Innholdsfortegnelse for Homestyle Christmas 2020 i HomeStyle Christmas Special

Editor in Chief Christmas is a special time for most of us, and after the year we’ve all had, I think this one will be particularly important. It’s the perfect excuse to gather your nearest and dearest around you to celebrate all that’s good in life. That’s why we’ve crammed this mag with lots of brilliant ways to make the most of the holiday season. Whether you want to try your hand at some Christmas crafting (p.87) or you’re looking for present-buying inspiration (p.58), we’ve got it covered. Plus you’ll find hundreds of purse-friendly buys to make your home look magical this year. Discover the latest decorating trends on page 30, while over on page 82 we’ve got some stylish suggestions to help you create the perfect tablescape for the…

FAKING IT For trees that stand the test of time, you can’t beat faux firs REALITY CHECK This stately Nordmann Fir looks so real you’ll want to touch its lifelike needles to make sure! Comes complete with the soft candlelight radiance of clear LED lights and plenty of sturdy branches to fill with decorations, plus no needle drop. PAPER CHASE Go green with this stylish paper pulp tree. Ideal for a small space, dress it up with low-heat LED lights and rustic garlands for a woodland look. MODERN BLOSSOM Perfect for indoor and outdoor use, LED lights glow through flowers on the branches to light up your festivities. Choose from a range of colours to match your theme. HANG IT UP This spiral hanging tree is trimmed with 40 LED…

LIGHT SHOW Fairy lights complete a tree and you’ll need more than you think. Turn the lights on before you add the decorations, to check you have the coverage you want. CHECK THE LOOK The shape of your tree impacts the look you’re aiming for. Bushy trees bring a traditional look to life, while slim, sparser types suit a simple Scandi style. Height is also key – a tall tree screams opulence! DRESS IT UP To make a real statement, think big. Use extra-large baubles and clusters of smaller baubles wired together. Place your larger baubles, then fill in the gaps with small baubles and decorations. A LAYER OF NATURE Dried flowers complement a rustic theme on a real tree. Use dried grasses, scented heather or eucalyptus on the branches,…

How to get the look ★ A simple palette of white and grey, and just a touch of forest green, will help you to create this timeless, Scandi-inspired look. ★ Paper honeycomb balls and snowflakes, table top trees, birch wood candle holders and faux fur are the epitome of this trend – use them in hallways, living rooms, dining areas and even the bedroom for a complete Christmas makeover. ★ Look out for playful details, such as ski and ice skating decorations, stags, snowy owls and polar bears for a family-friendly finish.…

WOODLAND CREATURE This adorable card has a vintage design, teamed with a quirky message Happy holidays card, £3.50 each, Curated Living NAUGHTY LIST Have you been naughty or nice? Because Santa is coming to town Santa Claus card, from £2.95, Nancy & Betty GROW YOUR OWN Be like Jack with this clever card Let it snow plantable bean card, £4.50 each, Amazon Handmade PERFECT DUET Sing along to this Bing & Bowie classic Bing and Bowie card, £3 each, Hole in my Pocket WINTER WALKIES Dog lovers will enjoy this festive little fella Fox terrier card, £3.95 for five, Poppy Treffry PEACE ON EARTH Festive cheer and goodwill to all Postcards of peace, £5 for six, Notonthehighstreet PUPPY PALS Don’t forget to include the pets when you write this year’s…

A WARM WELCOME It's always a good idea to prepare the spare room before your guests arrive, as if your guests are relaxed, you’ll be able to unwind and enjoy their company. They might well bring their own favourite toiletries, but a muted colour palette and a few thoughtful extras like a scented candle, sleep mask, a book of short stories and a lamp by the bed will turn a temporary stay into a cosy retreat. And why not treat them to some indulgent chocs or a cheeky bottle of festive fizz? HOW TO BE THE PERFECT GUEST A gift for your host is always appreciated and it doesn’t have to be expensive – a box of homemade biscuits is perfect (see our recipes on page 96). Of course, if…

1 SIZE MATTERS Work out how many lights you need to illuminate your space. Ensure the string of lights you choose is long enough, measuring the area first to make sure. 2 GO ECO LEDs are the eco-friendly, energy-efficient option, and have a much greater lifespan than incandescent lamps. Less likely to break, they are the safest option if you have small children and pets around. 3 LIGHT FANTASTIC When using LEDs, consider your colour scheme. Warm, golden light for a welcoming feel, while cool white works better for a contemporary look, and kids love multi-coloured lights! Choose a white flex if you’re displaying your lights against a wall, and green if you’re winding them around a tree. 4 IN OR OUT? Indoor lights aren’t suitable for outside use, as…

Do make sure you choose lights fit for purpose – keep outdoor lights for outside and indoor lights for inside your home. Always check the packaging for the manufacturer’s safety advice. Do, wherever possible, choose LED over traditional filament Christmas lights. Why? They are durable, generate very little heat and use 80-90 per cent less electricity. Game changers! Do check old lights for damage and make sure you store them correctly after Christmas by winding them around a spool of cardboard. Don’t use them if there are any loose wires. Don’t overload your sockets and try not to use extension leads where possible, and always switch lights off before you go to bed. Don’t leave candles unattended or placed in a draughty area, and avoid their use completely if there…

ROLLED PAPER CHRISTMAS TREE A very clever, but super-simple, way of creating a stylised Christmas tree design YOU WILL NEED ★ 125 x 180mm (kraft (brown) card blank ★ 150 x 150mm patterned or wrapping paper ★ Pencil ★ Scissors or craft knife ★ Cutting mat ★ Ruler ★ PVA glue and paintbrush 1 Wrap a 150mm square of patterned paper around your pencil. 2 Roll the strip of paper tightly around the pencil a few times until you are halfway up the square of paper. Then use a paintbrush to apply a thin line of PVA glue along the edge of the roll. 3 Roll the paper over the glue and hold in place until the glue has adhered. 4 Slide the pencil out of the tube of paper.…

You can either display it inside your home on a wall or interior door or hang it up outside for a warm festive welcome! MAKE A NATURAL WREATH Get creative with this living wreath – you can mix and match fresh, foraged foliage with favourite baubles and coloured ribbons, in your chosen colour scheme this Christmas. The beauty of this wreath is not only in its look, but its versatility, as you can either display it inside your home on a wall or interior door or hang it on your front door to offer a warm festive welcome. Or, if you have time, make more than one! YOU WILL NEED ★ Wire wreath frame ★ Floristry scissors or secateurs ★ Ribbon (of medium/large thickness) ★ Reel wire ★ Moss ★…

Starters ★ Fennel, cranberry & walnut salad ★ Peppered mackerel & pink pickled onion salad ★ Twice-baked mushroom soufflé ★ Smoked salmon & avocado ramekins Mains ★ Cheat’s Christmas turkey with red cabbage wedges ★ Butternut, chestnut & lentil cake ★ Mushroom and tarragon strudels ★ Stuffed lemon sole Sides & sauces ★ Smashed roasties ★ Tenders tem ® broccoli with Christmas butter ★ Harissa & marmalade roasted roots ★ Make-ahead prosecco & wild mushroom gravy Desserts ★ Mini Christmas puds ★ Spiced cranberry crème brûlée ★ Spiced carrot, coconut & date pudding VEGAN OPTION FENNEL, CRANBERRY & WALNUT SALAD PREP 15 MINS + MARINATING SERVES 8 ★ 2 fennel bulbs, sliced as thinly as you can ★ 100g whole walnuts, toasted until golden ★ 70g dried cranberries ★ ½…

CRANBERRY AND ORANGE SPARKLER MAKES 1 Pour 10ml Cointreau and 40ml well-chilled cranberry juice into a flute glass and slowly top up with 75-100ml well-chilled sparkling rosé wine. Garnish with an orange zest twist and/or a few fresh cranberries on a cocktail stick. Serve at once. ESPRESSO SHRUB MARTINI MAKES 2 Add 100ml espresso to a jug with 50g golden caster sugar. Stir to dissolve, then leave to cool. Add 50g balsamic vinegar. Chill shrub in fridge until needed. Chill two martini glasses in the fridge. Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add 50ml coffee shrub, 30ml vodka and an espresso. Shake really well (the outside of the shaker should feel cold), then strain into the chilled glasses. Top with two coffee beans and a cardamom pod. WHITE CHRISTMAS SERVES…

MIDDLE EASTERN PANZANELLA WITH TAHINI DRESSING PREP & COOK TIME 55 MINS SERVES 4- ★ 2 aubergines, cut into wedges ★ 2 red onions, cut into wedges ★ 3 tbsp olive oil ★ 1 tbsp fennel seeds ★ ½ tsp chilli flakes ★ 3 pitta breads, cut into shards ★ 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets ★ 3 tbsp tahini ★ ½ orange, juice ★ 1 garlic clove, finely grated ★ ½ x 28g pack coriander, roughly chopped ★ 125g pack Waitrose Pomegranate Seeds 1 Preheat the oven to 200?C/180?C Fan/Gas Mark 6. Toss the aubergine and onion with 2 tbsp oil, fennel seeds and chilli flakes; season. Spread on a parchmentlined baking tray and roast for 20 minutes. 2 Toss the pitta and cauliflower with the remaining oil; season.…

Prepare your home for the best Christmas Day ever by following our countdown packed with loads of ideas and inspiration to get yourself prepared. Yes, there’s a lot to think about, but with a bit of forward planning you can relax knowing you’ve got all the festive bases covered! 1 CHOOSE YOUR CHRISTMAS Pen and paper, spreadsheet… set out ideas for the sort of Christmas you want this year – from cosy and intimate to a family gathering – decide on your budget, menu, décor theme as a starting point for all your other festive decisions. 2 PLAN AHEAD There’s always lots going on before Christmas, so invest in a simple family wallplanner. Put everything on it, such as carol services, parties and nativity plays, then everyone will know what…

BLUE BERRY Frosted blue berries give this traditional wreath an updated look Frosted blue berry wreath, £29.99, Dobbies LUSH GREENS You can still get a fresh finish with faux foliage Eucalyptus wreath, £29.99, Home Luxe Co. PASTEL POP Make origami the star of the show Paper origami wreath, £28, Notonthehighstreet FROSTED PINK Icy flowers and foliage will give your look a magical touch Pink hellebore wreath, £65, Ella James POP ART Nail that vibrant colour scheme Pop Art bauble wreath, £25, John Lewis & Partners MIDAS TOUCH This wreath will grab your attention Gold leaf wreath, £37.99, The Contemporary Home SHOWY SUCCULENTS Opt for succulents for a contemporary take on a traditional wreath Succulent wreath, £74.99, Gisela Graham STYLISH SPARKLE Add a sparkling, stylish touch with this pre-lit hoop LED…

1 If you want to keep it simple, why not choose a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree that you can store and use year after year, without having to worry about separate strings of fairy lights? There are plenty of options available on the high street and online, in a huge variety of sizes for every type of room. 2 Artificial Christmas trees come in various sizes and shapes – to narrow down your options, choose a spot to determine if you have space for a small Christmas tree or a tall one. Tree experts Balsam Hill (balsamhill.co.uk) recommend you have at least 6in between the top of your tree and the ceiling. This also allows for a topper or any decorative stand that adds height to the tree. So, if…

How to get the look ★ Make sure your tree is bursting with baubles for an indulgent feel – use a spectrum of jewel tones in the same depth of colour for a cohesive look and complement with an abundance of warm white fairy lights to help your gems sparkle. ★ Look out for lavish velvets and super soft silks with detailed embroidery to give cushions, stockings and table linen a refined feel. ★ Co-ordinate tree decorations with your Christmas dining table by choosing gold-effect cutlery, glassware in jewel tones and colourful decorative touches, such as the hummingbirds, beside your place settings for a vibrant touch.…

How to get the look ★ Mix a selection of pretty pastels or simply focus on one or two for a magical feel to your festive décor. White, pink and gold combine beautifully for a considered look, or add mint greens and baby blues for depth and interest. ★ Look out for stylish silhouettes, metallic finishes and delicate details in everything from tree decs and toppers to tableware and textiles. ★ Why not co-ordinate your gift wrap with your décor theme? No need to hide gifts away in the wardrobe, dress them to complement your scheme and they will enhance the overall finish – creating a more considered and curated feel.…

RETRO STYLE These glass baubles are reminiscent of Christmas’ past Cut glass bauble, £3.99 each, Dobbies OPULENT VELVET Create a dark and dramatic scheme with deep pinks Velvet bauble, £1.50, George Home BEAUTY QUEEN Add glitz and glamour to your scheme Drag queen bauble, £18 each, Rockett St George PAST TIMES Vintage-style decs for a nostalgic look Vintage baubles, £12.50 for three, Cox & Cox SUN WORSHIPPER Keep an eye out for on-trend celestial tree decs this year Gold sun face, £6.99, Gisela Graham GLITTER BALL Treat your tree to a little touch of contemporary sparkle Bazaar baubles, £10 for two, Habitat FIVE A DAY Perfect for the food lover in your life Aubergine bauble, £6.99, The Contemporary Home BLUSHING ROSE This pretty bauble is all of a feather Renaissance…

A NATTY KNIT Go for fun and funky bobbles Blue knitted bobble stocking, £30.99, Wayfair HE’S MAKING A LIST… This one is definitely Santa-approved Fabric Santa head stocking, £12.99, Gisela Graham TOUCH OF FROST Twinkle with sparkly silver accents White and silver sequin stocking, £9.99, The Contemporary Home SCANDI SEASON Step into Christmas Scandi-style Knitted Christmas tree stocking, £21.99, Wayfair AU NATUREL Go rustic with a traditional jute Christmas sack Jute Christmas sack, £10, Garden Trading MONOCHROME This star-patterned stocking will look great against a dark fireplace Antares star print stocking, £46, Tori Murphy PRETTY IN PINK Make this Christmas a magical one! Unicorn felt stocking, £13.99, Gisela Graham VELVET DREAMS Get the luxe look with elegant velvet Personalised velvet pompom stocking, £54.50, Bread & Jam A POLAR OPPOSITE Kids…

STRIKE! Complete with fun games inside, these crackers are perfect for the kids Bowling crackers, £25, John Lewis & Partners HOME BIRD Add a touch of festive country chic Pheasant luxury crackers, £34.95 per box of six, Annabel James FELINE GOOD Roarsome crackers for your table Fantasy animal crackers, £22.99 per box of six, Gisela Graham ANIMAL CRACKERS Snap-free and purr-fect for pets Cat and dog cracker, £9.95 each, Annabel James A TIME FOR GIVING Plastic-free with a charity donation Advent of Charity crackers, £24.95 for six, John Lewis & Partners NATURE’S WONDERLAND Green and gold for an elegant feel Oak leaf print crackers, £36 per box of six, Nancy & Betty Studio MEOW-FACTOR Black and gold animal print? Purrfect! Black and gold leopard print crackers, £38 per box of…

CHOCOLATEDIPPED HONEYCOMB Decorated in not one, but three types of melted chocolate, this is an irresistible treat and surpringly easy to make PREP 20 MINS + COOLING MAKES 25 ★ 300g caster sugar ★ 150g golden syrup ★ a pinch of cream of tartar ★ 1½ tsp bicarbonate of soda ★ 50g white chocolate, broken into pieces ★ 50g milk chocolate, broken into pieces ★ 50g dark chocolate, broken into pieces 1 Cover a 20cm square baking tray with baking paper. Put the sugar and golden syrup and cream of tartar into a deep, heavy-based pan and heat over a low heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Stop stirring, turn up the heat a little and cook until the mixture is golden. Add the bicarb, take off the heat…

FESTIVE SPICED LATTE CAKE PREP TIME 25 MINS + COOLING COOK TIME 50 MINS SERVES 10-12 ★ 250g unsalted butter, melted ★ 300g self-raising white flour ★ 1 tsp baking powder ★ 250g Billington’s light brown soft sugar ★ ½ tsp ground nutmeg, plus a pinc★ more ★ ¼ tsp salt ★ 1 tbsp instant coffee powder, plus 1 tsp ★ 75ml whole milk ★ 275g low-fat fresh vanilla custard ★ 3 medium British Blacktail free range eggs, beaten ★ 4 tbsp Billingtonhs golden caster sugar ★ 2 tbsp dark rum ★ 200ml whipping cream 1 Preheat the oven to 180?C/160ºC Fan/Gas Mark 4. Butter and base line a 23cm springform tin. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl. Add the light brown soft sugar, a pinch of…

POPPING CORN A bag of popcorn behind every door Jingle Bell Pop calendar, £16.95, Popcorn Shed WAKEY WAKEY Flavoured coffee every morning, and a travel cup on day one Coffee calendar, £20, Beanies Flavour Coffee WOODLAND FRIENDS Add a new forest creature every day Woodland calendar, £45, Great Little Trading Company CIN CIN Mixers, shimmers, sugars and garnishes for your cocktail creations Cocktails calendar, £10, Wilko SUGARY SWEET A must-have for a fairytale Christmas Gingerbread house calendar, £59, Ella James ETHICAL CHOCOLATE Chocolate treats including raspberry Champagne and G&T flavours Love Cocoa calendar, £20, Love Cocoa DEEP POCKETS Pop a little sweet, toy or sticker in these perfect little pockets Fill-your-own calendar, £24.99, Lakeland GIVING BACK Providing a donation a day, to 24 different charities Advent calendar, £17.95, Advent of…

1 AT FIRST GLANCE The hallway is the first room your guests will see, so don’t let it be an afterthought when you’re getting your home ready for the festive season. Firstly, stand back and take a look at the area with fresh eyes – sometimes our eyes get used piles of unsorted jumble in quiet corners if they’ve been there long enough! Get decluttering so you can start the festive transformation. Clear away muddy shoes, piles of bills and anything that might dampen the festive spirit – ’tis the season to be jolly, after all! Keep surfaces clear and the stage is set. 2 GET FRESH Real plants and flowers should be misted throughout the festive season to keep them fresh and vibrant long after your guests have left…

★ TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS With its classic shape, glossy green foliage and fresh pine scent, it’s easy to see why the Nordmann fir is the most popular variety for the perfect festive centrepiece. Nordmann Fir, 4-5ft, from £19.99, Dobbies ★ REAL SPACE SAVER The Fraser Fir tree is slightly narrower in shape, making it a good alternative for smaller areas, but still with plenty of taller options to make the most of vertical space. Fraser Fir, 4-5ft, from £29.99, at selected Dobbies stores ★ NO ROOM FOR A BIG TREE? This tiny tabletop tree comes through your letterbox complete with baubles and sparkly pot. Replant the tree afterwards too, once the festivities are over. Tiny Treats tree, £36 Bloom & Wild…

Shopping Trends…

How to get the look ★ Keep this look natural – collect pine cones, add sprigs of foliage and berries and use natural hessian to add finishing touches. ★ Who doesn’t love a stag at Christmas? And this is the perfect trend to display him, and all of his forest friends, to bring a certain charm to your festive décor with a playful edge. ★ Add interest with texture – mix chunky knit cushions with faux fur throws in creams and browns to cosy up the sofa and dining chairs, then use real pine twigs and branches to add detail to place settings, mantelpieces and window frames.…

Kyla McGrath Kyla McGrath Interiors @kylamagrathinteriors How do you decide on your Christmas theme each year? I tend to have the same style and slightly tweak it each year. Usually I get inspiration from magazines in the run-up to Christmas or press releases from high street shops like H&M that come out early. You can get loads of ideas from the way they style products. Is there a theme you’ll be focusing on this year? I’ll stick with a rustic Scandi boho theme – greenery, (pine, ivy, old man’s beard) and garlands, the more natural elements. I like to use white and a tiny bit of gold, but no red. I have an aversion to red at this time of year! What new themes do you think will emerge this…

SANTA BABY Cuddle up by the fire with this super-soft knit Blue Santa jumper, £16, George SPARKLE AND SHINE When it comes to Christmas, there can never be enough sequins Very Merry sequin jumper, £16, George RUDOLPH’S PICK Here’s Santa’s favourite reindeer Rudolph Christmas jumper, from £20, British Christmas Jumpers GIN-GLE ALL THE WAY This jumper is a real Christmas tonic! Gin-gle Bells jumper in red, £28.99, Of Life & Lemons GO GREEN Eco credentials in recycled yarn Comic penguin Fairisle jumper, from £20, British Christmas Jumpers KEEP IT CHEESY This jumper will bring Gouda tidings Cheesy Christmas jumper in green, £28.99, Of Life & Lemons JOYEUX NÖEL! C’est fantastique in hot pink! Christmas in Paris pink jumper, from £20, British Christmas Jumpers FABULOUSLY FAIRISLE Keep it traditional with a…

MAKE IT YOURS A bespoke cushion to treasure forever Personalised Christmas cushion cover, £11.90, Amazon Handmade KEEP CALM & CAROL ON The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Red slogan cushion, £6, George Home A MOOSE HAVE! This cushion isn’t moosing around Christmas moose cushion, £6, George Home POMPOM PERFECTION Embellished antlers are a must-have! Massimo Christmas stag cushion cover, £21.99, Wayfair THE FIRST NÖEL Team a neutral living room with a pop of red for a festive feel Nöel cushion cover, £12.95, Linens Limited TRUCKING ON Yule love this festive cushion! Christmas truck cushion, £11.90, Amazon Handmade JOLLY CHRISTMAS Keep it modern with a cool grey and green colour palette Holly wreath cushion, £6, George Home SLEIGH GIRL SLEIGH! Perfect for a…

★ NATURE’S WONDERLAND For a natural look, this wire-framed hare silhouette in weatherproof rattan will bathe a dark corner of your garden with soft ethereal light. ★ GOLDEN GLOBE Set the mood by hanging this twinkling globe outside. A generous 60cm in diameter it has 400 warm white LEDs on a black spherical frame. ★ BARKING MAD Calling all dog lovers! This cute illuminated plush dachshund figure can withstand the winter chills and light your way to festive Christmas fun.…

Sharing a festive meal is something everyone looks forward to, and making memories this Christmas will be even more special than other years. Whether you are with family and friends or you’re looking forward to a smaller gathering, getting the details right at your dining table will set the scene for a memorable time. Modest or lavish, browse through our themed looks and tips for you to create the look you want without the stress! Instagram and Pinterest are also a neverending source of inspiration, so have a browse online as well to add more ideas for your Christmas table this year. QUICK MAKE #1 Bow plate wrap Add a personal touch with this super-quick make for your table Mix plain and patterned plates in your colour theme and tie…

Don't worry if it isn't perfect - this is part of the charm of hand lettering and making your own embellishments MAKE TAGS & WRAP Making homemade tags and labels adds a lovely personal touch to your Christmas gift giving. Pair a paint-splattered wrapping paper with your mini wreaths and brush lettered gift tags. Present wrapping becomes an afternoon of creativity! YOU WILL NEED For the paint wrap ★ Kraft paper ★ White acrylic paint ★ Paint brush ★ Water For the wreaths ★ Floristry wire ★ Fresh rosemary For the gift tags ★ Luggage tags ★ Pens 1 To make your own paint-splattered wrap, just take a sheet of kraft paper and lay it flat on a table or flat surface. Mix some white acrylic paint with plenty of…

Take advantage of this exclusive subscription off er to BBC Good Food magazine. You’ll receive your first three issues for £5, then every six issues thereafter for just £21.50 – saving 27%! When you subscribe, you’ll automatically become a member of the BBC Good Food Subscriber Club and enjoy these fantastic benefits good foodSUBSCRIBER CLUB ★ Great savings on the magazine cover price ★ Exclusive digital recipe cards to download every month ★ Free delivery direct to your door each month ★ Subscriber-only off ers, like discounts on wine, travel, BBC Good Food Shows and reader events ★ Plus, you’ll never miss an issue of the UK’s number-one food magazine! Two easy ways to subscribe Visit buysubscriptions.com/GFHSX20 Call 03330 162 124** quoting code GFHSX20 *This offer is available to UK…

BOXING DAY SOUP PREP 10 MINS COOK TIME 35 MINS SERVES 4 ★ 1 tbsp sunflower oil ★ 1 medium onion, chopped ★ 2 celery sticks, chopped ★ 2 medium potatoes, about 350g, peeled and cut into small chunks ★ 1 tbsp curry paste ★ 1.2 litres vegetable stock, made from a stock cube ★ 550g leftover roasted or boiled vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips and squash, roughly chopped ★ natural yogurt or creme fraîche, to serve 1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the onion for 5 mins until golden. Add the celery and fry for 5 mins, then the potatoes and fry for a further 1-2 mins, stirring often. 2 Stir in the curry paste, let it cook for a min or so,…