Simply Christmas 2019

It’s never to early to start thinking about Christmas! Having the time to ponder and prepare for the busiest of seasons is a joy in itself. Think about what you love most about Christmas and make sure there’s more of it this year – whether it’s a large gathering or more one-to-one time with a friend, a big lights switch-on or a traditional carol service, a fun family day out or a cosy meal at home. Everything you see in this year’s Simply Christmas has been hand-picked to inspire and help you, from decorating and gift-buying or making, to cooking and baking. There’s a whole 52-page magazine packed with recipes for Christmas day, dinner parties, festive entertaining and more. And if you need a nice cup of glögg and a…

Whether you’re a traditionalist who insists that Christmas dinner isn’t complete without turkey and sprouts, or someone who loves to mix it up with new recipes each year (smoky bean and monkfish stew anyone?), we can all agree that food and drink is a hugely important part of our Christmas celebrations. So you’re in for a tasty treat this year with a 52-page magazine that’s stuffed full of 48 festive recipes! Eat, drink and be merry Split into sections covering Christmas Day, dinner parties, cheese, party bites and sweet treats, Simply Christmas Food & Drink is a truly scrumptious collection of recipes that’s sure to inspire all of your seasonal meal planning, from the big feast on 25 December to canapés and cocktails served at your Christmas party. “Food and…

5 things to do in OCTOBER CHRISTMAS CHOICES How do you want to spend the day - a big, full-on family feast or a smaller, more intimate celebration with just a few people? Deciding on what type of Christmas you want this year will then help you make other decisions about budgets, food and activities. BOOK YOUR TICKETS Christmas is full of opportunities for fun activities, but these can sell out really quickly. Avoid disappointed faces by booking any tickets you need in advance. GET CRAFTY It's a great time of year to show off your crafty skills - turn to page 43 to find lots of fun projects. Make sure you're realistic about what you can get made by scheduling everything into the next three months. BE BUDGET SAWY…

Classic red and green, nature-inspired, quirky animals in party hats… whatever your style, we’ve got lots of ideas for decking your halls this Christmas. Then, to help you make traditions both old and new, check out our pick of fun family days out, Radio Times’ top ten festive sitcom episodes of all time and BBC Countryfile’s guide to the best UK destinations to find a coveted white Christmas. And if you’ve ever wondered how the Royal Family celebrate, we look behind the scenes to find out about joke presents and late-night charades!…

BURNING BRIGHT This pine cone candle looks so realistic – it’s the perfect thing to add a touch of woodland magic to your festive décor. £12.95, www.nordichouse.co.uk GOOD WOOD We love the rustic bark finish of this majestic reindeer almost as much as we love his smart Christmas bow! £5.99, www.dobbies.com FOREST FRIENDS A length of twine provides a suitably rustic finishing touch for these ceramic animal tree decorations. £1 each, www.wilko.com NATURE’S BOUNTY Set the tone with a stylish front-door flourish. This starburst twig wreath is a real statement piece! £37.99, www.tch.net SUPER CENTREPIECE Bring the outdoors into your home on Christmas Day with a leafy candleholder to decorate your festive table. £12, www.sainsburys.co.uk TREE-MENDOUS Available in three sizes, this natural bark tree ornament can be brought out each…

FEATHER YOUR NEST A swirl of peacock feathers offers an unusual and striking take on the traditional Christmas wreath. £47.99, www.tch.net ART OF GLASS This Ekiti garland is made from handmade recycled glass baubles, and makes for a glamorous take on the usual tinsel. £44.95, www.nkuku.com GOING FOR GOLD Set an extra-special festive table with this set of four gold leaf napkin rings – a simple way to add wow factor to Christmas dining. £28, www.audenza.com TIME FOR TEA (LIGHT) With its palette of glorious peacock shades, you can create a magical glow with this dimpled tealight holder. £10.50, www.giselagraham.co.uk STAG NIGHT An elegant deer dec will lend a touch of chic country style to any tree, especially when caught in the glow of your fairylights. £5, www.debenhams.com RED ALERT…