The Christmas Magazine

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The UK’s biggest selling Christmas magazine

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THE CHRISTMAS MAGAZINE

Kelsey Media, The Granary, Downs Court
Yalding Hill, Yalding, Maidstone
Welcome
Kent ME18 6AL
EDITORIAL It’s officially time to start thinking about

Editor: Heather Grimes
Email: heather.grimes@kelsey.co.uk
Christmas 2023 and we couldn’t be more
Art Editor: Bazzie Larder excited about it!
Contributors: Bernadette Fallon,
Suzy Humphreys, Style Sisters,
Liz Warner, Sophie Warren-Smith
Christmas prep pros know that advanced
ADVERTISEMENT SALES & PRODUCTION
christmas@talkmediasales.co.uk planning makes it easier to stay organised and
ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTION stick to a budget. That’s why we’ve shared
Talk Media Sales
some of our favourite festive finds to inspire you in the run up to
MANAGEMENT
Chief Executive: Steve Wright
the big day. This means we’ve had our eyes on the best festive buys
Publisher & Retail Sales Director: Steve Brown
Print Production Controllers: Hayley Brown
since July and, as such, some prices weren’t yet available at the
Senior Subs Marketing Manager: Nick McIntosh time of print. Please make sure you check price and availability
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTION with individual stockists (page 98).
POSTAL ADDRESS
The Christmas Magazine Customer Service Team
Yalding Hill, Yalding, Maidstone This year we’ve got two fantastic competitions giving you the chance
Kent ME18 6AL
to win some incredible prizes. Turn to page 26 to be in the running to
DISTRIBUTION
Distribution in Great Britain
win a creative tools bundle from Cricut™ worth over £400, and on
Seymour Distribution Limited
2 East Poultry Avenue, London EC1A 9PT
page 35, you’ll discover the opportunity to win the ultimate Hornby
Tel. 020 7429 4000 Christmas Bundle worth £349.95. Please see each competition for
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Distribution in Northern Ireland and the

full details, and good luck!
Republic of Ireland
Newspread
Tel: +353 23 886 3850 There’s also the chance to win one of three £100 John Lewis
PRINTING William Gibbons & Sons Ltd
vouchers by completing our reader survey. Turn to page 49 to
Kelsey Media 2023 © all rights reserved. Kelsey Media is
a trading name of Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Reproduction find out more.
in whole or in part is forbidden except with permission
in writing from the publishers. Note to contributors:
articles submitted for consideration by the editor must
be the original work of the author and not previously So, grab a mince pie and some
published. Where photographs are included, which
are not the property of the contributor, permission to mulled wine, snuggle up by the fire,
reproduce them must have been obtained from the
owner of the copyright. The editor cannot guarantee and get ready to sleigh this festive
a personal response to all letters and emails received.
The views expressed in the magazine are not
necessarily those of the Editor or the Publisher.
season with us.
Kelsey Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for products
and services offered by third parties.
Kelsey Media takes your personal data very seriously.

We hope this magazine adds an extra
For more information of our privacy policy, please visit
Kelsey Media takes your personal data very seriously. dash of sparkle to your Christmas!
https://www.kelsey.co.uk/privacy-policy/
ON OUR
If at any point you have any queries regarding COVER:
Kelsey’s data policy you can email our Data Protection Deluxe eucalyptus
Officer at dpo@kelsey.co.uk. wreath, £175,
Layered Lounge
www.kelsey.co.uk
The Christmas Magazine 2023 3

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12
22
19 36
4 The Christmas Magazine 2023

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Contents
Your Christmas
8 Christmas countdown 2023
31 Christmas decoration trends
Stunning styles for the season
36 Fabulous Christmas table ideas
A month-by-month guide for
Our top schemes to wow
12
your most organised Christmas
24 top tips for Christmas
Brilliant festive hacks to make it
40
your guests
Top tree ideas
86
your best season yet Our favourite ways with
16 Hot Christmas trends for 2023 the Christmas tree Shopping & gifting
The gifts that will be on 42 The finishing touches 6 A few of our favourite things
everyone’s wish list It’s all about the 76 Capturing the magic of Christmas
19 Organise your home smallest details 78 Gifts for her
for Christmas 80 Gifts for him
Top tips from celebrity Christmas food 82 Gifts for kids
home organisers, Style Sisters 54 5 best festive food buys 84 Gifts for pets
44 Delivering a different kind A delicious round up that will 86 Super stockings
of Christmas delight your tastebuds 88 Amazing advent calendars
Liz Warner tells us about her 56 Christmas menu planner 90 Sublime scents
mission to change Christmas Our step-by-step countdown 92 Radiant wreaths
shopping for good for a smooth day ahead 94 Beautiful baubles
46 Pet proof your Christmas 60 Catering for allergies 96 Happy hampers 94
Keep your furry friends merry Take dietary requirements in
and bright your stride with our top tips Extras
62 Cheat your way to gourmet
49 Reader survey
Competitions Food hacks and time-saving
Your chance to win a
26 Win with Cricut! buys for easy entertaining
£100 John Lewis voucher
A creative tools bundle prize 98 Stockists
worth over £400 Christmas travel
35 Win with Hornby! 66 Picture perfect
The ultimate Hornby Christmas The most Instagrammable
Bundle worth £349.99
68
Christmas destinations
Christmas markets by train
78
Christmas Decoration A whistle-stop tour of
22 All aboard Santa’s Express Bernadette Fallon’s favourite spots
The perfect addition to your 70 Best Christmas markets
festive décor The most magical markets in the
24 Stylish simplicity UK and around the world
Inspiration and top tips from 72 Chocolate lovers’
Suzy Humphreys Christmas breaks
27 Create a festive welcome Love chocolate AND travelling?
Pull out all the stops this year We’ve got you covered

SHOPPING & GIFTING
A few of our
favourite things
Is there a better way to kickstart the festivities than with a bit of retail therapy…
Create special Christmas

memories for the whole family
with this festive train set!
L In this seasonal Hornby model train set, you’ll find a bright red Santa’s
Express locomotive, delivering seasonal joy to all. The set also
includes a beautiful blue wagon filled with presents,
and a bold yellow closed van, in which Santa keeps
his sleigh. The perfect accompaniment to your
Christmas décor this year or for running around the
base of your Christmas tree.
Santa’s Express Train Set, £79.99, Hornby
ALLURE
TOUCHES
L This one is tried
and tested by The
Christmas Magazine’s
editor and comes
CRICUT highly recommended.
The latest addition to the Cricut™ machine line up – Cricut Joy This magical
Xtra™ – has landed just in time for Christmas. brow rejuvenation
The compact smart cutting machine makes all of the most serum was created
popular projects – like vinyl decals, customised T-shirts and totes, and developed
labels, cards, gifts and much more. It cuts, writes, draws and foils, by Sarah-May
and also works with your home ink-jet printer to print, then cut, full- Whittaker Hughes,
colour images, so it’s perfect for one-of-a-kind stickers too. micropigmentation
Cricut Joy Xtra is compatible with over 50 materials, including technician and owner
the new A4 printables range from Cricut which includes Waterproof of Allure Touches.
Stickers and Printable Iron-On. It’s available in a handy starter The vegan formula
bundle at Hobbycraft so you have an array of materials to get contains all-natural
started straight away. nutrients that help to boost hair growth and elongate the
effect of pigmented tattooed brows. Because everyone
Cricut Joy Xtra + Starter material, £249.99 MSRP, available deserves a good brow day!
exclusively at Hobbycraft. Cricut Joy Xtra, £219.99 MSRP,
available from Cricut Elixir Brow, £29.50, By Allure Touches

SHOPPING & GIFTING
L Designed for teetotallers and the sober-

curious, Mavrik has created a range of six,
all-natural and low-calorie virgin cocktails
that mean no one is excluded from the
fun this Christmas.
The Combo Pack includes a mixed
selection of the best non-alcoholic
cocktails including: Aromatic G&T, Storm
& Spice, Venetian Spritz and Cuban Mojito.
The Martini Combo Pack contains four
cans of Passion Star Martini and four cans
of Espresso Martini. The Martinis have been
made using the best possible ingredients
and a Nitro widget to ensure you get a
velvety taste and a sumptuous head.
The Combo Pack, rrp £9.75, The Martini

Combo Pack, rrp £23.60, Mavrik
L Get your home ready for L There’s nothing we like more

Santa Claus with this Christmas than snuggling under a cosy
advent calendar candle. blanket on a wintery evening,
Decorated with the dates and this check, soft sherpa one
1-24 December on a festive red will do just perfectly!
background, this pillar candle
is designed to be lit daily in the Christmas check sherpa flannel
countdown to Christmas Day. throw, £40, Walton & Co
Place in centre of a Christmas
wreath as a table centrepiece or
on a mantelpiece to light up the
dark evenings. L Are you searching for the perfect Christmas decoration? Add the
finishing touches with this cute vintage bunting design. Made from
Red Christmas Pillar Advent genuine vintage playing cards, we love this original and fun way to
Candle, £12, Talking Tables decorate your household at Christmas time.
Jingle Bells Christmas bunting by

Vintage Playing Cards, £30, Fy!
L Create your own

winter wonderland with
this ceramic house, it is L If, like us, you
ideal for windows, tables, believe that mince pies
mantelpiece or anywhere are for life, not just for
to add a touch of festivity Christmas, pop this in
your basket pronto.
Ceramic house LED
white, £TBA, B&Q I Spies Mince Pies!
Plate, £22, Jimbobart
L Looking for something different?

How about the perfect piece of artwork L We don’t care what
to make a statement on your walls anyone says, we need to buy
this festive season? They also make at least one new Christmas
an unusual and quirky Christmas gift! mug every year; at this
super stylish prints are designed by stage, it’s tradition. With
the amazing Nanas of Anarchy; the Gisela Graham celebrating
brainchild of the creative minds of two their 40th anniversary this
self-confessed interior junkies. year, this Christmas pudding
mug is the perfect choice.
On The Naughty List and Cool Yule
Christmas poster prints,£15 each, Stoneware Mug Christmas Puddings, £8.99,
Lime Lace Gisela Graham London

YOUR CHRISTMAS
Countdown to
Christmas
What to do from
now until the
Big Day to get
you feeling festive
Feature by Bernadette Fallon

YOUR CHRISTMAS

YOUR CHRISTMAS
November
Compile Christmas music playlists
And make a list of all your must-see
Christmas films. This is a great task for the
whole family to get involved with. Plan a
cosy evening in together and make sure
everyone’s favourites are included.
Make an Advent calendar

Stock up on craft materials Why spend money on a chocolate-filled
October Glue, paints, brushes, paper, card, Advent calendar when you can get creative
string, beads and the rest, buy your and make your own. It can be a traditional
Make a plan favourites now so you’re not tracking design with pretty pictures (use old
Yes, you could write a list or make an it all down at the last minute. Set aside Christmas cards) hidden behind numbered
Excel spreadsheet, but this year why not a box for your Christmas goodies and doors or you can ‘think outside the door’
pull out all the stops and download a go through your Christmas decorations and fill little boxes around the house with
planning app? to see if there are any old baubles, tiny gifts or messages. For the adults, mark
Todoist allows you to keep digital notes, ribbons, paper chains, or pieces of 25 measures on a bottle of gin, and enjoy
useful for when you’re on the move, and tinsel that can be recycled for crafts. one with a different mixer every day!
allows you to set deadlines and reminders
for important jobs. You can also set tasks Keep an eye out for gifts
for other people – a great way to get the Set aside another box or shelf space for
family to help you out! Christmas presents and pick up gifts as you
WeekCal is an all-singing, all-dancing see them. It’s amazing how that perfect
calendar that allows you to colour code gift for your best friend/mum/cousin will
and categorise events so you don’t miss suddenly pop up in late October in a way it
anything in the run up to Christmas. never would on 24 December!
Use Evernote to save your important
to-do lists, grocery lists, present notes Get wrapped up!
– you can even save photos there for Stock up on Sellotape, stickers and gift
when you need a visual reminder. You wrap or invest in brown paper – and even Check postage dates
can also share your lists and notes with some old Christmas cards to upcycle
others – so all the family can stay up to – and get ready to make your own If you are planning to send gifts to
date with the planning. wrapping. family and friends abroad, remember
the last date for posting parcels for
Get the kids involved Plan Christmas days out and guaranteed Christmas delivery to
Get them to help you dry out slices buy tickets the US, Canada and most of Europe
of oranges and lemon to store until Lots of the popular light trails, is in November. Remember you can
Christmas – hung on the tree with pantos, festive experiences, and also pay for your postage online and
ribbons or brown string, they make carol concerts sell out quickly so arrange to have your post collected
fabulously scented decorations. You can it makes sense to book early. If you
from home – a great time-saving
also hollow out oranges, stud with cloves plan to travel to Christmas markets at
option and way to beat those long
and pop in a tealight for a fruity festive home or abroad, save money by buying
alternative to a Christmas candle. train or plane tickets now.
Christmas queues.

YOUR CHRISTMAS
Get ahead with your Christmas

food shopping December Week 3
The shops will be full of Christmas foods Book an online
now so get ahead by buying items with Freeze ahead
a long shelf life - tins of biscuits, boxes
shopping slot Plan your freeze-ahead menu for
of chocolates, sweet treats like mince The most popular dates will things like stuffing, gravy and sauces,
pies and plum puddings and both get booked up pretty quickly, and get cooking in advance of
alcoholic and soft drinks. Remember to so now is a good time so Christmas Day. Consider adding
include alcohol-free beers, wines and secure your delivery date. handy meal options like lasagne,
mocktails for the non-drinkers. Keep curries and casseroles for the days
Remember, you can go back
an eye out in supermarkets for charity after Christmas so you can take time
into your trolley to amend
boxes where you can donate some of off from cooking over the holidays.
your shopping to those in need.
your selection until the day Snacks and canapes freeze well
before delivery. too – and are great if you have
Make your Christmas cakes and unexpected guests popping in.
plum pudding
Stir-up Sunday is 26 November this year, Make a Christmas Eve box
the last Sunday before Advent when Christmas Eve boxes are traditionally
traditionally the whole family get together December Week 2 filled with sweets and games, a
to give the Christmas pudding a stir before Christmas DVD or books and cosy
steaming it and storing for Christmas. It’s Is there anything on your menu that pyjamas for the night before Christmas
also a good time to start thinking about needs a dry run? treats. Lots of shops sell them but it’s
your Christmas cake. If you don’t like rich Are you making eggnog or a new punch much more fun to make your own,
dark Christmas cake, there are lots of light for the first time? Thinking of baking your personalised with specially chosen
and fruity recipes available, just drizzle with own Christmas cake or a fancy starter? goodies and handwritten notes.
lemon juice or thin white icing to finish. Don’t leave it until the last minute, dedicate
Or go the whole hog with homemade a night to trying out new recipes. Turn it Design activities to keep
almond icing and fondant, add mini Santas, into a social occasion by inviting a few kids busy
penguins and Christmas trees to finish, friends around for a tasting session. Or, Add a festive touch to traditional
sprinkle with glitter and wrap with tinsel. if you’re a mulled wine aficionado, host a games like pass the parcel or treasure
workshop with your nearest and dearest to hunts to build the excitement. Investing
share your festive secrets. in Christmas colouring books will get
December Week 1 them involved in being creative or
Plan a Christmas Day in town give them big sketch pads with lots
Get started on your Christmas crafts Take a day to enjoy the festivities! of crayons and pencils – and it might
Make your decorations for around Remember, the objective of the day is to keep them off their tablets for at least
the home – indoors and out. Once enjoy it, not stress yourself out, so see the part of the day!
everything is in place, take a family lights and window displays and do some
photo and turn into cards to send to gentle shopping/browsing, but nothing
friends and relations. too frantic. Alternatively, head to one of Christmas Day
the fantastic Christmas markets around the
Now is the time to plan your UK – check out page 70 for some ideas. After all the planning and prepping, it’s
Christmas menus Consider stopping off for a Christmas finally Christmas day and you should be
Look out for recipes and start compiling lunch, whether that’s turkey with all the positively oozing with festive spirit by
shopping lists. Decide what can be made trimmings or a festive sandwich and now. Whether you’re having a big get
in advance and create a calendar so you gingerbread latte. Perhaps finish the day together or a quieter celebration, it’s
know what to do when. with a carol concert and a mulled wine… time to enjoy some Christmas time –
now you’re feeling festive! just for you. Merry Christmas everyone!
Have a Christmas clear-out
Donate any unwanted winter clothes,
toys, and homewares to your local
charity shop. If you’re clearing out big
Start wrapping
items like furniture, many charity shops Don’t leave it until the
will organise collection. last minute, organise your
wrapping right now… just
Get your Christmas jumper ready don’t forget to add the
Christmas Jumper Day is 7 December. gift tags as you go!
Remember, it’s not enough to just wear
your Christmas jumper, you also need to
donate to Save the Children to support
their great work.

24 TOP TIPS
for Christmas
Make it your best season yet with
these festive top tips!
1 Plan and prioritise
Create a detailed and prioritised to-do list
2 Create a budget
that includes tasks like shopping for gifts, Determine how much you can
decorating the house, planning meals, comfortably spend on gifts, decorations,
and sending out cards. Focus on what’s and food. Creating a budget will help
most important and let go of unnecessary
obligations. This will help you stay you avoid overspending and financial
organised and ensure you don’t forget stress during the festive period.
anything important.
3 Plan your presents

Make a list of all the
people you need to
buy gifts for and jot
down ideas as you
think of them. We
like to start this nice
and early to save last
minute panic buying.
Posting your presents
in plenty of time will
not only ensure a
timely arrival, but it will also save
money on carriage costs.
4 Simplify your traditions

Consider simplifying your Christmas
traditions. Instead of hosting a large
gathering, opt for a smaller, more
intimate celebration. Choose simpler
decorations and meals to reduce
the workload. Sometimes easy, less
expensive activities make the best
memories, such as watching festive films
together while enjoying hot chocolate
and home-baked cookies.

YOUR CHRISTMAS
5. Pack a bag
Pack a small overnight bag containing
the essentials for each member of
your family and keep them tucked
away in the boot of your car. That way
if you are heading to see friends or
relatives over the Christmas period and
decide to stay overnight at the last
minute, you’ll be grateful for your own
sleepwear and toothbrush!
6. Cherish every moment

Don’t strive for perfection. Understand
that not everything will go perfectly, and
that’s okay. Embrace imperfections and
cherish the moments with loved ones.
7. Meals in minutes
At The Christmas Magazine, we love
to batch cook some hearty meals in
advance that can be frozen. This way
you can always serve a home cooked
meal in minutes, which is great for
feeding friends who like to pop over
unannounced, or those who stay
longer than originally planned – we
love days like these!
8. Host a decorating contest!

Organise a decorating contest where
participants compete to create the
most beautifully decorated Christmas
item. This could work with cookies,
simply supply a variety of icing colours,
sprinkles, and edible decorations
for extra creativity. Alternatively, an
ornament decorating session with friends
or family would be just as fun. Provide 11. Have fun with themes
plain ornaments and various craft
supplies, like paint, glitter, and ribbons, to Choose a fun and unique theme for your Christmas
let everyone’s creativity shine.
decorations, like a winter wonderland, Santa’s workshop, or
a favourite festive movie. Coordinate your décor to match
the theme for a memorable atmosphere.
9. Update your address book home is secure by locking all

windows and doors, setting timers
Check in with your friends and family nice for lights, and using your home
and early to ensure you have all the correct alarm system. Try to avoid posting
info for your Christmas cards. travel plans on social media, or limit
the audience you share with, to
reduce the risk of burglaries.
10. Santa’s address
You simply cannot forget the most
important address of the year… send 13. Stay on track
your letters to Santa here:
Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0 Use a calendar or planner to keep
track of important dates and
appointments, such as parties,
12. Home security gatherings, and holiday events.
This will help you manage your
If you’re travelling during the time effectively and ensure you
Christmas period, ensure your don’t double-book yourself. 

YOUR CHRISTMAS
14. Online/offline shopping 16. Karaoke Christmas

Online shopping is a great way of Sing your heart out with a Christmas
researching gifts and comparing prices. karaoke session. Compile a list of
Many online retailers will run festive popular seasonal songs and take
promotions, which can really help to turns performing your favourites.
maximise your budget. Mix this with a This works equally well as an
healthy dose of local shopping, this boosts entertaining night with friends as it
small businesses and you’ll find unique items does for long car rides with kids!
that recipients will love.
17. First aid

15. Delegate!
Ensure your medicine cabinet is
Don’t try to do everything yourself. stocked up with all the essentials
Christmas is a time for family, so share tasks that may be required over the
and responsibilities with family members festive period when it’s tricky
or friends. Whether it’s setting the table, to nip out to the shops. Include indulgent foods, as well as a good
wrapping gifts, or preparing side dishes, headache tablets for hangovers, supply of any regular medications
sharing responsibilities can make the plasters and bandages for scrapes you may take. We also like to have
preparations more manageable and and grazes, indigestion/heartburn some peppermint tea in the cupboard
enjoyable for everyone. relief to ease the side effects of as a nice after-dinner stomach settler.
18. Go personal!
Gifts always mean a lot more
when they’re personal, so opt
for items with monograms or
names on. For the ultimate
bespoke present use a Cricut™
machine to turn a shop-bought
item into a one-of-a-kind gift
using vinyl or iron-on to add a
personalised message.

YOUR CHRISTMAS
19. Secret Santa

Instead of traditional gift-giving,
organise a Secret Santa gift exchange
among your family or friends. Set a
budget and have each person pick a
name to buy a thoughtful gift for their
Secret Santa recipient.
20. Menu planning

Plan your Christmas menu ahead of
time. Consider any dietary restrictions
or preferences of your guests. Create
a shopping list based on your menu to
avoid last-minute grocery store runs.
Make sure you try any new dishes ahead
of time, Christmas Day is not the ideal
moment to experiment for the first time!
21. Limit screen time

Social media and constant exposure
to festive images can contribute to
stress and unrealistic comparisons. Set
boundaries on screen time and focus on
your own meaningful traditions
23. Keep pets safe

There are many foods and drinks that
may be potentially toxic to our furry
friends, so be careful what snacks you
leave out! Chocolate, nuts, grapes and
raisins, caffeine, alcohol, and onions
can all be hazardous, but check with
your vet about any others. Check out
page 46 for some tips on pet proofing
your home this Christmas.
24. Plan some down time

22. Get in the mood
We love Christmas but
Set up a cosy movie marathon with sometimes planning for the
classic Christmas films, pyjamas, festivities can feel overwhelming,
hot cocoa, and popcorn. This is especially if you’re hosting. Take
the perfect family evening to get time for yourself. Whether it’s a
you feeling really Christmassy, short walk, a warm bath, or a few
alternatively, invite your friends’ minutes of meditation, factor in
round for all the festive feels. some self-care to recharge and
reduce stress. Just 30 minutes a
day will make all the difference!

YOUR CHRISTMAS
Hot Christmas trends

for 2023
From decorations to table Wishlist toys game will be brought out year after
Dinosaur and unicorn toys are big on year. Particularly popular are games
settings, food buys to toys the animal front, traditional buys such as that require minimal set up and can be
jigsaws and games are back, as well as played by all generations.’
and the gifts that will be on practical gifts with a sustainable slant.
everybody’s wish list, here’s But it’s not all about nostalgia, with Hot looks for homes
interactive and robotic toys also hotly Taking its lead from the Barbie movie, pink
what’s on-trend for this tipped for this year. is going to be hot, hot, hot this Christmas.
Homebase have given the look a grown-
year’s shopping Curlimals will be THE big buy for younger up twist with their gilded glamour theme
children, sensory, interactive, animals – think dusky pinks rather than neon,
Feature by Bernadette Fallon including bears (£29.99), hedgehogs mixed with peaches, berry hues and
(£19.99) and penguins (£22.99) that golds, ‘building on the popularity of the
talk, sing, light up and respond to touch. Regency look and the lure of Bridgerton,’
Created by Golden Bear Toys – the says Christmas buyer Frances Clements.
people who brought you In The Night
Garden characters – MD Barry Hughes Blues are also having a big moment, in
says: ‘Curlimals hit shelves with a bang very grown-up palettes – think navys,
in summer 2022; we saw unprecedented deep blues and teals - for a look that is
sales and held the top three spots for very eclectic and bohemian, all livened
Amazon’s hottest new releases.’ up with gorgeous flashes of gold.
Claire Boyd from the Spirit of Christmas
Pooping Puppies (£19.99) and Smitten Fair expects bold patterns and bright
Kittens (£14.99) are also up there, the colours to be a popular choice this year
latest offering from Pets Alive whose as we embrace the joyful creativity of
Boppi the Booty Shakin Llama was a Christmas. This trend could go all the
global hit in 2019. Makers ZURU say: way to totally psychedelic – a great
‘While robotic toys may not be new, there way to brighten and warm those cold
is a growth in demand for interactive toys winter nights.
that are both fun and affordable, and offer
exciting new ways to play.’ Cosy textured, tactile fabrics will be big
again this year, say the product team
As the Jurassic Park movie at Loaf interiors. ‘You can expect to see
celebrates its 30th anniversary, plenty of loopy textures and touchy-feely
games like Dinosaur Dig (£12) fabrics coming through.’ Go big and invest
are expected to be big sellers, in a shearling armchair or over-stuffed
a prehistoric fossil-finding sofa or add warmth with accessories like
adventure where players compete seat pads and cushions.
to discover all the bones and
build a 3D T-Rex dinosaur. But pared back style will always have
‘Games are great value,’ say its place in stylish homes. For the
creators, Orchard Toys. ‘It’s ultimate in cool Yuletide chic, go all
just the initial purchase and white in everything from Christmas tree
then hours of repeat gameplay, decorations to wrapping paper. Add
as kids will enjoy playing over sparkle with touches of silver and gold for
and over again – chances are the a luxe edge.

The best dressed tables Brands are also putting sustainability choosing to shop with and support small,
Natural themes have been big news in packages together for eco conscious local businesses, especially when they know
interiors and the trend is set to continue buyers, like Paxton & Whitfield’s what they’re buying could be one-of-a-
this Christmas. The team at Nkuku Sustainable Cheese Hamper (£45). It kind often in limited supply. Hand-crafted
Homewares advise contrasting earthy comprises three British artisan cheeses, products that bring sensory joy are extra
tones with festively opulent brass and all crafted by cheesemakers committed special. Candles are also perfect for cosy
glass and pairing handcrafted artisanal to sustainable farming practices, as well nights in and there is such a huge range to
ceramics with sophisticated fluted as seasonally foraged quince preserve choose from, helping to bring that moment
glassware, dressing it up with touches of and environmentally friendly biscuits and of calm and mindfulness during what for
evergreen and festive foliage. chocolate. some is the busiest season of the year.’
Keep your Christmas table styling With festivities and celebrations spread Practical gifts are also likely to be popular
simple yet elegant this year, says Suzy across the entire holiday season, it’s no choices for children in these cash-strapped
Humphreys, founder of Layered Lounge. longer just about Christmas Day and times. ‘There is such a choice for kids’
‘Anchor the centre of your table with people will be looking for clever food gifts now, but my suggestion would be a
a linen runner layered with foliage hacks and convenient food buys to practical gift, something they can use day-
and decorations, such as our Scandi- make catering for guests easier. See our to-day or during specific activities and if it
inspired ceramic trees.’ Add interest with Gourmet Food feature on page 62 for has an eco-angle or a story behind it, then
varying heights of candlelight, from tall fabulous ready-made buys that look like all the better,’ says Bryony Dyer, managing
candlesticks to low-level ceramic tea you’ve spent hours preparing them. director of Dexam.
light holders. The finished look will
create visual impact in a relaxed and In-the-know gifts Think backpacks, clip-on book lights
sophisticated way. When it comes to gift choices this year, or water bottles in children’s favourite
‘sustainability and longevity will be colours. The Royal Horticultural Society
Key food trends key,’ says Mary-Claire Boyd, director (RHS) Bug You backpack (£34) is made
Sustainable, local and plant-based will of Spirit of Christmas Fair (London from recycled plastic bottles, part of the
be big trends again this year. Catering Olympia, 30 October – 5 November, RHS environmentally friendly range for
for vegans at Christmas will be high on Spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk). Christmas. And ‘with kids growing up
a lot of agendas, as online searches for faster and going to digital gaming
‘plant-based food’ continue to rise and ‘People are much more aware much earlier than previous
supermarkets cater for demand with of the importance of not generations, think practical
ever new options. ASDA’s Christmas food buying presents that will be gifts like headphone or gaming
range includes 57 new vegan and 35 new used one day and thrown controller stands,’ says Simon
free-from products, as well as Asda’s first away the next. We’re also Glanville, managing director,
ever OMV! Vegan festive collection. seeing a rise in consumers A Place for Everything.

YOUR CHRISTMAS
Get your home organised

for Christmas…
Go-to celebrity home organisers, Style Sisters, reveal their top tips for a stress-free,
streamlined festive season – keeping your home (and mind!) in check to celebrate in style…
BEFORE
C
hristmas really is one of the our homes are likely to have a little more
most wonderful times of the than usual in them over the festive period,
year, it’s a time for family, The pre-Christmas ‘spring’ clean so having a detox will help to avoid your
friends and celebrating with As the seasons change and we transition home becoming overloaded.
traditions new and old. from the beginning of autumn to the Understanding what you already have
The build up to the big day is a huge colder winter months, it is the ideal time in your home is an essential part of
part of the fun - putting up the Christmas to take stock of the items in your home, organising. Space is valuable and storing
tree to spending time choosing the switching wardrobes round to store away unwanted items doesn’t make sense.
perfect gifts for loved ones – we love it all! summer clothes. Creating more space is the key to better
It can however feel quite Before 1 December strikes, we highly organisation and less overwhelm!
overwhelming, as we often want to recommend a pre-Christmas clear When working with clients on a home
make things perfect, from decorating out. And this isn’t just reserved for detox, we find they will often
the house to doing the food shop for toy boxes, but kitchen cupboards, discover forgotten favourites
Christmas lunch. fridges, and wardrobes. hiding at the back of the
With new toys for little ones, extra wardrobe, from party dresses to
With lots to think about, making a plan food and drink for celebrations and winter boots – meaning they can
is essential, and it’s never too soon! decorations going up around the house, avoid unnecessary purchases. 

YOUR CHRISTMAS
The further out from Christmas you start this
step the better, as you can do it in stages.
In the kitchen, don’t let the back
of cupboards and pantries become a
wasteland of tinned food and unused
baking items. Get everything out,
checking best before dates, then make
piles of what to keep or donate to the
local food bank.
Making a list of what you already have
could also save you overspending on the
Christmas food shop. For example, lots
of chutneys, preserves and pickles have a
longer shelf life, meaning you may already
have more than you think for the Boxing
Day cheeseboard!
The detox process is a worthy time The power of scent is super impactful
investment. Not only will it help to free up to invite the feeling of calm and comfort
space in your home, but it can help give you into your home. Add a gorgeous
a clearer idea of what presents are needed diffuser or fragranced candle to the
and useful for all members of the family. hallway to welcome guests, or in
bathrooms and guest rooms for a
Categorise and contain boutique hotel, spa-like feel.
In any space, however big or small –
from a utility room to your makeup box, AFTER
organising items by category is the Clear the Christmas clutter for a fresh
perfect way to keeping super organised. start to 2024… It’s time to take the
This allows you to know exactly where decorations down for another year. As
everything is and what you’ve got. much as we adore the Christmas season
Having this system in place means items and everything that goes with it, there is
have a designated place in your home, in something refreshing about the New Year
turn making them easier to find when you and returning rooms to their usual state.
need them, or when someone asks where Just like the switch in seasons, it
they are – plus it will make it super easy provides another good excuse to take
for the rest of the household to put away a look back through the wardrobe and
and keep tidy. There are readymade planners you can check for any items that you can sell or
This step most definitely applies to purchase or print off designs from sites donate and give rooms a good clean once
Christmas decorations and accessories, like Pinterest or Canva if you want to have the decorations have been taken down.
making it straightforward and stress-free something pretty to work from. Use storage boxes for Christmas
to bring them out for another year. As a general guide, group the list into decorations, making sure any breakable
Storage is key in creating an organised the following categories, although this baubles are carefully wrapped or in bauble
home. Consider decorative storage may vary depending on if you are hosting boxes with individual compartments, so
baskets for smaller items you want easy or travelling to visit family – food and they are safe and stored for another year.
access to but don’t want out on display drink, gifting, decorating, hosting (which Clear acrylic boxes will mean you can
all the time – such as children’s toys or could include getting the guest room see exactly what’s inside without having
gaming consoles and opt for side boards ready, some extra serving platters for to get the entire box out from the back of
with plenty of storage and bookshelves Christmas eve soirees’, etc.) the cupboard or down from the loft. If you
with doors. want to be extra organised, why not write
Utilise space under beds and in DURING a list of what’s in each box and number
downstairs storage cupboards with clear The decorations are up, presents are them – saving the list on your phone or
stacking boxes, meaning you will quickly wrapped, the tree is looking all magical attaching to the top of each box.
be able to see what’s inside. and twinkly and the food cupboard is There are some really handy fabric
stocked – it’s officially time to relax and storage bags available at a number of
Make a list enjoy all your efforts! retailers, which are perfect for popping
This one may be obvious, but it is one of Spending time with loved ones is so unused wrapping paper rolls into along
the most effective ways to organise when precious, given how busy life can get and with gift tags and sticky tape. These are
you have lots to do and think about. how quickly time seems to go, the last ideal for making sure items don’t go to
Clutter doesn’t just live externally, it can thing you want to be doing is spending waste and you’ll have your Christmas
also live in your mind, which means just like hours tidying over the festive period. If present wrapping kit ready to go and all
your cupboards, your head can sometimes you’ve given the areas of your home a in one place.
feel cluttered. We can’t recommend writing really good sort and organise beforehand, Try to resist the urge to take
lists enough. Getting anything you need to keeping on top of it should be stress-free decorations down quickly without having
do down onto paper can instantly make and straightforward. a clear plan and some labelled boxes. We
you feel more organised, plus, you only Spending a quick 5-10 minutes popping promise you will definitely thank your past
need a pen and notepad, or you can use new toys away into storage boxes and self when you aren’t sat trying to unknot
the note section on your phone. You can clearing surfaces will help to keep your fairy light wires for hours on end come
start ticking things off as you do them – home looking clutter-free. Christmas 2024!
which is always satisfying!
As we suggest when organising areas
For expert styling hacks and organisation tips, follow Style
and items in your home, popping the list
into categories and adding some dates Sisters on Instagram. Shop the Style Sisters range of storage,
you’d like or need to get things done by candles, diffusers and more at Next, Very Aldi and more.
will create some clear order and priorities.

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21
The Christmas Magazine 2023
All aboard
SANTA’S EXPRESS
S
The tree is up, the stockings are urely no Christmas
set-up is complete
without a festive train
hanging by the fire, and your set. It doesn’t matter if

you’re five years old, or
105 years old, there is
festive ornaments have been something magical about

a yuletide locomotive
pulling carriages full of
dusted off and strategically placed gifts around a simple track.
Enter Santa’s Express, Hornby’s best-
around the home. So why does it selling Christmas train set. The perfect
gift for a loved one or the finishing
touch to your own festive décor, this is
feel like something is missing? the must-have product for young and
old this season.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST

CHRISTMAS TRAIN DISPLAY
On its own, the 1:76 scale Santa’s Express
is a beautiful set that will capture your
imagination and spark that festive feeling,
and with a little extra effort, you can really
enhance the Christmas spirit.
Before you set up, dust off your models,
especially if you are reprising your set from
last year. You’ll want them to look shiny and
new as they chuff around the track.
PUT YOUR SET ON A PEDESTAL

The most popular place for a seasonal
train set is around the Christmas tree. It is a
good idea to elevate your track off the floor
somehow, to reduce the amount of dirt, dust,
and pet hair it will inevitably attract. You can
buy a train tree skirt that will do the job, or,
if you want to get creative, you could build
RIDE THE
your own platform out of cheap plywood.
CHRISTMAS
RAILROAD
KEEP IT SIMPLE The Hornby Santa’s
Unless you are a model railway pro, you’ll Express is a RailRoad
want to keep your set-up simple. Santa’s model. This means it is
Express comes with the pieces you need more durable than the
to create an oval track that is ideal for standard Hornby range,
beginners. Just connect your tracks, and making it perfect for
off you go – it takes moments to do! In the your busy Christmas
coming years, you can add more pieces rooms. This also makes
to your track to make it more exciting, but it ideal for the whole
starting small is the best idea. family, allowing the kids
to get as much joy from
NO SNOW ON THE TRACKS! the train set as mum,
Adding a little fake snow makes dad, nan, and grandad.
everything more Christmassy, but it also You could even build the
makes for some unreliable locomotive track together as a fun
action. Keep your snow decoration off family festive activity.
your track and limit it to the surroundings
instead. If you have a train board, you can
paint it white and sprinkle your choice of CONSIDER LONGEVITY Hornby is the ultimate name in
snow material before it dries (flour, baking Store your train set carefully to make sure model railways, with over 120
powder, or plaster are great options). it continues to serve Santa for many years years of experience in creating
Don’t place your track until it has fully set. to come. Clean the track and wheels and locomotives, wagons, train sets,
place them back in the original box if tracks, and accessories. Taking the
LIGHT IT UP possible. Store the set in a dry place where world’s most famous locomotives
Once you’ve finished winding lights around it won’t get damaged. and reducing them to accurate
your Christmas tree, lay a few extras along scale representations is what they
the base so your train set is perfectly A FIRST-CLASS CHRISTMAS DISPLAY do best. Make sure you choose a
illuminated for all to see. In this beautiful model train set, you’ll find Christmas train set from a company
a bright red Santa’s Express locomotive, that understands the importance of
ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH with black and gold detailing that makes for precision in design and engineering.
This is something else that can grow over the most handsome finish. Delivering pure Crank up the Christmas songs, pour
time, but a few decorative touches will add seasonal joy to all, the 00-gauge Hornby yourself a glass of eggnog, and grab
another layer of excitement to your layout. RailRoad model pulls a beautiful blue wagon a mince pie. The seasonal atmosphere
How you style it is up to you, but it doesn’t filled with presents, and a bold yellow closed is complete now that Santa’s Express
have to be expensive. Crumple up some van, in which Santa keeps his sleigh. has arrived! We wish you all a happy
brown packing paper to look like mountains The oval track slots together easily and Hornby Christmas 2023!
and disguise the bottom of the Christmas fits perfectly around your Christmas tree or uk.hornby.com
tree or add some festive characters to the any other festive feature you choose. The
sidelines to watch as the train goes by. set has a controller and plug, giving you
control of your locomotive. You can adjust
GET CREATIVE! the speed and change direction with ease.
One of the problems with placing your It is a great set to introduce children to the
charming new train set underneath of hobby, or for adults looking to start their
Christmas tree is that you’ll inevitably want lifelong devotion to model railways.
to put presents under there too. Add to the Add to your layout with extra Hornby
Christmas feel by using the gift boxes to wagons, including a Christmas tree carrier
make tunnels for your train to go through. or the annual Christmas wagon. Check out
Add a train station in one of those boxes, the other Hornby model railway accessories
or an engine shed – that train will need on the website to add an extra layer of scale
somewhere to rest after a hard day’s chugging! realism to your scene.

YOUR CHRISTMAS
Stylish
Simplicity
We speak to island unit. I must confess to having built-
Suzy Humphreys, up quite a collection of them over the
years, but again, with new designs this
founder of year I’ll definitely be adding to these.
Layered Lounge,
about her What are your top tips for entertaining
Christmas at Christmas?
inspirations and When it comes to food choices and drinks,
top tips keep it simple so as not to stress. We have a
shortlist of canapé recipes we will be sharing
with our audience that my husband and I
Can you tell us a little about Layered Lounge? use every year, which can be prepared in
With an entrepreneurial father, it was always advance and are so simple. A sharing platter
my desire to start my own business. Having of cheese and charcuterie always goes down
renovated several properties in London, a well and if you are planning on cocktails go
passion for interiors developed yet I always for one or two signature
found it difficult to source pieces with cocktails you can pre-
which to furnish them. It felt like there was make and pour. After all
a distinct lack of affordable good quality it’s the time spent laughing
items with a design that was modern but and joking with friends
would stand the test of time. So Layered and family that ultimately
Lounge was initially launched in 2017 with is more important than
a local friend, Lou. We ran the business offering too much choice.
from our dining room filling every nook and very lucky to have access to
cranny of the house with stock but went beautiful decorations so the How will you celebrate
our separate ways in 2020 as she decided only preparation then is gifting Christmas this year?
to focus more on her family. We remain and entertaining. I do tend We will have Christmas
great friends and she is a regular shopper to start my gift shopping lunch at home just the
with us still! We outgrew the house quickly early because work can be immediate family and
thereafter and hence moved into our first chaotic during November and hopefully a very dear friend
warehouse in June of that year and at that December, I even tend to start buying and her children, given her
point my husband took the plunge to join bits in September doing most of it online husband will be working abroad, which
me as a partner in the business. and with a strict list. We also then make will be a lot of fun. We will no doubt be
A year later, we outgrew that space and some canapé and meal menus so we can entertaining a much larger family affair
took on an additional warehouse opposite, book grocery shopping in too. I do love with nieces/nephews/children’s partners on
which really enabled us to start designing however the buzz of high street shopping Boxing Day and beyond. So, Christmas day
and sourcing our own products. The still around Christmas time but tend to could well be the calm before the storm!
business has since gone from strength to leave only a few gifts to that so that we
strength as has our passion for building a can head out in December and enjoy the Describe your ideal Christmas table?
recognisable brand. atmosphere more rather than worrying Presenting a gorgeous Christmas table is
about getting the right gift in time! one of my favourite things at Christmas. I
What do you love most about Christmas? love to make it look as magical as possible
Christmas really is a family time for me. What are the home décor ‘must-haves’ for as we do tend to sit around it chatting,
Our doors are thrown open to our large Christmas 2023? laughing, eating and drinking for many
extended family who come and go I absolutely adore our paper decorations hours. I always start with a lovely line
throughout the season, so I love to make and bring mine out year after year. I tablecloth and contrasting runner, which
a big thing out of decorating the house to place them everywhere from the corner anchors the centre of the table. Then I
create a fully festive vibe. My husband and of a large mirror to the stairs or kitchen will place two of our garlands down the
I tend to divide and conquer the tasks with wall. Every year we had a couple of new centre and weave in a collection of our
him planning food while I decorate and designs to keep it interesting and I’m ceramic trees and reindeers. Finally for me,
make up extra beds. It’s such a wonderful obsessed with this year’s new versions so it’s all about the candlelight so I will add
time to create great memories and in they will be featuring heavily in my home. a collection of our taller candlesticks and
fact, whenever we suggest going away Our collection of ceramic Christmas trees intermingle the low ceramic tealight holders
for Christmas our children, no matter how also feature in my home since you can that I still have from last year and which
grown up now, are always against the idea! add a festive touch to so many areas with sold out super quickly so it’s a good job I
them, from a sideboard to your shelving got in quick - fortunately they are back this
How do you prepare for the festive season? units, a Christmas table to your kitchen year if you’d like some too!
To be honest, it feels like we prepare
for Christmas all year given it is our
Discover more about Layered Lounge at layeredlounge.com
busiest season at Layered Lounge. I am

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ends. Entrants will be given the option to sign up to Cricut emails. Signing up is not a pre-requisite of entry. Deadline for entry: 31 December 2023.

CHRISTMAS DECORATION
A CHRISTMAS
WELCOME
The first port of call is your
front door, hang a pretty
wreath, plenty of lights
along your path or front
garden and finish with
some twinkling trees for a
warm, glowy look.
Naked Wire Front Door Light Up Tree
Set, featuring two dainty lit wire
trees and a coordinating lit wire
wreath, £175, Cox & Cox
Create
a festive welcome
Pull out all of the stops
so your friends and
family have a wonderful
welcome this season
Feature by Sophie Warren-Smith
Entertaining this Christmas? Then ensure your home is

welcoming from your front door through to your hallway.
There’s plenty to choose from – beautiful wreaths for outside
and in, fabulous animal shaped lights for the garden, lanterns
galore and welcoming decorations for your hallway

CREATE A FEATURE 
Made from faux rattan, this majestic stag
head can work both outside and in. It has
a choice of warm white and white light
settings on a battery operated scheme that
has timer options. These pretty lights can be
attached so they hang down in front of your
windows, they’ll create a wonderful festive
glow that will brighten up the dark winter
Christmas evenings.
Indoor outdoor faux rattan light-up stag head, £110, Cox & Cox
HANG A FESTIVE WREATH 

There’s nothing
more beautiful
than seeing a door
adorned with a
festive wreath. DECORATE YOUR STAIRS 
With so many Cut some lower branches off your tree
to choose and attach them to your banister for a
from, pick a thoroughly festive touch. Tie with string
design that suits or ribbon at the top and add baubles or
your interior stars to the bow.
style. This one is Regency metallic tiered vases in gold, small, £39.99,
ideal if you love large, £44.99, Ivyline
metallics teamed
with classic foliage.  ADD A
Copper and gold pre-lit wreath, REINDEER!
£39.99, Very Invite all of the
festive animals into
your garden. We
adore this battery-
operated reindeer
who has a lovely
inquisitive face and
bright red collar. A TRIO OF TREES 
Reindeer battery Christmas These neon trees will certainly pack a
figure, £99.99, Lights4Fun punch if you place them along your path
 CREATE A DISPLAY or in a group of three.
ON YOUR CONSOLE Neon stake light, £29.99 each, Dobbies
Don’t neglect your console
table, it’s the first piece of  A GUIDING STAR
furniture you can decorate Let this star guide
in your hallway. Hang a your guests to your
star or two on the wall and door, made from
place baubles, holly and wood with LED lights
pine cones on the top in that highlight the cut
the colour scheme you’ve out design.
chosen this year. Christmas light-up cut out
Image credit: Pooky. wooden star, £12, B&M

Christmas
decoration trends
We’ve chosen our favourite four
decoration trends this year
If you’re already thinking about your

festive décor themes this year
you’ve come to the right place –
we’ve got four amazing trends that
cover the classic good looks of a
traditional Christmas, a beautiful
winter wonderland, Nordic chic and
beautiful brights if you fancy a
modern edge
TREND Whimsical and wild, the enchanted forest trend is lush and
extravagant. The tree can be large and full, with metallic
1 gold baubles, swags of eucalyptus and oodles of fairy lights

in warm gold. Pop in some tactile cushions in emerald
ENCHANTED velvet and why not go the whole hog and hang some forest
style wallpaper?
FOREST Restore Emerald custom wallpaper, £37 per m, Restore Emerald curtains, from £86.18,
Adeline interior eggshell paint, £36 for 1 litre, all Graham & Brown
GO WILD WITH FOLIAGE 

If you’re feeling creative then have a go at
adding foliage to a chandelier structure -
you can fix it with cable ties. Or, cut some
evergreen stems and add them to vases on DOUBLE UP 
your mantel. Make a statement with this pair of faux trees that come complete with lights. Place a couple
Pink round vase, £29.99, gold tree 40cm, £16.99, glitter of lanterns each side so you set the scene for your winter wonderland scheme.
mushroom, £5.99, clear Dana candle holder, £3.99, chunky Pre-lit outdoor porch bundle trees, £149.99, Lights4Fun
black twist candles, pack of 3, £9.99, all Dobbies
NATURAL
ELEMENTS 
Choose a wreath
TREND Love the timeless appeal of a good old
classic red and green scheme? Then
that suits your
theme, this
2
THE ULTIMATE
this look is for you. It’s full of the joys of
Christmas with red and green baubles,
design has faux stars, berries and a touch of tartan.
eucalyptus, gold CLASSIC Classic wrapping paper and luxurious
berries and green CHRISTMAS elements make this an elegant choice.
baubles. Imperial tree (7ft), £79, baubles from £1.99, full berry
Pine, eucalyptus and bauble wreath (60cm), £19.99, Mulberry branch tartan pipe
wreath, £22, Dunelm cushion, £14.99, grey faux fur throw, £34.99, Dobbies
A DUSTING OF SNOW 
Look for authentic style decorations that
have a flock style ‘snowy’ appearance. This
super cute star with mistletoe detail is
perfect for this look.
Foliage star bauble, £4, Next
32
HANG UP p
Pick a garland that has classic good looks –
TRING A LING!  think pine cones, berries and a snowy feel.
Who doesn’t love an authentic bell Drape along your mantle or weave it along
decoration? Reminiscent of days gone by, your staircase.
these charming bell decorations are just the Lit garland, £38, Next
job for a classic tree.
12 metal gold jingle bells, £9.99, Gisela Graham
HANDPAINTED STYLE 
Nothing beats a handcrafted
style when it comes to
timeless decorations. We
love these vintage style
LUXURIOUS TOUCHES p pheasant and pear
Richly decadent, one of the trends this year designs that really will
is to either tie your own red velvet bows on become favourites
to each branch or to invest in these ready- every year.
made designs for ease. They can be used on Antique red glass bauble with
garlands and wreaths too. pheasant, £6, Daisy Park
Four oversized opulent velvet tree bows in deep red, £18.50,
Cox & Cox
TREND Are you wanting to step out of your comfort

zone this year and try something bold and eye-
3 catching? Then consider this fabulous look that’s

ideal for colour lovers. All encompassing yes, but
you can pick and choose your colours and could
HAPPY
stick to a couple of strong shades instead of more.
BRIGHTS It’s not for faint hearted but it’s fun and fabulous –
what’s not to love?
From a selection at Wayfair
A TRIO OF COLOUR p
Not wanting a rainbow effect? Then choose
three key colours and use them throughout
instead. Red, pink and yellow are a winning
combination and make for a very happy
festive colour scheme.
Wrap from a selection at Molly Mahon
SWEET APPEAL 
Nearly good
enough to eat!
This cute candy
cane decoration is
ideal for this bright
decorative trend.
Candy cane decoration, £2
each, B&M 
33
ADD A
ALL THE BAUBLES  HANDMADE
Go for all out colour with QUALITY
a contemporary bauble Simple handcrafted
wreath that’s adorned with style decorations
multicoloured baubles. fit this look well,
Rainbow bauble Christmas wreath, £35, and we love the
Rockett St George abundance of
house decorations
too, some come
with tea lights so
they can glow from
the inside out.
5ft snowy garland, £22, set
of 3 houses, £6, set of 3
cotton rope trees in green,
£10, paper decorations,
from £2, Dunelm
 CONTEMPORARY FUN
When you choose a bright décor
scheme it allows you to pick all
the fun and quirky decorations  GET WOODY
like this toadstool clip-on design The Scandi look is
that’s so fabulous! synonymous with simple
Mini glass toadstool decoration, £3.49, yet beautiful design
Gisela Graham and wood is very
much included.
This trio of circle
decorations will add
TREND an organic aspect to

your scheme.
4 Love a pared-back style Christmas?

The modern scandi trend is for you if
Wooden circle decorations, set of 3, £12,
Layered Lounge
MODERN you love white and silver teamed with

SCANDI the elements of Nordic style that have
made it so iconic over the years. Source
some fir for along your mantle, add in
some white stockings, beaded wooden
garlands and plenty of candles around
the fireplace. Don’t go overboard with
your tree, this look is more considered
than the others.
From a selection at B&M
SNOWY EFFECT 
We all yearn for a white
Christmas, but in case we’re
disappointed yet again, look for a
wreath with ready made snow!
50cm green and white Lumi snowy Christmas
wreath, £25, B&Q
A TOUCH OF GLITTER
Opt for all white baubles
with a glitter design
that’s subtle,
instead of mixing
and matching
numerous
designs, stick
to one for
a Scandi
scheme.
Lacquer silver
glass bauble
with beaded
snowflake, £3.99,
Gisela Graham

COMPETITION
WIN the ultimate Hornby Christmas

Bundle worth £349.95!
One lucky reader could win a festive model railway bundle from Hornby, including
Santa’s Express Train Set, an array of festive wagons, plus a Family Fun Project Starter
Pack – the perfect activity to enjoy during the festive period!
● Whether you’re looking for

something extra special to add
to your Christmas decoration
display or for unique gift ideas for your
loved ones this year, Hornby has just
YOUR PRIZE
Nothing says ‘Christmas’ better than
spritely train set, spreading festive cheer as
it runs around the base of your Christmas
tree! You take care of the baubles, and let
what you need. Hornby provide Santa’s Express!
Hornby’s Santa’s Express Train Set is Not only that, but the same winner will
always one of the biggest-selling products, also receive some extra wagons, including
bringing festive joy to homes worldwide our Christmas Tree Carrier, Santa’s Present
and lighting up the faces of children and Wagon, and Christmas Wagon 2023. And
adults alike. It looks fantastic circling the to make sure that model railway magic
bottom of your Christmas tree or as a lasts all year, you’ll also win a Family Fun
centrepiece for any festive display, and Project Starter Pack, which has everything
adding a new wagon each year creates an you need to set up a long-term model
adorable new family tradition. railway layout in your home.
Santa’s Express Train Set 2023 includes a
shiny red locomotive, complete with stylish Want to know more about these prizes?
black and gold detailing. The locomotive Head to uk.hornby.com.
pulls two festive wagons – one brimming
with colourful gifts for all the good boys
and girls, and another for that all-important HOW TO ENTER
sleigh. The set contains a large oval of track
To win your Hornby Christmas
and a remote to let you control the train as
it chuffs around your tree. bundle, head to uk.hornby.com
If you want to make sure you’ve got and answer the following question
yours in time for the festivities this year, by 15 December 2023:
head to uk.hornby.com. You’ll find Santa’s
Express Train Set on the website and lots In which UK town can you find
of other Christmas models for you to enjoy.
Hornby’s headquarters?
Or take a chance and enter our
competition worth £349.95! You’ve got a) Macclesfield
to be in it to win it! There will certainly b) Margate
be one or two sets running around the c) Maidenhead
Hornby Margate headquarters this year!
T&Cs: Competition ends 15 December 2023 •Must be 18 years or over to enter •Prize will be sent by Hornby Hobbies directly to the winner •The draw
is final, and no correspondence will be entered in to •Entry is free •The prize is not transferable or refundable and there is no cash alternative.

Fabulous
Christmas table ideas
Check out our top four table setting schemes for 2023
FANCY GLASSWARE 
There’s a bit of a trend for ribbing this year
Feature by Sophie Warren-Smith and we’re seeing it in glassware too. It’s
elegant and timeless, and works with any
colour scheme.
ondering what Christmas table scheme to choose this year? From a selection at Nkuku
W We’re sourced four looks to inspire you, from a berry theme

with hints of black and a fabulously bright and fun design,
to a cottage style and a layered organic look that has a
sustainable edge. There’s definitely something for everyone
this year!
 PAPER WHITES
Paper decorations have
a lovely charm, choose
something with a
dainty lights so it has
a dual purpose.
Light up paper tree, small, £20,
Cox & Cox
LOOK This look is wholesome and
1 earthy, with vases of tree pine and

homemade garlands on the table.
Wood platters, gold accents and
ORGANIC linen napkins. Keep it fresh with
ELEGANCE crisp white – a runner along the
middle of a wood table, with white
trees and candles will give it a
classic edge. Tie ribbon round the TOUCH OF GOLD 
napkins as an extra stylish touch. Gold will add warmth
From a selection at Layered Lounge to this scheme, invest in
gold candlesticks that
you can use throughout
the year, too.
23cm gold candle holders, set of 2,
£29.99, Wayfair
 STAR APPEAL
You can never have too
many fairy lights – use
them on the mantel,
wrapped around a
staircase, or weave them
around a foliage garland
on your table.
Gold star fairy lights, £49.95,
Sparkle Lighting
RUN ALONG 
Garlands aren’t just
for fire surrounds,
they look fabulous
placed on a runner
too, use tea lights
or candlesticks to
highlight it.
Garland with red berries and
pinecones, £25, B&Q
36
FESTIVE ICONS
Choose plates with sweet festive icons
and add texture with rattan placemats,
pick table centres with pinecones for a
festive statement.
From a section at John Lewis
Classic but with a twist, the country cottage table theme

takes the rustic elements we all love and combines it with
the iconic red and green Christmas table.
Freiburg pine pre-lit tree (7ft), £369, baubles from £1.99, Paper stars, £14.99
each, Mikasa crockery, from £6.99, Santa and Nutcracker Christmas glasses (set
of 4), £8.99, Gonk mug and bowl set, £14.99, all Dobbies
 PULL A PAIR LOOK

No table is complete without crackers right?
Choose designs that suit your table’s scheme
like these nature-inspired designs.
2
Woodland splendour luxury crackers, pack of 6, £8, B&M COUNTRY
COTTAGE
PERFECTLY POURED 
Choose pretty tableware that has oh-so-cute
designs like this tree and deer. You can mix or
match for a country cottage look.
Christmas stags mini stoneware jug,£13.50, Sophie Allport
LIGHT UP 
If you worry about candles being
knocked over then consider
faux designs instead, they’re so
AUTHENTIC LOOK  authentic no one will realise!
Tight on time? Buy a couple of these TruGlow red taper candles, £24.99, Lights4Fun
candleholder centrepieces complete with
flocked fir, pine cones and berries.
Ivy and pinecone Christmas table centre piece candle
holder, £22.99, Very

If you love plums and pinks

then add some darker berries
and lush greens to your
table setting. Dark wood
furniture and candlesticks,
clear glassware and use
black accents to give it a
contemporary edge. Buy
eucalyptus and tie it to your
chair backs with velvet ribbon
in magenta as a finishing touch.
Fresh cut Nordmann Fir Christmas tree
(180-210cm) 6-7ft, £54.99, baubles from
£1.99, Mango wood candleholder (assorted),
£19.99, Ravenhead decanter, £24.99,
Living Jewels crockery, from £8.99, Villia
napkins and tablecloth, from £9.99, Majestic
wine glasses (set of 4), £14.99, Traditional
panettone, £6.50, all Dobbies
TEAM RUBY WITH GOLD

CONTEMPORARY CONTRAST  Look out for etched glasses, berry toned
Accent colours are a well-known interior
crackers and gold cutlery, this look is
design trick, and you can use them
luxurious and rich.
successfully at Christmas too, a jet black From a selection at Dunelm
with plum is a winning combination.
Kew Gardens Living black bowl, £10, Pure Table Top
LOOK
PERFECTLY PURPLE 
Coloured glassware helps
to pull a scheme together,
3
choose lighter shades than BEAUTIFUL
your scheme for contrast.
Purple fluted glass, from a selection
BERRIES
at Homesense
OPULANT METAL 
Gold cutlery really sets the
scene, but the real thing
can be pricey, so opt for
 JEWEL TONES gold effect instead.
Jade and amethyst Gold and bronze cutlery, from a
are ideal shades for selection at Homesense
this colour scheme,
so choose crackers
that add a touch
of decoration
and pattern.
Multi jewel crackers, pack of
6, £19.99, Gisela Graham
38
MODERN BRIGHTS
If you’re a modernist then you’ll
love these joyful coasters – ideal
for protecting your table from
wine and coffee stains.
Christmas colourful drinks coasters, set of 4,
£34.99, Homesense
MIX AND MATCH

Anything goes with this
cheery scheme so mix it
up with glassware that
doesn’t match.
Christmas tumblers,
£3.50 each, B&M
BOLD AND
BEAUTIFUL
Go all out with this fabulous
We just love the decadent vibe that LOOK festive tablecloth complete
with snowflakes so at least
this clash of colour gives off.
Tablecloth, £39.99, Blue realistic fir Christmas Tree with 350
LED twinkling lights, £172.99, Iron napkin ring (set of 6)
4 if it doesn’t snow you can
still see some!
Cotton red snowflake tablecloth,
£14.99, Atara polyester solid colour square napkin (set of MAGICAL £14.99, Homescapes
4) £12.53, Artesà aluminium platter, £26.99, Fairmont Park
Corpuz 4 piece glass flute stemware set (set of 4) £51.49, JOY
Ebern Designs Oswego 16 piece stainless steel cutlery set,
service for 4, £18.37, Rosdorf Park Berthoud 4 piece glass
white wine glassware set (set of 4) £39.95, Metro Lane
Starrc stoneware dinnerware, set of 16, £62.99, Dex glass If you’re tired of the
embroidered round placemat, £29.03, Copple 480ml glass classics and don’t fancy
highball glass (set of 4) £48.99, luxury bauble £48.99, singles colours, then
glass bauble (Set of 4) £28.24, Crackle swirls bauble (set of
why not go all out with
6) £18.99, glass bauble (set of 3) £23.43, Omara handmade
sheepskin blue rug, £130, metal candlestick, £19.99, multiple colours? A
baubles and hanging decorations available all Wayfair rainbow of colours will
beat any winter blues and
you can really go to town
NUTCRACKERS  with mixing and matching
We love fun crackers and these are your favourite shades.
no exception with their iconic Hang ribbons from chair
nutcracker design in bright colours. backs, choose a different
Recyclable Christmas crackers, £20, Talking Tables coloured placemat for
each setting and use
multiple coloured candles,
this is all about having fun!
From a selection at Dunelm
39
There’s a huge array of

trees around these
Top days, we’ve sourced

our favourites below
PRE-LIT AND FUSS FREE
Tired of untangling the fairy lights
Tree ideas
from last year? Or are you put off
with finding that half the bulbs
have gone? A pre-lit tree will solve
both of the above and give you
a fabulously lit tree without the
worry. Each branch will have a few
lights on it to ensure it twinkles
away in amongst your decorations.
Classic luxe tree, £369, Dobbies
few decades ago, we
A really only had the

choice of a real tree
from a local grower or
garden centre. Now,
there’s many varieties
of faux that look so real and do you opt
for pre-lit? Flocked? Or do you still love
the wonderful scent of a real tree? Our
guide will give you some inspiration on SET THE SCENE 
what to choose and how to make it as Create special Christmas memories for
festive as possible. the whole family with this festive train set
going around your tree. You’ll find a bright
red Santa’s Express locomotive, with black
A CLASSIC ICON  and gold detailing that makes for the most
A tree isn’t complete without a tree topper, handsome finish. Delivering pure seasonal
this stunning angel is made from paper joy to all, the 00-gauge Hornby model pulls
with gold detailing. a beautiful blue wagon filled with presents,
Paper angel tree topper, £6, Dunelm and a bold yellow closed van, in which Santa
keeps his sleigh.
Santa’s Express train set, £79.99, Hornby
A SNOWY FINISH
One of our favourite style trees is a flocked
design – they come complete with a snowy
effect that won’t melt on your carpet! The
look is different as it’s a more subtle than
a standard faux green tree, but one that
looks great with any colour baubles whether
they’re contemporary or classic.
225cm lighted artificial fir Christmas tree, £539.99, and all
decorations, Wayfair
40
BE REAL 
If faux isn’t your bag and the budget is
tight, then a real tree is your best option.
Yes, you do need to buy one every year, but
if you love that festive scent then there’s
nothing better. Varieties to look out for are
Nordmann Fir and Fraser Fir, both are known
for keeping their needles and can be long
lasting as long as you keep them watered.
 WRAP AROUND
Tree skirts are a must
unless you have a
potted tree, there are
a few options – rattan,
metal or fabric.
Gonk lit tree skirt, £32, Next
ALL THAT GLITTERS 

There are so many baubles
to choose in different
sizes, our best advice
is to use a selection of
shapes so your tree has
texture and interest.
Gold glass cone, £3.49,
Gisela Graham
TWINKLE TWINKLE
A tree isn’t complete without an array
of fabulous fairy lights, which do you
prefer - white gold or multicoloured?
150 multicoloured Pickwick Christmas tree lights,
£39.99, Lights4Fun
41
The finishing You’ve chosen your tree, got

your colour scheme for the
touches
table sorted, now it’s time to
add those small touches that
make all the difference
GIVE YOUR KITCHEN

SOME LOVE
Our kitchens really do become
the heart of the home at
Christmas and often get
neglected when it comes to
decorations. It won’t take long
– we promise! All you need is
a touch of green foliage, some
red and green ribbon and a few
decorations you can hang up or
place in groups on the worktop.
From a selection at Layered Lounge

A
fter you’ve worked out how
many friends and family are
coming and the turkey’s
ordered, you can relax a
little and enjoy adding those
final flourishes to your home. A festive
door mat, cosy throws and a Christmas
themed cushion or two will give your
home a fabulous all-encompassing
theme for the run up, the big day and
the countdown to New Year.
SEASONAL CHEER 
Pop your usual cushions in
storage for a few DISPLAY YOUR CARDS 
weeks and invest in Don’t forget to display your
some festive designs cards, it’s easy for them
instead, there’s so much to be placed in a pile on a
choice! We love these sideboard somewhere when
embroidered designs really it’s nice to hang them
complete with red bow. up and use them as a festive
Wreath embroidered cushion, decorative element.
£15, Dunelm Cards from a selection at National Trust DESIGNATED AREA 
Having a pre Christmas drinks party? Label
up certain areas with a cool hanging sign.
GET COSY Champagne metal hanging sign, £12.50, Cox & Cox
Christmas décor doesn’t need to
simply be all about downstairs,
why not give your bedrooms
some festive love too?
Not only can you get  WALL LOVE
Christmas themed Paper decorations
duvet sets now, but are light and airy
you can also adorn to hang from walls
your walls with fairy lights or the ceiling and
which give a lovely glow during come in a great
the darker evenings. section of colours.
Christmas duvet sets from a selection at Next Black and gold paper fan
decorations, set of 8, £14,
Rockett St George
DECORATE YOUR SHELVING 

Embrace Christmas completely by
decorating your shelves too, use a mixture
of different sized baubles in your chosen
colour scheme and display them in groups
of three. Mix it up with tea lights too.
Shelves are also a good place to store gifts
that are waiting to be delivered.
 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Set the scene with a
PHOTO: POOKY
doormat that has a fun

Christmas saying or that
reminds Santa to stop!
Santa please stop here doormat,
£24.99, Lime Lace

YOUR CHRISTMAS
Delivering a
different kind
of Christmas...
hilst life begins the day strive for absolute inclusivity and I feel so
W
The festive season is the you are born, they say passionate about the work Different Kind
ultimate occasion for sharing your fifties are when does. It’s about selling brilliant products
you finally decide to that also do good.’
gifts with those you love. appreciate it. And She adds: ‘Women-led businesses get
for Liz Warner, it was the decade she hardly any investment and it’s even less
Giving a glimpse into the decided to turn her back on her exciting likely if you’re from a marginalised group.
career in media and TV and focus on But our team at Different Kind is proud of
world of the people behind philanthropic pursuits - co-founding the the fact that we’re in our second or third
the presents, The Christmas online store Different Kind. careers and I hope it is inspiring to others
The business, which started in October to take that risk and not stay in a job that
Magazine sat down with the 2021, showcases the most exciting and makes you unhappy. Find your purpose.’
emerging ethical businesses and sells their
co-founder of retail rebel, products on their website. Their mission Finding inspiration
statement is to bring home the virtues of After starting her career in newspapers
Different Kind, for an good that do good - with every purchase and magazines, Liz was appointed as
exclusive chat to find out serving a purpose. commissioning editor for factual and
‘I struggled to find that balance features at Channel 4 in 1998. She
more about their mission to between what I was doing and needing worked across Nigella Lawson’s first
a purpose,’ Liz, 59, says. ‘Looking back at series, Nigella Bites, and the first series of
change Christmas shopping my early career, something was missing. Location, Location, Location with Kirstie
I’ve led a lucky life but I worked in a Allsopp and Phil Spencer.
for good… career where marginalised groups didn’t ‘I commissioned Nigella’s first series
often get to tell their stories. My goal is to and I remember seeing the pilot after it
had been delivered to my flat and I was
instantly excited. It was unlike anything
else that had been out and she was like a
rock and roll star of food. She is the real
deal. I remember going over to her house
and she served up delicious food for us.
She’s so generous.’
Liz’s top gifting tip ‘Kirstie and Phil came in separately
After enduring a pandemic and battling through for the presenting roles on Location,
the current cost of living crisis, families are Location, Location but as soon as they
counting the pennies and looking for quality were paired together, the chemistry was
over quantity with their gifts. instant,’ she adds. ‘They just had that from
the get go.’
‘Foodie gifts are great because they get eaten One thing that’s clear from Liz’s career
and there’s little waste,’ Liz says. ‘We have is her keen eye for storytelling and
honeycomb made from women who have been determination to showcase unrepresented
in the justice system in Scotland. It’s reasonably groups. Through the production company
priced and so yummy. We also work with Fruits Betty TV, she developed the Bafta-
of the Forage who create delicious chutney nominated series The Undateables,
from foraged goods in the UK.’ which followed people with challenging
conditions on their quest for love.

‘Something like The Undateables would Christmas in the Warner household
have probably been put on late night in Away from her career, Liz is married with
my early career but I was determined three children and insists their Christmas
for it to get a prime-time slot like any is just like any other.
other dating show and put these people’s ‘I’m always so busy before Christmas
stories at the forefront,’ she insists. and the tree never gets put up until late
In 2016, Liz became the chief executive into December. We’ve scaled back and we
of Comic Relief and was introduced to like to buy small things for stockings. It’s
the Luminary Bakery in Stoke Newington, about little and meaningful gifts that have
which works with women who have thought and love behind them.
experienced domestic violence or ‘My children are teenagers now but
homelessness and helps to train them to I’m sure they’d be miffed to lose their
become bakers. That concept inspired stockings. It’s a Christmas tradition for
Different Kind, whose impressive list us, although they hate my husband’s
of producers include refugees, ex- baked leeks. That’s one tradition I think
offenders, women-only businesses or they wish would go! But as a family
social enterprises that train neuro-diverse we’ve never been into giving masses of
young people for careers. gifts. It’s more about receiving things
‘It’s key for our producers to be social from the heart.’
enterprises that are doing some good for As for the best present Liz has ever
the community,’ Liz explains. ‘One great received, it was one that came from a
example is our one-armed potter called community and was packed with love
Gary who trained during his time in prison and kindness.
with a project called Landworks. He ‘The first Christmas we were a family
makes our espresso and Nordic mugs. For of five, our neighbours on
every purchase, a donation is made back our street stood outside our
to Landworks. I believe Gary is no longer window and sang Oh Little
an ex-convict in many people’s eyes but a Town of Bethlehem. It makes
potter who creates art.’ me cry just thinking about it.’
For inspiring ideas, thoughtful gifts, and meaningful

presents with purpose, visit the Different Kind website
this Christmas, thedifferentkind.com

YOUR CHRISTMAS
PET PROOF
your Christmas
The ultimate expert guide to keep furry friends merry and
bright over the festive season
C
hristmas brings much joy to With festivities in full swing, it can be see you spending your Christmas in the
all, but with it also comes difficult always to have an eye on your pet emergency room include xylitol
increased risks for our pets. pets, however some good habits can (a common sugar substitute), alcohol,
From festive food and drink be implemented to mitigate any pet caffeine, onions, garlic, blue cheese and
to decorations and even gifts, emergencies. One of the best ways to anything high in salt or fat – so be careful
our homes harbour a myriad of potential avoid accidents is to know what your pet with things like Christmas stuffing, gravy
hazards for pets at Christmas. should avoid, so if you do have items in and artificially sweetened treats.
With over half of the country owning the house you can keep them out of reach Cooked bones can pierce a dog’s
a pet, the UK’s leading emergency from cats and dogs. digestive tract or cause an obstruction,
vets, Vets Now, sees cases Dozens of human foods are so always ensure all meat is kept on the
spike over the festive dangerous for dogs, with kitchen surface and carcasses in the
season – with cases up the most common being outside bin.
by over 120% in 2022*.
To help keep pets
Did you know... chocolate, macadamia
nuts, grapes and
If your pet has eaten anything
potentially harmful you should call
safe and owners Some of the top cases treated raisins – so beware of your vet for advice as soon as possible.
in the know, the by Vets Now over the Christmas mince pies, Christmas You can also use the Vets Now online
expert team at Vets season are: cake and panettone. ‘chocolate calculator’ to work out if you
Now has shared Pets being electrocuted by Others that could need to see a vet.
some top tips to Christmas tree lights
pet proof your Pets eating Christmas baubles
Christmas. and/or Christmas tinsel
Whether you are Pets eating chocolate
a cat or dog pawrent, Pets eating mince pies
read on to stay informed
about hidden hazards
of Christmas – to ensure an
accident-free festive season...
The danger of... Chocolate
FOOD AND DRINK Chocolate contains a stimulant called
Christmas is a time full of treats, but theobromine, a bit like caffeine, which is
many festive foods are harmful to our severely poisonous to cats and dogs.
pets. 9 out of 10 poisonings happen
How to avoid... Never hang chocolate treats
whilst at home and 5.5M dog owners
on a tree or place presents that may contain
unknowingly feed their pets harmful
chocolate under a tree in a home with a pet.
foods at Christmas.
It’s important to be mindful, aware and
*vs cases in December 2021
one step ahead. If you’re not sure if pets The danger of... Christmas
should eat something, the best advice pudding, mince pies, panettone
is always to avoid giving them food All grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas, as
intended for humans. well as food that contain them, are toxic to
Make sure dangerous foods are kept dogs and, anecdotally, may be toxic to cats.
well out of reach so your pet can’t access
these items unknowingly. Always ensure How to avoid... Keep well out of reach and
leftovers are carefully disposed of and carefully dispose of leftovers.
chocolate gifts aren’t left under the tree.

play with them. Wrapping
Did you know... paper has low toxicity
but can cause intestinal
61% of owners let their dogs join them blockages if eaten.
for Christmas dinner. With foods like
gravy being high in salt and often Tinsel, lametta,
containing ingredients like onion and string beads,
garlic, which contain toxins that can ribbon
cause signs from stomach irritation to As beautiful as these
decorations look,
life-threatening anaemia in dogs and
they too attract the
cats – it’s always recommended to give
attention of pets.
pets vet-approved, pet-friendly treats
If ingested, they can
if you want to involve them cause havoc for cats and
in celebrations. dogs as they get stuck in
their intestines. Place these
decorations out of reach on higher
branches, or replace with an alternative.
Poisonous festive plants

Seasonal plants (poinsettia, mistletoe,
lilies, ivy and potpourri) are mildly toxic
to cats and dogs. Reduce unwarranted
worry and place in unreachable spots.
Candles
Hot wax is dangerous to delicate
paws - ensure lit candles are never
left unattended and pets are always
supervised around them. For extra
precaution, place candles in inaccessible
lanterns or opt for battery-powered ones.
Snow globes
Imported versions can contain antifreeze
– and as little as one 5ml teaspoon can be
fatal for a cat and a tablespoon could be
BEWARE OF THE DECS mischievous pets. Consciously opt for fatal for dogs.
No Christmas home is complete without shatterproof/pet-friendly baubles to
the star of the show – the twinkling avoid any harm. Salt dough ornaments
tree! But it’s not just festive treats that The mix of flour and salt with water can
are hazardous for our pets - Christmas Gifts cause a potentially fatal salt toxicosis if
decorations, gifts under the tree, Under the tree, a pile of presents looks ingested by your pet
wrapping paper and even snow globes welcoming to humans – and they can
can all cause injury and illness. also prove tempting for curious pets. Batteries
To keep the tree as risk-free as possible Consider storing gifts elsewhere so your From gadgets or children’s toys can cause
for pets, follow Vets Now’s top tips... four-legged friends aren’t enticed to serious internal burns if swallowed by pets.
Real Christmas trees

The pine smell of a real tree is welcoming,
yet pine needles under the tree can be
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN:
ingested by pets, causing stomach upsets, As a pet owner, it’s important to be organised in case there is an incident and seek
cuts to paws and mouth and in severe cases help no matter the time. Keep in mind the three Cs, and ensure the family has an
– perforation of the intestines. Vacuum daily emergency vets number stored in their phone:
and keep trees watered, use a strong base
to hold it up and make sure decorations 1. Critical - If disaster strikes, call us any time throughout the night, weekend or
are hung up firmly. It’s always worth Bank Holiday
considering keeping cats out of rooms with 2. Concerned - Concerned but not sure if it’s serious? Vets Now have a handy
Christmas trees in them if possible. video calling consultation service - Video Vets Now, www.vets-now.com/videovet.
You can arrange to chat to an online vet within minutes to talk through your
Fairy lights concerns from home.
Lots of wires can be tempting for pets to 3. Calm - If your pet is completely fine, it’s important to focus on educating the
chew on and play with, which can cause family, and guests visiting over the festive season on hazards, and how to prevent
burns or electric shocks. Avoid harm by any emergencies from happening. You can find lots more expert advice on the Vets
keeping cables tidied away and turned off Now online ‘Advice Hub’.
whenever possible. Use an extension cord
that shuts off automatically when damaged
Vets Now is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week,
and tape any loose wires to the floor.
with clinics across the UK. If you’re unsure whether your
Ornaments, baubles and pet needs veterinary treatment, you can book an online
tree decorations video consultation with Video Vets Now. To find your
Mitigate any risk by hanging baubles nearest clinic, visit www.vets-now.com
high up on the tree, out of reach of

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Christmas
The
WIN
magazine ONE OF THREE
JOHN LEWIS VOUCHERS
WORTH
Reader Survey
£100 EACH*
It’s easy to enter online at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Christmas23
YOU AND THE CHRISTMAS YOUR SHOPPING YOUR CHRISTMAS Christmas drink
MAGAZINE PRESENTS More than usual
5. Which of the following best About the same as usual
1. How did you obtain your copy describes your role when it comes to 9. Which of the following best Less than usual
of The Christmas Magazine? buying groceries for your household? describes your role when it comes  I don't know
From a newsstand/retailer I am the primary decision maker to buying Christmas presents?
From the Kelsey online shop I share the responsibility I am the primary decision maker Christmas presents
(Publisher of The Christmas Magazine) I provide input, but the decisions for these purchases More than usual
From a friend/colleague are made by others I share the responsibility for About the same as usual
Digital/online edition I am not involved at all making these purchases Less than usual
Free copy I provide input, but the decisions I don't know
6. How much do you usually spend are made by others in the household
2. How would you rate these sections IN TOTAL on food for Christmas? I am not involved in the decision at all PETS AT CHRISTMAS
of the magazine on a scale of 1-5, £1,000 or more
where 1 star is ‘not very interesting’ £750-£1,000 10. How many people do you 15. How many of these pets do you
and 5 is ‘very interesting’ £500-£750 usually buy presents for? have in your household?
Crafting ✩✩✩✩✩ £400-£500 Cage birds:
Decoration ✩✩✩✩✩ £300-£400
Cats:
Food ✩✩✩✩✩ £200-£300
Shopping/Gifting ✩✩✩✩✩ £150-£200 11. Which do you usually start Dogs:
Travel ✩✩✩✩✩ Under £150 planning your Christmas present Rabbit/Hamster/Guinea Pigs:
Planning/preparation ✩✩✩✩✩ I don't know purchases? If you don’t have a dog, please go to
E.g. month/week/day question 17.
3. Which of the following decisions 7. How much do you usually spend
does The Christmas Magazine help IN TOTAL on alcohol for Christmas? 16. If you travel at Christmas, do you
you to make? £1,000 or more take your dog(s) with you?
(Tick all that apply) £750-£1,000 12. How much do you usually spend Yes No
Christmas markets/fairs/events £500-£750 in TOTAL on Christmas presents?
to visit £400-£500 £1,500 or more 17. When you have visitors at
How to make my own Christmas £300-£400 £1,250 - £1,500 Christmas, do they bring their dog(s)
decorations £200-£300 £1,000 - £1,250 with them?
How to prepare Christmas meals £150-£200 £750 - £1,000 Yes No
better Under £150 £500 - £750
Planning for Christmas I don't know £250 - £500 18. Do you buy Christmas presents
Things to do at Christmas £100 - £250 for your pet or other people's pets?
What Christmas decorations to 8.When shopping for your main £50 or under Yes No
purchase Christmas food and alcohol, which
What Christmas groceries to stores will you buy from? 13. What type of gifts do you give 19. On average, how much do you
purchase (Tick all that apply) at Christmas? spend on treats or gifts for pets at
What Christmas presents to Aldi (Tick all that apply) Christmas?
purchase Asda Books Over £100
Where to buy Christmas Booths Clothing £50-£100
decorations Co-op Craft items £25-£50
Where to buy Christmas groceries Cook Event tickets £10-£25
Where to buy Christmas presents Laithwaites Experience Days Less than £10
Lidl Food/Drink Nothing
Local shop / market Gift Vouchers/Cards
4. What actions have you Marks & Spencer Jewellery/Watches YOUR CHRISTMAS
taken as a result of reading Majestic Wine Money (cash or transfer) DECORATIONS
an advertisement in The Morrisons Technology
Naked Wines 20. Which of the following best
Christmas Magazine? Toiletries/Cosmetics
Ocado describes your role when it comes to
(Tick all that apply) Toys
Oddbins buying Christmas decorations?
Attended a Christmas fair/
Sainsbury's I am the primary decision for
market/event 14. Thinking about Christmas,
Tesco these purchases
Purchased a product or service compared to previous years, are
Virgin Wines I share the responsibility for
Visited an advertiser’s store/ you spending more or less than
Waitrose making these purchases
website usual on the following?
Any other specialist food shop II provide input, but the
Recommended a product or decisions are made
Any other specialist off-licence Christmas food
service to someone else by made by others in the
Other (please specify): More than usual
Talked about a product or household
service with someone else About
About the same as usual
I am not involved the
None of the above Less than usual
decision at all
I don't know


READER SURVEY
21. How much do you usually spend 30. Will you be making any of the YOUR INTERESTS ABOUT YOU
in TOTAL on Christmas decorations following yourself?
each year? Yes No 38. What subscription boxes do you 40. What is your gender?
£400 or more Christmas decorations   have or clubs do you belong to? Female
Arts & Crafts Male
£300-£400 Christmas cards  
Yes, I have/am a member I prefer not to self-identify
£200-£300 Christmas crackers   I prefer not to say
£150-£199 Christmas gift tags   Not yet but would consider
£100-£149 Christmas gift wrap   I would not consider
41. What is your age?
£50-£99 Christmas presents   Cocktails
Under £50 Christmas table centrepiece   Yes, I have/am a member
None Christmas wreath   Not yet but would consider
I would not consider 42. Employment status
22. When do you begin decorating 31. On average, over the last year, how Flowers Working full time
for Christmas? much have you spent on craft supplies? Yes, I have/am a member Working part time
Not yet but would consider Semi-retired
E.g. month/week/day Over £500
I would not consider Retired
£400-£500 Not working
Food
£300-£400
Yes, I have/am a member
£200-£300 43. How many children, under the
Not yet but would consider
23. Do you decorate the outside £100-£200 I would not consider age of 16, are in your home?
of your home, porch or garden for £50-£100
Gin
Christmas, with any of the following? £1-£50 Yes, I have/am a member
(Tick all that apply) Nothing Not yet but would consider
44. What was your total family income
Christmas signs/stakes for the garden I would not consider last year, that is the total income of all
Inflatable items e.g. Santa, snowman 32. Where do you go to purchase
Pet supplies members of your household, from all
LED garden ornaments your craft items? (Tick all that apply) Yes, I have/am a member sources before tax?
Projector light show Amazon Baker Ross Cass Art Not yet but would consider Less than £10,000
Rope/string lights Craft & Hobby Crafty Arts I would not consider £10,000 - £24,999
Tree lights Create & Craft Etsy Toiletries & Cosmetics £25,000 - £49,999
Wreath/Garland Fred Aldous Hobbycraft Yes, I have/am a member £50,000 - £74,999
Other garden ornaments John Lewis Love Crafts Not yet but would consider £75,000 - £99,999
Other (please specify): Papermill Direct The Range I would not consider £100,000 - £149,999
The Works Other high street £150,000 - £199,999
Wine
retailer Other online retailer £200,000 - £250,000
Yes, I have/am a member
Other (please specify): Over £250,000
Not yet but would consider
24. How many Christmas trees do I would not consider 45. Excluding the value of your home
you decorate for Christmas? and pensions, what is the total value
39. How often do you drink the of the savings and investments of all
33. To what extent you agree following drinks? members of your household?
or disagree with the following Beer/Lager/Ale Less than £5,000
25. What are your favourite statements, where 1 star is ‘definitely Once a WEEK or more £5,000 - £9,999
Christmas tree decorations? disagree’ and 5 is ‘definitely agree’ 2 or 3 times a MONTH £10,000 - £49,999
(Tick all that apply) I look at what’s trending to get inspiration Once a MONTH £50,000 - £99,999
Angel at top of tree for Christmas décor ✩✩✩✩✩ Less than once a MONTH £100,000 - £149,999
Never £150,000 - £199,999
Bird at top of tree I tend to buy most of my Christmas
£200,000 - £300,000
Star at top of tree presents and food locally ✩✩✩✩✩ Cider £300,000 or more
Christmas train running around the tree I am looking forward to spending time with Once a WEEK or more
Hanging baubles friends and family this Christmas ✩✩✩✩✩ 2 or 3 times a MONTH
Once a MONTH Please check the below boxes to tell
Ribbons The quality of the products I buy are
Less than once a MONTH us how you'd like to hear from us.
Tinsel more important at Christmas ✩✩✩✩✩ (Please leave boxes unchecked if you do not
Tree lights I like to visit Christmas fairs, markets, Never
wish to hear from us).
Other tree topper light shows and events ✩✩✩✩✩ Cocktails
Once a WEEK or more  Yes - please add me to the Christmas
Other hanging items I like to splash out at Christmas ✩✩✩✩✩
2 or 3 times a MONTH Magazine reader panel. As a member you’ll
Once a MONTH receive occasional communication from the
26. Do you change your Christmas 34. Had you heard of Cricut Less than once a MONTH editorial team seeking your views.
decorations each year according prior to reading this issue of Never  Yes - I’d like to hear from the publisher
to trends? The Christmas magazine?
Gin of The Christmas Magazine, Kelsey Media
Yes No Yes No
Once a WEEK or more about relevant offers, products and services.
2 or 3 times a MONTH
27. Do you think train sets or model 35. To what extent you agree Once a MONTH Thanks for completing our survey.
railways are just for Christmas or all or disagree with the following Less than once a MONTH Please provide your details for entry
year round? statements, where 1 star is ‘definitely Never into our free prize draw for the chance
Just for Christmas All year round disagree’ and 5 is ‘definitely agree’ to win one of three John Lewis vouchers
Sparkling wine
I have been inspired by the Cricut tutorials (inc Prosecco/Champagne) worth £100 each*
28. Do you or anyone in your in The Christmas Magazine ✩✩✩✩✩ Once a WEEK or more Name: ...........................................................................
household own a train set or model Cricut Smart cutting machines make it 2 or 3 times a MONTH
railway? Please select the statement easy to create gifts for others ✩✩✩✩✩ Once a MONTH Email address: ...........................................................
that best applies to you Cricut Smart cutting machines look Less than once a MONTH Phone number: .........................................................
Yes - it's up all year round easy to use ✩✩✩✩✩ Never
*ENTRIES CLOSE 5 JANUARY 2024.
Yes - we set it up for Christmas There is a Cricut machine that’s Other spirits (Rum, Vodka) The winners will be drawn and contacted
Yes - it's up for some of the year designed for someone like me ✩✩✩✩✩ Once a WEEK or more shortly after the closing date. The editor's
No I would recommend Cricut to a 2 or 3 times a MONTH decision is final and no correspondence will be
friend after reading about it in The Once a MONTH entered in to. Full Kelsey Media Competition
Less than once a MONTH Terms of Entry can be viewed here:
YOUR CRAFTING Christmas Magazine ✩✩✩✩✩
Never www.kelsey.co.uk/competition-terms-conditions
I may consider finding out more
29. How often do you do any kind Whisky/Bourbon We take data protection seriously.
about Cricut after reading The
of arts or crafts (e.g. candle making, Once a WEEK or more Kelsey Media’s privacy policy can be viewed here:
Christmas Magazine ✩✩✩✩✩ www.kelsey.co.uk/privacy-notice
jewellery making, papercraft, 2 or 3 times a MONTH
painting, sewing)? Once a MONTH
36. Do you already own a Cricut Use our freepost address to send
Daily Less than once a MONTH
machine? your completed survey to:
2 or 3 times a week Never
Yes No The Christmas Magazine Reader Survey,
Once a week Wine
2 or 3 times a month Once a WEEK or more Freepost Kelsey Media
37. How many people will come to
Once a month 2 or 3 times a MONTH (No stamp required).
your home for Christmas day? Once a MONTH
2 or 3 times a year It’s easy to enter online at:
Once a year Less than once a MONTH www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Christmas23
Never Never

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CHRISTMAS FOOD
56 61
Christmas
Food
Are you ready?
62 Let’s tuck in... 63

CHRISTMAS FOOD
For cheese lovers
5
for Christmas
Best
buys
A delicious selection that will
delight your tastebuds!
l Perfect for afters, the Bainbridge
Hamper (£40) is packed with a selection
of Wensleydale Creamery cheeses
made in the Yorkshire Dales by master
cheesemakers using traditional recipes and
local milk. As well as Yorkshire Wensleydale,
Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries,
Fountains Gold Cheddar and a wedge of
Wensleydale Blue, the hamper also contains
Raydale Preserves Elijah’s Yorkshire
Chutney, Rosemary & Sea Salt Crackers
from Sawley Kitchen and an indulgent Rich
Fruit Cake by Botham’s of Whitby – to eat
with your cheese, in true Yorkshire fashion.
1
Christmas Cake with a twist
2
l If traditional fruit cake is not
your thing, try a Gingerbread Cake
(£39.95) from Patisserie Valerie,
which is delivering all its Christmas
goodies nationwide from the start
of November. Featuring layers of
gingerbread sponge with a ginger
cream filling, all coated with fresh
cream and topped with festive
chocolate candy canes and mini
gingerbread men, this would also
make a great Christmas Day dessert.
HAPPY CHOCOLATE
l Made with oat milk and
presented in packaging that’s
3 100% plastic free, HAPPi

chocolate is great for
eco-conscious vegans or
MEDITERRANEAN just anyone who loves
chocolate. The Happi
CHRISTMAS Holidays Selection
l If you’ve had your fill of stodgy food, lighten up your buffet Box (£12.50)
with a platter from Cypressa (£7), the family-owned company contains four
set up by three Cypriot brothers who wanted to share their flavoured
‘Foods of the Sun’ with the UK. Their meze platters are perfect chocolate
for parties and there’s four to choose from, including a Greek
Meze, with a selection of olives, Spanish-inspired tapas, Italian
antipasti and a Mediterranean bruschetta kit.
4 bars and a hot
chocolate spoon.
Tasty tipple 5
l Made with essence of rose –
created by steam distilling thousands
of handpicked rose petals, which
gram for gram is more valuable than
gold! – this Lanique Spirit of Rose
liqueur (£25.99) can be enjoyed hot
or cold. Pair it with champagne, use it
as a cocktail ingredient with gin and
Campari or add to a hot chocolate
and top with whipped cream and
candied rose petals.

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CHRISTMAS FOOD
Your ultimate
Christmas
Day menu

CHRISTMAS FOOD
Don’t leave anything to chance

on the big day - our complete
countdown menu planner covers
everything you need for your
Christmas dinner, from
shopping and prep to dishing up
SHOPPING LIST ESSENTIALS • Make the bread sauce – it will keep for
Stock up your cupboards in advance several days in the fridge
and don’t be caught out on the day. • Pre-made gravy can also be stored in
the fridge or, if you make it a few days in
You will need: advance, freeze it and defrost on the day
• A roasting tin that’s large enough to – add juices from your Christmas roast
cook your turkey or meat joint, along with just before serving
additional tins if you’re planning more • Stuffing also freezes well if you make
than one roast it in advance and you could even cook it
• Sharp knives for carving before freezing so that all you need to do
• Extra-large cooking foil on the day is heat it up
• Tupperware containers for leftovers – an • Nut roast, vegetarian Wellington or
eco-friendly alternative to cling film quiche are good vegetarian options –
• A steamer for your Christmas pudding – add cranberries and chestnuts for festive
alternatively use a large saucepan with a flavour – and can be made up to two
saucer at the bottom days in advance
• Cloves – vital for bread sauce, mulled • Make a frozen or chilled dessert –
wine and hot whiskies – cinnamon, nutmeg chocolate mousse, sherry trifle or ice
and ginger are also useful spices to have in cream cake all work well. Christmas
your store cupboard this time of year pudding is of course another dessert
• Fresh cream – great for desserts, sauces that is best made several weeks or even
and Irish coffees months in advance to let the flavours soak
• Extra butter – for turkey basting, through. Alternatively take a shop-bought
stuffing and making brandy butter pudding, blend with ice cream and pop
• Festive napkins to add a Christmassy into the freezer until Christmas
twist to your dining table • Starters can also be made ahead – keep
• Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic it simple with ready-made pates and
drinks to serve with the meal terrines to serve with toasted bread or
• Crackers for the table – because it’s not blinis, dressed up with sliced
Christmas dinner without a few groan- radishes, cucumber and capers
along jokes – and also for the cheeseboard, • If you are hosting friends
a great savoury dessert option or family over Christmas, it’s
a good idea to make a few
PREPARE IN ADVANCE lasagnes and cottage pies
• Boil the ham in advance of its to keep in the freezer – easy
Christmas Day roasting – for a dinners for when you don’t feel
succulent finish use ginger ale or like cooking
Coca-Cola instead of water • Decorate the dining table
• Half roast carrots, parsnips and before you go to bed on
potatoes on Christmas Eve or, if Christmas Eve – iron the
you intend to cook them fresh, tablecloth, write place
peel and slice in advance and store cards and organise your
in cold water centrepiece. Tealights in
• Boil the sprouts, then drop glasses surrounded by
them in cold water to stop baubles is a simple
the cooking process and but effective idea.
reheat on the day 

CHRISTMAS FOOD
TOP TURKEY TIP

For a really moist bird, place
the turkey in a clean bucket of
water overnight, rinse in cold
water the next morning and
pat dry. Or brine the turkey
by adding salt to the water – ORGANISE YOUR
you could also include a few CUPBOARDS
cloves, some cinnamon, bay Clear out space in your
leaves and orange peel for cupboards, fridge, and freezer
festive flavour. to accommodate all your
Christmas goodies. Now is
the time to get rid of those
random jars and packets that
you have been collecting and
never using - all year.
FOR THE BEST

ROASTIES…
King Edwards, Maris Piper and
Desiree potatoes are the best
choices for roasting. Cut them
into large chunks, parboil and
shake them up in the saucepan
EASE THE
before you roast them to create
cracks in the surface where fat
PRESSURE
You can ease the pressure on
can collect for a crispy finish.
Christmas Day by cooking
Delicious!
your turkey in the morning
and letting it rest while you
do everything else. Just cover
GET EVERYONE
it with clean tea towels when INVOLVED
you take it out of the oven Make a list of what needs to
and it will hold its heat for be done on Christmas Day,
several hours. from peeling vegetables to
decanting the wine, and give
everyone in the house a job.
Not only will it be
less stressful, it will also
be more fun!
USE YOUR
LEFTOVERS
Stock up on Tupperware
containers for leftovers and
use them to create tasty
dishes in the days after
Christmas – curries, stews and LET IT THAW,
fried up hash are great ways of LET IT THAW,
using up your
LET IT THAW…
Christmas dinner.
Opted for a frozen turkey?
Don’t forget to let it thaw for
24 hours before you cook it.
58
MENU PLAN
CHRISTMAS DAY
COUNTDOWN:
to serve Christmas dinner at 2pm or 6pm
8.30AM/12.30PM Take the poultry or 12.30PM/4.30PM Remove the foil from 1.15PM/5.15PM Prepare your starters.
meat joint out of the fridge to bring it to your poultry or meat and turn the heat Opt for something light so you don’t
room temperature. up for the last half hour to crisp the skin. fill your guests up before the main
Put serving dishes and dinner plates into event – try beetroot pesto and cheese
8.50AM/12.50PM Preheat the oven to the the oven to heat. on crackers, scallops with morcilla
required temperature. and wild mushrooms, or courgette
12.45PM/4.45PM Time for the roasties! and salmon skewers - all the recipes
9.20AM/1.20PM Put your joint in the oven. Par-boil potatoes for 5 minutes, drain are in our Christmas Food magazine.
and toss in saucepan to roughen edges.
9.30AM/1.30PM Peel potatoes and Heat goose fat in a roasting tin and 1.30PM/5.30PM If you’ve prepared
vegetables and cover with cold water. when it’s sizzling, add the potatoes. your potatoes in advance, put the
Prepare the bread sauce by peeling an half-roasted potatoes into the oven
onion, studding it with cloves and leaving 12.50PM/4.50PM If you are catering for up to 20 minutes.
to infuse in a saucepan of milk. for vegetarians, a nut roast made with
festive ingredients such as chestnuts 1.35PM/5.35PM Add the half-roasted
10AM/2PM Remember to reduce the oven and cranberries can be made up to two carrots and parsnips to the oven
temperature now if your joint requires days in advance. Re-heat it in the oven with the potatoes. If you’re boiling or
this and set the oven timer to cook it for now on a baking tray covered with foil. steaming them, put them on the hob
the required time. Don’t forget to baste now for up to 15 minutes. Make or
regularly - set a timer for reminders (use 1PM/5PM Remove the joint from the reheat the gravy, adding roasting juices
your mobile phone if you don’t have a oven and check to make sure it’s done from the cooked meat or poultry.
second timer). – the juices should run clear when
pierced with a skewer or sharp knife. 1.40PM/5.40PM Put the Brussels
11AM/3PM Dress the table with linen, Place it in a warmed serving dish, sprouts on to cook for up to eight
cutlery and crackers, write place covered loosely in foil, and minutes, depending on how much of
cards and organise your centrepiece leave it to rest. This allows the a bite you like. Make the bread sauce
– festive candles, a glass bowl filled juices to be re-absorbed and by removing the onion from the milk,
with twinkling lights, or a few makes the meat more moist and heating and adding breadcrumbs. If
sprigs of holly wrapped in flavoursome. you’ve made the sauce in advance, add
red ribbon in a vase are all a splash of milk and reheat. Stir in a
quick and easy ideas. 1.05PM/5.05PM Glaze the pre- knob of butter before serving.
cooked ham with orange zest,
12 NOON/4PM If you’re serving a sugar, mustard and honey (add 1.50PM/5.50PM Remove the
traditional Christmas pudding for dessert, a sprinkle of coriander seeds for vegetarian roast from the oven.
put it in the steamer for 1-2 hours and top added zing), stud with cloves Place all of the vegetables and
up the water as necessary. and place in the oven. trimmings in warmed side dishes
and add a knob of butter.
12.15PM/4.15PM Open the red wine and 1.10PM/5.10PM If you’re starting them
allow it to breathe – unless it’s over eight from scratch, put vegetables in the oven 2PM/6PM Carve the meat or poultry
years old, in which case don’t open it until to roast, seasoned with salt and pepper and serve dinner. Enjoy!
half an hour before you serve dinner. and herbs and drizzled in olive oil.

CHRISTMAS FOOD
Catering for
allergies
Don’t feel daunted by dietary requirements and
food allergies with our top tips!
f one (or more) or your
I
Christmas guests suffer with
food allergies or intolerances,
it can often feel worrying as
the host to ensure that you
provide adequate snacks and
a delicious meal that they
can enjoy with confidence.
There are many food
allergies and intolerances,
so be sure to check Top tip!
with your guest about Don’t leave it as an
the exact ingredients afterthought. Give your allergy
you need to avoid, as meal some prior thought and
being lax here could plan well in advance. This will
cause severe illness. ensure you are confident that
The first this to the food you offer is allergen
do is gain a good free and it won’t feel like an
understanding of inconvenience (to you or
your guest’s allergy your guest)!
or intolerance and its
severity. Many people with
intolerances will happily eat
a certain amount of the ingredient in
question, and some will even ‘brave the
bloat’ to simply enjoy a good Christmas
meal with loved ones. However, those with
true allergies – such as nut or dairy – or
diseases like coeliac can become very ill
by consuming just a small amount of the
allergen. Having this knowledge prior to
cooking will help you to plan accordingly.
Top tip!
Speak to your guest to get a good
understanding of their allergy and
their food limitations. This will
help you to plan well, and they will
probably have some great
advice about alternative
ingredients or recipe ideas.

CHRISTMAS FOOD
CHECK THE INGREDIENTS

When you are shopping, check the
Top tip!
Coeliac UK’s website,
ingredients on everything. You’ll be
www.coeliac.org.uk, is
surprised to discover just how frequently
an excellent resource for
milk and nuts crop up in items that you
advice on understanding
wouldn’t expect. For example, some
a gluten-free diet. They
flavours of crisps will contain whey, a milk
have even created a
product, or gluten. This doesn’t mean that
handy app that you can
you cannot buy them, just ensure you
use to scan products in
don’t mix flavours the supermarket if you
in serving bowls are unsure whether they
and make labels are suitable or not.
so your guests
know which ones
are suitable for them.
MAKE YOUR OWN

When cooking from scratch, it’s much
easier to control the allergens that are
present in a dish. For example, you can
select stuffing that is dairy/gluten/nut
free according to your needs, which will
mean that everyone can enjoy the same
meal. This will ensure you don’t have to
cook something separate and no one will
notice any difference. It is assumed by
many that allergen-free meals taste bland
or dry, but this doesn’t have to be the
case, especially when you cook it yourself.
If you have a dairy intolerant guest,
choose a turkey that isn’t butter basted.
If you’re avoiding gluten then check
your stuffing and bread is gluten and
wheat free, and if you are catering for
a nut allergy then be especially certain
that there are no nuts present as this
could be lethal.
Yorkshire Puds
We’re lucky to have so many
ingredients to hand that can be
used as alternatives in cooking.
Cornflour is a great switch for flour
in Yorkshire puddings if you have
a gluten-free guest, and you can
swap cow’s milk for an alternative
like almond or oat milk for those
who are dairy intolerant.
One Christmas I made Yorkshire
puddings using a cornflour and
almond milk recipe, and they
turned out so well that no one else SAFE SWAPS •Stuffing – Lots of stuffing mixes
realised they were allergen free! • Cow’s milk – use nut milks such as contain breadcrumbs, making them no
Just be careful using nut milks if almond, cashew or hazelnut, rice milk, good if you’re avoiding gluten. Many of
you’re catering for a nut allergy, or oat milk. Ask your guest what their the fresh sausagemeat ones are now
and coeliacs cannot take oat milk! preference is in tea and coffee as some are gluten-free, which makes things much
an acquired taste. Hazelnut milk is sweeter easier! Just double check for nuts, too.
so it’s great to use in dessert recipes,
whereas cashew, oat and rice milks are •Desserts – This can be one of
slightly thicker and creamier. the trickiest courses to nail
when catering for allergies
• Bread – There are plenty of as dairy, gluten and nuts
gluten-free options available Top tip! often crop up! Shop-
in the supermarkets, the For dairy allergies, bought items can be a
M&S one tends to come out vegan recipes are an safe bet, the free-from
on top for the best taste so excellent alternative sections (frozen as
aim for that if possible! Some as they will contain no well as fresh) in most
varieties of bread and rolls cow’s milk! supermarkets offer a
may contain milk and/or nuts, wide array of options
so check the labels. these days.

CHRISTMAS FOOD
Cheat your way to a

gourmet Christmas
Food hacks and time-saving buys to make Christmas entertaining easy
TIME-SAVING FOOD BUYS FOR

Our favourite tips CHRISTMAS DINNER
Tired of turkey and ham? Want to wow
and tricks for your guests this year? Try these:
Christmas dinner • Half a leg of lamb flavoured with

botanical spices and a fruity cherry glaze
• Mix homemade food with shop (Waitrose, £TBA), serve with wilted
bought buys to save a lot of greens and creamy dauphinoise potatoes.
preparation time on Christmas
morning • 21-day matured sirloin, soaked in Ruby
• Cook gravy, sauces, roast port for 9 days and accompanied with a
potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and port drizzling sauce (ASDA, £40), tasty
stuffing in advance, freeze and with triple-cooked chips or sauté potato.
reheat on the day
• Chop vegetables the day before • Monkfish and chorizo wellington filled
and place in cold water before with sundried tomato, samphire and
cooking on Christmas morning, or lemon and finished with a chilli and
alternatively, parboil them ready coriander ciabatta crumb (Tesco, £25),
for roasting just add a side of roast potato.
• Invest in a steamer with multiple
baskets for cooking veg and it will • Vegan-friendly festive wellington mixing
take up just one ring on the hob mushroom duxelle with ‘no beef’ plant-
• For super moist meat, brine the based beef braised in a shallot, garlic and
turkey overnight in a bucket of thyme vegetable stock (Waitrose, £7),
water infused with peppercorns, perfect with honey roasted veg.
sea salt flakes, cinnamon, cloves,
mustard seeds, onions, ginger, • Of course, if you couldn’t be persuaded
parsley and orange juice. Then away from turkey and ham for all the
turn it upside down in the roasting tinsel in the world, there’s plenty of great
tin so it bastes itself while cooking options available, like ASDA’s slow cooked
• Add a dash of port, sherry, turkey with spiced dark rum and brown
soy sauce, cranberry sauce or a butter stuffing (£15) and Tesco Finest
handful of fresh herbs to jazz up Wiltshire cured ham joint marinated in
the gravy maple syrup and winter spices (£17).
• Cook mulled wine or cider in a
slow cooker on the worktop to GOURMET SPROUTS
keep all those precious gas rings The frequently beleaguered sprout is the
free for dinner. A slow cooker is king of veg this year with these fab new
also a great way to keep veggies versions from the ready-made shelves. Try
warm if they are ready before the Tesco’s Finest extra mature sprout gratin
turkey (just don’t forget to take (£7.50), with a creamy cheesy sauce or
the wine out first!) Brussels sprouts and chestnuts flavoured
• Set your table on Christmas Eve with earthy sage and a hint of sea salt
which will give you time to do all (£2.60). We also love Waitrose’s shredded
those fancy touches you might
not have time for on the big day. LEFT: ASDA 21-day matured sirloin, soaked in
Ruby port

CHRISTMAS FOOD
Tesco Finest Coquilles St

Jacques LEFT: Waitrose
shredded sprouts
and cavolo nero
BELOW: Waitrose smoked
salmon choux eclairs
sprouts and cavolo nero (think kale but DELECTABLE DESSERTS leftovers look pretty in the fridge (from
posher), with crispy maple-smoked bacon Try a figgy pudding - singing We Wish £12 for 2, Urbangreencompany.co.uk).
in a caramelised shallot glaze (£3.50). You a Merry Christmas while eating The company also make bees wax and
is optional (£15, LillyPuds.co.uk) or vegan wrap, an eco-friendly, reusable
FOOD WOWS luxurious mince pies made with organic alternative to cling film.
Jazz up dinners and festive buffets with flour, free-range eggs and filled with
these show-stopping buys: Rosebud Preserves Almond & Orange HACKS FOR KIDS
Mincemeat (£12, Rosebudpreserves.co.uk). Train up little ones for all those gourmet
• ASDA’s hand-rolled Extra Special Or you could just buy a Kilner jar of the Christmases to come. Look out for child-
porchetta (£9 per kg), made using mincemeat and make your own (£11.95). friendly equipment, like the kinderkitchen®
Yorkshire-bred pigs and Extra Special Keep it traditionally gourmet with a mixing bowl with wide feet for stability
sundried tomato stuffed British monkfish cheese board, the Paxton & Whitfield and two handles that make it easy for little
tail, wrapped in prosciutto (£18). Exclusive Selection includes cheese hands to hold (from £10, Kuhnrikon.co.uk).
from the Cotswolds, Lake District, Get older children chopping safely with
• Tesco Finest Coquilles St Jacques (£15), Leicestershire and Dorset, and comes Le Petit Chef box set, which comes with a
four scallop shells filled with king prawns with butter biscuits and spiced apricot, training ring to help position fingers and
and scallops in a cheesy cream and white cranberry and orange chutney (£55, a finger protector for safe use (£39.95,
wine sauce, topped with gluten free Paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk). Opinel.com).
cheese and chives. Finish the meal with the drink of
emperors - fragrant red rooibos tea
• Waitrose smoked salmon choux is caffeine free and presented
eclairs (£7), with smoked and poached in festive red tins (£59,
salmon, crème fraîche, soft cheese, Mariagefreres.com).
single cream and butter, finished with a
soft cheese topping. IT’S A WRAP
With so much fab gourmet
LIVEN IT UP food on offer, you won’t want
Add touch of fiery spice with a Chilli to throw anything away. Keep it
No. 5 hot sauce in a range of flavours, fresh the sustainable way with
from Piri Piri to Hot & Sour, great with reusable, washable 100% organic
meat, fish and canapes or add to a cotton bowl covers, we love the
chocolate dessert to give it some zing ones from Urban Green Company in
(box sets from £15). various sizes, they’ll also make your

THE CARIBBEAN IS OUR HOME
COME AND SHARE IT w ITH US
TH E W O R L D’ S L EA D IN G A LL- IN CLUSIV E RE SORT S
0800 742 742 | sandals.co.uk

CHRISTMAS TRAVEL
66 68
Christmas
Travel
Our ideas on where you
71 can get the most

festive feelings! 73

CHRISTMAS TRAVEL
Picture
perfect
The UK’s most
Instagrammable Christmas
destinations… here are the
best spots for a festive
photo. Draping yourself in
tinsel is optional Blenheim Palace Heart Arches Walk
Photo: Richard Haughton Sony Music
BELOW: Fortnum and Mason
Feature by Bernadette Fallon Christmas window
Christmas at Blenheim Light trail extraordinaire

Put your heart into Christmas. Tickets for One of the biggest and most popular
the magical light trail at Blenheim Palace, Christmas light trails in the country, winds
Oxfordshire – former home of Winston around the beautiful setting of Kew
Churchill – are on sale now; from £18.50, Gardens with a spectacular light show
17 November to 1 January. finale; 15 November to 7 January, tickets
Blenheimpalace.com from £19.50.
Kew.org
Christmas in the Highlands
Snap festive afternoon tea with a The BEST festive windows
Christmas tree and view of Loch Dressed for Christmas, the Fortnum &
Lomond in a cosy Christmas castle Mason windows on London’s Piccadilly
hideaway. Cameron House is just are one of the highlights of the festive
30-minutes from Glasgow and its festive calendar and usually unveiled at the end
packages include breakfast with Santa, of October.
a pantomime and a Celtic Warrior cruise Fortnumandmason.com
on the loch; from £2,995 per room.
Cameronhouse.co.uk The moose is loose
His name is Chris, he’s a much-loved
Kew Gardens Palm House light show feature of Birmingham’s Frankfurt
Photo: Raymond Gubbay Ltd, Christmas Market and does a mean version
Richard Haughton of O Tannenbaum; 2 November to
24 December.
Thebfcm.co.uk
What the Dickens…

Bonnets and top hats at the ready; the
Dickens Christmas Festival in Rochester
celebrates the life of author Charles
Dickens with street entertainment,
readings and performances in the town
where Dickens spent his childhood and
later years; 2 and 3 December.
Rochesterdickensfestival.org.uk
And more Dickens…

Several locations in Dickens’ A Christmas
Carol are said to be inspired by the City

Luminate Wales Margam
Country Park and Castle
Christmas at the castle

Nestled in Hillsborough Castle gardens, Co
Down, Lady Alice’s Temple was a wedding
gift to castle resident Lady Alice Hill by
her brother in 1867 – and looks particularly
beautiful in the snow; tickets from £10.
Hrp.org.uk
Wintery woods
Frosty winter woods make a great
backdrop for a seasonal photo – head for
Scotland’s Loch Ard, the Forest of Dean
in Gloucestershire or the New Forest in
the south. Carey’s Manor Hotel in the New
Forest is a picturesque bolt hole if you
want to make a night of it; B&B from £230.
Careysmanor.com
UK’s biggest Christmas tree

You’ll need long arms to get all of this one
in – it’s the UK’s tallest living Christmas
tree (37m, covered in 1,800 lights) at Kew’s
wild botanic garden in Wakehurst, Surrey.
The garden’s Glow Wild light trail runs on
Dickens Festival Rochester. BELOW: Enchanted Winter Gardens selected evenings from 23 November to
1 January, tickets from £15.50.
Kew.org
The ghost of Christmas past

Snap yourself with Santa at Beamish, Co
Durham, the open-air museum that tells
the story of life in North East England
from Georgian times to the 1950s, (he
might even give you a spin in his car).
November and December, daytime tickets
included in general museum admission,
from £18.95, evening ticket prices TBA.
Bright lights of Blackpool

Catch the wonderful Christmas
Illuminations at Blackpool, along with
the popular Christmas Village with its
fairground rides, log cabins and an ice
rink; November to January.
VisitBlackpool.com
of London – including the Leadenhall High above the rooftops

Market in Gracechurch St, which is where London roof terrace The Lucky Club will
Bob Cratchit’s Christmas turkey was most be transformed into a cosy alpine lodge
likely purchased by Scrooge on Christmas for the festive season, with twinkling fairy
morning. Visit all the locations on A lights, festive foliage, fondue, raclette and
Christmas Carol Walk; from £12, London- cockle-warming cocktails overlooking
walking-tours.co.uk – and catch the Lord Camden’s iconic market. Apres ski without
Mayor switching on the Christmas lights in all that messy snow.
the market on 16 November. Theluckyclub.com
Leadenhallmarket.co.uk
Tripping the light fantastic
Enchanted gardens Luminate Wales is back at Margam
The Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Country Park and Castle this year, a
Castle in Northern Ireland is the perfect magical one-mile walk through a light-
place to catch a photo that sparkles. filled winter landscape; 22 November to
Dates and price TBA. 31 December, tickets from £21.25.
Enchantedwintergarden.com Luminate.live

CHRISTMAS TRAVEL
Christmas markets
by train
Bernadette Fallon takes us on a whistle stop tour of
some of her favourite festive spots
ith Christmas being one Nuremberg with its famous gingerbread market over the next few days with its
W of my favourite times of
the year and the train
my favoured way to
travel, the idea of taking
a train trip around Europe to visit some of
the best Christmas markets in the world
left me weak with excitement. With Interrail
or Munich, home to Germany’s largest
Kripperlmarket (manger market)? Should
I cross the border into glamorous Vienna
or snowy Zurich, detour into Bruges for
chocolate or Copenhagen to see the
frozen lake ice rink?
In the end I settle on Dresden and
Santa and reindeer, singing Rudolf and
party vibe. Locals and tourists collect
around tables at the gluhwein (mulled wine
– they also mull rum and cider) stalls every
evening, it’s all very compact and cosy
and in complete contrast to the cathedral
market, which is big, bright and packed
tickets available these days for travellers Cologne, carrying on to Vienna and from morning to night.
of any age, high-speed comfortable trains stopping off at Zurich before the journey At the Market of Angels in Neumarket,
and a simple online booking tool to plan back to the UK. I buy a monthly pass that angels beam down from stalls while
your trip, it’s an easy call. allows me to travel on 7 days, with a choice glowing stars hang in trees. The nearby
Plus, you can travel smugly looking of 33 European countries (from £160, visit Heinzels Winter Fairytale in the Altstadt is
out at snowy landscapes (instead of grey Interrail.eu). Then I turn up at Eurostar in one of the city’s oldest markets with a big
clouds) and think of all those emissions St Pancras International one December ice skating circuit and ice curling, popular
you’re saving (aviation is responsible morning giddy with glee. with locals. For something a bit different,
for 13.2% of transport’s greenhouse gas there’s a new Harbour Market at the
emissions, travelling by road 71.8% and rail Cologne Severinsbrücke bridge, with illuminated
travel just 0.4%). I arrive in Cologne late afternoon. I’m views over the Rhine.
Even reading through the timetables staying at the Steigenberger Hotel (B&B Cologne is fairly compact and easy to get
was a dream. Would I go to Dresden and from €125; Steigenberger.com), around around on foot; most of the markets are
the oldest Christmas market in the world, the corner from St Nicholas Village at located around the Old Town, a 15-minute
Cologne with its magical cathedral market, Rudolfplatz, which becomes my favourite walk from the Steigenberger through
streets that are largely pedestrianised.
2023 market dates: 17 November
to 23 December
Dresden
There is a direct train from Dresden to
Cologne, which takes seven and a half
hours, but it’s quicker to change trains at
Frankfurt and Leipzig for a six-hour journey.
I’m staying at the Bilderberg Bellevue
(rooms from €80; Bilderberg.nl), next door
to the Augustusmarkt, which is where I
spend my first evening. On the edge of the
river, looking across to the Old Town, the
market has an upbeat modern feel with a
psychedelically colourful Ferris wheel.
The next morning, I head for the world’s
oldest Christmas market, Dresden’s
Striezelmarkt, which dates from 1434 and
is in the heart of the old city, surrounded
ABOVE LEFT: St Nicholas Village at Rudolfplatz, Cologne. RIGHT (TOP): Heinzels Winter Fairytale by theatres, galleries and the opera. It’s
Market, Cologne. RIGHT (BOTTOM): Colgone Christmas market at the cathedral. Photos: Koeln Tourism bustling and lively and I’m particularly

THIS PHOTO: Dresden
CHRISTMAS TRAVEL
Augustusmarkt.
RIGHT: Zurich Frau
Gerold Wintergarden
Photo: Zurich Tourism.
BELOW: Vienna
Market in Karlsplatz
©Oesterreich-
Werbung. Photo:
Harald Eisenberger
fond of the stalls selling lacework and paper And then I packed up my
decorations, but around the corner, the sparkling Christmas tree
Frauenkirche market is more traditional decorations, souvenir
in style with craft displays and antique gluhwein mugs,
stalls and a wonderful domed church as vintage Advent
a backdrop. And the nearby medieval calendars and a
market in the Royal Palace stable yard is lot of chocolate
truly unique, with stallholders in medieval and took the
garb, medieval music performances, mulled train back to the
mead and blacksmiths working forges, all lit UK. European
medieval style by flaming torches. Christmas
The Prager Strasse market is in the city’s markets –
pedestrianised shopping area and the you rock!
Alpine market at Postplatz is a big favourite
with after-work parties. They are all central
enough to be accessed on foot but on my
last day I take the tram for 20-minutes to
the Elbhangfest Christmas Market in the
village-y suburb of Loschwitz, located on
the banks of the Elbe, Here, I enjoy a festive Zurich
hot chocolate at the Villa Maria next door, After seven hours on the train from
sitting in a fur-throw-covered sleigh in the Vienna, I arrive at the biggest indoor
garden – delighted with myself. Christmas market in Europe – handily
2023 market dates: 29 November located in the station. It’s bulging with
to 7 January stalls selling Christmas goods of every
description, with plenty of food and drink
Vienna stands too.
The direct train from Dresden to Vienna The central Münsterhof market at the
takes six and a half hours through snow- iconic Fraumünster church is very stylish
covered landscapes and I arrive while it’s and there’s a small Christmas market at
still bright, eyes out on stalks at the beauty Frau Gerold’s Garden in Zurich West, the
of the city. I’m staying at the chic boutique city’s cultural quarter – take tram no 4,
Hotel Motto (rooms from €180; HotelMotto. the ‘cultural line’.
at), from where it’s a 20-minute walk to I loved the Singing Christmas Tree
the central markets. The biggest is at the off the Bahnhofstrasse, a podium
Rathusplatz, outside Vienna’s Gothic Town shaped tree where carollers
Hall, but ‘we don’t recommend it,’ said the perform concerts several
hotel receptionist sniffily, ‘it’s very touristy’.
I’m a tourist so I went, and she was right.
times a day and I ate
my body weight in
6 fun Christmas
More elegant and traditional are the 18th
century Freyung and Am Hof markets,
fondue in several
of the pop-up
market facts
with festive handicrafts and vintage buys. Christmas cabins. 1. Dresden Christmas market is believed to be the
For a hip hangout, head for Spittelberg to I stayed in oldest Christmas market in the world and dates
rub shoulders with locals through winding 5-star luxury back to the 1400s
cobbled streets. Iconic locations including at Hotel Baur 2. As well as its markets, Dresden also celebrates an
the Kunsthistorisches Museums, St au Lac (rooms annual stollen festival in December when it parades a
Stephen’s Cathedral and the Belvedere and from €800; giant stollen through the streets
Hofburg Palaces all host their own markets Bauraulac. 3. Zurich is home to the largest indoor Christmas market
and for an escape from angels and twinkly ch), which in Europe, as well as an annual singing Christmas tree
things, Art Advent at Karlsplatz is all about has the tallest
4. Cologne Cathedral’s Christmas market sports a 25-foot
designer homewares, artwork and textiles. Christmas tree
Christmas tree, the tallest Christmas tree in the Rhineland
Against a backdrop of ornate Baroque in Zurich and is
buildings, impressive regal squares and located near the 5. The Three Wise Men are buried in Cologne Cathedral,
choirs popping up to sing carols under lake, very central making it one of the most festive places on earth
twinkling lights, Vienna’s Christmas for the markets. 6. Vienna hosts a staggering total of 30
markets are quite spectacularly beautiful. 2023 market dates: Christmas markets though only 17 are official,
2023 market dates: 18 November 23 November to the rest are smaller local affairs, with one
to 26 December 23 December devoted entirely to dogs.

TRAVEL
York stars
Photo: Make
It York
Best Christmas markets

in Europe and the UK
A look at some of the best Christmas markets to visit… home and abroad
hether you’re staying
W
THIS PHOTO: Nuremberg Christmas
close to home for your
market opening ceremony. Photo:
Christmas shopping Christine Dierenbach/Amt fuer
or travelling abroad, Kommunikation und Stadtmarketing.
Christmas markets BELOW: Traditional Nordic Nisse
are about just more than just picking up
new dangly things for the tree – they’re
about socialising, enjoying festive fare and
immersing yourself in the Christmas spirit
(while picking up new dangly things for
the tree). Here’s our pick of some of the
best places to experience the fun.
EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Nuremberg
The city’s famed Christkindlesmarkt has
been running since the middle of the
16th century making it one of the oldest
in the world – several others are spread
out around the main streets. ‘Rauschgold’
angels are popular on the stalls, as well as
the famous Nuremberg gingerbread and Basilica and smaller markets further out. have dinner in a sleigh, wrapped in furs.
wooden nutcrackers. Shop for traditional Hungarian handicrafts The Hans Christian Andersen market
1 to 24 December and local foods, including Chimney cake. at Nytov Square is another good one,
17 November to 31 December with stalls named after his stories. Bag
Frankfurt yourself a traditional Nisse from
With a history stretching back for Gdansk Nordic mythology, with long white
centuries, the Frankfurt Christmas market Poland’s favourite Christmas market, beard and tall hat.
was traditionally accompanied by the located on the coast, with markets in 17 November to 31 December
performance of ecclesiastical mystery the city’s main square and surrounding
plays, held on the Römerberg. The streets in the old town. Look out for Salzburg
Römerberg still hosts one of the most the Advent calendar gate, Angels’ Mill The hills are alive with the sound
iconic markets with others found at windmill of saints and angels, and of music – and a dusting of snow,
St Paul’s Square and around the city. processions of the Three Kings. And overlooking Salzburg’s beautiful
27 November to 21 December yes, there will very likely be snow. Christmas markets laid out in
17 November to 23 December front of Salzburg cathedral
Budapest and surrounding streets,
A favourite in Best Christmas Market reader Copenhagen courtyards and squares. The
polls, Budapest is considered to be one of The city’s main market in Tivoli cathedral market dates to the
the most beautiful Christmas destinations Square is visually stunning with 15th century, make time to
in Europe. The main market is located at snowy chalets, an ice rink and stop for roast chestnuts and
Vörösmarty Square in the heart of the city, the second oldest amusement baked apples.
there’s a market and ice rink at St Stephen’s park in the world. You can even 23 November to 1 January

CHRISTMAS TRAVEL
UK CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Bath
Step inside a Jane Austen novel at
Christmas as you weave your way past
golden-hued Georgian buildings, the
backdrop to one of the UK’s prettiest
Christmas markets. Browse wooden
chalets stocked with festive buys from
makers and crafts people throughout the
southwest and beyond.
23 November to 10 December
York
Catch carols at York Minster, then step into
St Nicholas Fair outside, its festive Alpine
chalets winding through the cobbled streets
of the old city. Browse handmade goods
from local businesses and this year enjoy an
even bigger area for food and drink.
Birmingham
If you can’t make it to Germany,
Birmingham is the next best thing. Its
Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest
authentic German market outside Germany
or Austria, with authentic German food
and drink, traditional decorations and gifts.
There’s also a Big Wheel and ice rink, and
the city’s famous singing Christmas moose
(Chris) in front of the Council building.
London
All the favourites are back this year,
including Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
featuring a Christmas market with over
100 wooden cabins, festive shows, a funfair
and the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK,
an atmospheric market at the Southbank,
great for a riverside wander and mug of
mulled wine, as well as cosy markets in
Leicester Square, Convent Garden, London
Bridge City and Greenwich.
November to December 2023
Winchester
Winchester’s 1,000-year-old cathedral is
the backdrop to this charming Christmas
market, choral music drifting out from
inside as you browse, with an outdoor
performance stage hosting local and
visiting acts. As well as the usual festive
stalls, there’s a makers’ market showcasing
a range of handmade goods from the local illuminated. The city’s Hogmanay festival
area and beyond. sees out the old year with a bang (in fact,
17 November to 21 December many, many bangs), when the concert in
the Gardens welcomes some of the world’s
Glasgow biggest acts, performing underneath
The city will be running two Christmas Edinburgh Castle.
markets: St Enoch Square will have the November to January 2023
usual festive stalls as well as a marshmallow
toasting station and Bavarian moose bar, Belfast
while the market at George Square has an Belfast’s global Christmas market returns
ice rink, observation wheel, Venetian flying to City Hall Gardens this year, with the
chairs and a 50-foot Christmas tree. iconic 100-year-old building as a backdrop
November to January 2023 and an emphasis on local crafts and foods.
Nearby, the Victorian St George’s Market TOP: Bath Christmas Market. 2ND ROW (LEFT):
Edinburgh will be beautifully decked out for the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market.
Edinburgh’s Winter Festival includes a big festive season with late night shopping in (RIGHT): London City Bridge. 3RD ROW (LEFT):
Christmas market in Princes Street Garden the run up to Christmas. A family visit the food court at the Belfast
with funfair and Santa Land, all magically November to December 2023 Market. (RIGHT): Winchester Christmas market.

CHRISTMAS TRAVEL
Chocolate lovers’
Love chocolate?
Christmas breaksRabot Restuarant at Hotel Chocolat
THE SWISS HOME OF LINDT
If the arrival of Lindt chocolate reindeers
on the shelves signals the start of
Christmas? Christmas for you, it could be time to
consider a visit to their home. The Lindt
Travelling? We’ve Home of Chocolate is located on the

outskirts of Zurich, a short bus ride
from the city centre, and tells the story
got you covered of chocolate, from its discovery to the
present day. There’s plenty of opportunity
for tastings along the way – you’ll feel like
Feature by Bernadette Fallon you’re in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
You can also join a workshop to make
and decorate your own chocolate slabs,
then visit the biggest Lindt chocolate
shop in the world for a buying spree (we
recommend bringing a big suitcase).
Tickets from £13.50

Lindt-home-of-chocolate.com
A CHOCOLATE HOTEL IN ST LUCIA

The people at Hotel Chocolat love
chocolate so much they opened their
very own chocolate hotel on a 140-acre
Caribbean cacao farm, where visitors
get to experience first-hand all the love
that goes into the brand’s chocolate
making. The Rabot Hotel and Estate on
the island of St Lucia works with local
farmers to grow, ferment, dry, roast and
conch the cacao beans and turn them
into luxury chocolates.
Situated 1,000 feet above the
Caribbean Sea, the hotel is chic and
luxurious with accommodation in garden
lodges. The restaurant has an inventive
way with the humble cacao bean and
there’s also a cacao spa. Guests have
the chance to tour the estate to find out
more about its work and make their own
chocolate. There are strolls through the
cacao groves, treks to the summit of Gros
Piton Mountain and drives to the volcano
and sulphur springs for a dip in the
mineral-rich water.
If you actively want to avoid a white
Christmas, this is the spot for you.
B&B from £685 per night

25% discount for a 3-night stay in winter
Lindt - the home of chocolate
Hotelchocolat.com

Bruges market Photo: VISIT BRUGES
A WANDER AROUND BRUGES

Belgium is famous for its chocolate and
Bruges is one of the prettiest places
to sample it, with its winding medieval
streets, beautiful buildings, humpbacked
canal bridges and a Christmas market
from the end of November.
The best chocolate shops are all
centrally located and include the family-
owned Dumon, which has three branches,
the Chocolate Line with its eye-catching
interiors where you can see the makers at
work and Olivier’s Chocolate Shop, with
a bar at the back of the shop serving hot
chocolates and Belgian beers.
Luckily, as well as its chocolate, Bruges
is also popular for its walking trails – to
walk off those calories – and the Visit
Bruges route app is a great way of
discovering them. It’s free to use and
packed with insider information. Keep an
eye for Bruges’ many other craftspeople
and makers while you’re walking,
download a guide from the Visit Bruges
website with details of all the locations.
Visitbruges.be
making began when Roberto Catinari set
Cadbury
CHOCOLATE VALLEY IN TUSCANY up his now famous shop in Pistoia. Today, World
If you think of wine and olives when you other award-winning chocolate artisans
think of Tuscany, you wouldn’t be wrong, include Andrea Slitti, as well as Paul de
but the region also has a strong history Bondt in Pisa and Luca Mannori in Prato.
of producing chocolate and the area There’s even a chocolate B&B, the
around Pistoia, Pisa and Prato is known Domus Socolatae Residenza d’Epoca in
as Chocolate Valley. Florentine merchants the Follonica gulf, inspired by the world of
brought the first cocoa beans to Florence cocoa and chocolate. It offers a rejuvenating
in the early 1600s and modern chocolate chocolate therapy that uses active agents in
cacao seeds to help extract toxins.
While you’re in Tuscany, catch a
Christmas market or a – live or staged –
nativity show in towns throughout the
region, warm up with a soak in a natural
hot spring or head to Abetone in northern
Tuscany for skiing, snowboarding and
sledding. Try some of the local festive
treats like panforte, a spicy fruitcake, and
befanini, sugary biscuits.
THE ORIGINS OF CHOCOLATE
Visittuscany.com The biggest chocolate fans will want to
head back to where it all started. Oaxaca
CHOCOLATE CLOSER TO HOME in Mexico has been a centre for chocolate
If you prefer to stay in the UK, head for centuries and is a designated UNESCO
for Cadbury World in Birmingham. The World Heritage site for its historic
much-loved Santa Show returns this year buildings and monuments. Home to the
from 18 November to 23 December, with Aztecs, the first consumers of chocolate,
fun – and chocolate – for all the family. from the 15th century, the Spanish
Cadbury World will be transformed Conquistadors arrived a century later and
into a festive winter wonderland for the spread chocolate’s fame around the world.
season, with lights, decorations and a giant The Aztecs took chocolate as a drink
chocolate Christmas tree. There’s a self- and that’s still a favourite way to enjoy
guided tour where you can learn everything it in Oaxaca, flavoured with cinnamon,
about chocolate and pick up seasonal almonds and sugar. A traditional sauce
chocolate souvenirs and gifts in the shop. called mole is made from dark chocolate,
While you’re in Birmingham, check out garlic, seeds and spices and served with
its German Christmas Market, which is the pork, chicken and enchiladas.
biggest German market outside Germany There are so many chocolate shops along
and Austria. Catch carols in the cathedral the Calle Mina it’s also known as Chocolate
and have a go on the Ferris Wheel in Street, where the makers work in the front
Centenary Square. of their shops and the air is rich with the
scent of freshly ground chocolate.
Tickets from £18.95
Cadburyworld.co.uk Visit-mexico.mx/oaxaca/

SHOPPING & GIFTING
94
78 Shopping &
Gifting
A few of our favourite
82 things for the

festive season
84


Capturing
the magic of Christmas
Beautiful, personalised
gifts designed and
printed in the UK
C
hildhood is magical and
Christmas is a time where this
can be felt all around. The
excitement of Santa’s visit, the
joy of giving and receiving gifts,
and the fun of spending time with those
we really love makes this time of year truly
special. This is the spirit that runs through
the heart of E.Gilbert Illustrations, and
enables owner Edwina Gilbert and her team
to create beautiful pieces that will capture
the imaginations of little ones.
Everything starts with original artwork
hand drawn by Edwina that is then brought
to life through each product. This means
the designs are unique and won’t be found
anywhere else, they are distinctly, E.Gilbert!
Fit for all princes and princesses

For 2023, it only seemed right for the
Christmas range to take on a royal theme,
with more products available than ever
Personalisation
before. The well-loved Christmas pyjamas,
£24.99, have been given the royal for everyone
treatment, as have babygrows, £19.99, bibs, Many of the E. Gilbert Illustrations
£8.99, kids loungewear, £24.99, Christmas items can be personalised to
mugs, £8.99, and sweaters, £19.99. Not include the name of the recipient.
only do these make perfect gifts, they the story A Christmas In addition, the characters can be collectable items,
are also great for getting little ones in the Fairy Tale is just the be princesses, princes, fairies or Ediebelle will be
mood for the upcoming festivities. ticket. Made from bone nutcrackers, with a choice of joined by more friends
Think personalised Christmas eve boxes, China for the perfect cup skin tones and hair colours in the future.
from £28.99, that you can fill with gorgeous of delicious Christmas tea, to really make them Each limited-edition
E.Gilbert treats for the most magical it is perfect for children and match your child. doll comes with a
Christmas eve, such as the A Right Royal grown ups alike. There’s even a certificate of authentication
Treat Box, £9.99, which includes four matching tea pot, £23.99! and a birth date making her
sugar mice and six white chocolate extra special.
sprinkled stars, Magical Reindeer Food Meet Ediebelle… If you’re looking for a very special
£4.99, a Santa Please Stop Here Sign, E.Gilbert illustrations is the home of the present this year Ediebelle is without a
£12.99, and personalised Christmas Fairy. Since 2014, the E.Gilbert Fairy has doubt the most special gift you could find
crackers, £6.99, along with some of your been the heart of the business with her under the tree this Christmas.
other favourite items to really set the tone unique and distinctive look making her
before the big day. There’s even instantly recognisable. Friends with Santa
an option to buy pre-filled And this year sees the launch Did you know that Edwina Gilbert is a
Christmas eve boxes! of something very special - the personal friend of Santa Claus? As such,
very much-loved Fairy has she and her team act as his elves around
Making memories come to life as an heirloom doll! Christmas time, delivering special letters
If you’re looking for a beautiful These beautiful Fairy dolls straight from the main man. These are,
gift that lasts a lifetime and are handmade in the UK and of course, personalised to include names
conjures up magical memories each one is hand sewn and of the good girls and boys who might be
every time it’s used, then the made with love. Designed to lucky enough to receive one.
Right Royal Tea Cup and Saucer,
£17.99, featuring the original For more information, visit egilbertillustrations.co.uk
watercolour painting designed for

SHOPPING & GIFTING
Gifts for
HER
Ideas for the ladies
in your life…
Cricut Maker™ - ultimate

smart cutting machine,
£429.99 MSRP, Cricut

SHOPPING & GIFTING
1 2 3
4 6
5
1. Essential oil bath and body oil Beauty Botanical Aromatherapy gift set, £45, Shaloah Skincare
2. Byredo, Gypsy Water eau de parfum 100ml, £200, Liberty London
3. Revolution X Primark Gold shadow palette, £6, Primark
4. Barbour Fairisle lounge socks, £29.95, Barbour
5. Silk pyjamas cami set, £80, Soak&Sleep
6. Daisy cosmetics bag, £16.50, Oliver Bonas
7. Personalised cushion with a colourful sloth design, £22, Lava Your Style
8. Glaze & Go mega hold brow gloss, £14.50, By Allure Touches

SHOPPING & GIFTING
1
2
Gifts for 4
HIM
Ideas for the men in your life…
7
5
6
1. Flying Scotsman train set, £249.99, Hornby

2. Spirit Of Adventure fish-shaped bottle opener, £6.95, Rex London,
3. Reverie printed silk pocket square, £70, Liberty London
4. Recycled plastic wireless charger by Gomi, £35, Bloom & Brew
5. Bone china ‘Hot Stuff’ coaster, £23, BYAM ENGLAND
6. Cricket ball clock, £49.95, Annabel James
7. Upcycled aluminium cufflinks, geometric pattern, £25, Coffee Pod Creations
8. Aubrey waterproof tartan gloves, rrp £54.95, Barbour
9. Daisy green sustainable bamboo boxer shorts, £35, Doc Cotton

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS!
96zero watches
incorporating modern engineering
with a retro feel and military soul
www.96zero.co.uk chris@96zero.co.uk
SHOPPING & GIFTING
Flash The Local Express

remote controlled battery
train set, £49.99, Hornby
Gif ts for
KIDS
Ideas for the little ones in your life…

SHOPPING & GIFTING
1 2 3
4 5
1. Melissa & Doug barber shop playset, £34.99, Smyths

2. Safari Friends craft kit, £20, Pom Stitch Tassel
3. A3 mermaid alphabet print, £20, Helen Leslie
4. Melissa & Doug work & play desktop, £27.99, John Lewis and Amazon
5. Miffy giftbox, £26.99, Nola Baby
6. Christmas tree floating rainbow bath bomb, £5, Sussex Handmade Soap Co
7. Make a Pizza for The Birds Kit, £19.95, The Den Kit Company
8. Spiderman cuddle cushion, £25, Dunelm
9. ‘Vintage’ white car, £120, V&A

SHOPPING & GIFTING
Hand embroidered
pet portrait bauble,
£33, Bethany Duffy
Embroidery
Presents for
Pets
Don’t forget to slip a little something under
the tree for your furry friends

SHOPPING & GIFTING
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8
9
1. Christmas lights dog sweater, £12.99, Dobbies

2. Stud dog bed, small £55, medium £85, large, £110, Rockett St George
3. Christmas crackers for cats and dogs, £9.95 each, Annabel James
4. Sprihaa Sprout plush Christmas dog toy, £4.99, Dobbies
5. Prawn catnip toy, £16, Cheshire & Wain
6. ‘I Am Happy Because Everyone Loves Me’ Louis Wain cat bowl, £35, Cheshire & Wain
7. Dirty Dog pet bowl, medium £18, large £20, Rockett St George
8. Cat collar collection with bow, £68 each, Cheshire & Wain
9. Brightside classic slim dog collar by Holly&Lil - assorted colours, £58 each, Charley Chau

SHOPPING & GIFTING
Super
stockings
Put your best foot forward and make
a good impression on Santa…
White boucle
Christmas stocking
with charm, £9.99,
Ginger Ray

SHOPPING & GIFTING
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12
13
1. Carousel horse Christmas stocking, £75, Jan Constantine
2. Blush velvet and silk pom pom Christmas stocking, £72, Rebecca Udall
3. Christmas stags stocking, £21, Sophie Allport
4. Ivory faux fur stocking, £12.99, Gisela Graham London
5. Red knitted Christmas stocking, £17.99, Gisela Graham London
6. Christmas pudding/polka dot felt stocking, £14.99, Gisela Graham London
7. Gold velvet embroidered Christmas stocking, £25, Rockett St George
8. Dhanda recycled wool stocking, £50, Nkuku
9. Santa novelty stocking, £4, B&M
10. Alphabet stocking, white, £11, Matalan
11. Cream cable knit stocking, £8, Dunelm
12. Monogram stocking, £14, Next
13. Silky soft stocking, Dunelm, £10

SHOPPING & GIFTING
Scandi Chic Wooden advent

calendar, £79.99, Ivyline
Amazing
Advent
Calendars
We love the countdown to
Christmas almost as much
as the main event…

SHOPPING & GIFTING
1 2 3
6
5
7 8 9
1. Advent beard, £4, Helen Leslie

2. From Seed to Skin advent Calendar, £110, Jurlique
3. Vegan Countdown to Christmas advent calendar, £27.50, Chococo
4. Ladies advent calendar, £45, Baylis & Harding
5. Scented tealight advent calendar, £60, Great House Farm Stores 10
6. Advent 24 luxe biscuit tin, £60, Biscuiteers
7. Countdown to Christmas advent calendar, £210, Cartwright & Butler
8. Sense of Scotland advent calendar, £70, Arran Sense of Scotland
9. Velvet patchwork advent calendar, £55, Oliver Bonas
10. Personalised luxury cotton advent calendar, £120, Nancy and Betty Studio

SHOPPING & GIFTING
Sublime Fill your home
scents
with festive
fragrance to set
the right mood
Mulled wine and spiced

currants Christmas
candle, £25,
Amber Hue Candles

SHOPPING & GIFTING
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
1. Winter’s Eve collection candle, £14.50, St. Eval

2. Sweater Weather one wick candle, £32, Ease London
3. Naughty List scented candle, £35, DAYDREAMIN’
4. Notes of December scented candle, £40, Loriest & Co.
5. Christmas spiced orange and cinnamon Joyful Christmas reed diffuser, gold, £38, Amaura London
6. Christmas Midwinter scented candle, £54, Great House Farm Stores
7. Festive spice 70ml diffuser, £8, Next
8. Gingerbread Christmas jar scented candle, £4, B&M
9. Christmas winter spice diffuser, £14.99, Dobbies

SHOPPING & GIFTING
Frosted Blueberry Wreath,

£34.99, Fauxquet
Radiant
wreaths
Add a welcome touch to your festive décor…

SHOPPING & GIFTING
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
ON OUR
COVER!
Deluxe eucalyptus
1. Frostedf fir and rosehip Christmas wreath, £49.95, Annabel James Wreath,
£175,
2. Red rose Christmas wreath, £49.95, Annabel James Layered
3. Mistletoe and pine pre-lit wreath, £75, Cox & Cox Lounge
4. Berry wreath with eucalyptus, £19.99, Dobbies
5. Gold eucalyptus wreath, £29.99, Gisela Graham London
6. Cream magnolia/gold berry wreath, £49.99, Gisela Graham London
7. Red berry and dark green leaf wreath, £45, Home Luxe Co
8. 60cm pre-lit Autumn and Christmas wreath, £99.99, Lights4fun
9. Christmas door wreath with lights, £69.95, Sparkle Lighting

SHOPPING & GIFTING
Beautiful
baubles
A few of our festive
favourites!
Oval gold platter,

£22.99, Mystical
Winter baubles from
£2.99, Dobbies

SHOPPING & GIFTING
1 2 3
5 6
4
8
9
1. Glass swirl Christmas bauble, £3, B&M

10 2. Woodland embellished bauble, £3, B&M
3. Pale green glass bauble, £8.99, Homesense
4. Handpainted blue floral bauble, £6.50, Oliver Bonas
5. Maran giant bauble gold and cream, large, £35, Nkuku
6. Pink suit Dalmatian decoration, £14, V&A
7. Harry Styles inspired Christmas decoration, £22, Rockett St George
8. A pair of fantail lovebirds Christmas decorations, £8.95, Annabel James
9. Mini owl decoration, £3.99, Dobbies
10. ’Merry Titsmas’ Christmas decoration, £7, Gorgeous Little Bits

SHOPPING & GIFTING
Happy
hampers
Unsure what to gift?
Hampers and gift
Beer and food boxes are always a
Hamper, £49.99,
Cutter & Squidge great solution!

SHOPPING & GIFTING
1 2 3
4
5 6
7 8 9
1. Festive luxury hamper, £39.50, BrambleWood Soap Co.

2. Christmas Extravaganza hamper, £500, Cartwright & Butler
3. Ultimate Christmas hamper, £215, Biscuiteers
4. Cheese Lovers Tuck Box, £65, The St Andrew Hamper Co
5. Luxury aromatherapy hamper, £49.99, The Happy Gift Company
6. Artisan soap gift box, £25, Sussex Handmade Soap Company
7. Luxury Self Care Box, £80, Mille Saisons
8. The Festive Celebration gift box, £50, Cartwright & Butler
9. Whisky and cheese gift set, £85, Imp & Maker

STOCKISTS
Ginger Ray 08456 802 975 I gingerray.co.uk
Let’s go
Gisela Graham London 020 7708 6396 I
giselagraham.co.uk
Gorgeous Little Bits gorgeouslittlebits.com
Graham & Brown 0808 168 3795 I
shopping!
grahamandbrown.com
Great House Farm Stores
greathousefarmstores.co.uk
Seen something you like? Here are

the contact details for all stockists of
H
products featured in this magazine
HAPPi Choc happichoc.com P
Helen Leslie helenleslie.com
Hobbycraft 0330 026 1400 I hobbycraft.co.uk Patisserie Valerie patisserie-valerie.co.uk
A Homebase homebase.co.uk Paxton & Whitfield paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk
Home Luxe Co homeluxeco.com Peamutt peamutt.co.uk
Amaura London amauralondon.com Homesense 01923 473 561 I homesense.com Pom Stitch Tassel pomstitchtassel.com
Amazon amazon.co.uk Hornby 01843 233 512 I uk.hornby.com Pooky 020 7351 3003 I pooky.com
Amber Hue Candles amberhuecandles.co.uk Hotel Chocolat hotelchocolat.com Primark primark.com
Annabel James 0345 548 0210 I Pure Table Top 01164 782928 I puretabletop.com
Annabeljames.co.uk I
Arran Sense of Scotland arran.com R
Asda 0800 952 0101 I asda.com Imp & Maker impandmaker.co.uk
Ivyline 024 7633 9180 I ivylinegb.co.uk R Bainbridge rbainbridge.co.uk
B Rebecca Udall 01904 439 658 I rebeccaudall.com
J Rex London rexlondon.com
B&M 0330 838 9000 I bmstores.co.uk Rockett St George 01444 253 391 I
B&Q 0333 014 3098 I diy.com Jan Constantine 01270 821 194 I janconstantine.com rockettstgeorge.co.uk
Bambingtons Bambingtons.com Jimbobart jimbobart.com Rosebud Preserves 01765 689 174 I
Barbour barbour.com John Lewis & Partners 0345 610 0344 I rosebudpreserves.co.uk
Baylis & Harding baylisandharding.com johnlewis.com
Benjamin Moore benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Jurlique jurlique.co.uk S
Bethany Duffy Embroidery
bethanyduffyembroidery.com K Sainsbury’s 0800 636 262 I sainsburys.co.uk
Biscuiteers 0203 954 6650 I biscuiteers.com Shaloah Skincare shaloahskincare.co.uk
Blood Monkey Gin bloodmonkeygin.com Kuhnrikon Kuhnrikon.co.uk Silent Pool Gin 01483 229 136 I
Bloom & Brew bloomandbrew.co.uk silentpoololddistillers.com
BrambleWood Soap Co bramblewoodsoap.co.uk L Smyths Toys Superstores 0333 344 1157 I
By Allure Touches byalluretouches.co.uk smythstoys.com
Lanique Lanique.co.uk Soak&Sleep 01483 616 442 I soakandsleep.com
C Layered Lounge 01753 883862 I Sophie Allport 01778 560 256 I sophieallport.com
layeredlounge.com Sparkle Lighting 01494 414222 I sparkle.lighting
Carluccio’s carluccios.com Lava Your Style lavayourstyle.com St. Eval 01841 540 850 I st-eval.com
Cartwright & Butler cartwrightandbutler.co.uk Liberty London libertylondon.com Sussex Handmade Soap Co sussexsoap.co.uk
Charley Chau 0161 848 8702 I charleychau.com Lights4Fun 01423 816 040 I lights4fun.co.uk
Cheshire & Wain cheshireandwain.com Lillypuds lillypuds.co.uk T
Chococo 01929 421 777 I chococo.co.uk Lime Lace 0330 058 4158 I limelace.co.uk
Coffee Pod Creations coffeepodcreations.com Loaf loaf.com Talking Tables 0207 627 6767 I talkingtables.co.uk
Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123 I coxandcox.co.uk Loriest & Co. loriest.com Tesco 0800 323 4060 I tesco.com
Cricut cricut.com The Den Kit Company 01694 751 733
Cutter & Squidge cutterandsquidge.com M thedenkitco.com
The Happy Gift Company
D Mariage Freres mariagefreres.com thehappygiftcompany.com
Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com The Royal Horticultural Society
Daisy Park 01769 579 077 I daisypark.co.uk Matalan 0333 004 444 I matalan.co.uk rhs.org.uk
DAYDREAMIN’ daydreamin.co.uk Mavrik mavrik-drinks.com The St Andrew Hamper Co roryandruby.com
Dobbies 0131 561 6406 I dobbies.com Mille Saisons millesaisons.co.uk Two Shores Rum twoshores.rum.com
Doc Cotton doccotton.com Molly Mahon 01342 825 700 I mollymahon.com
Dunelm 0345 165 6565 I dunelm.com U
N
E Urban Green Company urbangreencompany.co.uk
Nancy and Betty Studio I 01227 506512
Ease London easelondon.co.uk nancyandbetty.com V
National Trust 0344 800 1895 I
F nationaltrust.org.uk/shop V&A vam.ac.uk/shop
Next 0333 777 8000 I next.co.uk Very 0800 11 00 00 I very.co.uk
Fauxquet fauxquet.co.uk Nkuku 0333 240 0155 I kuku.com Victoria Eggs victoriaeggs.com
Fy! iamfy.co Nola Baby nolababy.co.uk
W
G O
Waitrose 0800 188 884 I waitrose.com
Garden Trading 01993 845 559 Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com Walton & Co 01423 326 332 I waltonshop.co.uk
gardentrading.co.uk Opinel opinel.com Wayfair 0800 756 4709 I wayfair.co.uk

Christmas
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Side dishes that will
crafts that
steal the show
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ALL THE RECIPES YOU NEED THIS CHRISTMAS

18/08/2023
L.indd 1 14:24
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Kelsey Media, The Granary, Downs Court As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, we
Yalding Hill, Yalding, Maidstone have curated a delightful collection of recipes to make your
Kent ME18 6AL Christmas celebrations truly exceptional.
EDITORIAL
Within these pages, you’ll find a cornucopia of culinary delights,
Email: heather.grimes@kelsey.co.uk from traditional festive feasts to modern twists on seasonal
Art Editor: Bazzie Larder classics, all selected to ensure that your gatherings with family and
Contributors: Emma Dodi, Bernadette Fallon,
José Pizarro
friends are filled with warmth and delectable dishes.
ADVERTISEMENT SALES & PRODUCTION Food is a big part of Christmas, but it’s not just about the recipes. It’s about the shared
christmas@talkmediasales.co.uk moments, the laughter around the table, the memories created in the kitchen, and the love
ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTION that goes into every meal. We hope that the next few pages will inspire your festive menu,
Talk Media Sales create tasty new traditions, and bring you closer to the ones you love.
MANAGEMENT
So, without further ado, dive into these pages, savour the flavours, and let the aromas
Publisher & Retail Sales Director: Steve Brown of the season fill your homes with joy. From our kitchen to yours, we wish you a
Print Production Controllers: Hayley Brown merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Senior Subs Marketing Manager: Nick McIntosh
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTION

POSTAL ADDRESS
Contents
Kent ME18 6AL
DISTRIBUTION 04 I Your Christmas kitchen 14 I All the trimmings

Distribution in Great Britain Our favourite festive items Potato and Brussels sprout
Seymour Distribution Limited for the heart of your home croquettes, pigs in blankets,
2 East Poultry Avenue, London EC1A 9PT Brussels sprouts with bacon
Tel. 020 7429 4000 06 I Fabulously festive and chestnuts, and braised
www.seymour.co.uk
food buys red cabbage
Distribution in Northern Ireland and the Our round up of the tastiest
Republic of Ireland Christmassy buys this year 16 I Cinnamon buñuelos with blood
Newspread orange cream
08 I Scallops with morcilla and
Tel: +353 23 886 3850
Serve individually or family style
PRINTING William Gibbons & Sons Ltd wild mushrooms
A superb starter that will leave your 17 I Christmas cinnamon macarons
a trading name of Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Reproduction
guests wanting more A festive twist on a classic recipe
in writing from the publishers. Note to contributors: 09 I Crackers with beetroot pesto 20 I Party food
be the original work of the author and not previously and cheese Get the party started with pear salad,
published. Where photographs are included, which This simple dish would make a great pumpkin fritters, courgette and
are not the property of the contributor, permission to starter, canapé or party food salmon skewers and sweet potato
owner of the copyright. The editor cannot guarantee tortilla bites
a personal response to all letters and emails received. 10 I Christmas turkey
necessarily those of the Editor or the Publisher.
Let your turkey be the star of the 22 I Christmas cocktails
Kelsey Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for products show this Christmas You can eat, drink and be merry with
and services offered by third parties. these recipes!
Kelsey Media takes your personal data very seriously. 11 I Slow-cooked lamb shoulder
For more information of our privacy policy, please visit With fino sherry, oregano and
Kelsey Media takes your personal data very seriously. green olives
https://www.kelsey.co.uk/privacy-policy/
If at any point you have any queries regarding 12 I Whole roast turbot
Kelsey’s data policy you can email our Data Protection
With rosemary, capers and apple
Officer at dpo@kelsey.co.uk.
vinegar, served with crispy potatoes
and greens
13 I Vegan lentil and chestnut roast

in puff pastry
A great meat alternative for veggies
www.kelsey.co.uk and vegans

Shopping &
Gifting
Your Satsuma 7 Piece Cocktail

Set, £20.32, Wayfair
Christmas
kitchen
Our festive favourites for the
heart of your home
Emma Bridgewater Christmas

Biscuits tea towel and oven
glove set, £34, Elite
Florentine hand
marbled recipe
Christmas Stags mini stoneware
notes, £62,
jug, £13.50, Sophie Allport
Rebecca Udall
Set of 6 ceramic
Christmas napkin
rings, £36 ,
Layered Lounge
Christmas
serving platter,
£4, B&M
Christmas cookie cutter

set, £6.95, ProCook
Gold cake slice,

£14.99, Homesense
Osko cutlery set

- brushed gold
(set of 16),
£185, Nkuku
4
Shopping &
Gifting
Infinity copper base 14cm milk pan,
£22, Chartwell double oven gloves,
£6, Stag double oven gloves,
£6, Stag tea towels set of 3, £6,
Chartwell gauntlet, £4, Chartwell
tea towels set of 3, £6, Large chili
salt grinder, £12, Large peppermill
grinder, £12, 5ft mountain pine
tree, £49, 5ft pointsettia garland,
£22, all Dunelm

Christmas
FOOD
FABULOUSLY
FESTIVE
FOOD BUYS ABOVE: Marks & Spencer Swiss Truffle tin
BELOW: Hotel Chocolat Classic Christmas
Sleekster (£25.95,320g)
Our round-up of the best Christmassy buys
this year - sweet, savoury and liquid
LIGHTS, MUSIC, ACTION! Mariage Freres’ Haute-Couture BÛCHE

Musical biscuit tins have become DE NOËL will bring a touch of glamour
a big thing at Christmas and the to any table, a grand cru chocolate
best ones light up as well! Our ganache, flavoured with the festive
favourites this year are Marks & spices of Noël Tea.
Spencer’s Chocolate Chip Cookie And if you believe that Christmas
Light Up House Tin (£6, 230g) just wouldn’t be Christmas without
and fabulously festive Magical chocolate penguins, keep everyone at
Christmas Village with lights the table happy with Chococo’s
and music (£15, 249g), as well vegan Ecuador and Colombia ASDA’s Extra Special
as a pretty Waitrose cookie origin chocolate treats (£11.50, Chocolate & Orange
tin that plays ‘We Wish you a 120g) or Hotel Chocolat’s luxury Panettone (£6.50)
Merry Christmas’ (£12, 150g). posse of penguins (£13 for 4).
Hotel Chocolat’s Classic Christmas
SWEET TREATS Sleekster is packed with festive
If you’re skipping the favourites including penguins,
traditional pudding reindeer, Christmas trees and more
this year, the Waitrose (£25.95,320g).
Deer-licious Sticky Toffee
Pudding (£10, 550g), decorated  Waitrose cookie tin (£12, 150g)
with rather fabulous gingerbread
antlers, is a great alternative.
Panettone has become a whole new
Christmas tradition, try it with a twist this
year. ASDA’s Extra Special Chocolate &
Orange Panettone (£6.50) is gloriously
rich on the chocolate, while Waitrose’s  Chococo vegan
Cinnamon Bunattone (£8, 500g) is Ecuador and
spiced with cinnamon and pockets of Colombia origin
chocolate treats
sweet mascarpone sauce. For something
(£11.50, 120g)
more boozy, Carluccio’s Panettone Al
Limoncello is piped through with a zesty
limoncello filling and coated with white
chocolate (£22.95, 950g).
6
Christmas
FOOD
TRADITIONAL TRIMMINGS
We love Waitrose’s Fruity Stuffing
Christmas Trees (£3.50, 233g), packed with
plump apricots and crowned cranberries.
Tesco’s festive bangers are new this
year, made from pork and port-braised
cranberries, apples, onions and Christmas
spices (£3.25 for 6).
Any cheese seller will tell you that
stilton and cheddar are THE top sellers
at Christmas but ASDA have mixed it up
this year with their Wyke Farms Vintage
Cheddar Bake topped with caramelised
onion chutney, designed to be melted in
the oven and supplied with a stand and
candle to keep it hot at the table (£9.50).
If you prefer a traditional cheese board,
spice it up with Rosebud’s Christmas Day
Chutney, (£9.95, 375g), with plump dried
fruits, allspice and a dash of Ampleforth
TOP LEFT: Tesco
beer, great with cheddar and Wensleydale.
festive bangers
(£3.25 for 6)
ABOVE: Waitrose
Fruity Stuffing
Christmas Trees
(£3.50, 233g) LEFT:
ASDA Wyke Farms
Vintage Cheddar
Bake (£9.50)
 Rosebud
RIGHT: Two Shores
Christmas
Irish Single Malt
Day Chutney
Whiskey (£50, 70cl)
(£9.95, 375g)
SHIMMER AND SPARKLE If your biscuit tin lights up, there’s no

Add festive bling to your buffet with this reason why your gin shouldn’t too –
Waitrose Shimmering Salmon Mousse Marks & Spencer’s Light Up Marmalade
made from Scottish smoked and poached Gin Liqueur (£15, 50cl) will brighten up
salmon with a shimmering bronze lustre your postprandial drinks or keep things
finish (£7/£15, 300g/600g). traditional with a Tiramisu Flavour Irish
Cream Liqueur (£12, 50cl). For gin with
FESTIVE TIPPLES an exotic twist, Blood Monkey Irish Craft
Back by popular demand, Babingtons' Gin is made to be enjoyed straight up
Christmas Tea is a mix of loose leaf (£37.50, 70cl). Keeping it Irish – they
black tea and traditional Christmas know a thing or two about whiskey after
spices including cinnamon, cloves and all – Two Shores Irish Single Malt Whiskey
ginger, as well as apples, orange peel is a sugar-cane distilled Panama rum
and calendula petals (£13.99, caddy). aged for 6 years, then matured in the
Sustainably sourced and made from west of Ireland for 6 months in casks that
natural ingredients, it has been created previously held 19-year-old single malt
to pair with both savoury – try it with whiskey (£50, 70cl).
the turkey and a rich chestnut stuffing
– and sweet – gorgeous with chocolate, FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND
Christmas cake and mince pies. Don’t leave your pets out of the festive
action, treat your dog to a specially
designed ‘snow scene’ winter jar of
Peamutt Butter, a vegan protein snack,
available from supermarkets (£2.50, 340g).

Christmas
FOOD
SCALLOPS WITH MORCILLA AND

WILD MUSHROOMS
The superb starter will
awaken the tastebuds
and ensure your guests
are eagerly anticipating
the next course
Recipe by José Pizarro
Serves 6 as a starter
Time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 25g unsalted butter
• 500g wild mushrooms, torn
• 1 clove garlic, finely sliced
• 175g morcilla, chopped or torn into
small pieces
• 18 king scallops with roe
• 1 tbsp snipped chives
METHOD
1. Heat 2 tbsp of the oil
and butter in a pan. Morcilla is…
When foaming, add A Spanish
the mushrooms and
blood sausage,
fry over a medium
high heat until golden, similar to black
then add the garlic and pudding.
fry for a few minutes
more. Season and scoop
out into a bowl.
2. Add a little more oil to the pan and fry

the morcilla until starting to crisp then
return the mushrooms to the pan.
3. Put a clean, heavy-based pan over a

high heat. Drizzle the scallops with oil to
coat all over and place in the hot pan.
Sear without moving for a minute to
make sure they are lovely and golden
then flip over and sear on the other side
for a minute more.
4. Spoon the mushrooms and morcilla

onto 6 plates, top with the scallops, Critically acclaimed chef, José Pizarro, is often described as the Godfather of Spanish
scatter with chives and serve. cooking in the UK. Discover more by visiting www.josepizarro.com

Christmas
FOOD
CRACKERS WITH BEETROOT

PESTO AND CHEESE
This versatile dish can be served as a tasty appetizer, canapé, or party
food and can be easily adapted to be vegan, dairy free, and gluten free
INGREDIENTS METHOD beetroot and pulse several times. If the

• 500g raw beetroot – scrubbed, peeled 1. Start by roasting the walnuts. pesto is a little bit too thick, add some
and grated Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, extra olive oil or water until desired
• 100g walnuts, plus extra for garnish gas 4. Spread the walnuts out on consistency is reached.
• 6 tbsps olive oil a baking tray and roast until deep
• 1 clove garlic, crushed golden, about 8-10 minutes. 5. To serve, spread a layer of beetroot
• Salt and pepper pesto onto savoury crackers, garnish
• Savoury crackers (choose gluten/dairy 2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large with shaved parmesan cheese, and
free if required) pan over a high heat. Tip in the sprinkle raw chopped walnuts.
• Shaved parmesan cheese beetroot, season with salt and pepper,
and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring
often. The beetroot should be hot
throughout but still crunchy.
To make this vegan…
3. Remove from the heat and stir in Simply swap the cheese
the garlic.
for a vegan alternative
4. Blitz the walnuts to fine crumbs in and ensure your crackers
a food processor or blender. Add the are vegan friendly.
This would also ensure a
The Christmas Magazine 2023 dairy free dish. 9
Christmas
FOOD
Christmas
TURKEY
LET YOUR TURKEY BE THE STAR OF THE SHOW THIS CHRISTMAS!
For approx 8. servings METHOD the breadcrumbs, herbs,

Prepare your turkey lemon zest, beaten egg, the
INGREDIENTS
• 5kg whole turkey, cleaned, gutted,
For that lovely, crispy
skin, you’ll need to dry
TIP! melted butter, 1/2 tsp salt,
and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
and trimmed season your turkey. You can easily switch Stir well to combine.
Place the bird in a out some out the
ingredients in the dry
For the stuffing roasting tin and pat For the turkey
seasoning for your own
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed dry. Loosen the skin 1. Preheat the oven to
favourites, or items you
• 2 tbsp olive oil by gently pushing your 170°C, 150° fan, gas 3.
already have on your
• 2 large onions, diced hands underneath it.
spice rack!
• 1/2 tsp caster sugar Start from the neck and 2. Remove the turkey from
• 150g fresh breadcrumbs work down, taking care not the fridge 1 hour before
• 25g sage, leaves only, chopped to tear the skin. Mix all your dry cooking. Pack the stuffing into
• 25g flat-leaf parsley, chopped seasoning ingredients together and use the turkey’s cavity. Truss the turkey
• 1 lemon, zest only, finely grated half to rub all over the turkey, on top or tie the legs with kitchen string or
• 1 large egg, beaten and under the skin. Leave in the fridge butcher's twine.
• 60g butter, melted for up to 2 days.
• Salt 3. Smear the outside of the turkey with
• Freshly ground black pepper Create a baste by melting butter butter and loosely cover with foil.
and adding the remaining half of the
For the seasoning seasoning mix and the muscovado 4. Your cooking time should be 40mins
• 1 tsp paprika – smoked or sweet sugar. Set this aside until you need it. per kg, so 3.5 hours for a 5kg bird, plus
depending on your taste resting time. Baste your turkey every 30
• 1 tsp dried thyme For the stuffing mins with the baste previously made.
• 1 tsp dried rosemary 1. Melt the butter with the oil in Remove the foil for the last hour.
• 1 tsp dried sage a large frying pan set over
• 1 tsp onion powder medium heat. Add the 5. You can check your turkey with a
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground pepper
TIP! onions, a generous pinch
of salt, and the sugar,
cooking thermometer, it should read
around 65°C, and the juices should
• 1 tsp coarse salt For the crispiest skin, frying until golden run clear.
• 1 tsp brown sugar leave the turkey uncovered and caramelised,
in the fridge after dry about 12-15 minutes. 6. When the turkey is ready, remove it
For the baste seasoning. Ensure it does from the oven and transfer to a warm
• 50g melted butter not come into contact 2. Tip out into a platter and let rest for 30-45 mins
• 50g light muscovado sugar with anything else. mixing bowl and add before serving.

Christmas
FOOD
SLOW COOKED LAMB SHOULDER

WITH FINO SHERRY, OREGANO AND
GREEN OLIVES
Tired of turkey?
Try this delicious lamb
dish to jazz things up
this Christmas
Serves 6
Takes 3-4 hours
INGREDIENTS
• 2 large onions, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
• 3-4 sprigs oregano, leaves stripped
• 150g green olives
• 1 x 2kg lamb shoulder
• 200ml fino sherry
• 150ml fresh chicken stock
• 700g gigante beans (or 2 x 400g tins
butter beans), drained and rinsed
METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C.
2. Put the onions and garlic into a roasting

tin and drizzle with oil and scatter with
the oregano and olives. Season the lamb
all over and place on top.
3. Roast for 20 minutes then add the

sherry and stock and cover and reduce
the oven temperature to 160°C, fan 140°C
and cook for a further 2.5-3 hours.
4. Uncover and add the beans and return

to the oven for 10 minutes to warm
them through.
5. Shred the lamb and serve with the

juicy beans and onions.
Critically acclaimed chef, José Pizarro,

is often described as the Godfather of
Spanish cooking in the UK. Discover
more by visiting www.josepizarro.com

Christmas
FOOD
WHOLE ROAST TURBOT

WITH ROSEMARY, CAPERS AND
APPLE VINEGAR, SERVED WITH
CRISPY POTATOES AND GREENS
If you’re indulging in heavy
meals this Christmas, it might
be nice to lighten things up
with this delicious fish dish
Serves 6
Time: 1 hour 6. Steam the greens and toss in a little
extra virgin olive oil. Season and serve
INGREDIENTS alongside the fish and crispy potatoes.
• 900g floury potatoes, cut into small chunks
• 3-4tbs olive oil [contact]
• 3-4kg whole turbot Critically acclaimed chef, Jose Pizarro,
• 4 sprigs rosemary is often described as the Godfather of
• 50ml apple vinegar Spanish cooking in the UK. Discover more
• 25ml cider vinegar by visiting www.josepizarro.com.
• 90ml extra virgin olive oil [close]
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3tbsp capers, patted dry
• 250g spring greens, shredded
METHOD
1. Heat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C.
2. Put the potatoes into a pan of cold

salted water. Bring to the boil and simmer
gently for a couple of minutes then drain
and return to the pan over a low heat
to dry, then fluff up. Tip into a roasting tin,
toss in the oil and roast for 30 minutes.
3. Put the turbot into a large roasting tin

and tuck the sprigs of rosemary inside and
underneath. Toss the potatoes and move
them down a rack, then turn the oven up to
230°C fan 210°C. Put the turbot in above the
potatoes and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Mix the vinegars with the oil and garlic.

Pour this mixture over the turbot and
scatter with the capers and put back in the
oven for 5-6 minutes.
5. Remove and put the potatoes in a bowl Critically acclaimed chef, José Pizarro, is often described as the Godfather of Spanish
and season well. Keep warm. cooking in the UK. Discover more by visiting www.josepizarro.com

Christmas
FOOD
VEGAN LENTIL AND CHESTNUT

ROAST IN PUFF PASTRY
Serve up this plant-based
dish as a main for the
non-meat eaters, or enjoy
during betwixmas for
something a little different
Serves 8
Takes 1 h 30 min
INGREDIENTS
For the roast
• 400g canned lentils
• 1 red onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 200g cashew nuts
• 200g cooked chestnuts
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp yeast flakes
• 1 tbsp vegetable stock powder
• 270g vegan puff pastry
For the sauce

• 2 shallots
• 1 clove garlic
• 4 mushrooms
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 150 ml plant-based milk
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
METHOD
1. For the roast, drain the lentils, 4. Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas 4. Line 7. For the sauce, finely dice the shallots
rinse and drain again. Peel and finely a baking tray with baking paper. and garlic. Clean the mushrooms and cut
dice the onion and garlic. Coarsely into small cubes.
chop the cashews and chestnuts. 5. Unroll the puff pastry and place it on
the tray. Spread the filling lengthways 8. Heat the oil in a pan, sauté the shallots,
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté down the middle of the pastry, piling garlic and mushrooms until lightly
the onion and garlic until softened. Add about 5cm high and leaving a 10cm wide browned. Mix the cornflour with 200ml
the cashews and chestnuts and stir-fry border all around. water. Pour into the pan with the soy
for about 5 minutes, then stir in the soy sauce and stir well. Bring everything to
sauce. Remove from the heat and allow 6. Fold the long sides over the filling and the boil. Pour in the milk, bring everything
the mixture to cool briefly. press the ends with the tines of a fork to to the boil again briefly, then purée with a
seal. Cut off the excess. Cut out leaves hand blender. Season the sauce with salt
3. Put the lentils in a bowl, add the from the leftover pastry, dampen with and pepper to taste.
cashew mixture, yeast flakes and a little water and place on the parcel
vegetable stock powder and mix to decorate. Bake for 35 minutes until 9. Slice the baked roast and serve with
everything well. golden brown. the sauce.

Christmas
FOOD
All the trimmings...

Festive flavours that will complement your
Christmas feast perfectly
Potato and Brussels METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, 180°C fan,
sprouts croquettes gas 6.
with Parmesan cheese 2. In a shallow bowl, stir together the flour,

salt, and pepper. In a second shallow bowl,
Time: 35 min lightly beat the eggs. Place the panko
breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
INGREDIENTS
• 125 g plain flour 3. Combine the mashed potato, Brussels
• 1/2 tsp salt sprouts and Parmesan in a mixing bowl,
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper thoroughly mixing with your hands.
• 2 large eggs
• 275g panko breadcrumbs 4. Take out generous tablespoons
• 900g mashed potatoes of the mixture and shape into
• 200g chopped,
cooked Brussels TIP! croquettes. Roll in the flour, shake
off the excess, and then dip in
sprouts Cold leftover mashed the egg to coat. Transfer to the
• 80g grated potato with low fat breadcrumbs, rolling to coat all
Parmesan cheese content (i.e. little to no over, and then place on a large
butter or cream) is the baking tray, spacing well apart.
best type to use
5. Bake for 14-18 mins, turning
in this recipe. halfway through, until golden
brown. Remove from the oven and
cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Brussels sprouts with

bacon and chestnuts
Serves 6-8 I Time: 25 mins
INGREDIENTS
• 1kg trimmed Brussels sprouts
• 6-8 rashers smoked bacon, chopped
• 200g chestnuts, chopped
• 50g butter
METHOD
1. Bring a large pan of salted water to the
boil, add the Brussels sprouts and cook until
tender, around 4-5 mins. Drain, refresh with
cold water, and slice into halves.
2. Heat the butter in a large frying

pan, add the smoked bacon and
fry gently until crisp, for about
3 mins. Add the chestnuts
and sprouts, cook everything
TIP!
By slicing the Brussels
together until everything
sprouts in half before
is golden.
frying, they will soak
3. Season generously with up the flavour of the
salt and pepper, transfer to a bacon and chestnuts.
dish and serve immediately.

Christmas
FOOD
TIP!
To pack a punch,
you can level up this
recipe by choosing a
flavourful sausage such
as pork and apple or
Cumberland.
Homemade pigs METHOD

1. Heat oven to 190°C, 170°C fan,
in blankets gas 5. Cut the bacon rashers in half.
If using sausages, cut them in half.
Serves 6-8 I Time: 45 mins Wrap a piece of bacon around each
of the chipolatas/sausage halves.
INGREDIENTS
• Smoked streaky bacon 2. Place on a baking tray and cook
• Chipolatas or sausages for 30-35 mins until golden.
Braised red cabbage 2. Peel the apple, cut into quarters,

remove the core and dice finely. Place the
Serves 4-6 I Time: 1 h 15 min cabbage pieces in a large pan with the
onion and apple and a little salt.
INGREDIENTS
• 1.4kg red cabbage 3. Pour the red wine, port, apple juice and
• 1 red onion orange juice over the cabbage and bring
• 1 apple to the boil. Add the vinegar, cinnamon,
• Salt allspice and coriander. Bring to the boil,
• 200ml red wine reduce the heat and simmer the cabbage
• 50ml port for 30 minutes.
• 150ml apple juice
• 1 orange; zest grated and juiced 4. Drain the cabbage, collecting the
• 2 tbsp apple vinegar cooking liquid. Melt the butter in the
• 1 cinnamon stick saucepan, add the cabbage pieces,
• 1 pinch ground allspice sprinkle with the sugar and allow to
• 1 pinch ground coriander caramelise briefly.
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar 5. Boil the cooking liquid in a saucepan
• 1 tbsp pickled pink peppercorns until thickened and reduced. Season the
• 50g walnuts; coarsely chopped cabbage with salt, arrange on a platter
• 80g blue cheese; e.g. Roquefort and drizzle with the syrupy cooking stock.
METHOD 6. Sprinkle everything with pink

1. Remove the outer leaves and the stalk peppercorns, orange zest and chopped
from the red cabbage. Cut the cabbage walnuts. Crumble blue cheese over the
into eighths. Peel and chop the onion. top and serve.

Christmas
FOOD
CINNAMON BUÑUELOS
WITH BLOOD ORANGE CREAM
This is a great dessert
that can be prepared
ahead of time and then
cooked when required.
Serve on a platter as a
sharer, or on individual
plates, depending on the
style of your evening!
Makes about 35
Time: 1 hour
INGREDIENTS
For the buñuelos

• 300ml whole milk
• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 star anise
• 200g plain flour
• 4 large free range eggs
• 1ltr vegetable oil for frying
• caster sugar to serve
For the blood orange cream

• Finely grated zest of a blood orange
• 250ml blood orange juice
• 75g caster sugar
• 300ml double cream
METHOD
1. Make the blood orange syrup.
Heat the zest and juice in a small
pan with the sugar. Cook over a 3. Remove from the heat and gradually 5. Lightly whip the cream, then fold in the
low heat to melt the sugar then beat in the eggs one at a time until you blood orange syrup.
increase the heat and bubble until have a smooth, very thick batter.
you have a luscious syrup. Set 6. Serve the plate of the fried buñuelos
aside to cool. 4. Heat the oil to 180°C and drop heaped with the cream to dunk them in.
teaspoonfuls of the mixture into the hot
2. Heat the milk and butter with oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until deep
the cinnamon and bring to the boil. golden brown and puffed up. Scoop
Still over the heat, remove the star out with a slotted spoon and drain on Critically acclaimed chef, José Pizarro,
anise then add the flour all in one go, kitchen paper. Repeat until you have is often described as the Godfather of
stirring constantly for a couple of used all the batter. Toss in caster sugar Spanish cooking in the UK. Discover
minutes until it all comes together. whilst still warm. more by visiting www.josepizarro.com

Christmas
FOOD
Christmas
CINNAMON
MACARONS
These tasty homemade
treats with a festive twist
will absolutely wow your
guests. While macarons
can be notoriously
challenging to make, the
result is highly rewarding,
and they are lovely to
enjoy with a cup of tea on
a Christmas afternoon
Recipe by Emma Dodi
17
Christmas
FOOD
CINNAMON GANACHE FILLING before mixing until well combined. MACARONS
INGREDIENTS 3. If not completely melted, return the INGREDIENTS

• 250g white chocolate (highest quality mixture to the microwave and heat in 10 • 72g egg whites (age for 2-3 days) –
available) second bursts, mixing between first portion
• 10-15g unsalted butter each burst. • 200g fine ground almonds
• 130g whipping cream • 200g icing sugar
• Ground cinnamon 4. Once completely combined, add • 72g egg whites (age for 2-3 days) –
• Vanilla essence (optional) ground cinnamon to taste, and if second portion
desired, a teaspoon or two of vanilla • 200g caster sugar
EQUIPMENT essence. Finally, using a handheld • 50ml water
• Microwave blender, blend the mixture to obtain a
• Large bowl silky, smooth ganache. EQUIPMENT
• Small bowl • Gel or powdered food colouring
• Spatula (heat resistant) 5. Transfer the ganache to a glass dish • Large icing bag
• Handheld blender covering it with cling film, it is important • 1cm wide round nozzle
• Glass dish that the cling film is placed on and directly • 2 large baking trays
• Cling Film touches the ganache. Leave the cinnamon • Silicone macaron mats (or baking paper)
ganache to cool, before transferring it to a • Food processor
1. Break the white chocolate into small piping bag to fill your macarons. • Large fine sieve
chunks, place into a large bowl with • Large bowl
the butter. • Spatula (heat resistant)
TOP TIP • Food colouring - gel or powder
2. Pour the whipping cream into a You can make the ganache 2-3 days in • Mixer with whisk attachment
separate smaller bowl, place in the advance. Simply keep it in the fridge • Small saucepan and lid
microwave and bring just to the point of until needed and bring it back to room • Food thermometer
bubbling. Pour over the white chocolate temperature before use.
and butter and leave to stand for a minute
TOP TIP
Timing is tight when
making macarons,
so it is important
to read through
the whole recipe
and have your
equipment ready
before you start.
AGING EGG WHITES

2-3 days before making the macarons,
separate the egg whites and place them
in a bowl. Cover with cling film and place
them in the fridge to age. The ‘aging’
process helps create a more stable
meringue, which is key to successful
macarons. Always remember to bring the
egg whites back to room temperature
before use.
PRE-BAKING PREP
1. Cut the end of the large icing bag and
fit it with the 1cm round nozzle.
2. Line two large baking trays with silicone

mats or baking paper.
3. If using baking paper, and want to use

a template to help size the macarons,
place the template under the baking
paper, pipe your macarons, then carefully
remove the template before baking. Once
you have removed the template, secure
the baking paper to the baking tray by
using mini magnets or small dollops of
the macaron batter in the corners. There
are many free templates online that you
can print off and use - personally, I like
2cm macaron templates.

Christmas
FOOD
TANT POUR TANT 2. Add half of the remaining meringue, they are ready by testing that they are firm
1. To make the tant pour tant, place the icing fold it in very gently and carefully. Once and no longer ‘wriggle’ at the feet (feet
sugar and the fine ground almonds into a well combined, add the remaining are the frills that form at the bottom of
food processor. Pulse c.10-12 times to create meringue and repeat the process, always the macaron while baking). If they are not
an extra fine powder – do not overdo it or folding carefully and slowly. ready, give them a couple more minutes
the oils will start to be released from the and test again, then remove from the oven
almonds. Sift the blended mix into a large 3. This process is known as macaronage and leave on the trays to cool completely.
mixing bowl through a large fine sieve. and is the most critical part of macaron
making. It is very vital not to over mix the 4. Once completely cooled, carefully
2. Pour the first portion of egg whites batter at this stage or your macarons will remove the macaron shells from the
(72g) over the tant pour tant - do NOT not work out. You are looking for a ribbon- mats and match pairs of shells that are
mix. Set the bowl to one side. like consistency that falls off your spatula closest in size. The macarons are now
like lava and takes 7-10 secondso disappear ready to be filled.
3. If you want to colour your macaron back into the batter in the bowl. This is the
shells, add either gel or powdered food hardest part of macaron making, it may FILLING
colouring to the tant pour tant now - need little practice to perfect. Fill your macarons with your previously
again do NOT mix. made cinnamon ganache, by piping a
PIPING thick dollop onto one macaron shell, then
1. Fill your pre-prepared piping bag with gently press a second shell on the top to
TOP TIP the macaron mixture. Remember to create a delicious, sweet sandwich!
Macaron colours lighten when baked, twist the bottom of the piping bag or
so always add a little more food your mixture will come streaming out! STORAGE
colouring than you think you need. Alternatively, you can use a food clip to Once filled, your macarons can be
clip the piping bag shut just above the place in an airtight container and left
nozzle, simply unclip it when you are to ‘mature’ for 24 hours in the fridge.
ITALIAN MERINGUE ready to start piping your macarons. Allowing them to mature gives the
1. Wipe down your mixer bowl and whisk shells time to absorb the humidity of
with a little vinegar to remove any residual 2. Pipe your macarons onto your lined the filling and fridge, which gives them
grease. Place the second portion of egg baking trays. Make sure your bag is held the characteristic chewy consistency.
whites (72g) into the mixer bowl and fix vertically to the paper, this will give you Macarons will keep in the fridge in an
both the bowl and whisk to the machine - flat, even macarons. To avoid peaks, stop airtight container for up to a week.
do NOT switch it on yet. applying pressure to your piping bag
when you have achieved the desired size TO SERVE
2. Combine the sugar and water in a small and flick the nozzle away in a circular To maximise the flavour and give your
saucepan and cover with a lid. motion. Once piped, tap the tray on your macarons the perfect texture, take the
kitchen surface to bring any large air macarons out of the fridge 15-20 minutes
3. With your food thermometer at hand, bubbles to the surface, you may wish to before serving. Et voila, your sublime
start heating your sugar and water mixture pop them with a cocktail stick. macarons are now ready to enjoy!
on medium heat without stirring. When the
syrup boils and reaches a temperature of FORMING A SKIN PAINTING MACARONS
113-115°C start whisking the egg whites on Having piped your macarons, they are If you wish to paint your macaron shells,
medium/high so they become frothy and now ready to be left to dry for around do this before filling them, by using a very
start to form soft peaks. 45-60 minutes in order to ‘form a skin’ - fine paintbrush and edible paint mixed
you will know they have when they look with rejuvenator spirit – be very careful
4. When the syrup reaches 118-119°C matt and dull and you can gently touch not to make the paint too wet or the
(do not exceed 121°C) remove from the the surface without any mixture sticking macaron shells will start to disintegrate.
heat, lower the whisk speed to medium/ to your finger. Please note the drying time
low, then start slowly pouring the syrup can vary depending on humidity levels
down the side of the mixer bowl into the and temperatures.
whisked egg whites. Be very careful, the
syrup will be very hot! Once all poured BAKING
in, return to medium/high speed until 1. Once the macarons have formed
the meringue is thick and glossy and the their skin, heat your oven to 125-130°C.
bowl is no longer hot to touch. To see if it Remember all ovens are different so you
is ready, test for stiff peaks by lifting the may have to have a few goes adjusting
whisk out of the bowl, if the meringue tips the temperature, before achieving the
stand up straight, you are good to go! perfect macaron.
MACARONAGE 2. Place the two trays into your oven.

1. Add a tablespoon of the warm meringue Halfway through baking time, turn the
to the tant pour tant and egg whites you trays round and swap their shelves.
set aside earlier. Mix until you achieve a
paste-like consistency - this is marzipan. 3. Bake for c. 15-18 mins – you will know
Emma Dodi is the owner of Emma Dodi Cakes London, where bespoke cakes and hand-painted macarons are standout hallmarks.
To discover more, visit www.emmdodicakes.com or follow @emmadodicakes on Instagram.

Christmas
FOOD
Party food
Mouthwatering recipes that will help you create
unforgettable festive gatherings
Pear salad with rocket, METHOD

1. Briefly toast the nuts in a dry frying
Gorgonzola and pan then transfer to a bowl to cool. Heat
the olive oil in a frying pan and toast the
toasted walnuts bread until golden then cut or tear into
bite-sized pieces.
Serves: 4 I Time: 20 min
2. Arrange the rocket on a large serving
INGREDIENTS plate. Arrange the pears on top and
• 80g walnuts scatter over the nuts and bread. Crumble
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil over two-thirds of the cheese.
• 3 slices baguette; approx. 50 g each
• 200g rocket 3. Crumble the remaining cheese into a
• 2 pears; cut into thin wedges tall container and add the garlic, honey,
• 175g Gorgonzola cheese vinegar, 1-2 tbsp water and the walnut
• 1 clove garlic oil. Blend to a smooth purée. Season
• 1 tbsp runny honey with salt and pepper and drizzle over the
• 2-3 tbsp cider vinegar salad before serving.
• 2 tbsp walnut oil
• Salt
Vegan pumpkin fritters with chilli, miso and caramel dip

Serves: 4 I Time: 1 h 20 min 2. Add the egg substitute and
plant-based milk and season the
INGREDIENTS mixture with salt, pepper and finely
For the fritters chopped herbs. Mix everything
• 250g cooked pumpkin flesh together to form a smooth, not too
• 1 red chilli moist batter. If necessary, add a
• 60g plain flour little more flour. Leave the mixture
• 1 tbsp cornflour to stand for 5-10 mins.
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp vegan egg substitute 3. Meanwhile, for the dip, caramelise
• 2 tbsp plant-based milk; e.g. oat milk, nut milk the icing sugar with 120ml water in
• Salt a pan without stirring until golden.
• Freshly ground black pepper Remove from the heat, allow to cool
• 1/2 handful herbs - finely chopped, briefly, then stir in the soy sauce.
e.g. chives, coriander
• Vegetable oil for frying 4. Deseed the chilli, dice finely and mix
into the dip with the ginger and miso
For the dip paste. Add the garlic, vinegar and lime
• 200g icing sugar juice, mix well and season to taste.
• 1 red chilli 5. Half-fill a deep pan with oil or heat in
• 1 tbsp grated ginger a deep fat fryer to 160°C. Take heaped
• 2 tbsp miso paste tablespoons of the pumpkin mixture
• 2 cloves garlic; crushed and slide into the hot oil. Fry the balls in
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar batches for 4 mins until golden brown,
• 1 tbsp lime juice turning once. Remove with a slotted
spoon and drain on kitchen paper while
METHOD you cook the rest.
1. For the fritters, roughly dice the pumpkin
flesh and puree. Deseed and finely dice 6. Arrange the fritters on a platter or
the chilli. Mix both in a bowl with the flour, plates and serve with the dip.
cornflour and baking powder.

Courgette and
salmon skewers
Serves: 4 - 6 I TIme: 1 h 10 min
INGREDIENTS
• 1 courgette
• 1 avocado
• 1/2 handful rocket
• 250g smoked salmon
• 1 tsp dried chilli flakes
• 1 lime; cut into wedges METHOD 4. Clean the courgettes and slice
1. For the crêpes, wash the herbs and lengthways. Cut in half if necessary.
For the crêpes spinach, shake dry and chop. Purée very Halve the avocado, remove the stone
• 2 sprigs parsley finely in a blender with the milk. Pass and chop the flesh. Wash the rocket
• 1/2 handful baby spinach through a sieve and mix with the eggs, and shake dry.
• 150ml milk flour and salt until smooth. Leave to rest
• 2 eggs for about 30 minutes. 5. Spread the crêpes with the remaining
• 75g plain flour cream, top with salmon and roll up.
• 1 pinch salt 2. Stir the melted butter into the batter. Cut off the ends and cut the rolls.
• 30g butter Heat a little oil in a pan, add a ladleful
• 2 tbsp rapeseed oil of batter and swirl to coat the base of 6. Thread a strip of courgette in a
the pan thinly. Fry for 1-2 minutes then zigzag shape onto a wooden skewer
For the cream turn over and cook the other side for 1-2 and add a crêpe roll. Finish with
• 2 sprigs parsley minutes. Transfer to a plate. Repeat to another strip of courgette as before.
• 2 sprigs dill make 4 crêpes. Leave to cool on a plate. Repeat to use up all the ingredients.
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise Arrange on plates or a platter with
• 200g cream cheese 3. For the cream, wash and finely chop rocket, sprinkle with chilli flakes and
• 50g sour cream the herbs. Mix with the remaining serve with lime wedges and the rest of
• 2 tbsp lemon juice ingredients and season with salt and the cream mixture as a dip.
• Salt pepper. Pour a third of the mixture
• Freshly ground black pepper into a small bowl.
Sweet potato tortilla METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas 4.
bites with chorizo Allow the peas to thaw. Peel the sweet
potatoes and cut into 1-2 cm pieces.
Serves 4 - 6 I Time 55 min
2. Heat the oil in an ovenproof frying
INGREDIENTS pan and fry the sweet potatoes for 10-
• 200g frozen peas 12 mins, turning occasionally.
• 800g sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil 3. Meanwhile, trim the spring onions
• 2 spring onions and cut into fine rings. Peel and finely
• 3 cloves garlic dice the garlic. Clean the pepper and
• 1 red pepper cut into small pieces or strips. Remove
• 100g chorizo the skin from the chorizo and cut into
• 8 eggs thin slices.
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper 4. Add the peas, spring onions,
• Cayenne pepper peppers, garlic and chorizo to the
• Smoked paprika sweet potatoes and fry briefly. Beat
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs; e.g. the eggs and season with salt, pepper,
rosemary, thyme, parsley a pinch each of cayenne pepper and
• Rosemary leaves; for garnishing smoked paprika and the chopped
herbs. Pour the egg mixture over the
vegetables, gently tilting the pan to
distribute everything evenly. Cook until
the base is set.
5. Transfer the pan to the oven and

bake the tortilla for 15 mins until
the top is well browned. Allow to
cool briefly, then cut into bite-size
pieces, arrange on a platter and serve
garnished with rosemary.

Christmas
FOOD
Christmas
COCKTAILS
GIN AND TONIC WITH

CHRISTMAS MIST
Awaken your senses with this
aromatic Christmas twist on the
classic gin and tonic.
INGREDIENTS
• 50ml Silent Pool Gin
• 100-150ml of Premium Indian Tonic
• 2 sprays of Silent Pool Gin Christmas
Mist to garnish
MULLED WINE SOUR INGREDIENTS

The perfect blend of Christmas flavours • 50ml of Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin
in a glass, as the cooled mulled wine pairs • 1 star anis
beautifully with Silent Pool Gin creating • 1 piece of orange
the most delicious festive cocktail. • 1 piece of ginger
• 1/2 stick of cinnamon
INGREDIENTS • 1tsp local honey
• 50ml Silent Pool Gin • 200ml apple juice
• 30ml mulled wine
• 15ml freshly squeezed lemon juice METHOD
• 20ml freshly squeezed orange juice Put a small pot over the stove on a low
• 20ml egg white temperature and add the star anis, orange,
ginger, and cinnamon inside.
METHOD
Pour everything in a shaker without ice HOT APPLE TODDY Warm up the ingredients gently until you
and shake it for 10 to 15 seconds. Open A warm and inviting winter cocktail, can smell the spices, add the local honey,
the shaker, you should have a nice foam, with Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin offering and apple juice and let it simmer for a
add a much ice as you can fit in the tin complex layers of citrus notes, balanced minute. Cut off the stove and add the Silent
and close the shaker. Shake vigorously by delicate spices and enhanced tropical, Pool Rare Citrus Gin after the liquid has
for just a few seconds. Double strain in a peppery tones that pair perfectly with the done simmering. Pour the contents of the
coupette or Nick and Nora glass. winter spices infused in the recipe. pot with the spices into a cup or a mug.
ALASKA METHOD
A variation on the timeless Martini Stir on ice, strain in a martini glass or a
cocktail, that sees Vermouth replaced coupette. No garnish.
with Yellow Chartreuse. The liqueur’s
signature herbal aromas, liquorice and
vanilla notes create multiple layers that
pair beautifully with intricate flavour
profile of Silent Pool Black Juniper Gin.
INGREDIENTS
• 40ml of Black Juniper Gin
• 20ml of Yellow Chartreuse

Christmas cheer
THAT LASTS ALL YEAR!
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FOR
EVERYONE
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Christmas
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craf ts to try
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As we start to think about the festive season ahead, it is my

absolute pleasure to welcome you to our special Christmas
Craft Magazine. We’ve been eagerly crafting away to bring you a
Kent ME18 6AL treasure trove of inspiration.
EDITORIAL
In these pages, you will discover a wonderland of DIY projects,
Email: heather.grimes@kelsey.co.uk from charming decorations to handmade gifts that will warm the
Art Editor: Bazzie Larder hearts of your loved ones. You will also find sustainable ideas
Contributors: Sarah Beaman, Kate Smith
that make the most of vintage and naturally sourced items, as
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ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTION I must say a huge thank to our sponsors, Cricut™, who have supplied a wealth of
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I hope the following pages will inspire you to embark on your own crafting adventures, weaving
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Christmas
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Christmas
CRAFTS
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Make a festive cushion

There’s nothing better than handmade Christmas décor
and the best part? You can choose fabric, designs and
colours that perfectly match your festive styling
Feature by: Kate Smith from The Makery. IG: @themakerykate and @cricut_uk
A
dd a bit of cheer to your sofa with
a cute festive cushion! If you have
a Cricut™ machine, you'll find it
easy to cut intricate shapes in no time.
Otherwise, you might find it easier to stick
to more simple outlines.
YOU WILL NEED

• Fabric
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Yarn
• Iron-on vinyl or fabric and bondaweb
• iron or Cricut EasyPress™
• Embroidery threads
• Embroidery hoop
• Optional: Cricut machine
STEP 1
Cut a piece of 102cm x 43cm fabric.
Find the centre point and add whatever
adornment you'd like to the cushion
front, making sure your design doesn't
extend beyond 30cm square. I chose to
cut a design from iron-on vinyl with my
Cricut machine and embellish with hand
embroidery, but you may prefer to cut a
design from fabric that has been attached sew across the top and bottom edges,
to bondaweb. I used image #M4188444F through all the layers. Turn your cushion
from Cricut Design Space™ for my design. right side out and press flat.
STEP 2 STEP 4
Fold each short end of the fabric towards Make tassels for each corner by winding
the back with a double 1.5cm hem and yarn around your hand. Tie a piece of yarn
sew in place. around the top to secure it, then cut the
bottom loop and sew it onto your cushion.
You can add one per corner or make
STEP 3 several to add along each edge if you like.
With the right side
facing up, fold over
each short end Cricut smart cutting machines allow you to cut, draw, score and more. Available
so the cushion from cricut.com, Hobbycraft, Very, Currys and John Lewis. Check cricut.com for
measures 40cm details, offers and inspiration.
across. Pin and

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Cracker crowns
Add a luxe touch to your Christmas table

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F
ollow this project to discover how to
make these cracker crowns for your
Christmas lunch. Not only are they
much more attractive than the traditional
kind, but you can reuse them each year!
I used my Cricut™ machine to cut quite
intricate decorations, but you could cut
simpler adornments by hand.
YOU WILL NEED

• Thick felt
• Thin ribbon
• Fabric
• Iron-on vinyl or fabric with fabric glue
and fabric stabiliser
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Optional: Cricut machine,
Cricut EasyPress™
STEP 1
Start by cutting the hat shapes from the
felt. You'll need to cut strips measuring
30cm x 10cm, then add a zig-zag edge
to the top. You can do this by hand, or
if you have a Cricut machine, you can
type ‘Cracker hats’ into ‘Projects’ for your
outline shape.
STEP 2
Now it’s time to decorate the felt crowns:
I like to cut shapes or letters from iron-on
vinyl with my Cricut machine. Or you can
use fabric and cut by hand. You'll find it
easier to add stabiliser to the back of the
fabric first. Attach your embellishments to
the crown using a Cricut EasyPress, glue or
stitching.
STEP 3
Sew a length of ribbon to each end.
Cricut smart cutting machines allow you to cut, draw, score and more. Available
from cricut.com, Hobbycraft, Very, Currys and John Lewis. Check cricut.com for
details, offers and inspiration.

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Thrifty gift
We love a sustainable twist on a craft project and this one
ticks all the boxes! Thrifting, crafting, personalisation,
gifting, and keepsakes…
Feature by: Sarah Beaman

Christmas
CRAFTS
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I
f you love a mooch round a charity
shop or car boot sale you will
probably have admired plenty of
pretty vintage embroidered cloths and
crocheted doilies but struggled to think
of a use for them or visualise them in a
contemporary setting. These projects
might just make you reassess their charm
and quality and give them new relevance
in the modern interior.
Make a simple wall hanging from an

embroidered mat, or personalise a
plainer piece with an initial made from
buttons - in this case mother of pearl
buttons from Granny’s button box.
Both quick and easy to make, the

projects can be scaled to suit the
items you discover. Use a longer twig
or knitting needle to hang the pennant
from, or a greater number of buttons
to form the initial and make something
simple but special that will showcase the
workmanship of these delightful pieces
from the past. You could even use store-
bought ribbon or cord for hanging, and
purchased tassels to make a personal
gift in double-quick time.
The greetings card incorporates a

crocheted doily, which can be detached
from the card and hung in a window or on
a Christmas tree by the recipient for years
to come.
TOP TIP
For optimum results launder
and starch the vintage mats
and coasters you purchase
before you begin the projects.
TOP TIP
To personalise the pennant choose the hanger to suit the
recipient - the twig is good for a gardener or nature lover;
the knitting needle for a knitter; perhaps a wooden spoon or
chopstick for a cook...
YOU WILL NEED

For the hanging pennants: For the card:
• A vintage decorative embroidered mat • A crocheted circular coaster
and a coaster with plain centre • Short length of crochet cotton or
• Stranded embroidery thread in embroidery thread
coordinating shades, plus a shade to • Crystal glitter glue
match the ground colour • Card blank, 13.5 x 13.5cm with envelope
• Twig and/or knitting needle for hanging • Paper doily, approx 11cm diameter
the finished pieces • Scrap of patterned paper for centre of
• Pearl buttons (two for each pennant), doily
plus small pearl buttons to make the • Circle craft punches: 5cm diameter
initial on the small coaster • Glue stick
• Needle with large eye • Scissors
• White craft glue with fine tip
• Bulldog clip or peg 

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Hanging Embroidered Pennant
STEP 1
For this project you will need an
embroidered mat, a twig to hang the mat
from, stranded embroidery threads, 2 x
pearl buttons, a twig plus craft equipment
as per materials list.
STEP 2
Attach the embroidered mat to the twig
with a length of stranded embroidery
thread. Thread a large-eyed needle and
double the thread, tying a knot at the STEP 3 STEP 5
end. Make a stitch on the back of the Make a custom-coloured twisted cord to Pass the folded end of the cord around
mat near one of the top corners, placing hang the pennant. This cord is made from the twig inside the attachment point and
it in a position sensitive to the overall six lengths of stranded embroidery thread tie around the twig in a firm knot. Apply
construction of your mat. Work a couple - three lengths in each shade. Cut the six a dab of craft glue to secure the knot
of stitches from the anchor point on the strands approximately 30% longer than at the rear of the twig and conceal the
rear of the mat over the twig then wrap needed and lay them alongside each end of the cord towards the back of the
the thread around the stitches between other. Fold the six lengths in half and trap pennant. Repeat at the opposite side,
the mat and the twig. Attach the button, the centre point beneath a heavy item or making the hanging cord an appropriate
positioning it as seen before fastening off ask a friend to hold it firmly. Twist each half length. If necessary, use a bulldog clip
the thread with a couple of stitches on in the same direction an equal number or peg to keep the knot/cord in position
the rear of the mat. Trim excess thread. of times until each half starts to curl and while the glue dries. Trim the twig to the
Repeat in the opposite upper corner to kink. Pull them taught and then release the desired final length.
attach the pennant to the twig. centre point.
STEP 4 STEP 6
The two halves will twist together to create To make a tassel cut several lengths
a cord; you may need to manipulate the of embroidery thread and lay them
cord to create an even twist. Knot the alongside each other; the more lengths of
loose ends together. thread used the fuller the finished tassel
skirt will be. Fold the lengths in half and
then in half again. Take a short length of
thread that matches the ground colour
of the mat. Fold it in half and form a loop
in the centre of the body of the tassel. The
distance on either side of this loop will
indicate the approximate length of the
finished tassel.
10
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STEP 7
Fold the tassel threads in two as seen,
enclosing the contrast loop. To form the Hanging pennant
neck of the tassel, take another length
of embroidery thread and lay one end with initial
alongside the threads that will form the
skirt of the tassel, cut ends together.
Place the needle alongside it with the For this project you will need a coaster
eye towards the top of the tassel. Hold it with a plain centre. Arrange small pearl
firmly in place and form a wrapped neck buttons in the desired letter to establish
to the tassel slightly below the fold point, the layout then stitch them in place with
wrapping the long end of thread from contrasting embroidery thread using the
the top to the bottom and then back up image as a guide.
again. Thread the loose end through the
needle and pull it through the wrapped Follow the instructions as for the
neck before trimming both ends off embroidered pennant, but replace the
neatly below the wrap. Repeat to make a twig with a knitting needle.
second tassel.
STEP 8
Using the image as a guide, complete the
pennant by tying each tassel in the lower
corners of the mat to suit the finish of the
individual item.

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Greetings card
Use a vintage crocheted doily to make a TOP TIP
unique card - the recipient can detach
the doily from the card and hang it in a Don’t worry if you don’t have a circle punch for
window or on the Christmas tree as a special the paper - just draw round something with a
seasonal decoration.
suitable diameter to fit within the centre of the
Adhere a paper doily in the centre of the doily (a champagne flute, perhaps) and cut
face of the card blank. Stick a circle of it out as accurately as possible with scissors.
patterned paper in the centre of the doily.
Decorate the doily with glitter glue and It’s probably best to resist filling the glass until
allow it to dry thoroughly. afterwards, however!
Use more glitter glue to lightly

decorate the front and back of the
crocheted doily. Allow it to dry.
Cut a short length of embroidery TOP TIP
thread, fold it in half and knot
the ends. Form a hanger for the Use stick glue to adhere
the doily onto the card,
doily by threading it through
the doily and forming a loop at
an appropriate position. applying the glue lightly
Use the scissors to cut a small to the rear of the doily to
slot at the centre of the top prevent it from filling the
edge of the card. Trap the loop
in the slot close to the doily to intricate papercuts.
hold the doily in place on the face
of the card. If desired, add an insert
as seen.

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TOP TIP
If desired, line
the card with an
insert and add a
stamped seasonal
message, as seen.
Sarah Beaman is an experienced multi-disciplinary

designer maker. She has recently opened a gallery
and interiors shop in the heart of the Warwickshire
countryside, featuring her own work alongside a
carefully curated collection of art, ceramics, glass,
homewares, textiles and vintage items.
Oldwych Gallery at Oldwych House Farm, Oldwich

Lane East, Fen End, CV8 1NR.
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, 1-4pm
Follow @oldwychgallery on Instagram

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Hand Drawn Gift Tags

Kate Smith shows you how you can create simple tags to personalise
your gifts, either by hand or using a Cricut™ machine.
hether you choose
W monochrome, brights or
traditional, these tags add a
treasured personal touch to your gifts.
STEP 1
Start by cutting circles or shapes from
your card/sticker card. If you have a Cricut
If you have a Cricut™ machine, you can machine, you can add shapes to the
design the tags then set your machine to canvas in Design Space™.
draw and cut them. If not, you'll enjoy the
process of drawing and cutting by hand.
STEP 2
Now choose your drawn design;
YOU WILL NEED I've gone for a simple wreath. Draw
your design onto the card with pen.
• Sticker cardstock or card (Make sure you include space for
• Scissors a message). If you have a Cricut
• Twine or ribbon machine, you can add a drawn
• Pens or a Cricut machine with pen design onto your shapes in Design
and fine point blade Space: Remember to ‘attach’ each
drawn design to its shape.

Christmas
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STEP 3
Now to add the wording: Hand-write your
message onto the tags. Or with a Cricut
machine, choose a writing font and add
your message to each tag. Make sure the
wording is ‘Draw’ function, then ‘Attach’ the
words to each tag. Click ‘Make it’ on your
Cricut™ machine.
STEP 4
Wrap your gifts with paper and twine,
then simply stick the tags in place! If you Cricut smart cutting machines allow you to cut, draw, score and more. Available
don't have sticker cardstock, you can from cricut.com, Hobbycraft, Very, Currys and John Lewis. Check cricut.com for
punch a hole in your tags and tie them on details, offers and inspiration.
with twine.

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Christmas
CRAFTS
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KIDS ACTIVITY
Make a banner or decorations
This project will keep excited little ones entertained in the
run-up to Christmas, and you’ll end up with special makes
full of memories that you can re-use year after year
H
ere you’ll learn how to make
decorations using craft items
you'll probably have hanging
around. Plus, it makes for an excellent
activity to keep the little ones occupied!
You could cut out shapes instead of
letters, if you prefer. And use whatever
yarn you have at home, or choose
colours to match a theme. If you have a
Cricut™ machine, you'll find it easy to cut
intricate shapes in no time. Otherwise,
you might find it easier to stick to more
simple outlines.
YOU WILL NEED

• Thick cardboard
• Yarn
• Tape
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Paint
• Paint brushes
• Sheets of
newspaper
or similar to
protect your
table
• Optional: Cricut machine
STEP 1
Start by laying the card sheets out on
a protected table surface. Then get the
little ones to decorate the card with paint
strokes or by flicking a lightly loaded STEP 3
paintbrush onto the card. Try to cover When your images are drawn onto the
most of the card. card, carefully cut them out with scissors
(or your Cricut machine). Make sure you
cut a hanging hole at the top, or two
STEP 2 hanging holes if you're making a banner,
Once dry, decide on the letters or to ensure your shapes hang flat. Cricut smart cutting machines
shapes you'd like to cut out: You can allow you to cut, draw, score and
draw them freehand onto the card, more. Available from cricut.com,
download templates online to trace, STEP 4 Hobbycraft, Very, Currys and John
or if you have a Cricut machine Thread the yarn/ribbon through the Lewis. Check cricut.com for details,
you can select images or letters on shapes or letters, making a loop at each offers and inspiration.
Design Space™. end to hang them with.

Christmas
CRAFTS
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Out of the woods

Create your own tabletop dioramas of the natural woodland
floor to celebrate the festive season and bring the outdoors
inside this Christmas. Whether you choose robins or mice,
these enchanting projects are sure to captivate.
Feature by: Sarah Beaman

Christmas
CRAFTS
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A walk in the countryside or your local park, or a hunt

around under the trees or hedges in your own garden
will provide much of the material needed to make these
delightful seasonal decorations. Supplement found
items with artificial foliage, which could be harvested
from tired decorations such as wreaths, garlands and
floral picks. For the most naturalistic effect, match the
scale of the inclusions to the scale of the creature you
are using. Alternatively, you could turn reality upside
down and have fun incorporating miniature plastic
dinosaurs or giant bugs and critters to create fantasy
landscapes that are sure to be a hit with younger
members of the family.
TOADSTOOLS
YOU WILL NEED
• Half an empty walnut shell
• Twig
• Glue gun and glue sticks
• Secateurs
1. Use the secateurs to cut a section of

twig to a suitable length for the stalk of
the toadstool. You can use a single stick
or a section of stick that has a fork in it
so that two toadstools can emerge from
a single stem, in which case you will
need another halved walnut shell.
TOP TIP
Separating the two halves of the walnut shell is relatively easy, but care must be
taken as it requires the use of a sharp knife. Carefully insert the tip of the knife into
the walnut at the stalk end and wiggle it to start to break the shell seal. Remove the
knife and turn the nut, before reinserting the tip of the knife and wiggling the knife away
from the stalk position in the opposite direction. Remove the knife and now insert the blade of
the knife into the two openings made. Use gentle and even pressure to gradually work the knife
into the nut until the two halves separate. Remove all the nut from within each half using the tip
of the knife. Older walnuts are easier to open than very fresh ones.


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2. Apply a little hot glue inside the

walnut shell half and push the thinner
end of the twig into the glue so that
the shell sits over the cut end of the
twig. Allow it to dry. Repeat to make as
many toadstools as you need. Different
sized walnut halves will make your
toadstools look more realistic.
TOP TIP
Scale the toadstools down using
acorn caps and thinner twigs and
use these smaller toadstools to make
miniature versions, as seen in the
mouse decoration. You could even try
scaling up the idea to create bigger
pieces using toadstools made from
sections of a branch topped with
halved coconut shells, for example.
TABLE CENTREPIECE
YOU WILL NEED
• Split log (a kiln-dried one will prevent
any creepy-crawlies becoming
unwanted dinner guests)
• Toadstools made from twigs and
walnut shells
• Secateurs
• Candle
• Selection of real and artificial decor
1. Establish the position of the such as dry moss, alder cones, conifer,
candle on the log and glue on holly, berries, crab apples etc.
the disc rivet making sure the • Drill and a selection of wood drill bits to
pin is vertical. suit the diameter of the twigs
• Disc rivet (to hold the candle on the log)
• Artificial snow spray
• Artificial robin
• Crystal glitter glue

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2. Selecting a suitable size drill bit, drill

holes in the log to accommodate the
stalks of the toadstools, arranging them
in groups. Trim the stalks to the required
height then secure the toadstools within
the holes using hot glue.
3. Glue some moss on the log around the base of the toadstools.


Christmas
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4. Use dabs of hot glue to secure a

spray of artificial conifer as shown.
5. Using the image as a

guide, glue on some small
cones and other dried or
artificial foliage and berries.
TOP TIP
Select a split log with
a flat base to ensure
the stability of the
finished piece.
6. Protecting your work surface apply a

light misting of artificial snow (holding
the spray in one position will achieve
a more natural result). Highlight areas
of the decoration by applying a little
glitter glue, spreading it lightly with a
fingertip to prevent any excessive build
up. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
TOP TIP Plan the placement of

the different items to establish
a pleasing arrangement
before you glue anything. In
general, odd numbers are
better than even numbers, so
five toadstools are visually
more appealing than four.
MOUSE DECORATION ROBIN DECORATION

Use a section of branch This decoration, which could be used as
as a base to make a a favour on a festive table, or as a name
delightful miniature place marker is even simpler to achieve
version. Here, acorn cup as the vintage wooden cotton reel used
toadstools and a cluster for the base already has a centre hole
of real hazelnut shells into which the stalk of the toadstool can
(the bits left behind by be glued. Bingo - no drill required! Just
squirrels!) along with a ensure your twig fits into the hole before
small amount of garden you make your toadstool from half a
moss and artificial walnut shell. Simply add a little moss and
foliage are the perfect foliage around the base of the toadstool
foil for the realistic as before, then glue some Christmas
mouse decoration. (The ribbon around the cotton reel, trimming
mice can be purchased the ends at an angle. Top with a miniature
as bonsai decorations artificial robin (again, sold as a multipack
on eBay). Christmas decoration on eBay).

Christmas
CRAFTS
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WARNING
TAKE CARE TO KEEP APPLIED
DECORATIONS AWAY FROM
THE CANDLE, AND IF YOU
PLAN ON LIGHTING IT DO NOT
ALLOW IT TO BURN TOO LOW.
NEVER LEAVE A BURNING
CANDLE UNATTENDED.
7. Glue the robin onto the log
in the desired place. Position
the candle on the spike.
Sarah Beaman is an experienced multi-

disciplinary designer maker. She has recently
opened a gallery and interiors shop in the
heart of the Warwickshire countryside,
featuring her own work alongside a carefully
curated collection of art, ceramics, glass,
homewares, textiles and vintage items.
Oldwych Gallery at Oldwych House Farm,

Oldwich Lane East, Fen End, CV8 1NR.
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday
afternoons, 1-4pm
Follow @oldwychgallery on Instagram

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Christmas

The UK’s biggest selling Christmas magazine

starts here WIN THE

EDITORIAL It’s officially time to start thinking about

Distribution in Northern Ireland and the

Kelsey Media takes your personal data very seriously.

The Christmas Magazine 2023 3

4 The Christmas Magazine 2023

The Christmas Magazine 2023 5

Create special Christmas

Santa’s Express Train Set, £79.99, Hornby

6 The Christmas Magazine 2023

L Designed for teetotallers and the sober-

The Combo Pack, rrp £9.75, The Martini

L Get your home ready for L There’s nothing we like more

Jingle Bells Christmas bunting by

L Create your own

L Looking for something different?

The Christmas Magazine 2023 7

8 The Christmas Magazine 2023

The Christmas Magazine 2023 9

Make an Advent calendar

10 The Christmas Magazine 2023

Get ahead with your Christmas

The Christmas Magazine 2023 11

3 Plan your presents

4 Simplify your traditions

12 The Christmas Magazine 2023

6. Cherish every moment

8. Host a decorating contest!

9. Update your address book home is secure by locking all

The Christmas Magazine 2023 13

14. Online/oﬄine shopping 16. Karaoke Christmas

17. First aid

14 The Christmas Magazine 2023

19. Secret Santa

20. Menu planning

21. Limit screen time

23. Keep pets safe

24. Plan some down time

The Christmas Magazine 2023 15

Hot Christmas trends

16 The Christmas Magazine 2023

The Christmas Magazine 2023 17

Get your home organised

The Christmas Magazine 2023 19

20 The Christmas Magazine 2023

Furball is a loveable This enchanting new

THE BLUNDERS BY DAVID

Absurd and hilarious, THE A brand-new festive classic from

FINDING BEAR BY HANNAH

hanging by the fire, and your set. It doesn’t matter if

festive ornaments have been something magical about

dusted off and strategically placed gifts around a simple track.

Enter Santa’s Express, Hornby’s best-

22 The Christmas Magazine 2023

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST

PUT YOUR SET ON A PEDESTAL

The Christmas Magazine 2023 23

24 The Christmas Magazine 2023

26 The Christmas Magazine 2023

Entertaining this Christmas? Then ensure your home is