Innehållsförteckning för December 2016 från Homes & Gardens

the light begins to fade in the evening, their flickering warmth adds a touch of festive magic to every room. I like to imagine what it would have been like in the days when the only evening light came from candles and oil lamps. I wonder how many we would have needed to live by and how that would have changed the way we decorated our homes. This year, I am going to mix some “gilver” into my Christmas schemes – a word for a mix of gold and silver that I first came across at a wallpaper printing works. I’ll take inspiration from our decorating story on page 61, which offers a subtle Scandinavian twist on glittering metallics. If you prefer a more traditional look, our feature on page…

There’s a treat in store for anyone who’s inspired by the table settings and recipes created by the designer and cook Sophie Conran on page 132. On the day, Giles Kime will be in conversation with Sophie, who will prepare lunch and discuss the secret of great entertaining, as well as her collaboration with Portmeirion that celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Martin Moore’s design director, Richard Moore, will also be giving advice and design tips on entertaining in your kitchen. In addition, there’ll be a demonstration by Portmeirion’s master potter, Kevin Millward. Finally, Sophie’s menu will be served with Laurent-Perrier champagne. ON THE DAY 10.30am Coffee and tea with master potter demonstration. 11-11.15am Q&A with Martin Moore’s design director, Richard Moore. 11.15-12 noon Giles Kime talks with Sophie Conran,…

TABLE WREATH “This wreath of full-bloomed red Naomi roses, holly berries, pine cones and red poinsettia set around a storm lantern is a sumptuous yet classic way to dress a round table,” says Larry. “I have used the poinsettias as cut flowers and worked them into a ring of florist’s foam with a plastic base so the foam can be kept damp.” Eliza Paisley throw, £156, Oka, oka.com. Castillon Citrus cushion, £95, Designers Guild, designersguild.com. DECORATIVE WREATH “You can never have too many wreaths at Christmas – and they don’t need to be hung on the front door, or on a door at all. For this design, I’ve used only poinsettia, as cut flowers, in shades of red, burgundy, orange-red and cream, to bring a sense of depth, texture and…

Christmas is a traditional a air in the handsome Danish home that Christina Thorbøll shares with her husband, Niels-Henrik Hansen, and their daughters Rebecca and Ulrikke. It is a time for plump pine cones to be collected from the garden, velvety hand-sewn hearts to be hung from the tree and twinkling candles to bathe the house in a golden light. “I think all Scandinavians love candlelight,” says Christina, co-owner of interior design company Oi Soi Oi (Vietnamese for “oh my goodness”), whose home is characterised by cosiness combined with a subtle Nordic yet bohemian style. RESTORED TO GLORY Niels-Henrik bought the property, which was built in 1907, as a fixer-upper in the late 1990s, shortly before he met Christina. The building had at some point been converted into a residential…

STAR TURN Two interlocking tetrahedrons form the intricate shape of this Lum pendant by Kaia Lighting, 020 3771 7355, kaia.at, which will throw geometric shadows on to walls and worktops in the evening. Alongside this brushed brass option with black fabric cable, £834, is one in polished nickel with a transparent cable. Also worth a look are the matching lamps, wall and ceiling lights for a fully co-ordinated open-plan kitchen. PROFESSIONAL TOUCH The new 40-strong Chef collection from Marks & Spencer, 0333 014 8000, marksandspencer.com, definitely gets our vote. Made from a pleasing combination of wood, marble and stainless steel with a brass-effect finish, the range includes utensils, cookware and serveware, with prices starting at £9.50 for a spatula. WORTH THE WAIT After refining its handmade ceramic Belfast sink for…

“A good piece of tableware should be pleasing to the eye and durable enough to be used every day. Simplicity and timelessness are key.” SOPHIE CONRAN WINNING FORMULA With heritage and craftsmanship at its heart, Portmeirion has been producing classic British ceramics for more than 50 years. The brand has embraced new trends, shapes and styles over the decades, but its philosophy remains steadfast: the creation of beautiful, high-quality products with timeless appeal. Founded in 1960 by Susan Williams-Ellis and her husband Euan Cooper-Willis, Portmeirion now produces more than 140,000 ceramics per week. Susan’s iconic Botanic Garden range is still a cornerstone and new designs, such as the Ted Baker Portmeirion collection, underpin the commitment to marry quality with creative flair. After more than half a century, the company has…

Can you tell us about the project? Situated in a Victorian terraced house in south London, this living room and snug originally formed an open-plan, double reception space. The project was quite unusual because my clients are both designers: Vanessa Chilton is co-founder of jewellery brand Robinson Pelham while her husband, Alex, is a web designer. This meant that they had a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve, making the process very much a collaborative one. The other unusual point is that I was called in to work only on this double room – it was refreshing because we could channel our energy into every single detail. What was your brief for the spaces? My clients wanted to work on a yin and yang concept, playing on light…

“The back wall is a mirror which reflects the whole space. This, and the row of pleached trees, disguise the tall building behind.” What did the garden look like before? When I first visited the client, the garden of her beautiful Victorian cottage in west London was totally derelict. Dark and overgrown with ivy – which was pretty much the only thing holding up the boundary fences – it was obvious that there was nothing to rescue from it and we would have to start from scratch. However, this was great in a way as it gave me a totally clean canvas to work with. Tell us about the design brief. My client is a television producer with a keen eye for design. Her home is filled with art and…

• We are no longer constrained by a room’s architecture. Owners of Edwardian houses used to ask for Edwardian fireplaces, but now they will buy a fireplace in a different style if they like the look of it. • There is a move towards pared-back styles and limestone prevails, but we’re also seeing interest in more unusual granites and marbles, such as Bianco Avorio or Fleur de Pêcher with its lilac and violet tones. An understated design lets these materials take centre stage. • In terms of proportion, do not let the fireplace cut the room in half between the floor and ceiling. Above the halfway point works and below too, but never exactly on the mark. • A recent collaboration with Eric Cohler for our designer series captured what’s…

The festive season is that special time of year when we can indulge, guilt-free, in all things baked and beautiful. These delectable Christmas treats, featuring everything from a meringue-covered panettone to dainty spiced bundts, are entirely created with that in mind. While a few of the recipes require a little time and patience to prepare, most can be made ahead and calmly brought to the table to the fanfare they deserve. In my opinion, they are suitable to be enjoyed at any time of the day because, quite rightly, at Christmas the dessert rulebook goes out of the window. CHOCOLATE LOG WITH CRANBERRIES AND CREAM Serves 10-12 (previous page) The tart cranberries in this yuletide favourite can be substituted with other frozen berries, such as raspberries, or left out altogether…

1 JONATHAN CHARLES Fine Furniture presents the Camden collection, 4-door sideboard in Camden Walnut 495414, with brass handle on a stepped pedestal base, accompanied by the 60” Contemporary round dining table 495387, with a lightly distressed top in Camden walnut standing on a triangular shaped pedestal column. To find out more contact www.jonathancharles.com Sheffield Showroom Tel: 0114 2452777 London Showroom Tel: 0207 351 1922 2 PULLMAN EDITIONS designs striking original limited-edition posters that capture the enduring appeal of Art Deco. Their posters feature winter sports, glamorous resorts around the world, and historic automobiles. Over 100 designs available at £395 each. Call 020 7730 0547 or view and buy online at www.pullmaneditions.com. 3 GILLY THOMAS SCULPTURE Gilly Thomas has just created a new series of bronze sculptures especially for the country home.…

LIZ SILVESTER HEAD OF VISUAL IDENTITY, LIBERTY “I love using simple ferns with a mix of eucalyptus and bright berries for fun pops of colour. A great way to add humour is with the unexpected. On the table, I use a ceramic animal to hold flower arrangements rather than a vase – it always raises a smile. I also find that an array of coloured glasses of all shapes and sizes helps to keep the table from looking too formal.” CARMEL ALLEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR, LINLEY “It might sound unusual, but I love a black tablecloth and napkins at Christmas. They make all the plates, crystal and candles stand out beautifully. I also like to use different coloured candles for the table – last year I mixed neon pinks, blues, greens…

IN THE PINK A lively alternative to traditional red, hot pink combines with green to striking effect. Drape colourful streamers over pendant lighting and unite the scheme with dinner candles in neon shades. Sculptural foliage in various hues of green enhances the contemporary festive feel. “This year, I’ll use silver cutlery paired with russet napkins and placemats, twinkling tealights, tall candles and greenery from the garden.” EMMA SIMS HILDITCH, FOUNDER, SIMS HILDITCH, SIMSHILDITCH.COM LET THERE BE LIGHT For a twist on dining by candlelight, opt for a generous cluster of pillar candles suspended over the table. Try the Elias Iron Ceiling Hanger, £43.48, Amazon, amazon.co.uk . FULL STRETCH Add depth to the table with a bountiful arrangement of winter berries, eucalyptus and rich green pine. Keep the centrepiece…

1| PICTURE BOOK John Derian, £60, Artisan. Artist John Derian, whose decorative homewares have helped revive the art of découpage for today’s interiors, curates the extraordinary collection of coloured prints that inspired his work and presents them for our contemplation in this extra large, clothbound book. 2| THE BOTANICAL WALL CHART: ART FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY Anna Laurent, £25, Ilex. Botanical wall charts, those educational tools of yesteryear, are the new collectibles. Discover the story behind the best examples with this, botanist Anna Laurent’s exquisite and absorbing compendium on the subject. 3| VINTAGE ROSES: BEAUTIFUL VARIETIES FOR HOME AND GARDEN Jane Eastoe, £25, Pavilion Books. Selecting which roses to grow can be frustrating as there are so many glorious varieties. Rose aficionado Jane Eastoe’s inspiring selection, chosen…

Can you tell us about your artistic background? I graduated in 2009 with a BA in product design and furniture from London Metropolitan University. I then did an internship with Lee Broom, before setting up my own studio. What prompted the upcycling? One of my degree project briefs was to source two old chairs, dismantle them into sections, then reassemble them to make a new piece with a new identity. I created Green Chair, which was more of a sculpture and proved to be rather uncomfortable, but it seemed to make people smile and that was enough for me. What are you inspired by? My work is really influenced by the imaginative Nigerian parables that my parents told me, and watching a lot of Nollywood movies. Nigerian parables are words…

 FABRIC Tablecloth in Pure Net Ceiling Appliqué in Barley 236074, linen mix, £115m, Morris & Co. Gold glitter-dipped tags with bespoke calligraphy bring a personal touch to presents. Displaying gifts in the hall creates a welcoming feel, enhanced here by festive swags and candlelight, which plays off the antique mirror-effect wallpaper. ACCESSORIES Angel chimes with four candles, £15, Skandium. Twinkle Leaf garland, L4m, £42, Rowen & Wren. Lens vintage-style champagne saucers, £68 set of six, Rockett St George. ACCESSORIES Bespoke hand-calligraphed gift tags, £30 for ten, À L’aise. Gold satin ribbon, col 6835, 55p per m, VV Rouleaux. Wilba parcel string, £4 for 10m; Twinkle Leaf garland, L4m, £42; both Rowen & Wren. FURNITURE Early 19th-century piano stool, £900, Puckhaber. WALL Antique Mirror wallpaper in Silver 92/2009, £85 a…

THIS MONTH, French Regency furniture is paired with the traditional English architecture of a Wiltshire cottage (page 90), while the Danish art of homemaking comes into its own in a restored property (page 98). Also on offer is an Edwardian terrace (page 104) featuring moody hues and polished brass, and a classic Norwegian home cleverly updated for modern life (page 112). Our unique London garden (page 120) invites exploration with its secluded alcoves and swathes of perennials.…

“Whether you prefer warm winter reds or subtle snowy tones, layer up soft textures and settle in for the festive season.”ALI BROWN , associate decorating editor, Homes & Gardens. At this time of year, we all like our homes to reflect the magic of Christmas, so it’s good to know that Dunelm, the UK’s leading homewares retailer, has everything you need to get set for a season of entertaining. With a great choice of furniture, from smart armchairs and pouffes to beautiful mirrors and atmospheric lighting, you’ll find plenty to inspire. Also available is a range of cosy bedding, wool throws and tactile blankets to welcome overnight guests, while luxurious sheepskin rugs are ideal for adding softness underfoot. And don’t forget the decorations: there are plenty of glittering baubles, twinkling…

There’s nothing more important than a sense of relaxed elegance when it comes to entertaining at home, so a well-designed kitchen with plenty of space alongside a fabulous table and cookware is a must for cook, designer and mother-of-two Sophie Conran. “It’s all about rustling up simple dishes in the company of those I love and serving them in beautiful oven-to-tableware on a thoughtfully laid table,” she says. “A large island that I can use for preparation, and where guests can chat while I work, is ideal.” TIMELESS CLASSIC Having a kitchen that blends style and practicality is essential and this English Collection kitchen by Martin Moore makes entertaining very easy. The handmade design, inspired by the elegant symmetry of classical English architecture, features generous proportions, clean lines and subtle…

What is the inspiration behind your designs? I always have the cook in mind and how they’ll use the pieces. The collection, with its organic shapes and tactile quality, is designed to fit in naturally in any home. If I’m creating a mug, I want to produce a piece that enhances the moment when it’s used; likewise plates are designed with the idea of food looking great on them. As a busy working mother, how does cookware form a part of your daily life? Easy-to-use quality appeals to me, with pieces that go straight from freezer to oven to table and can be popped in the microwave or dishwasher. But it’s important that the collection looks good, too. What is your favourite part of the design process? The most important…

Can you describe the project? This bedroom is in the top floor apartment of a substantial 19th-century neo-Flemish-style London townhouse. The room doesn’t have the high ceilings and period details of the apartments on the lower floors, so we felt it called for a more contemporary approach. To that end, we opted for an aesthetic that mixes New York loft living with a touch of mid-century style. What were the architectural challenges of the room? This is a relatively asymmetric space with sloping ceilings. Instead of adding cornicing, we focused on the skirting boards, painting them off-black for a slick, modern feel that helps draw the eye to the perimeters of the space. As the room is high up, it benefits from a lot of natural light so we opted…

WHICH CABINETS WILL SUIT OUR BATHROOM? Where can we find bathroom storage up to 110cm wide, painted in our choice of colour, with a drawer, cupboard and hard-wearing top, priced at no more than £750? EM, Kilwinning, Ayrshire. A freestanding, rather than a fitted, cabinet is more likely to match your criteria. The Painted Furniture Company, 01285 656041, paintedfurnitureco.co.uk, makes furniture from American oak. Its Island Breeze two-door, two-drawer cabinet, H94xW106xD45cm, can be painted in any of 14 standard colours. For your bathroom, ask for the natural oak top to be painted or lacquered rather than oiled. It costs £599; carriage to Ayrshire adds £60. Another option is the French cupboard, H130xW98xD43cm, from The Dormy House, 01264 365808, thedormyhouse.com. Made from MDF with beech legs, it has a drawer and…

1| Vintage appeal Contemporary style with an elegant antiqued finish. Mitre Modern Vintage Gold mirror, 79x109cm, £495, Heal’s. 2| All angles Perfectly proportioned geometric design for a smaller chimney breast. Prisma mirror, 43x57cm, £80, Umbra at Amara. 3| Hollywood glamour In a vintage brass (shown) or nickel finish with two side lights. Astaire mirror, 140x114cm, £1,000, Eichholtz at Houseology. 4| Deco inspired Chic 1920s style featuring gentle curves to offset the straight lines of a fireplace. Big Brass mirror, 95x105cm, £295, Loaf. 5| Radiating beauty Eye-catching circular option reminiscent of sun rays. Rebecca mirror in polished steel, diam92cm, £1,295, Andrew Martin.…

   “I like to use generous helpings of fresh greenery, candles and simple pin fairy lights above picture frames and mirrors as well as across the mantel. Gather together clusters of favourite baubles, tie with beautiful ribbon and hang from hooks or display in decorative bowls.” EMMA THOMAS, INTERIORS EDITOR, HOMES & GARDENS ON A SMALL SCALE As an alternative to the traditional Christmas tree, consider a striking tablescape with pretty sculptural designs. Grouping together pieces of varying height will create added impact. RING THE CHANGES These simple decorative hoops, entwined with ferns and suspended from string, offer a contemporary take on the festive wreath. For a more aromatic version, try using sprigs of thyme, olive and bay. LEADING LIGHTS Atmospheric lighting really comes into its own…

Can you tell us how your business started? I’d always wanted to create something unique but life just seemed to get in the way. A few months into retirement, Paul and I decided it was now or never. My mother had been florist and I’d always wanted to follow in her footsteps but I was put off by how cold the shops have to be. When I saw Abigail Ahern’s faux flowers, it was like being struck by a thunderbolt and Wyld Home was born in that moment. How is your shop different? Nowhere else has our vibe or our collection. We don’t stock implausibly perfect artificial flowers; ours are coloured with natural pigments and have an organic reality in their design – a folded petal, a wilted leaf, a…

FOR WORDSMITHS Thoughtful suggestions to capture the imaginations of readers and writers FOR KEEN COOKS Covetable accessories that will bring a touch of style to the kitchen FOR LITTLE ONES Fun and games plus trendy extras to keep the children amused FOR AVID GARDENERS Decorative and practical finds for the enjoyment of green-fingered friends FOR THE HOME Stylish pieces that will be appreciated for their character and charm STOCKING FILLERS Little treats with a difference that make perfect extras for Christmas Day SUBSCRIBE TO H&G FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT, FROM JUST £28.99. VISIT HOMESANDGARDENSSUBS.COM/BBK6…

A classic Indienne print table cover edged with a wide, striped border acts as a lively foil for the plain walls and floor of this entrance hall. FABRICS Tablecloth in Uhura LF1923/001, linen, £59.90m, Linwood. Trimmed in Wide Woven border CT505-08, cotton, £30m, Osborne & Little. Presents tied with Narrow woven border on Coral, cotton, £18m, Nina Campbell at Osborne & Little. WALLS Stone 10D, Intelligent Matt, £45 for 2.5 litres, Papers and Paints. ACCESSORIES Framed Chinese Seamstress print, 33cm sq, £125 a pair, Oka. Frosted Christmas tree, H110xdiam50cm,£30, Matalan. Vintage zinc container, H22xW59xD39cm, £10, New Vintage. Ruskin House glass baubles in Red, £20 for 42, John Lewis. Pimlico silver-plated two-arm wall lights with storm shades, H36xW31xD15cm, £750 each, Lorfords. Red Berry garlands, L170cm, £49.95 each, Harrods. Presents wrapped in…

     I want my home to look classic, but not too perfect; it’s nice to have things that don’t quite fit in, things that surprise you a little.” December may be the darkest time of the year in Norway, but for interior designer Berit Vildalen it is also one of the happiest, a time when she can focus on cooking, eating, making decorations and spending time with family. Berit and her husband, Preben, a handball player, both travel a lot for work but at Christmas they and their children, August, aged 17, and Anne-Sophie, 12, make a point of being at home, a traditional clapboard house in the southern town of Arendal. How long have you lived here? I was born and grew up in this house; it’s my family…

Can you describe the property? It is a Grade II-listed 16th-century house in Oxfordshire. When my clients Clare and Oliver Isaacs, who have four children, bought the house in 2013 it had a small kitchen with almost no work space. So they commissioned architect Kevin Brady, of Woodfield Brady, to design an extension for a new kitchen and eating area. The house sits on a slope, so the extension has two levels, allowing the dining area to open on to the garden. How did the design of the extension influence the layout? As the extension is large, it was important to create visual links between the kitchen and eating area. By positioning the island slightly to the right we created a walkway so that your eye travels through to the…

STARTER Moules marinière, served straight from hob to table in the Large casserole dish, £85, is one of Sophie’s favourites. MAIN COURSE Butterfly leg of lamb, served individually or on a large platter alongside ratatouille, is a crowd pleaser. DESSERT Tarte tatin can be cooked a day in advance. Prepared in the Round pie dish, £32, it goes straight from freezer to oven to table. See the recipes on hgliving beautifully.com.…

“We understand that no two families are the same, and every one of our projects is a tailor-made, hand-crafted solution to suit your home and your lifestyle.”RICHARD MOORE, DESIGN DIRECTOR, MARTIN MOORE, MARTINMOORE.COM As a specialist in bespoke kitchen furniture, Martin Moore is known for classic English designs featuring understated elegance, balanced proportions and timeless beauty. Not only do the kitchens look impressive, they are also perfectly organised, highly functional spaces, individually built for the way you like to cook and socialise. Whether catering for an intimate dinner, a relaxed and casual supper for a group of friends or a party on a grand scale, the designers at Martin Moore recognise the need for a kitchen with entertaining very much at its heart. WELL PLACED Plenty of storage…

“The idea behind the vanity unit was to create a spectacular focal point that drives the overall look.” Can you describe the project? The owners bought this stucco-fronted Victorian duplex in Belsize Park, London, as their first marital home and were really excited to put their own stamp on it. They have lived in various countries, so their style is quite international. The brief was to create a sophisticated, industrial-look main bathroom incorporating a steam shower, bath, double vanity unit and beautiful natural stone. How did you plan the layout? The layout was created rather organically and started with the bath, which was placed beside the window to take advantage of the view. We then stole space from the hallway to install a steam/sauna shower, with a generator housed inside…

     “The secret to successful garlands is the selection of foliage. I use a seasonal blend, including pine or spruce for that wonderful Christmas scent – it will infuse the whole room.”KALLY ELLIS , managing director, McQueens, 020 7251 5505, mcqueens.co.uk. USEFUL ADDRESSES FIREPLACE SUPPLIERS Chesney’s, 020 7627 1410, chesneys.co.uk. CVO Fire, 01325 301020, cvo.co.uk. Fireplace (to find a local fireplace showroom), 0121 773 7312, fireplace.co.uk. Jamb, 020 7730 2122, jamb.co.uk. J Rotherham, 0845 388 1927, jrotherham.co.uk. Heritage Stoneworks, 01298 873173, heritagestoneworks.co.uk. Marble Hill Fireplaces, 020 8892 1488, marblehill.co.uk. Modus, 020 3603 5692, modusfireplaces.com. Morsø, 01788 554410, morso.com. The Platonic Fireplace Company, 020 8891 5904, platonicfireplaces.co.uk. MIRROR STOCKISTS Amara, 0800 587 7645, amara.com. Andrew Martin, 020 7225 5100, andrewmartin.co.uk. Heal’s, 020 7896 7451, heals.com. Houseology, 0330 363 0330, houseology.com. Loaf,…

POMPEII, CAPRI & THE BAY OF NAPLES Eight days’ half-board from £779 per person. Selected departures from April to October 2017. HOLIDAY INCLUDES: Return flights from most UK airports, taxes and transfers. Seven nights in a three- or four-star hotel in Sorrento on a half-board* basis. Fully escorted sightseeing including Sorrento, the island of Capri, Mount Vesuvius, the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, the ancient city of Pompeii, the Amalfi coast and the town of Ravello. DUBROVNIK, THE DALMATIAN COAST AND MONTENEGRO Eight days’ half-board from £849 per person. Selected departures from April to October 2017. HOLIDAY INCLUDES: Return flights from most UK airports, taxes and transfers. Seven nights’ half-board in three- and four-star hotels. Fully escorted sightseeing including Dubrovnik, Montenegro, Krka National Park, Mostar, Split, Emperor Diocletian’s palace and…

A À L’aise, a-laise.co.uk. Ajoto, 0161 273 1905, ajoto.com. Alex Sickling, alexsickling.co.uk. Amara, 0800 587 7645, amara.com. Amazon, amazon.co.uk. Andrew Martin, 020 7225 5100, andrewmartin.co.uk. Anthropologie, 0800 0026 8476, anthropologie.eu. Aram Store, 020 7557 7557, aram.co.uk/store. Aria, 020 7704 6222, ariashop.co.uk. Astrid & Rudolf, 07801 982438, astridandrudolf.co.uk. B Balsam Hill, 01234 227155, balsamhill.co.uk. Bazaar Velvet, 020 7736 9693, bazaarvelvet.com. Belkin, 01933 352000, belkin.com. Benchmark, 01488 608020, benchmarkfurniture.com. Biscuiteers, 0870 458 8358, biscuiteers.com. Blushing Cook, blushingcook.com. Broste Copenhagen, 0045 3639 0300, brostecopenhagen.com. C Cambridge Imprint, 07974 404977, cambridgeimprint.co.uk. Canvas Home, canvashomestore.co.uk. Caroline Gardner, 0845 111 8080, carolinegardner.com. Chesney’s, 020 7627 1410, chesneys.co.uk. Christmas Style, christmasstyle.co.uk. Christopher Farr, 020 7349 0888, christopherfarr.com. Clockhouse Furniture, 01620 842870, clockhouse-furniture.co.uk. Cloth House, 020 7437 5155, clothhouse.com. Coates English Willow, 01823 490249, englishwillowbaskets.co.uk. Cole &…

Rituals are very much part of Christmas, from the day the tree is decorated, which for my family is Christmas Eve, to the excitement of opening presents. While these traditions remain unchanged from year to year, the festive season does offer the perfect opportunity to try out new decorating ideas and delicious recipes for the holiday menu. With that in mind, we have brought together stylish suggestions for making the most of your tree, mantelpiece and hallway, as well as the all-important festive table, with recipes for tempting starters, main dishes and desserts. Wishing you all a happy holiday season from everyone at Homes & Gardens .…

“Think outside the box when it comes to wrapping gifts. I like to give bottles of wine or oil in beautiful linen tea towels. Not only do they look fabulous, but the recipient gets two presents in one.” ZOE HODSON, HOME BUYER, ANTHROPOLOGIE, ANTHROPOLOGIE.COM 1 BY CANDLELIGHT A pared-back pine offers plenty of nostalgic allure. You can forsake LEDs for traditional tapered candles, but never leave a lit tree unattended. Etsy, etsy.com, offers vintage-style clip-on candleholders. Complement the look with simple white ornaments for a Nordic feel. 2 SMALL PRINT Wrap gifts in the pages of an old book for an individual touch and top them with oversized pompoms made from looped strips. Set under the tree, these make a characterful addition to every style of scheme.…

AVOCADO AND CRAB LETTUCE CUPS Makes 14-18 This light, fresh nibble is perfect with a glass of bubbly. 200g white crabmeat 35g mayonnaise 35g natural yogurt 3 spring onions, finely chopped Small handful of coriander, finely chopped 1 red chilli, finely chopped Zest of 1 lime, plus extra lime wedges to serve Salt and ground black pepper 2 ripe avocados Juice of 1 lemon 3 baby gem lettuce heads, washed and leaves separated Paprika, to garnish • Mix the crabmeat, mayonnaise, yogurt, spring onions, coriander, chilli and lime zest in a bowl and season. Set aside. • Peel, halve and stone the avocados, then cut into thin slices. Pour over the lemon juice and set aside. • To assemble, take a lettuce leaf and place 2-3 slices of avocado inside,…