Urban Fox - December 2020 Issue

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December 2020

WIN

SILVER BELLES

The White Co. Winter Candle Neal’s Yard Frankincense Kit

Sparkle & Shine

Merry 'Tis the Season... & Bright ...to save money Christmas cushions

The Nice List GIFTS FOR ALL

Nouveau Noel Puttin' on the Glitz

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 1

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URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 3

laces Beautiful Stone Fireplaces Beautiful Stone Fireplaces Beautiful

Your leading independent flooring retailer for over 70 years...

Hello

IT’S CHRISTMAS! So let’s get the party started with our Fabulously Festive edition of Urban Fox. We go all out in the style stakes. Silver Belles sparkle and shine in festive fashion, while beauty babes bling it up with gold, frankincense and myrrh. And for those on The Nice List – and even for those that aren’t (sshh we won’t tell) – we’ve got the perfect gifts, all wrapped up.

COVER SHOT: Rita Velvet Midi Dress, £120, Boden

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URBANFOX MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk

On the home front, we Deck the Halls, doors and basically anything that doesn’t move with this year’s merriest trends; put on the glitz with a Nouveau Noel theme and bring the outside in with festal fir fragrances. And if your sofa is lacking a little Ho Ho Ho, add some Christmas cheer with cheap, chic and colourful cushions.

We turn up the style dial in the kitchen too with our petite Party Pieces. These bite size morsels of morish-ness are the perfect pick-me-up. And although everyone knows that calories consumed at this time of year are neither judged, nor counted, Rebecca Watts is on hand to tell us how to Eat, Drink & Be Merry without the Xmas excess.

We’re tightening our belts with 12 ways to save, plus we spare a thought for those of you who are flying solo, with our quirky, fun and uplifting ideas to bring Comfort & Joy to your C-Day celebrations. And if 2020 has taught us something, it’s to appreciate the small things. Follow in Kirsty France’s festive footsteps in looking on the bright side of life, in Finding Xmas.

We’d love to hear how you’ll be celebrating the season. Head over to Facebook and #JoinTheConversation. In the meantime a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2021 from all at Urban Fox.

STEVE LENAGHAN Head of Sales & Marketing 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk

8

LISA ROTH Head of New Business Development 07843 851132 lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk

Nouveau

NOEL

Glitter Stripe Bauble, £6 Gin Goblets, Set of 2, £25

Goddess Tree Decoration, £5 Glitter Peacock Feather Bauble, £5

Glass Dusted Serving Platter, £15

Featuring cham pagn and glitter, the Art e, gold Nouveau collection by John Lewis celebrates the joy of the party season.

GILLIAN GATT Sales Consultant 07468 469971 Gillian@theurban-fox.co.uk KATIE TURNBULL Designer katie@theurban-fox.co.uk

11

20-21

Gold Fern Wreath, £35

Peacock Christmas Crackers, £25

Mercurised Chevron Bauble, £8

Peacock Snow Globe, £25

19

Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material in this publication, the editor can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or advertising content.

Copyright: All text, images and design in this publication are subject to copyright.

Any unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it in this publication.

Star Mirror Tree Topper, £18

Swoon Raine Bar Cart, £449

Image & products:

John Lewis

Moët & Chandon Golden Edition, £65

Beaded Peacock Placemat, £16

URBAN FOX DECEMB ER 2020 21

13 29

CONTRIBUTORS: Kirsty France and Rebecca Watts URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 5

December HEALTH & WELLBEING

15

15 Eat, Drink & Be Merry Avoid the Xmas excess

20

WINING & DINING 16 Party Pieces Festive pick-me-ups

HOMES & GARDENS 19 Merry & Bright

Christmas cushions 20 Nouveau Noel

Puttin' on the Glitz 25 D eck the Halls... ...with fabulousness 27 Home for Christmas Family survival guide

LIFE & WORK 33 Comfort & Joy

Fun ways to fly solo

29 Ever Green

Fir fragrances

34 Holiday Heartwarmer Mackenzie Davis interview

16

37 'Tis the Season... ...to save money

PEOPLE & PLACES

FASHION & BEAUTY

38 Finding Xmas

The new normal

8 The Nice List

Gifts for all 11 Silver Belles

Sparkle & shine 13 Fit for a King (or Queen)

Gold, frankincense and myrrh

22

12 WIN SKINCARE KIT BY

NEAL'S YARD REMEDIES

WIN WINTER CANDLE

BY THE WHITE CO.

GIFT SOMETHING COMFORTABLE THIS CHRISTMAS

The

Roll Neck Breton Jumper

We are Paul James - a luxury, Leicestershire-based knitwear manufacturer. We strive to deliver the purest knitwear experience, which is why we shun man-made fibres, instead using only 100% natural fibre yarns in the production of our knitwear.

Welcome to the world of timeless and sustainable fashion.

click catalogue request on our website footer for your free copy of our current brochure

pauljamesknitwear.com

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 7

Morton Knitted Hoodie, £85 Wool Herringbone Scarf, £48

Her

Juliet Croc Tote, £210

at Boden Printed Notebook, £15

Cashmere Socks, £48

Large Velvet Pouch, £25

Gin The Mood Cocktail Book, £7.99 Leon Kitchen Apron, £20

Foodies

at John Lewis Sara Miller Chelsea TeaFor-One Teapot, £40

Yvonne Ellen Cheetah Corkscrew & Strainer, £12/£16 Holdsworth Truly Scrumptious Champagne Truffles, £8

Copper in the Clouds Flowerbomb Gin, £39.50

FASHION & BEAUTY Fisherman Knitted Hat, £20 Windsor Merino Scarf, £35

Eco Coffee Mug, £9.95

Him

Ashby Nep Henley, £55

at White Stuff

The

Knitted Slipper Mule, £25 Scout Crossbody Bag, £45

NICE LIST Find the perfect gift for everyone this Christmas.

Wrong Geometry Print 02, £26

Ferm Living Loop Cushion, £75

Home Birds Muuto Sway Throw, £135

Type 75 Desk Lamp, £175

at Nest

Hay Flowerpot with Saucer, £13

Restore Storage Basket, £75

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 9

SALE NOW ON

private viewings now available by appointment

FASHION & BEAUTY

SILVER

Belles Callie Leather Clutch Bag, £595, Jimmy Choo

Dazzle in this season’s silver foil and sparkly fabrics. Not just for nights out, daytime metallics are bang on trend for AW20.

Dazzleshadow Liquid, £17.50, MAC

Chrome Hearts Scented Nail Lacquer, £180, Selfridges

Albert a Ferre tti

Alindava Sparkle Blazer, £170, French Connection

Venus Sock Boots, £139, Mint Velvet

Gloria Jumper, £129, All Saints Christopher Kane Foil Midi Skirt, £560, Harvey Nichols

Alindava Sparkle Trousers, £150, French Connection

Amy Embellished Flats, £140, Boden

Hallie Strappy High Sandal, £149, Whistles

Tori Clutch Bag, £89, Mint Velvet

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 11

WIN!

FRANKINCENSE COLLECTION

by Neal’s Yard Remedies

Target fine lines and wrinkles – the first signs of ageing – with this award-winning and clinically proven Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying collection.

Enhanced with a 3-Peptide Complex, the serum delivers a higher concentration of plumping actives, the certified organic eye cream is formulated to smooth fine lines around the delicate eye area and the cream moisturises for up to 24 hours, while visibly smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In a beautiful and compact, 100% organic cotton bag, this mini collection is ideal for travelling and offers a ready to go skincare ritual, with results you’ll love.

find us on Facebook and Instagram

Pioneers in natural and organic skincare since 1981, check out the complete Neal’s Yard Remedies collection at www.nealsyardremedies.com

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Neal’s Yard’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Thursday 31 December 2020.

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn after the specified closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The competition may be withdrawn at any time.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Fit for a King

(OR QUEEN)

Bring her gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Luxurious. Opulent. Precious. Truly the gold standard of de-aging, skin-enriching super serum, gives your face a golden glow. LA PRAIRIE CELLULAR RADIANCE CONCENTRATE PURE GOLD, 30ML, £580.

SISKYN MACADAMIA & MYRRH BODY OIL, £34, is an exquisite blend of 18 luxury plant oils, chosen for their ability to get to work quickly, leaving your skin silky smooth and smelling divine.

GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVÉ MYRRHE IMPÉRIALE EAU DE PARFUM, 100ML, £225.

Showcasing a sensual overdose of myrrh, this vibrantly intense fragrance pervades charisma and mystery.

Precious Heady. Mesmerising. MOLTON BROWN OUDH ACCORD & GOLD, BATH & SHOWER GEL, 300ML, £24, blends rich oudh accord, exquisite gold leaf and cinnamon leaf oil for a sweetly-spiced note.

The perfect pairing of matte and glitter, create looks for work and play, day and night and everything in between with this STILA DOUBLE DIP™ SUEDE SHADE™ & GLITTER & GLOW LIQUID EYE SHADOW, £24.

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES DE-STRESS FRANKINCENSE PURE ESSENTIAL OIL, 100ML, £30.

Celebrated for centuries for its spiritually uplifting qualities sprinkle a few drops on a tissue and inhale.

This multi-action nourishing cream visibly lifts and re-contours.

Contains an exclusive Frankincense Active Phyto Complex. NEAL'S YARD REMEDIES FRANKINCENSE INTENSE LIFT CREAM, 50G, £65.

JO MALONE MYRRH & TONKA HOME CANDLE, £60. To uplift, wind down, or add an air of luxury.

Transform the atmosphere with the scent of the rich, hand-harvested sap of the Namibian myrrh tree.

With large and petite golden particles suspended in a see-through base, SMITH & CULT, SHATTERED SOULS, £19, is completely irresistible with impressive staying power.

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 13

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Celebrating 25 years

Boden

EAT, DRINK &

Be Merry Staying healthy over Christmas can be a challenge but it's possible to indulge without over-indulging, says TheStudio40s Rebecca Watts.

‘Tis the season to be jolly but if we overeat and drink, we won’t be feeling very merry by January. And with more time at home inevitable this Christmas, it’ll be easier for temptations and bad habits to take hold. So here are my top tips to help combat Xmas excess.

Be healthy

With the unlikeliness of Christmas parties, you may not have to trim down to squeeze into your LBD but don’t let that lack of motivation be your downfall. This is definitely the year to prioritise your health. Good nutrition and activity can have a positive effect on your weight and immune system.

Take control

When working from home, it’s so easy to finish work and put your feet straight up with a glass of wine. Try to take control of your alcohol intake over Christmas. Have alcohol free days, drink water between each glass or set a time or consumption limit.

Don’t overstock

As tempting as it is to stock your cupboards with Christmas goodies,

overindulging can leave you feeling tired and sluggish. I’m not saying go without, but keeping sweet and high fat treats to a minimum, will help to remove the risk of temptation.

Keep Dancing

Just because you’re losing out on the office Christmas party, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Christmas cheer. Put together a feel good party playlist and a have a family dancing session. You’ll burn off a few pounds and keep the festive fun flowing.

Go Outside

If lockdowns have taught us anything it is the importance of getting out to walk. It may be colder now, but making the effort to get some country air and connect with nature, will have a positive effect on your physical and mental health.

Rise & Shine

Exercising first thing will set you up mentally for the day. Go for a run

or walk the dog. Not enough time?

Get up an hour earlier or if you’re working from home, make the most of the commute time you’re saving.

There are lots of virtual sessions you can join too. We’re all in it together this year!

Be Mindful

Stress can have an impact on both our physical and mental health.

For many there’s been a lot to be stressed about lately and Christmas can bring its own pressures. During the festivities, stay motivated with yoga, pilates, meditation or mindfulness. A great workout for the mind and body.

Sleep Well

With less going on over the festive period, it’s a great opportunity to catch up on your beauty sleep.

Sleep is when our bodies have time to recover, repair and replenish, so aim to get 7-9 hours per night and swap that new iPad for a good book in the period before bedtime.

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 15

Party

Pieces

Get your party started with these festive pick-me-ups by Waitrose.

Green-Bean Pakoras With Aubergine Pickle Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Makes: 24 Ingredients: 300g fine green beans, stalk ends trimmed, chopped into thirds 1 pack Cooks’ Ingredients curry leaves, leaves torn 1½ tsp curry powder 1 Thai red chilli, shredded 2 echalion shallots, halved and thinly sliced 150g gram flour ½ tsp salt Vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying Coconut natural yogurt alternative, to serve Aubergine pickle, to serve

Images and recipes: Waitrose

1

Steam the beans for 5 minutes until just tender, then cool under cold water and drain well. Put the beans, curry leaves, curry powder, chilli, shallots and gram flour into a large bowl. Season with the salt, add 150ml cold water and mix to coat the vegetables in a thick, sticky batter.

2

Put a 5mm depth of oil into a frying pan; set over a medium heat (it will be hot enough when a little of the batter sizzles on contact). Fry heaped tablespoons of the pakora mix, cooking 5 or 6 per batch. They will need 2 minutes on the first side to firm up and crisp. Then carefully turn and cook for 2 minutes more, until golden all over. Drain on kitchen paper on a baking tray, then keep warm in a low oven.

3

When ready to serve, set the pakoras on a serving plate, with the yogurt alternative and pickle in small bowls. Dollop a little yogurt alternative onto a pakora, followed by some pickle, and eat straight away.

WINING & DINING

Smoked Salmon & Creme Fraiche Blinis Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Makes: 20 Ingredients: 125g self-raising wholemeal flour Pinch salt 1 medium free range egg, separated 150ml semi-skimmed milk 200ml pot full fat crème fraîche 1-2 tsp vegetable oil, for frying 1 ruby grapefruit 1 tsp hot horseradish sauce ½ x 20g pack fresh dill, chopped 1 pack citrus smoked Scottish salmon, cut into 20 strips

1

2

Put the flour and a good pinch of salt in a large bowl. Make a well, then drop in the egg yolk. Follow with the milk and 1 tbsp of the crème fraîche, then whisk to a thick batter. Using a clean whisk, whip the egg white to medium peaks, then fold carefully into the batter using a metal spoon.

Put ½ tsp oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Drop 1 tbsp of the batter into the pan, giving it room to spread to about 5cm across.

Repeat until the pan is full. Cook for 1 minute, then flip with a fish slice and cook for 1 minute more, until puffed up and golden on both sides. Lift onto a plate lined with kitchen paper.

Repeat to make 20 blinis.

3

Segment the grapefruit, allowing the juice to drop into a separate bowl, and roughly chop the flesh. Stir the horseradish and most of the dill into the remaining crème fraîche, season, then fold in the grapefruit. Serve on top of the cooled blinis, with a twist of salmon, a sprinkle more dill and a grinding of black pepper.

Snowy Mountain & Christmas Tree Tarts Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus pastry tempering Cooking time: 15 minutes Makes: 18 Ingredients: 320g Jus-Rol ready rolled shortcrust pastry sheet 1 free range egg, beaten, for brushing 270g Christmas mincemeat Handful flaked almonds 75g icing sugar, sifted, plus extra for dusting 2 tsp lemon juice 1 pack Christmas edible gold stars

1

Unroll the pastry from left to right. Keeping it on its paper, cut in half lengthways. Starting from one top corner, cut 9 triangles per piece, each measuring 7cm across the top or bottom, and 12cm at the sides (you should have a little pastry left over).

Score a border 3mm in from each

edge. Brush all edges with egg; chill briefly while you preheat the oven to 200˚C, gas mark 6.

2

Discard the paper and transfer the triangles to 2 baking trays lined with baking parchment.

Spoon 1 heaped tsp mincemeat into the middle of each triangle, nudging the mincemeat slightly towards the borders. Scatter half of the triangles with the almonds (to make 9 almond trees) and bake all 18 for 10-12 minutes until crisp and golden. Set aside on a wire rack to cool completely.

3

Mix 75g icing sugar with the lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle or pipe over the almond-free tarts to create 9 snowy trees and mountains. Scatter gold stars over all the tarts and leave to set; dust with icing sugar before serving.

The tarts will keep in an airtight container for a few days.

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 17

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HOMES & GARDENS

MERRY &

Bright 1

4

2

5

7

Cushions are a cheap, chic and colourful way to create Christmas cheer in your home.

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1 Christmas Ski Scene Cushion, £6, George Home 2 Velvet Polar Bear Small Christmas Cushion, £9.50, M&S 3 Sheep in Santa Hats Cushion, £25, John Lewis 4 Baby Its Cold Outside Cushion, £22, Evans Lichfield 5 Wonderful Time Of Year Cushion, £6, George Home 6 French Knot Christmas Penguin Cushion, £25, John Lewis 7 Editor's Pick: Fun and Festive Snowman Pom Pom Cushion, £16, Next 8 Merry and Bright Houses Cushion, £10, Matalan 9 Home For Christmas Knitted Cushion, £49, Sophie Allport URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 19

Nouveau

NOEL Featuring champagne, gold and glitter, the Art Nouveau collection by John Lewis celebrates the joy of the party season.

Image & products: John Lewis

Glitter Stripe Bauble, £6

Gin Goblets, Set of 2, £25

Goddess Tree Decoration, £5

Glitter Peacock Feather Bauble, £5

Glass Dusted Serving Platter, £15 Gold Fern Wreath, £35

Peacock Christmas Crackers, £25

Mercurised Chevron Bauble, £8

Peacock Snow Globe, £25

Swoon Raine Bar Cart, £449

Star Mirror Tree Topper, £18

Moët & Chandon Golden Edition, £65

Beaded Peacock Placemat, £16

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 21

WIN!

WINTER CANDLE

by The White Company Created over 21 years ago by founder Chrissie, Winter is now loved all over the world. A magical combination of spicy cinnamon, rich warming clove and fresh zesty orange, it just never fails to please.

This fabulous three-wick candle, which is poured and hand-finished in the UK using high-quality mineral wax, comes in a new, beautifully illustrated festive gift box.

Flecked with a scattering of silver stars.

Delight in their beautiful Christmas collections and explore thoughtful gifts for the ones you love at www.thewhitecompany.com

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘White Company’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Thursday 31 December 2020.

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn after the specified closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The competition may be withdrawn at any time.

Why Choose Us? - Wide Variety Of Fittings - Friendly Expert Advice - Warranty On All Fittings - Lighting Design Service Available - Quality Checking On All Fittings - Fitting Service Available

107A-B Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 0TD www.lighthouse-leicester.co.uk - sales@lighthouse-leicester.co.uk - 0116 233 0303

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Splashout for every lifestyle and budget.

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New Opening Times Mon - Closed | Tues - Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm | Sunday - Closed Brunel Way, Stephenson Industrial Estate, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3HF

Please make an appointment to view both the bathroom and kitchen showrooms due to Covid-19

T: F: E: W:

01530 811593 01530 815359 info@splashout.co.uk www.splashout.co.uk

BAT H R O O M D E S I G N & I N S TA L L AT I O N | H OT T U B S | SAU N A & S T E A M R O O M S URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 23

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We can show you - without any showroom or house visits necessary!

Just email us a picture of the front (or back) of your house together with any ideas you may have about what you would like to see and we will send you back a high quality image showing you exactly what your home could look like, together with an estimation of what it may cost you

As simple as that - no hassle / no obligation

Please go to our website www.harveyswindows.co.uk Empire Road Leicester LE3 5HE Weekdays 9am–5pm | Saturday 10am – 1pm 0116 233 4441 | info@harveyswindows.co.uk

Images: Garden Trading

HOMES & GARDENS

DECK

The Halls

Make the right first impression this Christmas with these fab festive hallway ideas.

Tree

Wreath

A Christmas wreath on the front door is a simple way to bring a little festive magic into your home. Whether you opt for traditional holly, berries and pinecones, full on sparkle, pre-lit, or faux snow, there’s a style to suit every home.

And do think outside the circle. After all Christmas is never complete without a festive star.

Nothing says Christmas more than the aroma of a real tree.

If you have the space, make an impact with a spruce in your entrance hall. Dress to impress in a colourway to complement your décor theme. Then cover the base with attractively wrapped presents. Unlike the tree, they don’t have to be the real thing!

Style

Don’t be restricted to a single style.

While having a unified motif helps the look to flow from room to room, mixing different materials is an easy and effective way to add a uniqueness to your space. The key to combining styles is integrating cohesive colours tones, textures, and layers. We love this foliage and felt combo.

Flourishes

When it comes to Christmas décor, more is definitely more. This is especially important if you are opting for natural materials over baubles and bling. A sprig of mistletoe is not exactly going to wow your guests. Festive flourishes on the ceiling, staircase and surfaces, plus a sprinkling of seasonal scents, should do the trick.

Ambiance

Simple decorations on a hallway table or bench can create the warmest of welcomes. For a wintry woodland feel, dress the space with wicker wreaths, forest foliage, and scented candles.

Or add cosy cushions and textured throws for a nod to the Nordic.

Whatever the styling, your hall will feel instantly festive.

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 25

Boden

HOMES & GARDENS

HOME

For Christmas Dreading Christmas at home this year? You’re not alone! So we’ve put our heads together and come up with 5 ways to help you escape the festivities unscathed.

Manage your expectations

Christmas is meant to be the ‘most wonderful time of the year’, so it's hard not to fall into the trap of setting huge expectations - especially with the year we’ve had - but this can leave you feeling underwhelmed.

Try to keep your expectations under wraps. We know you’ve spent hours in the kitchen preparing a gourmet feast but it’s unlikely your 2 year old will get through Christmas lunch without some kind of meltdown or your teens without moaning.

Just take a breath or alternatively prescribe yourself a large G&T.

Rally the troops

Don’t be a martyr. It’s quite easy to take everything upon yourself and then feel irritated that no one is helping. This year try getting

everyone involved in the preparations both in the run up to Christmas and on the day itself. Rope your other half into getting the tree, putting up decorations, doing the grocery shopping – he will need a list - and wrapping presents. The paper only gets ripped off and the rustic look is in! As for the kids, friends and family will love receiving cards written in their squiggling hand and making mince pies could become a fun family tradition.

Choose your battles

Christmas holidays can lead to a lack of routine and boredom. For younger children, stick to their routine (naps, meal-times) as much as possible and have some ideas of what you can do to keep them entertained. For older kids and teens, although it’s important they sit with the family for Christmas lunch (no phones and gadgets), if they want to disappear with their Xbox for a few hours in the afternoon don’t sweat it. Enjoy the fact you’re not being woken up at 5am anymore to see what Santa has left!

Take time out

Be pragmatic about your relationship.

If things with your partner have

been strained during lockdown, don't expect Christmas to fix everything. But before you rush to the divorce lawyers, take a step back. Create time to talk (and to listen) to each other, spend quality time together during the festivities and if affordable plan a child-free break after Christmas (local/national restrictions allowing) for some much needed time and space to reconnect. A little time-out can really add new perspective to your relationship.

Play the game

Finally if you’re spending time in an extended family bubble over Christmas, discuss beforehand who will do and pay for what to avoid any tensions on the day.

Remember every family has their own Christmas traditions from when to open presents, to the time to eat, so work out a compromise to suit all. Failing that if you’re in their home, play by their rules, it’s only for one year. Although it’s always prudent to have an excuse ready - the dog need walking, the kids are tired, I’ve got medication to take – for an emergency escape route!

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 27

Exciting plants in stock now,

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sales@broughtons.com

HOMES & GARDENS

Ever

Green

Spruce up your home with a festive fir fragrance this Christmas.

1

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1 Mon Beau Sapin Candle, £60, Harrods 2 Editor's Pick: Deliciously Decorative Illume Very Merry Tree Candle, £32, Amara 3 Cypress Fir Christmas Candle, £24, Idyll Home 4 Frosted Spruce Gel Scented Candle, £20, John Lewis 5 Une Foret d'Or Scented Candle, £44.10, Escentual 6 Frosted Wreath Candle in a Glass, £17.99, Heyland & Whittle 7 Skog Mini Scented Candle, £18, Skandinavisk 8 Fir Tree Botanical Candle, £28, The White Company 9 Moonlit Fir Small Candle, £32, Diptyque URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 29

SPRING

FINE ART & ANTIQUES AUCTION

Consignments invited, please contact us for an appraisal

NIC FIDDIAN-GREEN, Gentle Horse in the Wind, a patinated limited edition bronze, £5,000 - £8,000

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URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 31

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Joules

Comfort

& JOY Discover the joy of being alone this Christmas with these quirky, fun and uplifting ideas.

1

Decorate extravagantly – the tree, lights, baubles, bunting, the works

2

Treat yourself to cashmere loungewear and stay in them all day

3

Alternatively dress up, it doesn’t matter you’ve got nowhere to go

8

Walk around the local neighbourhood and admire/ ridicule the Christmas lights

9

Plan an alternative Christmas lunch, canapés, Chinese food, the world’s your oyster

14

If it snows (I know… wishful thinking), build a snowman while singing songs from Frozen

15

Sort through your wardrobe and fill a bag of clothes to donate to charity

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10

16

5

11

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Prepare a lavish breakfast, when do you normally have the time

Give yourself the gift of silence. Block out noises and distractions and do as you please

Experiment with flavoured gins, the perfect way to spend an afternoon

Bake some festive goodies – mince pies, gingerbread, cookies – just don’t eat them all

Then make a hit list of things you want to target in the postChristmas sales

Wrap up warm and go for a bracing walk. You’ll feel invigorated

6

12

18

7

13

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Buy yourself some presents.

At least you’ll get what you want this year

Create a Christmas playlist, then sing and dance until you collapse from exhaustion

Have a film marathon.

Christmas classics or comedies, you’ve got the remote

Read A Christmas Carol and remember the true spirit of Christmas

Trawl through those untouched travel brochures and plan a postpandemic trip Call or email friends you’ve not seen recently and renew your friendships for 2021 URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 33

Holiday

Heartwarmer Fresh from her blistering cinematic start in a number of big-budget sci-fi films, Mackenzie Davis is hoping that her latest project will showcase a different side of her talents, and warm audience’s cockles everywhere‌

LIFE & WORK

Though she's made a name for herself in three big sci-fi flicks The Martian, Blade Runner 2049, and Terminator: Dark Fate – Canadian actress Mackenzie Davis is anxious to explore more intimate emotional territory than those projects tend to allow.

And there are, after all, few projects more emotional than a romantic Christmas comedy – and with the year having been taken over by more serious matters, Happiest Season, in which Davis will star alongside Kristen Stewart in a refreshing twist on usual rom-com tropes, is looking to be the yuletide spark of joy that many moviegoers have been hoping for.

“It was a really, really special experience,” the 33-year-old says.

“Clea Duvall [The Handmaid’s Tale, Veep] directed and wrote it and her goal was to make a Christmas romantic comedy that you would want to watch again and again every year...and I think she did that. [It] just happens to be about two women.

“It's the kind of romantic comedy that normalises what is already normal but hasn't been represented that much in Hollywood or in major studio movies. It's important to tell different kinds of stories that reflect reality and present situations and characters that we all know from life.”

For Davis, Happiest Season may mark a change of pace from her recent blockbuster action fare, but it also reflects a continuation of her desire to choose interesting scripts and three-dimensional characters.

“I've always been determined to show that women are multifaceted and generally more complicated than we tend to be depicted in Hollywood,” she nods. “Ever since I began acting, I knew I never

wanted to play the girlfriend characters or women who have no real identity.

“Not that I'm an exception in thinking that way... I'm also attracted to characters that don't necessarily have to show their strength in obvious ways but reveal their strength in different ways and especially in more subtle ways that is so often the case with women.”

Such a burgeoning understanding of her career path is indicative of the way Davis is finally finding her feet in the business.

“I came out of drama school with the motto: Here I am, now I'm ready to work,” she laughs. “I still think it's a miracle that I have anything like a career at all today.

I was a bit naive, to be honest. You can call my optimism a delusion, but I just didn't know any better.

“Still, it's probably easier to cope with the pressure when you have completely unrealistic ideas about your future in film. I was already 24 when I began to seriously audition for parts and that's considered a late start in this business.”

Much of the delay was down to her parent’s insistence that she finish her time in academia before pursuing her life-long career aspirations.

“It was always my intention to pursue it as a career,” she says, “but it was important for my parents that I go to university first and get my degree before I moved to New York to study acting.”

The move to the Big Apple would stand Davis in good stead for her later Hollywood days – and she flourished where countless others

have seen their dreams of the silver screen peter out.

“I had a really good time!” she beams. “Sometimes I've been asked about how I managed to endure the life of the struggling acting student, but I've never found New York to be a cold or threatening place to live. My sister was already living there and she's one of my best friends… the hardest thing of course was making money!”

I've always been determined to show that women are multifaceted and generally more complicated than we tend to be depictred in Hollywood.

Thankfully, like many up-andcoming modern actresses, Davis is now enjoying the effects of the Hollywood overhaul that has swept the industry in recent years, from the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, to a concerted and long overdue push by established stars and studios alike to create quality female-driven content.

“Now that I'm seeing that there are so many more interesting roles available to women these days, I'm relaxing my standards about the kinds of characters I want to play,” she explains.

“I'm thinking that it might be interesting to play a wife and explore relationships in a deep way and not necessarily playing very strong or determined characters but doing something very quiet but very emotionally powerful.”

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 35

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Boden

'TIS THE SEASON

...to save

downscaling your 1 Consider Christmas list and agree not to

buy for friend’s children, extended family etc. You’ll be amazed how receptive (and relieved) they’ll be to losing a present or two from their ever growing list. finding it hard to cull your 2 Iflist,you’re how about a traditional Secret Santa? Choose a budget and everyone pulls one name out of a hat to buy for. Cheaper, less time consuming and the chances are you’ll have more fun choosing for your special one. the thought that counts, and 3 It’s spending time together this year will bring more joy than an unwanted gift. Whether it’s in person or virtually, 2020 is the year to value experiences and conversations over clutter. has a bad rep, but 4 Regifting what if we renamed it “the present relocation program” … better? Seriously, it’s okay to regift! It saves money and keeps an unwanted gift from going unused.

Just be careful not to regift it to the friend that bought it for you!

Already counting the cost of Christmas? Enjoy the festivities without the financial hangover with our 12 saves of Christmas.

woman’s trash is another 5 One woman’s treasure, so even if you don’t want something, you might find someone willing to pay to take it off your hands. There are plenty of online sites including Zapper which will buy unwanted gift cards. shopping will be most 6 Online people’s go-to. While you may miss the Christmas spirit (but not the queues and bunions) it can be a great way to find the latest deals.

Even the high street stores have online flash sales in the weeks up to Christmas. Now that’s worth staying in for!

suffering from Christmas fatigue it’s a great time to buy next year’s gifts too! easy to get carried away spending 9 It’s money to make your home feel festive.

But making your own decorations and table settings à la Kirsty Allsopp is the perfect way to save, and create a unique Christmas look too. you still feel the need to send 10 IfChristmas cards then look out for 3 for 2 offers, or rope the kids in and design and print your own family card. Swap expensive wrapping paper for brown paper tied with colourful ribbon.

to make a list before down branding your food 7 Remember 11 Consider you start shopping and allocate a shopping. You don’t have to go crazy, budget for each person that you’re buying for. Then stick to it! If you do break the bank on some gifts, then claw it back on other items, to help balance the budget.

just drop one level to retain quality and taste but save money too. Do the bulk online and avoid the dreaded supermarket queues. The only problem now is how to fit it all in the fridge.

you’re planning a one-off family consider applying for a 8 Ifpurchase 12 Finally - television, home cashback credit card. They are cinema, games console etc. – and missed Black Friday, wait until the Boxing Day sales…what difference a day makes! And if you’re not

essentially a form of reward scheme, yet rather than giving points, you get cold hard cash, tax-free, every time you spend on the card. Every little helps!

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2020 37

Boden

Finding XMAS Christmas may be very different this year, but Kirsty France is looking on the bright side of life.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Well…not exactly, but over the past few months finding the positives has really helped me to get through it. So, I’ve been thinking about the things we can still look forward to this Christmas. Here’s how I’ll be finding some festive joy.

LIGHT UP

Having Christmas lights everywhere is one of my favourite things about this time of year. I know I’m not alone in struggling when the daylight hours get shorter and having fairy lights everywhere gives me a massive lift. While we won’t be able to gather to watch the lights being switched on in our local towns and villages, the lights will still be there. I’m even taking part in a virtual Christmas tree festival.

Even if we can’t go out as much as we usually would, we’ll still be able to decorate our homes. I always have lights on the tree and in the kitchen but I’m planning some for the garden this year too. (They won’t flash – I like my neighbours too much for that.) If you can do the same it’ll make staying at home much more cheerful.

SHARING GIFTS

I’m a fan of online shopping every Christmas but with festive fairs

disappearing I’m relying on it even more. Most of us will have loved ones that we can’t get together with this year but you can still share gifts. It’s just going to take a bit of advance planning and presents that are easy to post. Thankfully books and jewellery both fit into that category perfectly so I’m sorted.

Small businesses are really struggling this year so I’m also supporting as many of them as I can. My networking group are hosting online shopping events and there are lots of businesses near me offering click and collect or socially distanced deliveries. If you can shop this way you won’t just be buying a great Christmas gift – you’ll be helping a local business stay afloat.

CHRISTMAS FEAST

If one thing’s certain, it’s that we’ll all need to eat, so let’s enjoy it. Plan some delicious meals and allow yourself as much luxury as you can afford. My Christmas celebrations always feature an epic cheeseboard and that will never change. This has never been a season for healthy

eating so indulge in your favourite treats, whether that means mince pies, pudding, chocolate or savoury snacks. (It’ll be cheese balls for me – so addictive they should probably be illegal.)

You could also treat this Christmas as a time for some culinary adventure. Indulge in those dishes that you don’t normally serve at Christmas because someone in your extended family wouldn’t like it. Sample something new that you’ve always fancied but never tried. You’ll have fun and you might even create a new tradition.

Finally, if we’re allowed to travel and you really need a break from it all you could always head for some winter sun. As I write this, Antigua, Cuba, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Greece, Grenada, the Maldives, Azores, Madeira, St Lucia and Sweden are all quarantine free, although some are subject to testing requirements.

However you spend this Christmas, I hope you have fun.

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