Innholdsfortegnelse for 2022 i Simply Christmas

Planning joyful experiences over the Christmas season, while treasuring festive memories from the past is a true pleasure in itself, especially when time is on your side! What special festive traditions will you honour and what new ones will you start in 2022? This brand-new issue of Simply Christmas is full of fabulous seasonal ideas for décor, gifts and so much more – head to page 40 to create an advent window display or try your hand at making gifts, from page 99. We also have food covered with starters, mains, party nibbles and baked treats from top chefs and Bake Off stars. And to join in with the trend for beautifully curated platters, see our stunning Christmas wreath cheeseboard, on page 154. Finally, don’t forget to take time out…

Courtney says “When it comes to gifting, we are becoming more mindful than ever of where we buy from, looking at not only the sustainability of the product itself, but also its packaging and origin. Retailers such as eBay will reap the rewards of sustainable gifting, with pre-loved items galore. Shoppers will also opt to buy local and give back to their communities, as well as creating handmade presents for loved ones.” FOUR WEEKS Before Christmas ✓ Create your gift list so you know who you’re buying for. Make notes to help you stay focused when you shop. Start with our gift guides from page 115. ✓ Set your budget for present-buying (then try to stick to it!). ✓ Begin your Christmas shopping. The earlier you start, the better chance…

Whether you already have great ideas about how you want your home to be decorated this Christmas, or are open to trying out some cool new décor, there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to fabulous festive style. We look at gorgeous cottagecore inspiration, and take a peek inside a beautiful rustic home, plus we also explore style trends that range from the botanical to the lavish and showstopping. So, if you’re keeping it low-key or trying out new twists on the traditional – as with these gorgeous baubles – it’s time to get festive!…

Embrace tradition with a visit to the church and marketplace For a traditional festive event, visit a church in Swedish Lapland on 13 December and experience a Lucia celebration. Lucia is the symbolic bearer of light and, in churches all round the country, young people dressed in white robes follow Lucia, a girl adorned with a headress of candles, as the choir sings. As you can imagine it makes for a very beautiful atmosphere. Every year since 1606, in dálvve – the eighth season – there has been a huge market held in Jokkmokk (www.jokkmokkguiderna.com). Each February, people come from all over the region to celebrate Sámi culture, art and food. Among the modern stalls you’ll also find some real gems, including craft made from reindeer hides and antlers, traditional…

Why not make cards and tags that can be thrown out in a good way! This seeded paper by Becki Clark spreads wildflower joy once Christmas Day is over – simply cut up the used cards and spread over soil, add more soil on top, water, then watch the flowers grow as the days go by. Magic! MATERIALS • Three sheets of recycled paper • Blender • Sieve • Baking tray • Wild ower and cosmos seeds • Pressed ferns and ivy • Pinking shears • Needle and holepunch • Ribbon…

If you’re new to embroidery, this is a great little project to help you improve your skills. And because the recipient is a dog, they won’t mind in the slightest if the lettering is a little wonky – in fact, they’ll look super-cute either way! MATERIALS • 35 sq cm white fabric • DMC stranded cotton: white, black, red, magenta, dark green, light gold • Embroidery hoop, 10 cm • Embroidery needle, size 6 • Water-soluble fabric pen • Sewing machine • White machine thread • Embroidery stitch guide (www.gathered.how)…

Chicken terrine This wonderfully textured loaf-style chicken terrine with leeks and apricots can be made up to three days before your guests arrive SERVES 8-10 PREP 25 mins plus chilling COOK 1 hr 5 mins 1kg bone-in skinless chicken thighs, plus 2 breasts500ml fresh chicken stock2 bay leaves, plus extra to decorate Handful each of thyme sprigs and parsley2 leeks, finely chopped (trimmings reserved)6 black peppercorns, ½ tsp salt30g butter, plus extra for the tin1 large or 2 small shallots, finely chopped50g smoked bacon rashers or pancetta, chopped1 large garlic clove, finely chopped50g soft dried apricots, chopped3 tbsp brandy4 sheets leaf gelatine 1 Put the chicken thighs in a pan with the stock. Add some of the herbs tied with string. Add leek trimmings, peppercorns, salt and stock. Bring to…

Murder On The Dance Floor Get ready to boogie with this hit cocktail from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, created with blood-red cranberry juice and zesty citrus gin. Perfect for parties with an impromptu disco (preferably in the kitchen) SERVES 2 Lots of ice100ml good-quality gin(such as Pink Marmalade gin)Juice of lemon or lime100ml cranberry juice1 tsp agave syrup(depending on the sweetness of your cranberry juice, you may need extra)2 lavender sprigs, to serve(optional) 1 Fill a couple of martini glasses with ice and leave to chill. 2 Add plenty of ice to your cocktail shaker and throw in all your ingredients. Pop the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 20 seconds – give it your all! 3 Throw out the ice from your now icy-cold glasses and pour your cocktail…

Courtney says “Instead of lavish, carefully curated spreads, there will be an increase in ‘bring-a-plate feasts’. This fun dining experience allows the whole family (or group of friends) to get involved in making delicious homemade food. It’s great for saving pennies while also wasting less. For a touch of indulgence, Kocktail’s Mince Pie Old Fashioned will tickle the fussiest of taste buds.” FOUR WEEKS Before Christmas ✓ Ensure the turkey is ordered from your local butcher or farm shop, plus any other special items you might need. ✓ Stock up on booze, mixers and soft drinks for the big day, or try your hand at making homemade sloe gin or liqueur. ✓ If you’re an online shopper, book your supermarket delivery slot and start planning your order. Pick plenty of…

Christmas is the perfect time to get creative when decorating your home, adding personal touches and extra glitter. You might even love the décor so much, you’ll want to keep it in place long after winter has passed! However, with so many style inspirations to choose from it can be tricky to know what to go for, especially if you want to make a big impression. Nadia McCowan Hill, Style Advisor atWayfair (www.wayfair.co.uk), says: “Whether it’s opulent, vintage, botanical, Scandi or rustic, more people are embracing maximalist decorating schemes – going bigger and better in every space beyond the livingroom tree and mantelpiece.” Here, Nadia offers four cool ways to upgrade your festive décor this season. Outside looking in Advent windows have become more popular in recent years and are…

Handmade Christmas is jam-packed with over 50 festive crafts to make this your most creative year yet! Find beginner-friendly crochet, sewing, knitting, embroidery, cross stitch and papercraft projects, including gorgeous gifts and stocking fillers for all your loved ones. 50+ craft ideas to try Plus sew your own cheeky elf! ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! Only £9.99 (incl. UK p&p* ) ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/handmadexmas22 CALL 03330 162 138 and quote ‘Handmade Xmas 22 PRINT1’ +UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff). Lines open weekdays 9am to 5pm. Overseas please call +44 (0)1604 973 746. Price. EUR price £13.99, ROW price £14.99. All prices include P&P. Please…

Amid winter’s cold bite, garden wildlife needs a helping hand. And this barren season is the time to plant shrubs that will lure other creatures in the warmer months ahead. Make your garden a winter haven for wildlife and you could save the lives of birds and bees, who may struggle to survive in prolonged harsh weather. As our climate warms, some species of bee are increasingly foraging for food during winter. Make it easier for them by growing nectar-rich flowers such as heather, aconite, mahonia and snowdrops. Many nectar gems make great container plants to brighten the front door and can be planted out in the garden after flowering: for instance hellebores, which will continue to flower into spring. PURPOSEFUL PLANTING Winter is a great time to plant shrubs,…

Christmas is one of the best times of the year to indulge in creativity. You show off your DIY skills with handmade decorations, such as an embellished wreath base. Making hand-crafted gifts is always a lovely way to surprise people too. Our ideas include making sustainable gift tags that double up as seed papers, plus fabulous earrings to make as gifts and a stunning tablescape. And, for furry friends we’ve included an easy-to-make doggie bandana too. So, set aside an afternoon or two, pour the mulled wine, it’s time to get crafting!…

Whether you’re shopping for green-fingered grandparents, crafty kids or food-loving friends, there’s plenty to be inspired by this year – from the homemade and affordable to the lavish and luxurious. Our gift ideas will help you buy wisely for your favourite people, and even includes ideas for pets. You’ll find top suggestions that are not only thoughtful, useful and fun, but they are sure to be cherished for years to come too. Start the shopping early this year to avoid stress, and don’t forget to save some time to wrap the gifts up in fabulous festive colours!…

Sweet onion and blue cheese swirls These light and fluffy cheesy twirls are hard to resist – serve them as finger food or with a bowl of soup or tomato-based stew SERVES 8 PREP 40 mins COOK 20 mins 2 tbsp olive oil1 large onion, finely sliced1 tbsp balsamic vinegar1 tbsp caster sugar325g self-raising our, plus extra for dusting250ml buttermilk or natural yoghurt2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra1 tbsp sage leaves, finely chopped1 tsp flaked sea salt100g creamy blue cheese such as Dolcelatte or Gorgonzola, cut into pieces Freshly ground black pepper 1 Cook the onion gently in oil until soft and starting to become golden. Add the balsamic vinegar, sugar and season with salt and pepper. Cook a little more before removing from the heat and leaving to cool.…

MAKES around 3-litre 600ml red wine150ml sugar syrup150ml triple sec300ml lemon juice (or a mix ofcitrus juices)600ml soda water 1 Mix the ingredients together and serve in a 3-litre bowl over a big block of ice. Before serving, grate a little nutmeg over the punch and garnish with cucumber, lemon or orange slices. TEN COCKTAIL COMMANDMENTS Cocktail expert and author, Alice Lascelles shares her ten rules for a successful cocktail evening 1 A good glass is a cold glass: always freeze or chill your glassware 2 Measure ingredients accurately (at least until you’ve familiarised yourself with the recipe)  3 Ensure lemon and lime juice is always freshly squeezed 4 Keep mixers and sparkling wines zzy and well chilled 5 If in doubt, use more ice – allow at least vecubesperdrink…

How early to prepare for Christmas is one of those things that can divide opinion. We all know someone who starts their shopping in the January sales, or crochets all year round to make gifts for the family. Or there’s always that friend who just can’t start thinking about gifts until the Radio Times Christmas bumper edition goes on sale (or even after that!). We’re all about a happy medium, and starting around now to imagine what this year’s festivities could look like is a real pleasure, especially when you know you have time to make the magic happen. GO WITH THE FLOW Every Christmas is di erent – while there are some well-loved similarities, the mix of people, pets, events, presents, décor, locations and weather changes every year. Meet Courtney…

Courtney says “As we look for more thrifty ways to decorate our homes, we can expect to see homemade, crafty decorations adorning the fireplace, table and tree. Inspiration for eye-catching tablescapes can be taken and created from many brands, including Oxfam’s a ordable homeware and decoration ranges. A top tip is to get in early, as popular lines are likely to sell out quickly.” FOUR WEEKS Before Christmas ✓ Grab the ladder and take a peek in the loft to remind yourself of what you have. Give tired decs a new lease of life with paint and the addition of natural greenery. Or for a whole new look, see our pick of the latest trends starting on page 24 – vintage luxe, cottagecore, natural and opulent botanics. ✓ Advent calendars…

COUNT THE DAYS An elegant advent that doubles as art in its own right. £44.99, www.dobbies.com LUSH LEAVES A fabulous leaf bauble that invites the wild outdoors in, this Christmas. £3.99, www.dobbies.com HEIRLOOM HANGING Make a statement with this handmade stocking in William Morris’ Golden Lily design. £39.95, www.greenandheath.co.uk NATURAL WONDER Beautiful baubles and decs that capture the natural world with timeless charm. From £5.99, www.giselagraham.co.uk FOLK FLOWERS These folklore-inspired crackers bring plenty of colour and pattern to the table. £19.99, www.giselagraham.co.uk FESTIVE OPULENCE This stunning selection of Festive Dreaming decorations are brimming with decadence. Prices start at £2.99, www.dobbies.com LET THERE BE LIGHT Bring a little light in with this forest-green candle. £8.49, www.giselagraham.co.uk DRESS TO IMPRESS Zhuzh up your houseplants with cute mini baubles in festive colours. £9,…

The Aurora Sky Station in Abisko, Swedish Lapland, (www.auroraskystation.se) sits at the top of the 900m-high Mount Nuojla – and here, after your breathtaking cable ride, you’ll be able to enjoy extraordinary gastronomy and astronomy. The restaurant celebrates the best of Sámi and Swedish food (all produce has to come up in the cable car, too) and the potential for seeing the aurora borealis and night-sky gazing makes for a magical trip. Off the beaten track and bringing you close up to snowy nature, the Aurora Safari Camp (aurorasafaricamp.com, nearest airport Lulea) offers a fully hosted and guided glamping Arctic experience deep in the dark forest. Arrive by snowmobile at your tented escape, enjoy the sauna in a lake of frozen ice and set off for a dog-sledding ride, watching…

Spending time with friends, family and pets is a big part of what makes Christmas so special, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come. Over the next few pages, you’ll find plenty to do this year, whether that’s exploring the magic of a stately home or discovering the wonderful wildlife that exists in your own back garden and beyond. But, of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a boardgame bonanza, and we have plenty of ideas that will keep the family entertained. Whether you’re indoors or out, it’s time to kick back and relax.…

From a traditional turkey to a tasty vegan dish, Christmas is a great time to indulge in fine food, moreish nibbles and experiment with the cocktail shaker too. Over the next few pages we share a most excellent spread with plenty of ideas for starters, mains – including some fabulous ideas from BBC Good Food, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Tom Kerridge and more – and those all-important desserts. And don’t forget to try out a new tipple or two in our drinks section, which also has non-alcoholic versions. Tuck in and enjoy!…

Rocky road cheesecake Christmas is the perfect time to spoil your guests and this decadent beauty does just that… and it requires no baking! SERVES 12 PREP 20 mins plus chilling COOK 30-35 mins 2 x 200g shop-bought chocolate loaf cakes225ml double cream150g dark chocolate, chopped2 tbsp golden syrup50g white chocolate Edible glitter and sprinkles FOR THE FILLING 560g full-fat soft cheese200ml double cream75g icing sugar2 tsp vanilla extract ½ orange, zested FOR THE ROCKY ROAD 150g dark chocolate75g butter1 tbsp golden syrup75g digestive biscuits25g pretzel pieces50g mini marshmallows (vegetarian, if needed) 1 Line a 2-litre pudding bowl with cling film, leaving some overhanging. Thinly slice the cakes lengthways (eight or nine slices per cake), and use to line the base and side of the bowl with no gaps. Combine…

What better way to embrace the cooler temperatures and dark evenings than to hunker down with a loved one and warm your toes under a blanket? In Scotland, there’s a word for it. In a literal sense, ‘coorie’ means to ‘crouch for protection’ or to ‘snuggle and nestle’, but more recently it has taken on a wider meaning, one that can be applied to the way we live, eat, work and spend our free time. One that binds us with nature, family, heritage and home. “A coorie way of life practises small, quiet, slow activities by engaging with our surroundings to feel happy,” says Gabriella Bennett (gabriellabennett.com), author of The Art of Coorie. “Unlike hygge, coorie is more than about simply being cosy – it’s about working out how to be…