Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2022 i Country Homes & Interiors

Nostalgia, tradition and ritual are all part of my family Christmas. We play the same festive tunes as we dress the tree, unpack decorations that have been treasured year after year, fill Advent calendar pockets stitched by my mum, and join in Carols in the Park with neighbours and friends. But for all the celebration of the familiar, we also love to add something new to the proceedings. This year I’ll be tying velvet bows on our Christmas tree and homemade wreath (see page 120) and swapping our Boxing Day kedgeree for Winter Squash Pancakes (page 124) – simple pleasures that don’t cost a fortune or take a week of stress to organise. I’ve also bookmarked ideas from our Really Wild Gift Guide (page 74). These sustainable presents have been…

With its vast expanses of countryside and coastline, it’s hard to imagine why anyone on the Gower peninsula would go looking for those things elsewhere, but it is something that Jane and Owain Griffiths contemplated. ‘We were going to move to Pembrokeshire but the house we were buying fell through,’ says Jane. ‘At the time, we were living just up the road from here. We had a lovely house in a popular village, but it all felt very suburban and sensible, and we were after something more rural.’ The couple wanted a home that had space for friends and family to come and stay, and that could also provide an income. ‘Having been brought up in a sprawling period property, I couldn’t imagine myself not ending up in a rambling…

We’ve been bringing evergreens indoors for thousands of years, to celebrate the winter solstice and since the 16th century, when Christmas trees became popular in Germany, to decorate our homes for the festive season. Back then, the fresh firs didn’t have to cope with the drying effects of central heating, so here’s a 21st-century pines and needles survival guide. PICK YOUR TREE CAREFULLY ‘Healthy trees will have a shiny, glossy green coating on the needles, which feels slightly waxy to touch,’ says Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies Garden Centres. You should also look for strong branches and good needle retention, unless you want to be cleaning up dropped decorations and needles non-stop. ‘Take the tree by the trunk and give it a gentle tap on the ground,’ advises Marcus.…

Finding a rural home to buy can be a long haul. The usual house tours of potential properties can be a logistical challenge if you’re moving from a city or another area of the country. And even if you are a ‘local’, winding roads and a busy life may make the thought of yet another trip to see a partially renovated barn less than appealing. But there is another way to cut down on the legwork while still getting up close and personal with a property. ‘A virtual tour is an immersive experience that lets you truly feel you’re in the physical space, with a high degree of accuracy,’ says Ryan Al-Sharieh, Vice President of Product at Giraffe 360, which specialises in video tours and photography services for estate agents.…

Winter squash pancakes with blackberries & honeycomb SERVES 3-4 These wholemeal pancakes make a delightful weekend breakfast. The batter is subtly spiced, but you could enhance the gingerbread flavour with a little ground ginger and mixed spice. 250g wholemeal spelt flour1½tsp baking powder½tsp bicarbonate of soda¼tsp fine salt¾tsp ground cinnamon284ml pot buttermilk or thin, natural yoghurt130ml milk½ x 425g tin pumpkin puree (about 210g)50g light muscovado sugar2 eggs, separated1tsp vanilla extract300g blackberries2tsp sunflower oil100g honeycomb, to serve 1 In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt and spices. In a second bowl, using a stick blender, blitz the buttermilk or yoghurt, milk, pumpkin, 40g of the sugar, egg yolks and vanilla together until smooth. 2 Fold into the dry ingredients until almost combined, but with…

Easily out-blooming any other winter-flowering bedding plant, pansies and violas are a joyous sight in the garden in the coldest and darkest months. They offer a vast variety of shades, often in bicoloured combinations, and with striking patterns across their heart-shaped petals. ‘The fascinating markings on these pretty plants are reminiscent of smiling faces. And their love of cool conditions makes them ideal for shady gardens,’ says plantswoman Sarah Raven. Low-growing perennials, all pansies are part of the viola family although pansy flowers are larger, whereas violas produce smaller but more plentiful blooms. Pansies and violas can be added to flower beds, containers or hanging baskets and, while they are a common sight in spring and summer gardens, some have been bred to withstand cooler temperatures, with the flowers lasting…

I absolutely love Christmas time. I start preparing for it when the autumn sets in – planting lots of little and large pots of paperwhite narcissi and hyacinths indoors for the Christmas table and the bedrooms. And, of course, preparing the plum pudding, Christmas cake and spiced apple chutney, made with fruit from our orchard, to serve with cheese and leftover turkey and ham. Christmas Eve is probably my favourite occasion. We renovated a fallen-down shepherd’s hut in our woods and turned it into a log cabin-cum-pub. I have a little kitchen in there, a table, a log burner and a bar counter with decking out the front. I really go to town on decorating our pub for Christmas. I start collecting pine cones from the woods in October and dry…

Kale, bean & winter roots soup SERVES 6 This soup feels so nourishing during the winter months. Plus it’s absolutely delicious and full of colour. Make it in big batches so that you can freeze and use throughout the week. 3tbsp olive oil3 carrots, peeled and cubed3 parsnips, peeled and cubed2 celery sticks, cubed1 onion, diced2tsp finely chopped rosemary leaves3 garlic cloves, crushed1 litre hot chicken or vegetable stock250g cavolo nero (black or Tuscan kale), chopped2 x 400g cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drainedSea salt and freshly ground black pepper TO SERVE 50g Parmesan cheese, shaved1tbsp finely chopped rosemary leaves 1 Place a large, heavy-based saucepan or flameproof casserole dish over a low heat and pour in the olive oil, then add the carrots, parsnips, celery, onion, rosemary and garlic.…

Spiced molasses layercake SERVES 10-12 This layer cake is simple to whip up, but never fails to make a big impact. Decorated with fruit, such as figs and white currants, it has a freshness that is much appreciated at this time of year. 250g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing250g soft light brown sugar100g blackstrap molasses300ml full fat milk350g plain flour¼tsp ground cloves¼tsp ground nutmeg1tsp allspice2tsp bicarbonate of soda2 eggs FOR THE ICING 180g unsalted butter375g icing sugar, sifted180g cream cheeseFresh figs and berries, to decorate 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Grease two 19cm cake tins and line the bases with baking parchment paper. 2 Melt the butter, brown sugar and molasses in a saucepan over a low heat. Remove from the heat and add the milk, then…

HOLLY REANEY (with Zara, right) is part of our marvellous content team, writing for Country Homes & Interiors, Period Living and homesandgardens.com. This month, she writes about home security (page 110). ‘I’ll be spending the holidays with my parents and we’ll sing carols at the pub on Christmas Eve,’ she says. ZARA STACEY discusses boot rooms for this issue (page 90). ‘I love the build-up to Christmas, from wrapping presents to decorating the tree; joyful activities that make life special.’ ALICE HUMPHRYS is the virtual shopper who compiles our Style Story pages. ‘We handpick our tree from the local Christmas tree farm. And swim in the sea on Boxing Day, whatever the weather!’…

As a lover of vintage, I often romanticise elements of the past, especially at Christmas. It’s the time of year when I immerse myself in cosy feelings of nostalgia, with rituals that appear year in, year out. At Hill House it all begins with lighting scented candles in festive scents of nutmeg, cinnamon and clove. It is no coincidence that they are all spices that can be found growing on the tiny Caribbean island of Grenada, and as such they remind me of my mother’s Christmas cakes and pies from when I was a child. Seasoning with spices is an integral part of Caribbean cooking and the introduction of certain smells also marks the moment when my baking flavours turn from fresh and lightly essenced to deeper, richer tastes that…

For the Albright family, Christmas is a favourite time of year – and now that they are in their dream home, it’s a time for the family to get together and celebrate. Finding the right house proved to be a difficult task, however, which was why they decided to build their home from scratch, giving the family a home that catered for all their needs. Tucked away in a remote and unspoilt corner of north Herefordshire, where Merry was born and raised, she and her husband Ben found the perfect site. Surrounded by open fields with views of distant hills, and a brook at the end of the garden, it was hugely appealing. Merry is the daughter of John Greene, the architect who set up Border Oak, famous for bespoke…

GARDEN REWILD If the garden is your loved one’s happy place, these wildlife-loving picks will see them flourish and grow NATURAL NESTING Create an indoor wilderness alive with natural materials, textures and patterns BODY AND SOUL Rest and rewild body and beyond with mind-calming, soul-soothing moments of self-care and gratitude HOMEGROWN KITCHEN Inspire culinary creativity with local produce and consciously crafted kitchenware…

Neutral interiors are a firm favourite. Trading assertion for subtle warmth and interest, these gentle shades – ranging from palest stone through to warm creams and softest caramel – complement any style of home, as seen in this beautifully layered bedroom scheme. However, decorating with neutrals is not as simple as avoiding bold colour and dressing rooms exclusively in beige. For a neutral scheme to feel warm and welcoming, texture and a sense of comfort are essential. Designer Kelly Hoppen shares her expert insight on how it’s done. CREATE LAYERS OF TEXTURE ‘Textural contrast is key to adding interest and depth to neutral schemes. Consider how things feel as well as how they look, and make sure you create a feast for the fingers and feet as well as the…

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS Subscribe for yourself or as a gift • Free book and Emma Bridgewater mug • Receive 6 issues for just £19.99 • Never miss an issue – for yourself or a friend • Free home delivery direct to your door Visit www.magazinesdirect.com/chxmas22 or call 0330 333 1113 and quote X467 Offer closes 31 December 2022. Offer open to new UK subscribers only. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery of your first subscription issue. Payment is non-refundable after the 14 day cancellation period unless exceptional circumstances apply. Your gift will be delivered separately within 60 days after your first payment has cleared. Gifts only available to UK subscribers. Free gift is not available with digital or overseas subscriptions. All gift subscriptions will start with the…

Bev Stephenson has the definition of a ‘squiggly career’, one that twists and turns, takes unexpected side roads and detours, and ends up in the most exciting and fulfilling destinations. At the start, it was all about burning the midnight oil. ‘I was editor of an award-winning listings magazine called The Crack in Newcastle, after starting out as their arts correspondent while studying for a degree in History of Art and Design at university. I eventually became co-owner of the magazine.’ It was a seven-day-a-week, late-hours job. ‘In my thirties, I was burnt out. I was happier in my garden than going out pubbing and clubbing, so I went back to university in 2008 to study horticulture and then arboriculture.’ Bev began a job as a horticultural consultant for businesses,…

Whether providing year-round foliage, seasonal flowers and berries, privacy for a corner of your outdoor retreat, or vitality and structure to see the garden through the coldest months, evergreen shrubs are among the most versatile and hardworking members of the planting palette. ‘When using evergreens, as with any shrub, think about the purpose that the plant will play within the scheme of your garden,’ advises garden designer Fi Boyle. ‘Are you using it to block something unsightly or perhaps to form a focal point? Do you want to create interest at a time of year when other plants have died down?’ ADD BLISSFUL SCENT ‘Many evergreen shrubs have wonderfully scented flowers, an essential element of any garden,’ says garden designer Helen Elks-Smith. ‘A combination of just three plants will provide…

In bloom TEASEL After the lilac flowers have faded, the spiky, cone-shaped teasel remains, looking beautiful with a filigree of frost or snow that shines in the winter sun. EASTERN CYCLAMEN Tiny pink or white flowers with silvery green foliage that brighten a border or can be enjoyed inside in pots. HELLEBORE Bashful blooms that hang their heads in shady corners. Their white or claret flowers bring much-needed colour to the garden and last into the early spring. 4 OF THE BEST FORAGED PLANTS FOR WILD WREATHS ‘Go on a forage and see what’s still looking good outside, picking anything colourful and decorative to add to your festive wreath. I love brilliant pink spindle berries, agapanthus seed heads, orange Chinese lanterns, still-plump rosehips, crab apples, hydrangeas and catkins,’ says plantswoman…

Christmas is Dick’s favourite time of the year and it starts with our tradition of putting up the Christmas tree, which we cut from a local farm. Our children Arthur, who is nine, and Dorothy, eight, will be there, as well as our Kerry Blue terrier, Petale. (We have canaries, geese and chickens, too!) We always have a glass of port for the grown-ups and a mocktail for the children, and we listen to Christmas carols and slowly unpack our decorations. You can cut everyone’s excitement with a knife! After a few hours, we turn off the lights and sit together and chat about the excitements of the month ahead. The run-up to Christmas is very busy as we’re coordinating parties and, of course, preparing for the day itself. This year…

Clementine spritz marmalade MAKES 1.5LTR Your loved ones can have their favourite cocktail on toast with this boozy marmalade. 2 red grapefruits1.2kg oranges1kg bag jam sugar500ml Aperol YOU WILL NEED Jam thermometerSterilised jars and screw-on lids 1 Cut the skin and pith from the grapefruits and discard. 2 Wash the oranges then cut off and discard the very top and bottom ‘peaks’ and cut in half. Put the grapefruits, oranges and sugar into a large, tall-sided pan. Pour over the Aperol and 500ml water. 3 Bring to the boil and reduce to a simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. 4 After 2 hours, use the thermometer to check the mixture’s temperature, it should be at 150C. Remove the pan from the heat and being careful not to splatter yourself with…

A beautifully styled bar cart or bar area is a chic element that was part of my parents’ entertaining during festive seasons gone by. In keeping with my love of vintage glamour, I like to go all out with my bar cart styling in the winter months. The festive season is when the traditional ‘drinks trolley’ or bar area comes into its own, and we can all pretend to be a character from Mad Men as we sit sipping from vintage glassware! Whether you’re a fan of mocktails or cocktails, whether you have a bar stocked with every bottle you can imagine or you just stick to the ones that you like, here are a few extras that every bar cart needs – plus a recipe for a classic snowball.…

Barny Gloyn’s ancestors have worked in textile design for three generations. So 28 years ago, when the opportunity came to start a family business, it seemed the natural step. Linwood, the brand of which Barny is now managing director, has been producing fabrics and wallpapers, taking inspiration from textile archives, museums and the natural world ever since. Each collection is carefully crafted, designs are still drawn and painted by hand, and many of them are made in Britain. Where is Linwood based? In the New Forest in Hampshire – not far from the small village of Linwood where the family grew up. Today I’m one of three brothers involved, with a father who still enjoys popping in and seeing what we’re up to! The walls of our creative studio are…

Paint and wallpaper expert Farrow & Ball has added 11 paint shades to its signature palette; the first change to its chart since 2018. From Whirlybird, a soft green, to Bamboozle, a lively flame red, the new colours have been inspired by small moments of joy. ‘What better time to introduce new colours? We all feel ready to be rejuvenated, enhance our homes and show off our own personal style’, says head of creative, Charlotte Cosby. ONE FOR THE DIARY… UNTIL 2 JANUARY There’s nothing like a trip to a historic house bedecked in seasonal splendour to get you in the festive spirit. This year, Harewood House, in Yorkshire, is presenting Long Live the Christmas Tree!, which will see artists and makers from across the country bring a contemporary twist to…

The interior of the old hay barn at Bibury Farm is so luxurious and comfortable that it’s hard to believe it was once a much-used part of a working farm. But upon closer inspection, hints of its previous life can be seen – the soaring spaces where hay for the farm’s livestock was once stored; the huge doors that allowed access into the building; the great beams where tools and equipment would once have hung. The farm had been in George Phillips’ family for generations, but he and his wife Polly felt that a handful of the buildings needed a new function. Tucked away from the main farm, five of these – the old hay barn, plus a bull pen, a grain store, a cart shed and stables – became…

Country checks and handpainted plates add freshness to the traditional red and green festive colour scheme. Add ruby glasses and candles for added twinkle Favour abundance over perfection and capture the wild and tangled beauty of fresh-picked pine branches for a wreath or suspended, bauble-strewn branch Drape hallways with fir branches to fill your home with Christmas fragrance. Plain and simple paper decorations are all you need to complete the scene…

SOCIAL HUB A stylish island can anchor a kitchen design, making a central place to prep, serve and gather with friends or family. Chances are you’ll want a breakfast bar at the island for perching with a cup of coffee in the morning or maybe a glass of wine in the evening, somewhere to chat with a friend or help your child with homework. But think beyond the usual rectangular shape with a regimented line of bar stools, and consider an inviting curve to collect around. Whatever the shape, ‘We recommend an overhang of at least 40cm to ensure that you can get your knees under the worktop when sitting at the bar,’ advises Melissa Klink, creative director of Harvey Jones. SIZE MATTERS Spend a little time at the start…

Your home is your sanctuary, the place where your children play and your family sleeps, so it is important to ensure that it is protected. Of course, there are myriad technological aids that are worth investigating, from motion-activated cameras to complex alarm systems, as well as ensuring that you have locks on your windows and deadbolts on your main doors. But there are also lots of simple steps that can be incorporated into your home and garden’s design to help deter intruders and keep you safe. According to the Met Police, ‘burglars typically do not want to be seen or heard and if they feel that they would be noticed by a neighbour or passer-by then they are more likely to feel exposed and may move on to find somewhere…

TREE TRIMS Ribbons add texture and colour to a Christmas tree for a toned-down contrast to tinsel. Choose one shade and tie them at the end of branches, with baubles positioned in the gaps. FESTIVE PLACE SETTING Gather plates together in a stack, with a ribbon wrapped around them. Dress with a napkin tied with a ring of rosemary – florist wire keeps any stray foliage ends in place. Finish with a pretty ribbon bow. SEASONAL SWAGGER Cut a length of hessian to the same size as your table runner. Using a narrow length of ribbon or string, loop around the back of both cloths and draw the ends together, then tie loosely to retain the fabric ruches. Next, hide the ribbon or string with a decorative wide ribbon, tying…

Houseplants grace our interiors throughout the year, but offer the greatest joy during the winter months as the garden sleeps, feeding our need for the beauty of foliage and flowers. Knowing how to care for houseplants over winter is important as they rely on us to provide them with the correct conditions when the days are shorter and the sunlight is less intense. ‘As the temperature drops, your plants slow down, and you will need to adapt your care to keep them looking lush and green,’ explains Emily Lawlor of Happy Houseplants. Some indoor plants will have an easier time than others adjusting to the colder temperatures, draughts and dry, heated air inside our homes over the next few months. Those that are native to humid, tropical regions, which make…

I have to confess that I’ve never cooked a turkey. My mum couldn’t stand ‘a dry bird’ (obviously, she had never tried our recipe for Maple-glazed turkey, page 18), so in our family of two, we made a tradition of rustling up a different and totally delicious festive feast every year. When the time came to host Christmas with my husband and two children, with my mum as treasured guest, we continued the no-turkey menu. Now we’ve all gone veggie, so this year the star of the show will be the Leek gratin with sage, cranberry and orange stuffing-style topping (page 24). I can’t wait! You may have favourite dishes that you bring to the table every Christmas, or maybe this is the special time of year when you experiment…