them. For an extra twist, try mixing in orange juice, fresh orange slices and a splash of prosecco. SERVES 6-8

dried cranberries in the whisky overnight)

400ml whisky 1L cranberry juice 3tbsp vanilla essence 3tbsp maple syrup 200g fresh cranberries (If you can’t ﬁnd fresh, infuse 150g

1 Mix all the ingredients with some ice in a jug or punch bowl. 2 Serve in cups or glasses with extra ice and cinnamon sticks.

CUCUMBER & GINGER SPARKLE The simple refreshing addition of thinly sliced cucumber to this fizzy vodka and ginger beer tipple brings a touch of understated elegance. Look for low-sugar ginger beer if you want a healthier option. SERVES 6-8 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced lengthways 3 limes, cut into thin wedges Handful of mint leaves, torn 3tbsp sugar syrup 300ml vodka Ginger beer

1 Divide the cucumber slices, lime wedges and mint between glasses. Mix the sugar syrup and vodka together in a jug. 2 Pour equally between the glasses and muddle to infuse the flavours. Top with ice and ginger beer to add the sparkle.

Taken from Cocktails & Canapes by Kathy Kordalis (£12.99, Hardie Grant). Photography by Jacqui Melville

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 147

Whether you’re serving it as a ﬁnale to a delicious meal or as part of a relaxed, buffet-style feast, a selection of cheeses always goes down well. Leading cheesemonger Paxton & Whitﬁeld has been in the business for over 200 years – we asked its head of retail, Hero Hirsh, for her guide to creating the perfect cheeseboard…

it. Your cheeseboard should always be a continuation of what has gone before.

INCLUDE DIFFERENT STYLES, TEXTURES AND FLAVOURS The winning formula is a hard cheese, a blue cheese and a soft cheese, plus a wild card thrown in – something that’s slightly different or surprising, to excite the tastebuds.

ADD ACCOMPANIMENTS Quince paste is very versatile and goes particularly well with Manchego. Honey is also a great accompaniment and can be drizzled over various types of cheese for added sweetness – it’s heavenly with a hard sheep’s milk cheese like pecorino. A good chutney is a must, and fresh fruit such as grapes or apples work beautifully as a palate cleanser between cheeses.

CONSIDER THE OTHER FOOD YOU’RE SERVING If the menu prior to the cheeseboard is heavy and rich, think about selecting cheeses that have a strong flavour to complement

CHOOSE YOUR TIPPLE It’s traditional to drink red wine or port with a cheeseboard, but there are so many other options. Blue cheese goes very well with a sweet wine like Monbazillac. My

LESS IS ALWAYS MORE I’d recommend three to four cheeses so you don’t overload the palate. The trick at Christmas is to buy fewer, but bigger cheeses, as they’ll store much better and last the duration of the festive period.

favourite wine to serve with a selection of cheeses is a white Burgundy, as it has a good body but doesn’t dominate. Non-alcoholic beer also gives great flavour to a cheeseboard – I’d recommend trying small artisan breweries for something unique. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX Don’t be afraid to choose a cheese you haven’t tried before – there are so many great varieties out there. Stichelton is top of my Christmas list this year – we’ve been buying it directly from its maker, Joe Schneider, for 22 years. Made on the northern borders of Sherwood Forest, it has complex flavours that change with the season and develop with age. It’s creamy, buttery and a little spicy – perfect alongside nutty, savoury flavours.

FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE

COMPILED BY ALICIA FORD AND AMY NEASON PHOTOGRAPHS CAMERA PRESS; ALAMY; DEBBIE TRELOAR; GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK PHOTO

THE ART OF CHEESE

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HOMEMADE GIFTS

THANK YOU FOR HAVING US! Looking for the perfect present for your host? Take inspiration from these easy ideas and wow them with something you’ve made yourself

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Add a few beads or sprigs of greenery for a lovely effect. Pull twine through the prepared hole and thread a bead onto it on either side. Hold the beads in place by tying the twine in knots, then tie the ends together to form a loop.

Salt dough decorations

to be rediscovered and reminisced over next Christmas.

All the rage in the 1980s, salt dough decorations, are now ready for an update. The dough is quick and easy to make and fun for children to work with. It can be made into great gifts, and can be stored with other decorations, only

YOU WILL NEED 300g flour (white for light-coloured decorations or wholemeal for darker ones) 220g fine salt 250ml water 1tbsp sunflower or canola oil 90g potato flour

(optional, but it makes the dough more pliable) Twine (or ribbons), for threading 1 Preheat the oven to 130°C/ 110°C fan/gas mark ½. Add all the ingredients to a bowl, combine and knead well. 2 Once the salt dough is soft and pliable, roll it out to about 5mm thick. Use your favourite cookie cutters to cut out the dough, then transfer your shapes onto a baking tray

lined with greaseproof paper. 3 Use a toothpick to make holes for attaching twine or ribbons later. Make sure you place the hole far enough from the edges so there’s no danger of the decoration tearing. 4 Transfer to the oven and bake for about 30min. Once cooled, the decorations will turn hard so you can paint or decorate them if you wish. Thread with twine or ribbon, then they’re ready to hang.

Double chocolate cookies What food is essential for the Christmas spirit? Chocolate, of course! These pretty cookies will delight chocolate lovers. MAKES ABOUT 20 YOU WILL NEED 100g cold butter 100g sugar ½tsp ground vanilla 150g spelt ﬂour, plus extra for dusting ½tsp baking powder 4tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 50g ground almonds 2 eggs 50g white cooking chocolate 1 Preheat the oven to 175°C/ 155°C fan/gas mark 3. Dice the

cold butter and place in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook (or use an electric hand whisk). 2 Add the sugar, ground vanilla, flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, ground almonds and eggs to the bowl. Quickly combine to make a smooth dough. 3 Roll out the dough about 5mm thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut out your favourite shapes with a cookie cutter and transfer to a baking tray lined with baking paper. 4 Bake the cookies for about 12min. Remove from the oven then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely. 5 Roughly chop the chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water to melt. 6 Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag with a narrow nozzle and use to decorate the cookies. Store in an airtight container.

Toasted pumpkin seeds These homemade savoury nibbles would make an excellent gift for friends and family who don’t have a sweet tooth. They’re also ideal for movie nights spent under a cosy blanket at home. MAKES 1 SMALL GIFT BAG YOU WILL NEED 250g pumpkin seeds 2tsp brown sugar 2tsp sea salt ½tsp garlic powder ¼tsp sweet paprika 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper 2tsp coconut oil 1 Preheat the oven to 150°C/130°C fan/gas mark 2. Spread the pumpkin seeds on a baking tray lined with a sheet of greaseproof paper. Toast in the oven for about

5min, until they start to pop. 2 Combine the sugar, salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper and coconut oil until it forms a paste. Mix with the roasted pumpkin seeds, stirring until well coated. 3 Return the pumpkin seeds to the oven for another 5-10min. Remove from the oven and transfer to a bowl to cool completely. 4 Kept in a sealed sterilised jar, such as a preserving jar, the toasted seeds will keep for about 1-2 months.

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Feel free to be creative with the ﬂavours and use any seasoning mix that’s to your taste. Curry powder goes very well with pumpkin seeds, for example. House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 151

White chocolate, cinnamon and almond crackles These crackles are a perfect mix of fragrant cinnamon and white chocolate. If you want to give them as a gift, make enough for yourself too, or they might never make it to the intended recipient! MAKES ABOUT 20 YOU WILL NEED 100g slivered almonds 200g white cooking chocolate 4tbsp puffed quinoa ½tsp ground cinnamon 1 pinch sea salt 1 First, toast the slivered almonds in a dry frying pan over a medium heat until they’re lightly coloured. 2 Roughly chop the white chocolate, then add to a

+ TOP TIP

Prepare a few jars at a time so you’ll have enough of this beautifully festive scent for several gifts or rooms

heatproof bowl sitting over a saucepan of simmering water. Allow to melt. 3 Combine the quinoa puffs and almonds with the cinnamon and salt. Stir the mixture into the melted chocolate. 4 Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. Use a teaspoon to scoop spoonfuls of the chocolate and almond mixture onto the tray and leave to set completely. 5 Transfer the crackles to pretty boxes or a cookie tin. They will keep for 1-2 months if they’re tightly sealed.

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For a really thoughtful gift, why not adapt this recipe to include the recipient’s favourite nuts and spices?

Christmas scent A delicate, festive aroma can create an inviting atmosphere in any room and will quietly accompany us throughout the Advent season. Make this version as a lovely gift, or as a treat for yourself. YOU WILL NEED ½ orange 1 preserving jar (about 600ml) 2 cinnamon sticks About 10 cloves 3 star anise 1 Thinly slice the orange and add the slices to the jar. Add the remaining ingredients, carefully fill the jar with boiling water and immediately seal it. Set aside for about 3 days to allow the aroma to develop. 2 To use, open the jar and place it in a warm spot or on top of a tealight warmer to allow the aroma to spread.

Watercolour Christmas cards A handmade card will always be cherished – and, not only are they fun to make, they’ll make the recipient feel truly appreciated too. Give it a go! YOU WILL NEED Fine pencil Eraser A5 watercolour paper Glass of water Small paintbrushes Watercolours in white and shades of green Mixing palette Fine dark green or black felt tip pen 1 First, sketch out a Christmas tree on the watercolour paper using a fine pencil. 2 Now carefully dampen the surface you want to paint on with a little water. Dip your paintbrush into water and then

HOMEMADE GIFTS

Personalise your Christmas cards for a special touch

into your watercolours to mix the shade of green you want on your palette. Start painting in thin strokes along the outer contours of the tree and let the colour bleed inwards. 3 Gently brush the water across the areas to be filled to spread the colour. Be careful not to use too much water, otherwise it will become difficult to control the spread of the colour. Use gentle, dabbing strokes of the brush and a little of a different shade of green to add in the branches 4 Leave the watercolour to dry. If you like, you can apply a few highlights to put the finishing touches to your work of art. Finally, dot the upper edges of the branches with white paint and add greetings of your choice using a fine pen and your best handwriting. HB

For more ideas, see Advent: Recipes and crafts for the countdown to Christmas by Laura Fleiter with photography by Kerstin Niehoff (ÂŁ12.99, Murdoch Books)

WELLNESS

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a tough year for all, but the cold, frosty winter season is the perfect time to stop, press pause and think about plans for the future, says wellbeing writer Jane Alexander

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s we move towards deep winter, there’s a hush, a stillness, that descends. Once the frenzy of Christmas has passed, the promise of a new year beckons. It’s the time of hibernation and for hunkering down. The days are short and the prospect of spring seems a world away. This is the quiet time, the resting time,

when nature withdraws in on itself and waits, slumbering. If we’re sensible, we’ll follow that example and use the winter season as a time to pause and reﬂect – a time for looking back over the year that has passed and nurturing our dreams for the one to come. And, given the year we’ve just had, this process is likely to be even more meaningful and transformative than ever…

BE GENTLE ON YOURSELF

Winter naturally makes us more contemplative and less outgoing so don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t as sociable as usual, or if you don’t feel the urge to race around being the life and soul of the party. Chances are that you will be all partied-out after the celebrations anyway, so cut yourself some slack. It may be cold outside but try to get out for some fresh air every day if you can. Notice small beauties – even when it’s grey and gloomy there are still wonders, such as the frost on a spider’s web and bright berries against evergreen leaves.

Take some time for yourself whenever you can – regard it as an opportunity to recoup and replenish your energy reserves. O

Conserving your energy also means keeping yourself warm and snug – cosy up with extra blankets and throws, wear your favourite sweaters and heat-conserving hat and mittens on walks. O

Keep your diet warm too – this is not the time for chilly salads and icy smoothies and it’s absolutely not the right time to diet or detox (truly, ignore the lure of the ‘New Year, New You’ diet headlines and wait for spring). Winter is the season for warming soups and stews, for spicy chai lattes and cheeky fondues – back in favour after decades of snooty neglect. John Lewis & Partners has a nice selection including a chunky cast iron set for £49 (johnlewis.com). O

Conserving your energy a lso m eans keeping yourself warm and snug â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cosy up wi th extra blankets and throws, and wear your favouri te swea ters

COLD & CRISP Even in the depths of winter, try to get outside every day if you can 156 housebeautiful.com/uk

WELLNESS

MAKE DREAM LISTS, NOT RESOLUTIONS

We all know resolutions are prone to failure and, in any case, their puritanical focus on deprivation is dreary and depressing. Dump them and bring back the joyous bucket list instead. It needn’t be about wild far-ﬂung adventures, rather let your mind swirl around simple pleasure and ways of introducing micro-delights into your life. Play with vision boards, which possess a way of bypassing the critical mind and finding out what our subconscious really craves. Simply flick through magazines (or browse your Pinterest boards) and pluck out the images that hit your gut with that ‘that’s the one!’ instinct. Cut (or print) them out and stick to a large board or sheet of paper. Place them somewhere so they’re visible each day. O

As you collate these ‘dream images’, you may find certain homerelated themes emerging, such as a particular design style or location. While a new home or a renovation project might not be on the cards immediately, this exercise will sow the seeds for future plans and ideas for upcoming months. O

LOOK BACK – AND FORWARD This has been a tough year. We’ve all been affected by the pandemic in varying ways and many of us will emerge from 2020 as different people.

It’s worth casting your mind back to the year that has passed. What did you feel before, during, and after lockdown? What did you learn about yourself and your relationship with others, and about your relationship with the wider world? O

The new year is a natural time to think about what is really important in life, what is worth carrying forward into 2021, and what is best left behind. Many of us have had to rethink our relationships, our working lives and our homes. We’ve shed friends, shifted work patterns, and perhaps gained pets and new hobbies. We’ve come to realise what is important and what really doesn’t matter. O

Many of us have discovered the joy of simplicity and that limiting choice can reduce stress. How can you expand on these benefits in the year to come? Are there still changes you still need to make? O

MINDFULNESS AND MOVEMENT

Instead of starting the new year with a new gym routine, why not sign up for a mindful movement practice? Slow restorative yin yoga is tailor-made for winter. Check out a local or virtual class (yinyoga.com has a directory) or just try the simplest feelgood pose of all – legs up the wall. Lie on a mat or blanket and wriggle your bottom up to the wall then swing your legs up. Use cushions to make yourself comfy and settle in for 15 minutes or more. O

Qigong is another practice that fits well within this quiet, contemplative season. It’s said to date back over 5,000 years and combines breathing techniques with mental concentration and precise movements and positions. The real beauty of qigong is that you don’t need any level of physical fitness to start – it’s exceptionally simple (yet don’t be deceived – it’s powerful). See qigonginstitute.org/ directory for a list of teachers. O

RETHINKING JOY After the frenzy of Christmas, take some time to hunker down, look inwards and think about the year to come

SIMPLE THINGS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Try these gentle mood boosters for the dark days of winter. Be kind to yourself and instigate some self-care. Have a long lie-in (we need more sleep in winter – that’s excuse enough surely?). Book a massage, some reflexology or a holistic facial. Touch is vital to our wellbeing so, at the very least, give yourself a simple massage: focus on the neck and shoulders if you’ve been hunched over a desk or massage your feet before bedtime to summon restful slumber. O

This is the season for long languid baths, rather than short sharp showers. A warm bath has been shown to improve mood and emotional wellbeing, so make it a regular ritual. Take time out to indulge in regular pampering sessions using all those beautiful lotions and potions you received for Christmas. For more watery wisdom, read Bathe by Suzanne Duckett (£16.99, Lagom). O

If you know you’re prone to SAD (seasonal affective disorder), invest in a sunlight lamp. The Zest SAD & Wake-up Light (£125; lumie.com) offers five light levels and is compact enough to keep by your bed or on your desk. O

Invest in a daily mood lifter – the Positive Planner (£20; thepositiveplanners.com) is a diary meets DIY therapist with daily reflections, practical exercises and a mood tracker. O

Flex your creative muscles. Research shows that even a small amount of creativity can help us cope with stress, anxiety and depression. Check out Master Peace (masterpeace.studio) who offers wonderful at-home art kits (alongside sessions in London). Or check locally (try Facebook groups or Meetup) for classes in knitting, crochet, macramé, pottery and creative writing. It’s most certainly not about perfection or talent – it’s all about having fun. HB O

Jane Alexander (exmoorjane.com) is the author of over 20 books on wellbeing. For more seasonal tips and techniques see Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living – From Ayurveda to Zen, Seasonal Wisdom for Clarity and Balance (£14.99, Kyle Books).

GUIDING LIGHT Invest in daily mood boosters, even if it’s something as simple as lighting a few candles

WELLNESS

PHOTOGRAPHS HOUSE OF PICTURES/ANNABELLE ANTAS

This winter is the season for warming soups and stews, for spi cy cha i la ttes and cheeky fondues

SOUP DU JOUR This is not the time for chilly salads â&#x20AC;&#x201C; keep your diet full of warm and nourishing food

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 159

G A R D E N I N S P I R AT I O N

WINTER BERRIES Fruit-bearing shrubs and trees can reward you with a blaze of colour through the dark days of winter and bring a touch of home-grown magic to Christmas. Here are 12 beauties... WORDS STEPHANIE DONALDSON

1 160 housebeautiful.com/uk

1 COTONEASTER Cotoneaster x watereri is an adaptable semi-evergreen plant that can be grown as a large shrub, trained into a small tree or planted as a hedge. The variety ‘John Waterer’ sports a prolific crop of red autumn berries after its white summer flowers. Dwarf Cotoneaster horizontalis (seen opposite) is ideal for training against a fence in a smaller garden. C x suecicus ‘Juliette’ has scarlet berries and variegated foliage, while C ‘Exburiensis’ bears yellow berries.

2 CRAB APPLE

If there’s space for just one tree in your garden, the crab apple is a great choice and Malus x robusta ‘Red Sentinel’ is one of the best. In spring, myriad deep pink buds open to a snowstorm of scented white blooms, followed by a heavy crop of scarlet fruits that hang like rich glossy red cherries. These have the bonus of remaining on the tree long after leaf fall, and can look spectacular in snow.

BERRY COLOURFUL Once the leaves have fallen and much of the garden has been reduced to shades of grey and brown, jewel-bright berries are a spirit-lifting sight as they glow through the gloom and attract the attention of wildlife and gardeners alike. O Grow berry-bearing shrubs and trees in large pots or plant directly into the ground near a wall or fence so that you have something to train the branches along. Position so you can easily see the berries from your window for a deep-winter treat. O Birds and other small animals will also love the fruit, feeding on the vitamin and energy rich pith that surrounds the seed. O Some fruit disappears as soon as it ripens, particularly any with softer berries, including clerodendrum, callicarpa and

euonymus, while others such as cotoneaster, rose and pyracantha need frosts to soften and sweeten their fruit before they become palatable to wildlife. O Evergreen shrubs and trees generally bear red fruit that stands out clearly against the foliage. Red is most attractive to birds, so these berries are often (but not always) the ﬁrst to disappear. For a continuing, winter-long show, include a range of berry-bearing shrubs and trees, and choose those in a variety of colours – all will be eaten eventually, but you’ll get to enjoy the sight of them for a bit longer. And at this time of year, it’s a joy to bring branches indoors to add a hit of natural colour to the festive sparkle.

3 162 housebeautiful.com/uk

G A R D E N I N S P I R AT I O N

3 ROWAN Berries of the rowan or mountain ash range from white to pink, orange, red and brown, all of which persist after leaf fall and are popular with birds. Sorbus koehneana (opposite) is white-fruited with leaves that turn plum-purple before they drop. The best of the pinks is Sorbus pseudohupehensis ‘Pink Pagoda’, while the butter-yellowberried Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ has lovely autumn colour.

4 IVY Ivy berries may not be particularly showy but they’re a valuable winter food for birds. According to the RSPB website, the dry pith of the berries – ripening from November to January – contains nearly as many calories as a Mars bar. In spring, the flowers on mature plants are an essential source of food for insects, and the evergreen foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds.

5 BERBERIS Berberis wilsoniae (above) is a compact shrub with arching stems that bear coral-pink berries in autumn. Berberis ‘Georgei’ can reach up to

four metres, so is best trained against a wall or on its own as a focal point. An exceedingly prickly customer, berberis needs planting where it won’t inflict damage on unsuspecting passers-by. The many different varieties all bear fragrant yellow or orange flowers in spring.

6 CALLICARPA Understandably known as the beauty berry, Callicarpa bodinieri var giraldii ‘Profusion’ (top) is a striking shrub bearing large clusters of spectacular violet bead-like fruit that persist long after the leaves have fallen. Not a great favourite of many birds, this is one that just provides pure and very colourful enjoyment.

7 PYRACANTHA Also known as the firethorn, Pyracantha ‘Orange Glow’ is another prickly character, so wear thick gloves when handling. A mass of bright orange berries follows on from abundant white flowers in summer. It can be trained against a fence and makes an excellent, impenetrable hedge. Birds don’t find the berries very palatable, so they’ll stay on the plant well into winter until other food sources are exhausted. House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 163

8 HOLLY All aquifolium hollies are prickly and the Ilex aquifolium ‘Alaska’ (top) is no exception. Small white flowers are followed by vibrant red berries in autumn. For something less prickly, the variegated, red-berried Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Golden King’ is generally smooth-leaved. Japanese holly, Ilex crenata, however, is thornless, compact and bears black berries.

9 ROSE The red hips of Rosa glauca (above), popular with birds, contrast beautifully with its blue-green foliage and last into winter. In summer, this delicate rose bears small pink flowers on its arching and nearly thornless stems. It’s a good choice for the back of a mixed border or an informal hedge, as is the sturdier and decidedly thorny Rosa rugosa, whose far larger hips attract blackbirds and mistle thrushes. Different varieties bear fragrant yellow or orange flowers in spring.

10 CLERODENDRUM The harlequin glorybower, Clerodendrum trichotomum var fargesii, is a vigorous-spreading deciduous shrub that can grow to six metres in 164 housebeautiful.com/uk

height. Its fragrant white summer flowers, each enclosed in a deep red calyx, are followed in autumn by iridescent blue berries.

11 HAWTHORN Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ is a fine medium-sized hawthorn tree with rich red berries and bright autumn foliage. The berries and leaves drop early, but its spreading shape remains eyecatching throughout winter. Bear in mind the ‘thorn’ part of the name. In contrast, Crataegus pinnatifida var major ‘Big Golden Star’ is almost thornless and bears fruit nearly as large as crab apples, lasting well into winter. .

12 EUONYMUS

As well as striking pink fruit that splits open to reveal rich orange seeds, this reasonably compact spindle tree Euonymus hamiltonianus ‘Indian Summer’ has leaves that turn ruby-red in autumn. E hamiltonianus ‘Pink Delight’ carries a profusion of pink fruit with deep pink seeds, while ‘Popcorn’ has unusual pure white fruit with orange centres. It’s a good idea to prune out a quarter of the branches in summer to keep these shrubs open and make more of the berries. HB

PHOTOGRAPHS ALAMY; GETTY IMAGES; RICHARD BLOOM

G A R D E N I N S P I R AT I O N

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Abbey Garden, home to some 20,000 exotic plants, in the Isles of Scilly.

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WHERE TO BUY A

Simple Mess at Amara amara.com Amara 0800 587 7645; amara.com Andrew Martin 020 7225 5100; andrewmartin.co.uk Annabel James annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan anniesloan.com Argos Home 0345 640 3030; argos.co.uk Att Pynta 020 8692 2412; attpynta.com aker Ross bakerross.co.uk Barker & Stonehouse 0333 355 9397; barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bobby Rabbit bobbyrabbit.co.uk Brandts Indoor brandtsindoor.dk Bright Ideas Crafts brightideascrafts Broste Copenhagen brostecopenhagen.com Burleigh burleigh.co.uk ambridge Imprint 0797 440 4977; cambridgeimprint.co.uk Caroline Gardner 020 3010 1990; carolinegardner.com Catherine Tough catherinetough.co.uk Chalk Pink Linen Company chalkpinklinencompany.co.uk Charnwood 01983 537777; charnwood.com

Choosing Keeping 020 7613 3842; choosingkeeping.com Christmas Shop (The) thechristmasshop.co.uk Cielshop cielshopinteriors.com Contemporary Home (The) tch.net Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123; coxandcox.co.uk Croft Mill croftmill.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231; cuckooland.com Culinary Concepts culinaryconcepts.co.uk Curious Egg 01738 621111; curiousegg.com aylesford daylesford.com De Fire Ă&#x2026;rstider defireaarstider-shop.dk Debenhams 0344 800 8877; debenhams.com Design by Us design-by-us.com Design Vintage 01273 558675; designvintage.co.uk DFS 0808 149 3637; dfs.co.uk Dibor 0800 408 0660; dibor.co.uk Dobbies 0131 561 6406; dobbies.com Dowsing & Reynolds 0113 8199985; dowsingandreynolds.com

15 Dulux 0333 222 7171; dulux.co.uk Dunelm 0191 378 3151; dunelm.com bay ebay.co.uk Ella James 01572 759190; ellajames.co.uk Emma Bridgewater 0844 243 9266; emmabridgewater.co.uk Enchanted Floristry enchantedfloristry.co.uk Ethical Shop ethicalshop.org Etsy etsy.com & P Interiors fabricsandpapers.com Ferm Living fermliving.com Fil de Fer fildefercph.com Folded Side Project foldedsideproject.com Fortnum & Mason 020 7734 8040; fortnumandmason.com French Bedroom Company (The) 01444 415430; frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk arden Trading 01993 847334; gardentrading.co.uk Georg Jensen 020 7499 6541; georgjensen.com George Home 0800 952 3003; george.com Gilbert & Rose gilbertrose.com Ginger Ray 0845 680 2975; gingerray.co.uk Gisela Graham 020 7708 4956; giselagraham.co.uk Grace & Thorn 020 7739 1521; graceandthorn.com Graham & Green 01225 418200; grahamandgreen.co.uk Green Square greensquare.com Gubi gubi.com &M Home hm.com/gb Habitat habitat.co.uk Hambledon (The) thehambledon.com Happiness Store trouva.com Healâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 0333 212 1915; heals.com Hemming & Wills 0330 133 1233; hemmingandwills.co.uk Hobbycraft 0330 026 1400; hobbycraft.co.uk Home Luxe Co homeluxeco.com Homebase 0345 077 8888; homebase.co.uk

Homescapes 0121 3680 0051; homescapesonline.com Homesense 01923 473561; homesense.com Hudson Home hudsonhome.co.uk Hus & Hem 01531 631044; husandhem.co.uk Gigi 01273 775257; igigigeneralstore.com Ikea 020 3645 0000; ikea.co.uk Industville 020 7971 7871; industville.co.uk an Constantine 01270 821194; janconstantine.com Jim Lawrence 01473 826685; jim-lawrence.co.uk John Lewis & Partners 0345 604 9049; johnlewis.com Josephine Ryan Antiques 079 7333 6149; josephineryanantiques.myshopify.com itchen Craft 01216 041111; kitchencraft.co.uk Know & Love knowandlove.co.uk a Redoute laredoute.co.uk Lakeland 01539 488100; lakeland.co.uk Liberty 020 7734 1234; libertylondon.com Lights4fun 01423 816040; lights4fun.co.uk Linen Works (The) 020 3744 1020; thelinenworks.co.uk Little Botanical (The) 01243 756240; thelittlebotanical.com Lorna Syson 020 8465 9819; lornasyson.co.uk LSA International 01932 789721; lsa-international.com adam Stoltz madamstoltz.dk Made 0344 257 1888; made.com Maisons du Monde 0808 234 2172; maisonsdumonde.com Mapply mapply.co Marimekko marimekko.com Martin Huxford Studio 01903 740134; martinhuxford.com Matalan 0333 004 4444; matalan.co.uk

K L

Mater Design materdesign.co.uk Matilda Goad matildagoad.com Meri Meri 01242 575868; shopmerimeri.co.uk Mini Moderns minimoderns.com Myakka 0345 460 3122; myakka.co.uk ancy & Betty Studio 01227 506512; nancyandbetty.com Neptune 01793 427450; neptune.com Nkuku 0333 240 0155; nkuku.com Nordic House 01872 223220; nordichouse.co.uk Nordic Nest nordicnest.com Not on the High Street 020 3318 5115; notonthehighstreet.com ka 0333 004 2042; oka.com Oliver Bonas 020 8974 0110; oliverbonas.com Onske onske.co.uk Original BTC 01993 882251; originalbtc.com Other Letters otherletters.co.uk Oyoy Living Design oyoylivingdesign.com aint & Paper Library 020 7823 7755; paintandpaperlibrary.com Paper Parlour (The) thepaperparlour.co.uk Paperchase paperchase.co.uk Papermash 0740 360 7051; papermash.co.uk Party Delights partydelights.co.uk Party Pieces partypieces.co.uk Pepper Sq peppersq.com Perch & Parrow 020 8629 1166; perchandparrow.com

140

Pines & Needles pinesandneedles.com Pooky 020 7351 3003; pooky.com Price’s 01234 264500; prices-candles.co.uk Primark 020 7495 0420; primark.co.uk uill 020 7833 8562; quilllondon.com attan Company (The) therattancompany.co.uk Re 01434 634567; re-foundobjects.com Rebecca Udall rebeccaudall.com Ribbon Shop (The) theribbonshop.co.uk Rockett St George 01444 253391; rockettstgeorge.co.uk Romeo & Jules romeoandjules.studio Romo 01623 756699; romo.com Rose & Grey 0161 926 8763; roseandgrey.co.uk Rowen & Wren 01276 451077; rowenandwren.co.uk Royal Copenhagen royalcopenhagen.com Royal Doulton royaldoulton.com Rue Verte rueverte.dk Rug Seller (The) 0161 876 4566; therugseller.co.uk ainsbury’s sainsburys.co.uk Sarah K sarahk.co.uk Scandiborn 020 3143 0031; scandiborn.co.uk Scarlet & Violet scarletandviolet.com Smallable en.smallable.com Sofa.com 0345 400 2222 Soho Home 020 3819 8199; sohohome.com Sophie Allport 0845 017 7866; sophieallport.com Sophie Conran sophieconran.com Southbank Centre Shop 020 7921 0773; shop.southbankcentre.co.uk Steiff steiff.com

Q R

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24 Sweetpea & Willow 0345 257 2627; sweetpeaandwillow.com Swoon swooneditions.com alking Tables 020 7627 6767; talkingtables.co.uk Tapet Café tapet-cafe.dk Terracotta World terracottaworld.co.uk Tine K Home tinekhome.com Toast 0333 400 5200; toa.st Topps Tiles 0800 783 6262; toppstiles.co.uk Tori Murphy 0115 960 8472; torimurphy.com Trouva 020 7193 6444; trouva.com True Grace truegrace.co.uk K-DK uk-dk.co.uk Unto This Last 020 7613 0882; untothislast.co.uk

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anil vanil.co.uk Very 0800 092 3355; very.co.uk ayfair 0800 169 0423; wayfair.co.uk Wearth London wearthlondon.com Weaver Green 01548 431902; weavergreen.com West Elm 0800 404 9780; westelm.co.uk White Company (The) 020 3758 9222; thewhitecompany.com Wild at Heart wildatheart.com Wilko 0800 032 9329; wilko.com ankee Candle 0800 234 6169; yankeecandle.co.uk ara Home 0800 030 4238; zarahome.com

Y Z

IMPORTANT NOTE While we make every effort to quote correct prices of all merchandise, it’s possible prices may have changed since we went to press. We do our best to ensure firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, but the Editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfil obligations in all circumstances. Readers must therefore deal with them at their own risk. We regret free gifts, supplements, books and other items included with the magazine when sold in the UK are not available outside the UK. PRINTED AND BOUND by Walstead Group, Walstead Roche, Victoria Business Park, Roche, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 8LX. Distributed by Frontline Ltd, Peterborough Tel: 01733 555161. House Beautiful ISSN no. 0955-3533 is published monthly (11 times a year except January) by Hearst Magazines UK c/o USA/CAN Media Corp at 123A Distribution Way, Building H-1, Suite 104, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Periodicals postage paid at Plattsburgh, NY. POSTMASTER: Send North American address changes to House Beautiful, c/o Express Mag, PO Box 2769, Plattsburgh, NY 12901-0239. House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 177

My Christmas inspirations Sophie loves using decorations she’s collected over the years

SOPHIE CONRAN The interior designer, cook and author on how she hopes to be celebrating this festive season Christmas is a coming together of all my favourite things – decorating the house, cooking and, of course, celebrating together. We have a big family affair and, as there are so many of us, tend to have multiple celebrations at different family member’s houses. This year, although different, will still be magical, and we’ll still have our traditional Boxing Day buffet. There are many festive moments I look forward to. Trimming the tree is always fun; we’ll have champagne, canapés and much giggling as we decorate. I’ve got lots of favourite decorations and delight in trimming the tree – although I’m a bit bossy, so my helpers sometimes abandon me! And I always look forward to wrapping up the presents that I place in our Christmas stockings, using tissue paper in lots of different colours. I’m a huge collector of ceramics and tableware, and we get out the very best at Christmas. There are formal place settings, with place cards, napkins and lots of crackers. I like to have a big garland running down the centre of our dining table, filled with fairy lights and candles. Every year, we light a Chocolate Bomb – it explodes with a colossal bang and showers the table with sweets.

Red velvet bows and decorations feature all around Sophie’s home. The bauble above is from her Christmas collection and the berry and pine cone wreath is from Nikki Tibbles at Wild At Heart

178 housebeautiful.com/uk

MY HOME This year I’m looking forward to celebrating Christmas at my house in the country. I love decorating here – for the front door I’ll have a wreath from my friend Nikki Tibbles at Wild At Heart. I always have real trees and this year they’ll be from

Pines & Needles, the online delivery service – one main tree for the sitting room and five smaller ones for the balcony on the front of the house. The tree will be decorated in silver and red, and I’ll add faux berry branches to give extra texture. I love embellishing the banisters on the stairs, too, and tend to add more and more decorations as we get closer to the big day – I’m particularly keen on red velvet bows, so they’ll be everywhere!

MY INSPIRATIONS My team and I start planning our festive homeware collection a year in advance, straight after Christmas, in fact. This means the celebrations are fresh in everyone’s heads, which is perfect as I love to find out how everyone experiences Christmas and hear all about their own special traditions. The whole design journey is collaborative. Our design process is informed by several things. We like to know what our customers are doing and use social media to see how they’re enjoying our pieces in their homes. Their feedback is so important to us. Travelling to the Christmas trade fairs is always so inspiring, and it’s where we start to put everything together for the upcoming collection. We look at the festive issues of magazines from previous year for ideas, too. Of all the pieces in our Christmas collection, my favourite is the Mistletoe china. With its simple trailing design and obvious connotations of love, I believe that it has real year-round appeal. HB Find Sophie’s Christmas collection at sophieconran.com

INTERVIEW JAMES CUNNINGHAM

MY TRADITIONS

20%

OFF AT COX & COX T&CS APPLY

GIFT GUIDE

185+ BRILLIANT IDEAS INSIDE!

PRESENTS FOR

CONTENTS FOR HOME MAKERS Gifts for houseproud friends FOR GADGET FANS The latest kitchen kit FOR HAPPY HOSTS Pretty-yet-practical serveware FOR FOODIES Festive treats and tipples FOR COCKTAIL QUAFFERS Ultra-sophisticated barware FOR SLEEPING BEAUTIES Beautiful bedroom gifts FOR SPA LOVERS Luxe goodies for pampering FOR GREAT GARDENERS Green fingered gifts FOR PAMPERED PETS Don’t forget your furry friends 20 UNDER £20 Secret Santa: sorted FOR PLANNERS AND DREAMERS Stunning stationery 20% OFF AT COX & COX Great gifts and homewares

SARAH KEADY Style & Interiors Director

WHERE TO BUY Stockist details

LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN! Build up to the big day with a stylish calendar full of treats…

TOP SHOTS

SWEET SURPRISE

FESTIVE SCENTS

PAMPER PACKAGE

Premium Gin Collection, £39, Drinks By The Dram

The Grand Advent Calendar, £68, Hotel Chocolat

Advent Book, £39.99, Yankee Candle

Beauty Advent Calendar, £160, The White Company

PHOTOGRAPH JENNY LEWIS FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH TIA BORGSMIDT/HOUSE OF PICTURES/STYLING HONNING OG FLORA/HOUSE OF PICTURES

It’s probably an understatement to say that Christmas 2020 is likely to be one unlike any other! While there’s a chance our celebrations might be a little different this year, the one thing that remains the same is the importance of showing our loved ones how much we care. The fact that we may not be able to enjoy the festivities with our friends and family in person this year, means more thought than ever might be required when choosing presents for that special someone. We really do hope that the following pages of gift ideas, hand-picked by the House Beautiful team, will give you plenty of inspiration. You’ll ﬁnd fabulous treats for everyone – for foodies, for gardeners, for pet lovers – as well as gorgeous homewares. And given we’ve all been spending so much time at home this year, we’re sure you’ll also ﬁnd ideas to add to your own Christmas wish list! Wishing you and those close to you a happy – and safe – Christmas, and all the very best for the year ahead.

WINDOW SHOPPING Opal Cabinet, ÂŁ869; accessories from a selection; all Bloomingville

These stylish buys will be cherished gifts for houseproud friends and family

HANDWOVEN WITH HEART

LASTING BUNCH

Ikamba basket, £110, Akojo Market

Dried Grasses Bunny’s Tails, £12, Rose & Grey

MUSIC MEETS DESIGN

MODERN SCANDI STYLE

TOUCH OF LUXURY

Symfonisk Wifi speaker, £89, Sonos at Ikea

Gingham Chindi cushion, £70, Projektityyny

Lampett candle holder, £60, Nordic Nest

PRETTY IN PINK

LUSTWORTHY SCENT

ART LOVER

Spectrum pitcher, £36, Anthropologie

Chalk room diffuser, £100, Hæckels

Woven Abstracts 1 print, £18, Wonder & Rah

WISH LIST WONDER

TRINKET TRAY

Bench, £119.99, H&M Home

Decorative face plate, £75, The Conran Shop

4 housebeautiful.com/uk

COMPILED BY AMY NEASON

STRUCTURAL BEAUTY

KEEPS ON GIVING

SPECIAL TREAT

Large terracotta vase, £45, Rose & Grey

Bornn Enamel candle, £30, Domestic Science

Linen/mix throw, from £79, Heal’s

TALL ORDER

PERFECT PLATTER

Pot stand, £49.99, Zara Home

Safi basket tray, £49, La Basketry

STOCKING FILLER

RELAX AND RESET

ADDED TEXTURE

Small terracotta bud vase, £10, Arket

Refresh botanical mist, £16, Our Lovely Goods

Layla fabric wall hanging, £49.50, Oliver Bonas

TIME TO REFLECT

TREASURED HEIRLOOM

MARBLE MARVEL

Chene oak mirror with shelf, £149, Made

Jya candle holders, £52.35/three, Caravane

Remi table lamp, £49, Lights & Lamps House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 5

Give the gift of great kitchen kit to keen cooks and bakers

TABLE TOPPER Seasoning mill in Vintage Rose, Â£50, Cuisinart

COMPILED BY ALICIA FORD

COFFEE BREAK

LA DOLCE VITA

BonVivo Intenca stove top Italian espresso maker, £44.90, Amazon

Marcato Atlas 150 Wellness pasta machine, £99, John Lewis & Partners

CHOP CHOP

SAY CHEESE

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Mini Prep Pro in Vintage Rose, £50, Cuisinart

Cast-iron fondue set, £49, John Lewis & Ptnrs

Artisan K400 blender, £279, KitchenAid

EASY SQUEEZY

WELL TIMED

LIGHT AS AIR

Citrus Press Pro, £219, Sage

Echo wall clock, £29.99, Amazon

MilkEasy milk frother, £39, Lavazza

IN THE MIX

FRESHLY GROUND

RISE & SHINE

Breville HeatSoft hand mixer, £49.99, Lakeland

Spice mill, £25, Microplane

Barista Mini coffee machine, £299, Breville House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 7

Smart serveware and kitchen equipment for anyone who loves feeding a crowd

READY, STEADY, BAKE Festive Folk ceramic large mixing bowl, £15; pudding bowl, £8; turquoise silicone spatula, £2.50; pink silicone whisk, £4; ceramic measuring cups, £8; grey stand mixer, £25; glass jars with bamboo lids, from £7; cupcake case set, £2; pink stoneware dinner set (on shelf), £20; all Dunelm

SEASON’S BEST

COMPILED BY ALICIA FORD

Cole & Mason Marlow salt & pepper mill, £49.99, Lakeland

ON DISPLAY

CLEAN & TIDY

Marble cake stand, £45.95, Cielshop

Apron in Little Cress Claret, £70, Tori Murphy

WORKTOP WINNER

DISH UP

ONE-POT WONDER

Star-shaped marble trivet, £8, Next Home

Hai ramen bowls, £45/four, Made

3.3L cast iron casserole dish, £35, Argos Home

TIME FOR TEA

STAND UP

Retro ceramic milk jug and sugar pot, £18, Rose & Grey

Brompton cook book holder, £25, Garden Trading

DAIRY DELIGHT

PERFECT PLATTER

TABLE SERVICE

Personalised ceramic Cosmic butter dish, £57, Not On The High Street

Opole black marble serving board, £30, Habitat

Jermyn serving board/knife, £48, Soho Home House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 9

HEADER HERE

Delicious treats and festive tipples

GAME CHANGER Coloured Domino biscuits, Â£28, Not On The High Street

MARZIPAN MIX

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Niederegger Dessert Loaves, £10, John Lewis & Partners

The Christmas Treat hamper, £100, Fortnum & Mason

CHOCOLATE CANDLES

TASTE OF ITALY

HIMALAYAN GEM

Heston from Waitrose £9/five

Pandoro, £17.95 for 750g, Carluccio’s

Rivsalt rock salt with grater, £25, Amara

CITRUS & SAFFRON Fiasconaro x Dolce & Gabbana Sicilian panettone, £39.95, Sous Chef

TAKE A BREAK Marbled tea set, £60, Not-Another-Bill

HAVE A NIBBLE

ASSORTED LUXURY

FLORAL FAVOURITE

Shortbread biscuit tin, £12, National Trust Shop

Chocolate-coated almonds and coffee beans, £15, Rita Farhi

Cadbury Roses by Emma Bridgewater, £5.99, Waitrose House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 11

BAKE OFF

HUNKER DOWN

Sourdough bread-making kit, £39.50, Sous Chef

Fireside beer and cider hamper, £70, Daylesford

TASTY SELECTION

HAVE A CRACKER

LA DOLCE VITA

Vegan hamper, £24.99, Lakeland

Biscuits for Cheese tin, £19, Fortnum & Mason

Chitarra pasta by Rustichella, £12, Sacla

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

ALCOHOL-FREE

SWEET TREAT

FESTIVE SPIRIT

Caleño distilled spirit, £24.99, Amazon

Rose Petal Turkish Delight, £30, Daylesford

Edinburgh Christmas gin, £34.95, Master of Malt

12 housebeautiful.com/uk

COMPILED BY ALICIA FORD

24-drawer Advent calendar, £55, Playin Choc

NAME SURNAME PHOTOGRAPHS NAME SURNAME

Staying home doesn’t have to mean not raising a glass. Find something special for friends who like to mix it up

ROLL ON CHRISTMAS! Bar trolley, £330; barware and glassware, from a selection; all A by Amara

STYLISH SERVE

KEY TO SUCCESS

Sahara bar tray, £25, Sainsbury’s Home

Unlock Trouble cocktail stirrers, £60/six, Oka

COLD CALL

OPEN UP

Ice bucket and tongs set, £59, Marquis & Dawe

Bottle opener, £12, Hay at Nest

FANCY TOUCH

SHAKEN NOT STIRRED

COCKTAIL HOUR

Marseilles napkins, £48/four, Jonathan Adler

Cocktail shaker, £22.50, Oliver Bonas

Martini glass, £14, Rockett St George

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

GLASS ACT

SPIRIT LEVEL

Bar set, £59, Ella James

Dora champagne flutes, £35/four, Oliver Bonas

Jigger, £11.99, DrinkStuff

14 housebeautiful.com/uk

COMPILED BY JAMES CUNNINGHAM

TURN OF THE SCREW

BEAUTY BAR

Porter corkscrew, £43, Normann Copenhagen at Royal Design

Fabulous drinks trolley, £498, Audenza

HIT THE SPOT

CORAL CORK

PERFECT POUR

Party tumbler, £10, Zafferano at Heal’s

Bottle stopper, £15, The Grey Works

Wicker carafe, £35, LSA International

GREAT STRAIN

THE COCKTAIL DICTIONARY

COOL AS ICE

Hawthorn cocktail strainer, £14.50, La Gent

By Henry Jeffreys, £15.99, Mitchell Beazley

Hex whisky stones, £14.99/four, Uberstar

KEEP IT COOL

FINE JEWELS

Mercurial ice bucket, £34.99, BarCraft at Amazon

Celestial wine charms, £60/six, Joanna Buchanan at Amara House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 15

Dreamy ideas for someone who deserves to unwind in style

STARRY NIGHT Moon wall light in Antique Brass, Â£67, Pooky

COMPILED BY DAISY BENDALL

TAKE IT EASY

AEGEAN BLUE

A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES

Beurer diffuser mood lamp, £50, John Lewis & Ptnrs

Lisbon bedlinen, from £52, Also Home

Recycled silk wall art, £115, Rose & Grey

SHUT IT ALL OUT

ALL AGLOW

Seraphina cotton eye mask, £45, Liberty

&Tradition Setago table lamp, £89, Nordic Nest

BED WARMER

MIRROR MIRROR

BEDSIDE COMPANION

Cashmere hot water bottle cover, £135, Brora

Rubia metal freestanding mirror, £120, Habitat

Carafe by Maison Balzac, £52, La Gent

SPACE MAKER Freya large storage footstool, £249, House Beautiful Collection at DFS

GOLD VELVET

SLEEP TIGHT

Crinkle bedspread, £135, Oliver Bonas

Wanderflower pillow spray, £10, Wild & Wolf House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 17

Luxe goodies for anyone who enjoys a pampering session

BATHING BLISS Como Luxury organic cotton bath towels in Latte, Â£20 each, The Fine Cotton Company

COMPILED BY TILLY NATHAN

SCENT OF THE SEASON

PERFECTLY BUFFED

Midnight Musk & Amber perfume, £105, Jo Malone

Tabitha Eve self-care kit, £20, Wearth London

Winter diffuser, £27, The White Company

FLUFFY TOWELS

CREAM & LOTION DUO

PRECIOUS PIECES

Egyptian cotton bale, £50, John Lewis & Ptnrs

Winter Woodland handcare, £20, Neal’s Yard

Stacking trinket box, £29.50, Oliver Bonas

COOL AROMA

WRAP UP WARM

NATURAL GLOW

Waffle cotton dressing gown with embroidered initials, £75, The Fine Cotton Company

The Cambridgeshire Cassis & Vanilla Candle, £20, Home County Candle Co

RELAX & UNWIND

SQUEAKY CLEAN

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Bedtime Hero bath foam, £22, Neom

Body brush, £7.50, Neal’s Yard Remedies

Sacred Lotus & Jujube body scrub, £14.90, Rituals House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 19

Find something gorgeous for the sowers and growers in your life

GREAT GREENERY Sideboard, from ÂŁ2,884; vases, from ÂŁ24; all Neptune

COMPILED BY CAROLYN BAILEY

CLEAR WINNER

SPLASH OUT

FAB FOLIAGE

Recycled glass jug, £36, Graham & Green

Indoor watering can, £18, Labour & Wait

Golden Pothos (excl pot), £10, Leaf Envy

VEG PATCH

ALL OF A TWITTER

BAMBOO POTS

Bowl, £49.95, Emma Bridgewater

Bird box, £15.99, RSPB Shop

Herb planter set, £49, Cielshop Interiors

DIG IT

INDOOR/OUTDOOR GLOW

Trowel and fork, £18 each, The White Company

Glass lantern, £25, The White Company

PLAN A PLOT

SMART DISPLAY

TAKE A DIP

The Gardener notebook, £19.99, Papier

Planter, £249, Very Good & Proper

Glazed Bird Bath, £18, National Trust Shop House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 21

GARDEN STYLE

LOVE OF LINEN

Festive Foliage bouquet, £30, Bloom & Wild

Napkins, £85/six, Craft Editions

ANOTHER WORLD

GROW YOUR OWN

COVER UP

Canopy Garden, £40, LSA International

Broccoli seed pouch, £3, Daylesford

Canvas garden apron, £25, National Trust Shop

LIGHT THE WAY

SUBSCRIPTION BOX

Hurricane Lamp, £25, Labour & Wait

One year/three deliveries, £99, Rocket Gardens

NATURAL CURVES

KEEP POURING

TIME FOR TEA

Planter, £95, Tom Raffield

Pitcher, £45, Liberty

V&A tin mug, £12.99, Dobbies

22 housebeautiful.com/uk

Don’t forget to treat our furry friends this Christmas…

SLEEPY SAUSAGE Wicker pet bed, £145, Cox & Cox

MEOW MIX

GOOD DOGGO!

DINNER’S READY

Cat gift selection box, £25, Cheshire & Wain

Small Walkies pet tin, £19, Sophie Allport

Dog bowl, from £20.95, Emma Bridgewater

SOMETHING FOR THEM

HEALTHY TREATS

Hugo & Hudson dog bandana, £11.99, Dobbies

Carrot dog biscuits, £17.25, Mungo & Maud

A PLEA FROM THE HEART…

WALKIE TIME

360-DEGREE VIEWS

Feed Me recipe book, £20, Phaidon

Jade dog lead, £19, Reg & Bob

Round bird cage, £99, Omlet

FOR FROSTY MORNINGS

ALL-DAY LOUNGING

Quilted reversible dog jacket, from £65, Kintails

Maryn medium seagrass pet bed, £69, Made

24 housebeautiful.com/uk

COMPILED BY TILLY NATHAN

WINTER WARMER

CLEAN AS A WHISTLE

Wilmot dog jumper, £40, Lish London

Vegan shampoo bar, £5, Be:Loved at Not in the Dog House

KITTY HIDEAWAY

LEADER OF THE PACK

PRECIOUS CARGO

Teddy Bear cat bed, £12, Wilko

Herringbone dog collar, from £35, Cox & Cox

Milano small dog carrier, £130, Cloud7

FETCH & CARRY

SNUGGLY BUNNY

Mutts & Hounds tweed bone toy, £20, Amara

Reversible rabbit tunnel bed, £8.80, Amazon

FLOOF CONTROL

COSY COVER

KITTY KINGDOM

Small de-shedding brush, £10, Pet Teezer

Fleece blanket, from £45, Charley Chau

Kyali wooden cat climber, £199, Made House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 25

SUNNY DELIGHT Doolin Yellow patterned ceramic vase, £15, Habitat

OPEN UP

BAUBLES & BEADS

Bamboo handle bottle opener, £18, Rebecca Udall

Jewellery stand, £15, John Lewis & Partners

FOCAL POINT Golden Eye mirror, £19.95, Graham & Green

Gorgeous gifts that don’t cost the earth – perfect for Secret Santas

BOLD IMPACT Aloe in Yellow Planter, £9, George Home 26 housebeautiful.com/uk

SCULPTURAL STYLE

BATHTIME TREAT

Arch vase, £18, Rose & Grey

Verdant Alchemy Ascent bath salts, £12, Couverture & The Garbstore

DISH OF THE DAY

SIP PRETTY

Elzora turquoise and salt glaze small serving bowl, £12, Habitat

Palma glass tumblers, £15/two, Oliver Bonas

STYLISH STORAGE

COMPILED BY DAISY BENDALL

Rattan basket, £14.99, TK Maxx

BRASS BEAUTY

PITCHER PERFECT

Antique Brass tealight holder, £9, Rose & Grey

Striped ceramic jug, £14, Next

EXTRA TOUCHES Liesi soap dish, £12.50, Club Matters

BRIGHT IDEA

COFFEE MATE

Ribbed glass lamp, £14, George Home

Galaxy ceramic espresso mug, £7.50, Rose & Grey

SOFA UPDATE Scallop cushion, £12.99, Homesense

POLKA PRINT

NATURE’S BEST

La Cerise sur le Gateau zip-up pouch, £18, Couverture & The Garbstore

Wooden Leaf serving platter, £16, Rose & Grey

GOLD RUSH

TREASURE TROVE

Metal Bar coaster, £10/four, Sainsbury’s Home

Trinket dish, £15, John Lewis & Partners

House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 27

HEADER HERE

Beautiful stationery and notebooks are a joy for anyone who loves putting pen to paper

SPECIAL MESSAGES Jingle Bells card, Christmas Cottage card, Santa’s Coming card, £3.90 each; Elephant eraser, £2; vintage stamps, £4; all Katie Leamon

KEEP IN TOUCH

THE WRITE STUFF

Letter Set, from £18.95, Sleepy Bee Studio

Midori brass pen, £22, The Conran Shop

NOTEWORTHY SET

MAKE IT OFFICIAL

Pencils, £17, Sloane Stationery at Wolf & Badger

Clipboards, from £7.95, Domestic Science

ORDERLY FASHION

LOVE TO ORGANISE

PERFECT FOR PLANNING

Magazine file, £30, Pentreath & Hall

Vegan leather folio, £76, Quill London

Multifunction Journal in Olive, £15, Nappa Dori

LOOKING FORWARD

COMPILED BY AMY NEASON

Rifle Paper Co Calendar, £26, The Paper Parlour

DAILY MUSINGS

DREAM GIFT

Notebook by Matilda Goad, £19.99, Papier

Stationery Advent calendar, £89, Martha Brook House Beautiful DEC 2020/JAN 2021 29

Blue Mountain Spruce pre-lit Christmas tree, £375; baubles, from £18.50/six; Alpine Lodge tealight houses, £50/three; Indoor Outdoor Fabulous pre-lit pine garland, £75; Round rattan tub chair, £295; Agna Medium rug, £275; walls painted in No 903 Souris matt emulsion, £50/2.5L

COX & COX Create a home full of festive cheer with magical Christmas decorations, plus go for a stylish update with new furniture and homeware ranges

his winter, Cox & Cox delivers big on Christmas, with luxury faux trees, exclusive giftwrap, and special occasion tableware. Find beautiful wreaths and garlands to dress doors and mantels, a wealth of gorgeous decorations for your tree, and ambient indooroutdoor lights that will carry the magic through the house and beyond. Meanwhile, Cox & Cox’s range of homeware includes new freestanding kitchen furniture, clever dining solutions, stylish storage and decorative accessories that are contemporary, while having a timeless look you’ll love for years to come. And now you can decorate with Cox & Cox too, with its new luxury paint collection of neutrals and on-trend shades available in two finishes. Everything you need for a super-stylish home!

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR 20% DISCOUNT Visit housebeautiful.com/uk/offersdec20 to get your discount code T&CS Offer valid from 6 Nov 2020 to 3 January 2021. Promotional code is not valid against sale items, discounted items or gift vouchers. Only one promotional code can be used at any one time. Discount does not include shipping. For full terms & conditions please visit coxandcox.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.

WHERE TO BUY Your at-a-glance directory of suppliers featured in this supplement

PHOTOGRAPH ON BACK PAGE MARK SCOTT

Akojo Market akojomarket.com Also Home 01483 608611; alsohome.com Amara 0800 587 7645; amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Anthropologie anthropologie.com Arket 020 3868 9990; arket.com Audenza 0116 298 6393; audenza.com Be:Loved at Not in the Dog House notinthedoghouse.co.uk Bloom & Wild bloomandwild.com Bloomingville bloomingville.com/shop Brora 0345 659 9944; brora.co.uk Caravane caravane.fr Carluccio’s carluccios.com Charley Chau charleychau.com Cheshire & Wain cheshireandwain.com Cielshop Interiors cielshopinteriors.com Cloud7 cloud7.de/en Club Matters clubmatters.com Conran Shop (The) conranshop.co.uk Couverture & The Garbstore 020 7229 2178; couvertureandthegarbstore.com Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123; coxandcox.co.uk Craft Editions crafteditions.co.uk Cuisinart 0370 240 6902; cuisinart.co.uk Daylesford daylesford.com DFS 0808 149 3637; dfs.co.uk Dobbies 0131 561 6406; dobbies.com Domestic Science Home domesticsciencehome.co.uk Drinks by the Dram drinksbythedram.com Drinkstuff drinkstuff.com Dunelm 0191 378 3151; dunelm.com Ella James 01572 759190; ellajames.co.uk Emma Bridgewater emmabridgewater.co.uk Fine Cotton Company (The) theﬁnecottoncompany.com Fortnum & Mason fortnumandmason.com Garden Trading 01993 847334; gardentrading.co.uk George Home 0800 952 3003; george.com Graham & Green 01225 418200; grahamandgreen.co.uk Grey Works (The) thegreyworks.com H&M Home 0344 736 9000; hm.com/gb Habitat 0344 499 1111; habitat.co.uk Hæckels haeckels.co.uk

Heal’s 0333 212 1915; heals.com Home County Candle Co (The) homecountycandleco.com Hotel Chocolat hotelchocolat.com Ikea 020 3645 0000; ikea.co.uk Jo Malone 0800 054 2411; jomalone.co.uk Joanna Buchanan joannabuchanan.com John Lewis & Partners 0345 604 9049; johnlewis.com Jonathan Adler 020 7589 9563; uk.jonathanadler.com Katie Leamon 0753 905 0330; katieleamon.com Kintails kintails.com La Basketry labasketry.com La Gent la-gent.com Labour & Wait 020 7729 6253; labourandwait.co.uk Lakeland 01539 488100; lakeland.co.uk Leaf Envy leafenvy.co.uk Liberty 020 7734 1234; libertylondon.com Lights & Lamps lightsandlamps.com Lish London lishlondon.com LSA International 01932 789721; lsa-international.com Made 0344 257 1888; made.com Marquis & Dawe 01925 767611; marquisanddawe.co.uk Martha Brook marthabrook.com Master of Malt 01892 888376; masterofmalt.com Mitchell Beazley octopusbooks.co.uk Mungo & Maud mungoandmaud.com Nappa Dori nappadori.co.uk National Trust Shop 0300 123 2025; shop.nationaltrust.org.uk Neal’s Yard Remedies 01747 834698; nealsyardremedies.com Neom 01423 878810; neomorganics.com Neptune 01793 427450; neptune.com Nest 0114 243 3000; nest.co.uk Next 0333 777 8000; next.co.uk Nordic Nest nordicnest.com Normann Copenhagen normann-copenhagen.com Not on the High Street 020 3318 5115; notonthehighstreet.com Not-Another-Bill notanotherbill.com Oka 0333 004 2042; oka.com Oliver Bonas 020 8974 0110; oliverbonas.com

Omlet omlet.co.uk Our Lovely Goods ourlovelygoods.com Paper Parlour (The) thepaperparlour.co.uk Papier 0116 464 7180; papier.com Pentreath & Hall 020 7430 2526; pentreath-hall.com Pet Teezer petteezer.com Phaidon uk.phaidon.com Playin Choc playinchoc.com Pooky 020 7351 3003; pooky.com Projektityyny projektityyny.com Quill London 020 7833 8562; quilllondon.com Rebecca Udall rebeccaudall.com Reg & Bob regandbob.com Rita Farhi farhi.co.uk Rituals rituals.com Rocket Gardens rocketgardens.co.uk Rockett St George 01444 253391; rockettstgeorge.co.uk Rose & Grey 0161 926 8763; roseandgrey.co.uk Royal Design royaldesign.co.uk RSPB Shop shopping.rspb.org.uk Sacla sacla.co.uk Sage by Heston Blumenthal 0844 334 5110; sageappliances.co.uk Sainsbury’s Home 0800 636262; sainsburys.co.uk Sleepy Bee Studio sleepybeestudio.co.uk Smeg smeguk.com Soho Home 020 3819 8199; sohohome.com Sophie Allport 0845 017 7866; sophieallport.com Sous Chef sous-chef.co.uk TK Maxx 01923 473561; tkmaxx.com Tom Rafﬁeld 01326 722725; tomrafﬁeld.com Tori Murphy 0115 960 8472; torimurphy.com Uberstar uberstar.com Very Good & Proper verygoodandproper.co.uk Waitrose 0800 188884; waitrose.com Wearth London wearthlondon.com White Company (The) 020 3758 9222; thewhitecompany.com Wild & Wolf 01225 789909; wildandwolf.com Wilko 0800 032 9329; wilko.com Wolf & Badger woldfandbadger.com Wonder & Rah wonderandrah.co.uk Yankee Candle yankeecandle.co.uk Zara Home 0800 030 4238; zarahome.com

Director of Content/Editor Louise Pearce Supplement Editor Sarah Keady Special Projects Editor Elaine Grifﬁths Creative Director Barbora Hajek Art Editor Linsey Cannon Designer Laura Sheppard Design Intern Leo Terry Picture Director Patricia Taylor Picture Researcher Charlie Hedges Chief Sub-Editor Helen Bonthrone Sub-Editor Molly Price Homes & Gardens Director Carolyn Bailey Deputy Style & Interiors Editor Amy Neason Deputy Homes & Interiors Editor James Cunningham Lifestyle & Homes Writer Alicia Ford Homes & Style Assistant Daisy Bendall Homes Intern Tilly Nathan Chief Brand Officer (Lifestyle & Homes) Sharon Douglas CEO, Hearst UK/President, Hearst Europe James Wildman Published by Hearst Magazines UK, a trading name of The National Magazine Company Limited (Registered in England number 112955). Registered offices are at House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ. Corporate website: hearst.co.uk. © Hearst Magazines UK. Printed and bound by Walstead Group, Walstead Roche, Victoria Business Park, Roche, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 8LX. House Beautiful is distributed by Frontline Ltd, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 555161. IMPORTANT While we make every effort to quote correct prices, it’s possible that prices may have changed since we went to press. While we do our best to ensure firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, the Editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfil obligations in all circumstances. Readers must therefore deal with them at their own risk. House Beautiful ISSN no. 0955-3533 is published 11 times a year by Hearst Magazines UK.