Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2024 i Woman & Home

What kind of wrapper are you? In my mind, there are two types. There are those who wrap presents so meticulously that even the sticky tape doesn’t glisten under the twinkly lights, instead tucked neatly behind the lovingly folded edge. Adorned with ribbon – hand-swirled and twisted – they put all other presents to shame. The poor relations (mine!) are slightly more dishevelled. The edges slightly bulging (with love and thought!) as the paper refuses to neatly fold, instead puckering with the excess paper (must remember to measure!). Yes,I think that quite succinctly describes the two camps. Which one are you in? As writer Christabel Smith says on page 40, ‘You either love it or loathe it.’ A bit like the run-up to Christmas itself, perhaps? Symbolising different emotions for…

I’ve just bought a pair of gorgeous sheepskin slippers. Sadly, not for myself but as a Christmas present for my sister (shush, don’t tell her). I hadn’t even wrapped them up when the emails began. ‘You can barely buy a bauble without the follow-up’ ‘Thank you for shopping with us! We hope you’ll write about your purchase while it’s still fresh in your mind.’ And delete. Yet still it continued. ‘Please rate your item.’ The longer I declined to comment, the longer it went on. Like a clingy ex who wouldn’t stop messaging. ‘Click the stars to get started.’ Delete, delete, delete. Finally, the algorithms got the message. But by then, I’d made several other purchases. Cue another raft of uncurbed attention-grabbing, approval-seeking emails. ‘How would you rate this chat?’…

When you are home alone, what do love to do? Because I am so busy with work, I’m out a lot, so I love a day to myself at home. I wear comfy leggings, sweatshirt and flip-flops, and I watch whatever new series everyone is telling me about. What’s your biggest fear? I lost my darling dad, Dennis, to Alzheimer’s, and now, sadly, my mum, 93-year-old Joan, has the disease. Every time I forget something, instead of thinking it’s a senior moment, I think, ‘Oh my God. Is this the start of Alzheimer’s?’ ‘I embrace my age and I never lie about it’ Do you have any regrets? I have many regrets, but I try not to dwell on them. You can’t go back and change things. You can just…

when I walked into our front room on Christmas Eve 2015, the atmosphere was electric. Waiting for me was James, the heroic fireman I’d fallen in love with, and my daughters Laura and Katie, then both in their early teens. Perched in the Christmas tree was a book entitled Coleen Scott’s Wedding Diary, and inside was every detail of the wedding James had secretly planned, from cake tasting to the honeymoon. On the page for 17 December 2016, he had written: ‘12pm at Wynyard Hall – marry me?’ That magical moment seems dreamlike now. I was soon to learn that the man I loved was a complete fake. James wasn’t even his real name. I first heard of James Scott in September 2014, when ‘Firefighter J likes you’ popped up…

1 Choose a capsule wardrobe The festive season is often a whirlwind of activity, so plan your outfits in advance. I stick to a few key pieces: a sequin blazer, satin midi skirt, embellished shirt, crew-neck jumper and jeans, creating multiple outfits that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. Paula Moore , fashion director 2 Get salon savvy Book in for your beauty treatments – root regrowth/colour and haircut, and a mani/pedi – in the first week in December. Christmas is the busiest time, so advance planning means you will look groomed for the season. Sarah Cooper-White , beauty director 3 SPEEDY MANICURE No time for appointments? Give yourself a flawless manicure with Mylee’s White Convex Curing Lamp Kit with Gel Nail Polish Essentials, £92, very.co.uk. Its durable finish…

Classic CHECK ✢ A classic LBD has a timeless elegance you can adapt to changing trends. This Whistles dress has a full swishy skirt, perfect for adding subtle drama to any occasion. ✢ Whether dressing up or keeping it casual, a checked coat will pull your outfit together effortlessly. Sparkle & SHINE ✢ When you want to make a bold statement, bring sequins to the party! Don’t forget you can also rent pieces for one-off occasions.✢ Add glittering accessories. On-trend low square heels are a great blend of style and comfort. Pearly QUEEN ✢ Get in line for this supermarket steal! Pretty pearl detailing gives this cardigan a luxe high-end feel.✢ Mix some fun into your outfit with a layered tulle maxi, perfect for dancing and showing off a subtle…

1 Scrub up When hands look dull, dreary and lacklustre, give them a buff with Rituals Reviving Hand Scrub, £14.90, rituals.com. Fine salt grains are suspended in a nourishing oil-based formula that sloughs rough-feeling skin. It feels like a spa treatment, and leaves hands touchably soft. 2 Fancy soap Splurging on a posh handwash is a treat for the hands and home. La Collection Privée Christian Dior Liquid Soap, £62, dior.com, smells divine, with uplifting white flowers and marine notes. 3 Grown-up glitter A sprinkling of glitter is sure to elevate your manicure game this party season. Apply a coat of polish then use a brush to dab Manucurist Nail Art Biodegradable Glitter, £9, uk.manucurist.com, across your tips to create a frosted French manicure. 4 Oil change Manicurists agree that…

The present-opening panic Does the thought of opening presents in front of others bring you out in a cold sweat? ‘Pretending to love a gift when we actually don’t can be a real challenge,’ says psychology expert Bayu Prihandito (lifearchitekture.com). ‘It taps into our desire to be genuine, but that can be tricky because more often than not, we don’t want to hurt the people we love. Just the anticipation of it can be draining – especially over an already-emotional time like Christmas.’ However, taking a very deep breath can mean that you relax. ‘This can also help you be in the moment and experience it fully, rather than overthinking what might happen,’ adds chief psychologist Smriti Joshi (wysa.com). ‘Asking where they got the gift, why it made them think…

Q I’ve started getting a lot of hair on my face and around my nipples. I’m going through the menopause, but can’t take hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Is it normal to be so hairy? I’m very embarrassed! A Yes, it’s normal for this to happen because both oestrogen and testosterone levels drop, but the decline in oestrogen is greater, and so the ratio sometimes favours the testosterone, making women prone to hair growth. This can be soft and fluffy (called vellus hair, the type you see on a child’s arm), or it can be black and coarse (terminal hair), the kind you see on a man’s face. If you were at my surgery, as a GP my first question would be about why you’re not able to take HRT. There…

GORGEOUS STARTERS Smoked salmon, crab and avocado stack Polish off your glass of fizz and settle down to this light start to your meal. Serves 6-8 • Prep 30 mins ½ cucumber, peeled, deseeded and finely diced¼ fennel, peeled and finely diced, fronds reserved for garnishJuice 1 lemon, plus wedges to serve1tsp granulated sugar3 ripe medium avocados, diced10g chives, finely chopped1tbsp capers, drained, rinsed and roughly chopped200g white crabmeat100g soured cream200g thinly sliced smoked salmon10g dill fronds, for garnish2tbsp caviar or lumpfish/salmon roe and 3tbsp crème fraiche (optional) For the dukkah crispbreads: 50g chopped toasted hazelnuts2tbsp sesame seeds1tbsp each nigella seeds, fennel seeds and flaky sea salt30g soft unsalted butter1 part-baked ciabatta, thinly sliced on the diagonal You will need: 6-7cm ring mould or cutter 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6. For the crispbreads,…

Chicken liver pâté with brioche toast and pickled red apple These chic little bites are more of an assembly job than something that requires fiddly cooking. Makes 24 • Ready in 15 mins ¼ small red apple2tbsp apple cider vinegar2 slices brioche from a pre-sliced loaf100g smooth, spreadable chicken liver pâté, at room temperature (we like Findlater’s)1-2tsp cranberry jelly2-3 apple crisps from a shop-bought pack, broken up1tbsp finely chopped chives You will need: 1 small baking tray, linedSmall piping bag (optional) 1 Heat the oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7. Cut the apple into fine matchsticks, put into a small bowl with the vinegar and set aside in the fridge to lightly pickle until ready to assemble. 2 Cut each brioche slice in half to make the next step easier, then stand each half…

whatever your style, you’ll find something among these trends to spark your interest. From timeless traditional reds, to disco brights for a playful touch, or a nature-inspired Scandi scheme, refresh your old decorations or try a whole new look with our guide. John Lewis + Swoon Emlin coffee table, £210, Piro armchair, £599, Italian cut velvet cushion, £50, vintage overmantel mirror, £230, shooting star wreath, £20, knitted cream stocking, £16, and sculpture snow globe, £25, all John Lewis & Partners >> Warm METALLICS Bring out the bling in a vintage-inspired way this Christmas. Think warm metallics rather than high-shine yellow gold or icy silvers, for a tree that feels special. This is a great look for a warm, neutral space, where shades of honey and amber provide the backdrop. Try…

NATURE OR NURTURE? Fire by John Boyne (£14.99, HB, Doubleday) Are people born or made evil? Freya is a successful surgeon at a hospital burns unit, with a nice home and car. She is a woman in control. But child neglect and abuse has left its mark. With clear-eyed compulsion, she exacts revenge until she comes up against a man who is one step ahead of her. Unsettling and utterly compelling – you’ll devour this psychological twister in one go. LIFE OF PRIVILEGE Beautiful People by Amanda Jennings (£16.99, HB, HarperCollins) Victoria doesn’t fit in with her wealthy and beautiful university friends, despite changing her name to Vix and altering her style. When events get out of control, Vix flees London and breaks all contact. Fast-forward 25 years, and the…

A childhood spent in the East Midlands followed by studying law in London may not seem the likeliest route to penning Swedish noir, but Will Dean’s debut thriller, Dark Pines, became a word-of-mouth sensation. It paved the way for five more books featuring captivating reporter Tuva Moodyson – the latest, Ice Town, follows Tuva as she joins the search for a missing teenager. Will has also written several stand-alone thrillers, with settings as varied as a deserted cruise ship and the British Fenlands. For anyone who hasn’t met Tuva Moodyson, she is a young, deaf journalist living in rural Sweden. She’s the only full-time reporter in a town of about 9,000 people, having moved to be near her ill mum. Even though she is more of a city person, Tuva…

Mocha Bundt A beautiful alternative to traditional Christmas cake that can be made at the last minute! Serves 10-12 • Prep 45 mins, plus cooling • Cook 45-50 mins 180g unsalted butter, softened350g caster sugar6 medium free-range eggs75g walnuts or pecans, gold shimmer spray (optional), and chocolate balls, to decorate For the chocolate sponge: 150g self-raising flour25g cocoa powder¼tsp fine salt75g dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled90g soured cream For the coffee sponge 175g self-raising flour¼tsp fine salt75g white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled75g soured cream2tbsp instant espresso powder, mixed with 1tbsp boiling water For the coffee fudge icing: 60g unsalted butter80g light muscovado sugar50ml single cream1½tsp instant espresso powder, mixed with 1tbsp boiling water You will need: 22cm Bundt tin, well greased 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan/Gas 4. Using an electric whisk, beat…

An internationally bestselling author of more than 50 books,SUSAN LEWIS shares her top five reads on page 224. What do you typically do on Christmas Eve? I’ll visit a spa for a facial and massage – a lovely relaxing prep for hectic days ahead. Then I’ll deal with last-minute family issues – ‘I don’t have a gift for Uncle Dave; We’re vegan this year; Can I bring a friend?’ By evening, it’s time to kick back, do the crucial champagne tasting and watch a movie. WILL DEAN grew up in the East Midlands and studied law before turning to crime writing. On page 225, he talks about living in Sweden and Scandi noir. What do you typically do on Christmas Eve? Here in Sweden, Christmas Eve is the big day.…

FESTIVE FEAST…

As Queen Camilla’s son, King Charles’ stepson and stepbrother to Princes William and Harry, journalist Tom Parker Bowles is as connected as they come to the top tier of Britain’s most famous family. Now, 25 years since his mother and the King went public as a couple, he has merged his passion for cuisine with the monarchy by releasing a cookbook exploring 200 years of British royal food. ‘After all these years of keeping well away from the royal question, I suddenly thought, “Well, hang on,”’ says Tom, 49, who as well as being a food writer is also a regular judge on BBC1’s MasterChef. As part of his research, he dived into books by royal biographer and historian Jane Ridley, visited The Royal Archives in the Round Tower of…

‘CHILDREN IN HOSPITAL WORRY THAT SANTA WON’T FIND THEM’ Dawn Allen, 47, and her husband, Mark, 46, from Milton Keynes, spend the festive season bringing joy to sick children. Our son Henry loved Christmas. Before he became ill, he was a mischievous two-year-old with blue eyes and floppy blond hair, who gave the best hugs. In 2011, Henry started experiencing pain in his legs, and I noticed a lump in his tummy. At night, his temperature would soar to 40 degrees, then go back to normal during the day. I spent three months trying to get a doctor to take my concerns seriously, but was written off as an overanxious first-time parent. ‘Henry’s last wish has given my life purpose’ The hardest decision Unbeknown to us all, neuroblastoma, a cancer…

Multiple age groups, ingrained habits – it’s no wonder that family Christmases can be more flammable than a pudding doused in brandy. However, there are ways to keep peace on Earth. We hate to invoke the ‘p’ word – planning – at this time of year, but it’s the key to making sure that everyone has a good time, arguments are sidestepped, and you don’t end the festive season feeling as strung out as the lights on the tree. Here are our golden rules for making Christmas run as smoothly as possible. Flexi festivities As you work out this year’s celebrations, don’t be rigid about what you’ll do. You may prefer your festive traditions but, particularly once your offspring have children, they’ll develop preferences around when to open presents or…

Home was a small town in Lancashire, and although I travelled a bit across Europe, going to New York was a game changer. I’ve been there many times since, but this was my first visit. I remember thinking what an amazing city it was, but also, as we went around Fifth Avenue, Times Square and Central Park, how nuts it was. It’s one of those places you feel like you’ve been to before because you’ve seen it in films and TV programmes. I’m not sure what building I’m standing on top of in this photo, only that it’s January 1988, I’m 21 and it’s absolutely freezing. My single, Never Gonna Give You Up, had come out in the UK in 1987, and had already been No1 in other countries, but…

For that special festive occasion (my birthday on 31 December), I would never actually buy sequinned pyjama-style co-ords – but I’d happily rent them! When you’re born into Generation Moss Bros, the idea of borrowing something for a glamorous event is deep-rooted. Why spend a load of money on an outfit you’ll only wear once? We are all aware of the impact fast fashion has on the environment – and synthetic sparkly fabrics can be particularly planet-punishing. Renting is the circular alternative and a brilliant way to try out one-off pieces that are usually out of financial reach. This Christmas, rather than spending money on a new party outfit, why not make do and lend? ‘I can swan around looking snazzy’ Today, there are numerous clothing and accessory rental websites…

From helping her mother mix creams in their kitchen growing up, Jo Malone has always been surrounded by fragrance. Now a globally recognised name and founder of one of the most famous fragrance brands in the world, she is renowned for creating some of the most identifiable scent combinations and perfumes. Jo tells us about her favourite tricks for layering and wearing perfume, how scent helps impact our memories and shares her top tips for gifting fragrance to loved ones this Christmas. TOP TRICK Think of your body as a canvas. Start by applying a scented body lotion, then layer with your perfume of choice. Find a scent you like and have fun with it – layer, mix and match to create something unique to you. REN Moroccan Rose Otto…

Will you have the ‘perfect’ Christmas with your partner? You know, the one we see on all the adverts that show happy couples cosying up together, smiling and laughing, glowing from all of the wonderful festive feelings? Well, let’s be brutally honest – probably not. Because the reality is that life and relationships aren’t ever 100% idyllic – at any time of the year. And when hairline cracks have been starting to appear for some time, they may feel cavernous during the festivities. More often than not, it happens without you realising. After all, it’s easy to put bad behaviour down to the ‘normal’ stresses of the period. Ever experienced quick-fire, back-and-forth bickering in the car on the way to a festive do, then having to plaster on a smile…

Tastiest Christmas CLASSICS Collection 6 Mince Pies, £4, M&S A crisp pastry case that’s generously filled with a tangy citrus mincemeat. A hit with the judges and a standout winner from the high street in a hotly contested category. Co-op Frangipane Mincemeat Slice, 4 pack, £2.25 A delicious gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy, with a rich juicy fruit filling sandwiched between layers of light almond sponge. The judges commended the texture and liked that it didn’t taste overly sweet. Stag Christmas Cake, 2kg, £49.60, Meg Rivers Adorned with a gilded stag and elegant tartan ribbon, this cake has real wow factor. Nicely spiced, packed with plump juicy fruits and toasty nuts, and generously doused in French brandy. Luxury Frangipane Topped Mince Pies, 6 pack, £15, biscuiteers.com Consistently gracing our…

ISLAND-HOPPING For big reunions NASSAU, BAHAMAS WHY GO? For starters, there’s the weather: daytime winter highs are a comfortable 26C, with low, frizz-free humidity. Then there’s a fabulous fusion of Caribbean and African cultures and food. And then, of course, there’s the fun. There’s lots to be had – not least during the annual December street festival of Junkanoo, which is bigger than Christmas here, and is perfect for multigenerational families or groups of friends wanting to celebrate. It may be a far-flung paradise, but there’s a special link between the Bahamas and the UK – many James Bond movies have been shot against the backdrop of its stunning historic architecture, including iconic Casino Royale. And the Bahamas get some big love from the American market too, so there are…

UNFORGETTABLE MEMOIRS Never by Rick Astley (£25, HB, Pan Macmillan) Who doesn’t love Rick Astley’s pop classic, Never Gonna Give You Up? It launched his career when Rick was only 19, yet by the time he was 27, fame had become so overwhelming he withdrew from the music scene. Here, Rick shares his difficult early experiences, and career highs and lows – including the 2007 ‘Rickrolling’ meme that paved the way for his comeback. Sonny Boy by Al Pacino (£25, HB, Cornerstone) Hugely respected within the film industry for mesmerising performances in classics such as The Godfather, in this autobiography, the actor charts his early life and troubled upbringing in New York’s South Bronx. Here, he established himself as a fixture in avant-garde theatre, so when Pacino’s big film breaks…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Alison Steadman Gavin & Stacey star Alison Steadman lives in Highgate, London with her partner, Michael. WAKE UP On a day when I’m not working, I get up at around 7.30am. However, when I am working I’ll quite often be up at 4.30am. It’s exhausting, but it’s part of the game when you’re filming because you have to be showered, travelled and had hair and make-up done to be on camera at 8am. The first thing I do when I wake up is have a builder’s tea and a biscuit, then I’ll usually do Wordle – I’m obsessed! MORNING I won’t have breakfast until much later, about 10 or 11am. I have porridge with about eight types of fruit, and sometimes a boiled egg…

horoscopes Star sign of the month SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER Family misunderstandings are possible – avoid a blow-up on the 15th. It could be a soap-opera Christmas! YOUR MONTHS AHEAD A plan you had for 2025 will need overhauling – ask for help. Singles get lucky in 2025’s first half and couples have a joyous time. Call 0905 789 4158* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY Don’t go present shopping the first week of December. You’ll be tempted to overspend! The Capricorn Moon on New Year’s Eve promises fun. Call 0905 789 4159* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY From the 6th you may be preoccupied with a partner’s problems. It’s an irritable time, but…

Deep-fill mince pies Jazz up a jar of shop-bought mincemeat for these easy classics. Makes 12 large mince pies • Prep 45 mins, plus chilling • Cook 20 mins 350g plain flour, plus extra to dust225g salted butter, softened120g caster sugar2 medium free-range eggs, 1 beaten to glaze750g good-quality mincemeat1 firm pear, finely diced2tbsp sloe ginDemerara sugar, to sprinkleIcing sugar, to dust (optional) You will need: 10cm and 8cm round cutters, and a 12-hole deep muffin tin 1 Whizz the flour, butter and a pinch of salt in a food processor until the texture resembles sand. Add the caster sugar and pulse 2-3 times, then add the egg and pulse again until the mixture comes together. If the mixture looks a little dry, add a dash of cold water. 2 Turn…

STAR LETTER POWER OF POSITIVITY On the way home after a hard week at work, I picked up my first issue of w&h. I felt tired and deflated, but poured a coffee and started turning the pages. I wasn’t even halfway through when I felt my mood lifting, my energy growing and the decision to make more time for myself at the front of my mind. I’d forgotten how much a good read can help the soul, and your magazine was a treat. Maureen JOY AND SORROW Kathy Lette never fails to make me laugh: I’ve Exorcised My Exercise Angst [July] had me in stitches. Overleaf, I felt such sadness reading Pauline Campbell’s article about being written off at school. I was happy to see she had the courage to…

‘Tis the season to be stockpiling rolls of wrapping paper, glossy ribbons and packs of labels. You know you have bagfuls already, as ’twas also the season last year, but you’ve searched every drawer and can’t find the damn things… Thus begins another present-wrapping trauma. In my dreams, from early December, there’s a cupboard full of neatly arranged, elegantly wrapped presents. In truth, I’m the one slapping paper on boxes of chocolates as King Charles begins his Christmas speech. Find your flourish My mother, who was from the post-war, save-every-scrap generation, often turned her box room into a wrapping recycling centre. She would swoop in on scraps of discarded paper and derive more satisfaction from stashing it away than she did from any present. Despite running this gift-wrapping emporium, she…

‘A TEAM OF 1,000 CREATE A MAGICAL EVENT’ Christmas means so much to Alison Battle, 58, that she created LaplandUK with her husband, Mike. She lives in Kent and has four adult sons. Since I was young, I’ve held a passion for Christmas. Once I became a parent, I loved creating festive magic for our boys. However, when we took them to meet Father Christmas each year, we found it overly commercialised. After 20 years as a primary school teacher, I knew how sharing stories of Father Christmas gave children a whole world to believe in. So, despite having no background in events, in 2001 Mike and I decided to launch an experience that would feel more real and meaningful. We spent the next few years planning how we could…

The first time I saw my beautiful Lejla’s tiny pink face was in a war-torn hospital in Sarajevo. It was 30 December 1992. The Bosnian war was raging and, despite a Red Cross flag flying over the building, it had been targeted by grenades, sniper fire and mortar shells. Fresh water and electricity were intermittent, and the staff were doing their best, undeterred by repeated attacks. Lejla had been born on 25 December – she looked like a perfect Christmas baby. But the tragedy was she was a child conceived as a result of rape. Her mother Mia* had been held in one of the Serbian rape camps, where women were horrifically assaulted by troops until they were pregnant. It was used as a weapon of war to destroy communities…

For almost 50 years, author Dame Jilly Cooper has been delighting readers with romance novels packed full of drama, heart and characters with a twinkle in their eye. Perhaps her best-known series is the Rutshire Chronicles. Set in the beautiful Cotswolds, the novels take place in the world of the British upper classes, where there is showjumping, scandal and passion. And now, this vivid picture of country life and 1980s nostalgia has arrived on our screens. A brand-new original eight-part drama based on Jilly’s second Rutshire Chronicles novel, Rivals, is streaming now exclusively on Disney+. Prepare to be immersed in British horse racing, high society and the glamorous, cut-throat world of 1980s British television – a time when the affluent elite will do anything to get what they want. The…

Last Christmas, almost two-thirds of people planned to give financial gifts, from cash and bank transfers to Premium Bonds and gift cards, according to investment platform AJ Bell. But rather than stuffing tenners into an envelope, it’s easy to give more thoughtful financial presents. Share the PAST Christmas doesn’t have to be about the shiny and new. Passing on older items can bring more significance. HAND ON HEIRLOOMS Consider sharing family heirlooms, such as jewellery, pictures or antiques. A classic watch, for example, won’t just have sentimental associations but could also hold its financial value. Or a necklace languishing at the back of your jewellery box could get a new lease of life when worn by a child or grandchild. ‘Christmas doesn’t have to be all about the shiny and…

STYLISH HOMES Bold ideas for the interiors-obsessed MODERN GENTS Must-haves to make his day STOCKING FILLERS under £10 LITTLE BEAUTIES Indulge your loved ones with these pampering picks STOCKING FILLERS under £10 FASHION FAVOURITES Luxe looks for the most stylish wardrobes STOCKING FILLERS under £10 SUBSCRIBE TO W&H this Christmas! Find our fantastic festive offer – six issues for £6 – at womanandhome.com/Hol24 or call 0330 333 1113 and quote DH27G. Lines open Mon-Fri 8.30am-7pm, and Sat 10am-3pm (GMT). Offer closes 10 January 2025*. WELLNESS SEEKERS Boost health and get fit with these feel-good finds TASTY TREATS Gourmet gifts for every palate STOCKING FILLERS under £10 TRENDY TEENS Fun ideas for the hard-to-please CUTE KIDS Treats to keep the tots entertained STOCKING FILLERS under £10…

Christmas is hectic enough without throwing a complicated two-hour beauty routine into the mix. This year, make your life easier by sticking to classic, fail-safe looks that will pair just as well with your party dress as they will with your Christmas jumper. Get glowıng SKIN Whatever make-up look you go for, you’ll want healthy-looking, radiant skin to accompany it. 3 STEPS TO SKIN PREP ‘Achieving a flawless foundation look starts long before you reach for your make-up,’ says make-up artist Aimee Connolly. ‘The secret lies in how you prep your skin – your foundation will go on flawlessly, giving you a beautiful, long-lasting finish.’ ✢ ‘Clean skin allows your foundation to apply smoothly and evenly – use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type to remove any impurities…

love letting your hair down on the dance floor? Or maybe you prefer some shimmying around the kitchen while washing up? Either way, moving to music can make you feel amazing. It’s no surprise then that we’re hooked on the diamanté and drama of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing – in fact, it’s the reality TV show that a quarter of Brits say they’d most like to try*. Not only is dancing a great skill, but you get an excellent workout too. ‘You don’t need great technique to get the benefit,’ says dance psychologist Dr Peter Lovatt (peterlovatt.com). So, what are you waiting for? You too can get the wellbeing benefits of a boogie this Christmas – sequins optional! GIVE IT A WHIRL Different types of dance can benefit your body…

Love the thought of stretching your legs and going for the – often obligatory – festive family stroll, or prefer to stay cosy inside? A tradition for many, the Boxing Day walk dates back to the late 18th century, when the day after the main event became synonymous with exercise and liberation from being cooped up. The walk is a great way to aid digestion, clear a fuzzy head and spend time with loved ones, but it can often feel like yet ‘another’ thing to organise. Here’s what to expect when heading out. 1 YOU’LL FEEL RE-ENERGISED Christmas can leave us sluggish. ‘As well as food and alcohol affecting the way we feel, our homes are full of materials and electronic devices, which create an excess of positive ions that…

This is a very interesting topic and one that can be tackled from a number of angles. First, let’s get our definition of a ‘week off’ straight. In my mind, it’s a period of time when relatives staying, drinks dos, parties and impromptu bottle-opening totally gets in the way of – or provides an excuse to dodge – your regular timetable of exercise classes, training sessions and power walks with a fitness buddy, which you have so assiduously stuck to all through the autumn. The week off means that your output is reduced. And because Christmas is Christmas, we take our foot off the healthy pedal, our eye off the ball and our input (how much food and drink we consume) will very likely increase. I’m not making judgements, just…

Treacle-glazed side of salmon and mayo A fragrant take on the seafood favourite. The mayo is lightened with yogurt to keep it fresh. Serves 10 as part of a buffet • Prep 25-30 mins • Cook 15-20 mins For the salmon: 1 small orange, peel removed and very finely sliced, juiced50g sugar75ml treacle1tbsp white wine vinegar1kg side of salmon, skin on (left out of the fridge for 30 mins)50g toasted pistachios, roughly chopped2 spring onions, shredded15g mint, leaves picked and roughly chopped15g dill, roughly choppedLemon or lime wedges, to serve For the treacle mustard mayo: 1 medium free-range egg yolk½tsp Dijon mustard1tsp wholegrain mustard1tsp white vinegar½tbsp treacle75ml sunflower oil50ml extra virgin olive oil40g Greek yogurt 1 For the mayo, put the egg yolk, mustards, vinegar, treacle and 1/8tsp fine sea salt into the small…

Top-quality turkeys I was fortunate to spend a day on the farm with Paul Kelly and his team at KellyBronze, seeing first-hand how they rear and produce their turkeys. ‘We’re responsible for over 30% of Christmas dinners in the UK,’ said Paul. The family have been producing top-quality birds in Essex since 1971, when Paul’s father, Derek, set up the business. As well as their top-of-the-range whole birds (slow-grown to maturity, dry-plucked and hung), they’re exploring other ways to eat this seasonal treat, including Krafted by Kelly Confit Turkey Thigh (£6.50 for 400g, Able & Cole, Ocado). Similar to pulled pork, the thighs are rich, meaty and, once combined with spices, make a fabulous filling for tacos. Other products include turkey sausages, ham, jus and specially prepared cuts. For more information and to…

the run-up to Christmas is a beautiful time of year, as city streets fill with markets and are enlivened with illuminations. For long weekends, it’s the perfect opportunity to dip into different cultures and traditions, eat, drink, be merry – and return with original gifts to please loved ones. BUDAPEST The Hungarian capital is magical in winter, its diamond reflection twinkling after dark in the freezing waters of the Danube. This is a city of two halves – on one side of the river is hilly, medieval Buda, Christmas-card pretty under a dusting of snow; on the other are the broad boulevards of Pest, lined with eye-catching art nouveau buildings. Here, consider Corinthia Budapest (doubles from £130; booking.com) as a hotel base – a glamorous grande dame from the late…

SEXY AND THRILLING The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley Oh, the excitement of this book. I read it for O level, and I’m sure I’d never read anything like it before. I remember being transfixed by the suspense and sexiness of the story. My heart pounded as I felt Leo’s shame, fear and obsession, while my fascination with Ted and Marian grew with every page. What a story, and what an ending! POIGNANT LOVE STORY Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky This is the only time I have ever finished a book, then turned back to page one and read it all over again. In fact, it is two books, and should have been a ‘symphony of five’, to quote the author. Tragically she died in Auschwitz, but the manuscripts of these…

God, apparently as a prank, devised two sexes and called them ‘opposite’. Even though there is only one pair of chromosomes that separates us, come Christmastime, I often think that men are not just from Mars, but from a different galaxy altogether. Before you accuse me of ‘neurosexism’, research from Stanford University has found consistent differences in how men and women operate. These differences are so reliable, when given a brain scan and told to guess its sex, scientists got it right 90% of the time. Their conclusion? That sex is a robust determinant of human brain organisation. No woman needs a science degree to work that out. During the 70s and 80s, the differences between the sexes were attributed to nurture not nature. But we now know it’s nature…

Parmesan and rosemary biscuits Enjoy these savoury biscuits on their own, or for extra cheesiness, serve with oozing baked Camembert or English Tunworth. Makes 12-16 • Prep 20 mins, plus chilling • Cook 10-12 mins 150g butter, plus extra for greasing75g Parmesan, grated75g Cheddar, grated1tsp mustard powder1tbsp finely chopped rosemary leaves1 medium free-range egg yolk150g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan/Gas 4. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter, both cheeses, mustard and rosemary together. Beat in the egg yolk, then fold in the flour. 2 Tip on to a floured surface and knead lightly. Roll into 1 or 2 long logs, about 6cm in diameter, wrap in cling film and chill for 30 mins. 3 Slice the dough into 1cm-thick circles.…

Chocolate almond torte Serve this versatile cake for afternoon tea – or as pudding with a big dollop of crème fraiche. Serves 8-10 • Prep 25 mins • Cook 25-30 mins For the torte: 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped200g unsalted butter, cubed100g caster sugar75g light brown soft sugar4 large eggs, separated50g cocoa powder, plus optional extra for dusting75g ground almonds1tsp vanilla extract2tbsp amaretto liqueurWhipped cream or crème fraiche, to serve You will need: 23cm round cake tin, greased and dusted with cocoa powder 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan/Gas 4. For the torte, melt the chocolate and butter together in a bowl over a pan of simmering water until smooth. Let it cool. 2 In a bowl, whisk together both sugars and the egg yolks until pale and thick. 3 Sift…