Innehållsförteckning för December 2024 från Your Home

EDITOR'S LETTER It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and in this bumper issue, we've got a host of tips and tricks to help you celebrate in style, without breaking the bank. Tick off everyone on your list with gifts for every budget (p13) – we have ideas from just £1 – and then settle in for some truly magical Christmas decor inspiration… Find ways to give your favourite decs an on-trend twist (p36); discover how to trim your tree like a pro (p48); and don't miss our real homes, which are bursting with thrifty, festive ideas – take a look from page 69. If, like me, you dream of being able to make your own decorations, but time gets in your way (and maybe your skill level too),…

Black is the new Orange My friend was going to throw these orange pine shelves out, so I saved them! I screwed them together and added new legs before painting them and using wallpaper on the backs. I love my bookcase and hope it inspires others. Beverley Williams, South Gloucestershire Mel, editor, says: These shelves are so chic, Beverley! They're almost too nice to fill with books… Opening up We inherited a lovely kitchen when we bought our home, but it was too 'fitted' for me. I love open shelving for displaying bits and bobs that make it feel more personal and homely. We took out the upper cupboards and installed scaffold shelving. Then, we re-tiled in a herringbone pattern to give more impact. Jayne Terrett, Pembrokeshire Beth, creative designer, says:…

Vegan & gluten-free!…

BARGAIN BUY…

EDITOR'S CHOICE…

Editor's choice…

Moving into their new home on 12th December 2021 was the perfect time of year for Helen and Marcus Johnson to appreciate its cosy charm. 'Lots of people have referred to it as the house from The Holiday,' says Helen, 'and I couldn't wait to get the Christmas decorations out.' Although they weren't seriously house hunting, it wasn't long before Rightmove addict Helen stumbled across this 19th century cottage in the village of Sunderland Bridge, near Durham. 'I told Marcus it was my dream forever house,' she says. 'When I saw it from the road, I fell in love straight away but it was during the pandemic so we could only view the interior via Zoom.' Three months later, the couple were able to walk around the house and were…

SHOW YOUR METAL Dial up the party feel by mixing different shiny finishes – think silver, gold, rose gold and colourful metallics all together on one tree for a glam look…

EASY SWAPS Choosing a pared-back backdrop, like Aileen's, means that framed prints, cushions and ornaments can be easily switched out for festive ones without clashing with her decor…

SUGAR & SPICE Take your Christmas decorating to a whole new scale with a gingerbread house kit. Together, the family can get stuck into this tradition with ease, as the kit includes a template, piping bags, cake board, decorations, icing and all the dry ingredients, then decorate the house with whatever design you fancy. This kit even has a mini Santa to go down the chimney! It's available to order now or pre-order for Christmas delivery from honeywellbakes.com and is priced at £22.50.…

7/10 This crémant has a very pale colour, and is light and sweet, reminding us more of a prosecco or cava than a Champagne. It's a nice glass of bubbly – great for spritz cocktails. 9/10 This is a light, sparkling aperitif. It has a smooth finish and is not too fizzy, which makes it more versatile than a pre-dinner drink. You could definitely have it with seafood. 8/10 This smells like Champagne, but more acidic. It had a slightly sweet aftertaste. This would make a great aperitif, but is too fizzy for food. 10/10 Best on test This is a delicious, Chardonnay-based crémant. It tastes a lot more luxurious that you'd expect – it was easy drinking and simply tasty!…

7/10 You get an instant hit of fig with this preserve, reminiscent of a fig roll. However, the balsamic flavour is very mild. It would work best on a cheeseboard to complement strong cheeses. 7/10 If you like a sweet chutney, then this is the one for you! It tastes good, with the addition of dates and balsamic, but there are clearly plenty of figs in it. 10/10 Best on test This is rich, juicy and delicious. It tastes of real fruit and Christmas spices, and it worked well with hard, soft and blue cheeses. It's a versatile accompaniment, justifying the higher price. 9/10 The balance between the sweet flavour of the figs and the depth of balsamic vinegar, paired with a strong cheddar is delightful. It is expensive for…

9/10 These mince pies have a fine, buttery pastry, filled with a tasty mincemeat. There's a nice ratio of pastry to filling too. They aren't too sweet and have a nice blend of alcohols which isn't overpowering – they are actually quite luxurious. 8/10 The pastry is good for a vegan version, but it does fall apart slightly. They are light on filling, and it isn't a very thick mix. These are great for people with dietary requirements as they look like any other. Plus, they are the cheapest! Best on test 9/10 These pies have a lovely crumbly pastry, reminiscent of buttery shortbread. They are filled with rich mincemeat and have a crispy bottom, despite the generous filling. These mince pies are also a bargain, considering the quality! 7/10…

Perfect for teens…

Give the gift of me-time…

Your December to-dos If you use air purifiers in your home, remove and clean the filters before replacing, then use a soft, clean, damp cloth for cleaning the outside. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries and test them again for safety. Prepare emergency winter supplies such as batteries, torches and blankets, just in case of a power cut or snow day. Bring out the Christmas decorations and sort through your lights to make sure they're working. Check and replace – or fix – any broken lights or baubles. Sort out the kitchen and pantry, checking for any out-of-date dry goods and looking for items you can put to use for Christmas dinner.…

TEMPTING TEXTURES Treat your senses with the latest fabric release from Clarke & Clarke. The William Morris Weaves collection entwines the arts & crafts prints we know and love with rich, irresistible texture. These fabrics have been woven and embroidered to bring out all the sophisticated detail from archived patterns, putting a modern twist on heritage style. Fabrics cost from £36 per m at clarke-clarke. sandersondesigngroup.com.…

We love to get together with loved ones to celebrate the Christmas season. Whether you're holding a casual drinks evening, having guests stay over for a night or two, or hosting dinner on the big day itself, it's a good idea to plan ahead and get your home looking its best. This way you can sit back and enjoy this quality time with everyone. From filling your home with the perfect fragrance to stylishly storing the toilet roll so that no one feels embarrassed to ask for it, we've got some top ideas on how to get your space guest ready – as well as some handy tips on how to keep everyone happy and entertained too. 'Light your wood stove about an hour before your guests arrive to ensure…

BEFORE STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? I'm Sarah Worswick, 52, and I'm a journalist and influencer, @styleanddecoruk, and blogger at styleanddecor.co.uk. I share my home with my husband Mark and our two cats Leo and Pickle. We live a four-bed Edwardian semi, which we bought in 2017. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We reconfigured the entire ground floor, knocked down walls and extended into the side return to create an open-plan kitchen. WHY THE CHANGE? The house was in dire need of a revamp throughout. It was a huge project, and the kitchen was an important space to get right. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? We spent six months planning, and then the actual work took around six months to complete. TOTAL COST £14,708 When Sarah and Mark Worswick bought this house…

At this time of year, it's lovely to treat ourselves to a festive crafternoon, whipping up decorations to fill our homes with one-of-a-kind pieces. But we know that the diary fills up quickly, and that, sometimes, our skill levels aren't quite what we hope for! That's why we've asked a professional maker, Becki Clark, to come up with quick and easy projects, and an expert shopper – our editor, Mel Sherwood – to find some instant high street solutions. Follow their lead to create a unique scheme, whether you've handmade your decorations or handpicked them at the shops… MAKE IT! YOU WILL NEED • Bottle brush trees • faux garland • berry spray pick 1 Create a festive display on your mantel by combining bottle brush trees with faux foliage.…

SHOPPING LIST ● Red striped cotton fabric ● plain beige cotton fabric ● selection of fabric pens ● festive stamps and fabric ink pads (optional) ● iron and ironing board ● tape measure ● dressmaker's scissors ● sewing machine ● thread ● pins ● satin ribbon ● safety pin How to… 1 To make the label, cut a rectangle of beige cotton fabric measuring H20cm × L25cm. Fold the edges over to the wrong side (WS) by 5mm and sew in place to hem. 2 Using fabric pens, decorate the label with phrases such as 'special delivery', 'North Pole post', 'Merry Christmas' or the recipient's name. You could also use festive stamps and fabric ink pads to add graphic elements to the design. Use an iron to 'fix' the ink…

REAL HOME WE ARE I'm Hattie Hudson-Kendrick, 53, and I'm a full-time renovator, @the.renovationgame. I share my home with my husband Colin, 52, IT department head and DIY extraordinaire. OUR HOME IS a 1900s Edwardian, semi-detached, five-bedroom house in Bromley in Kent, and we've lived here since 2023. MY FAVOURITE ROOM I spend most of my time in the living room as I love looking out over the garden when sitting on my sofa. The feeling of light and space in here, even in the darkest months, lifts my mood. MY BEST IDEA Once the building work was done, we opened up the original fireplaces and replaced the dado rails and cornices to restore period character. MY STYLE IS I love a mix of pretty pastel colours, vintage finds and…

AFFORDABLE ARTISTRY Time for some new tiles? Hyperion Tiles has launched a new collaboration with artisan-tile specialist Fired Earth, to bring homeowners a whole new range of options at a more affordable price point. We love this Seaspray Green marble tile, which features natural patterns to remind you of waves breaking along the shore. This design could be the statement you need in your renovation, especially as it can be used on interior and exterior walls and floors. These 30×60cm tiles are priced at £4.09 each and are available, along with the rest of the Fired Earth collaboration, at hyperiontiles.co.uk. Our expert says… 'Lights are the first thing you should put on your tree to give a lovely twinkly base. Whether you prefer cool, warm or multicoloured lights, I'd recommend…

£4.81 PER HEAD Menu 1 Traditional with a twist * Starter – Salmon rillettes, p109 * Main – Brie and cranberry-stuffed chicken wrapped in bacon, p110 * Side – Air fryer veggies, p112 * Dessert – Sticky toffee steamed pudding with butterscotch sauce, p113 £6.13 PER HEAD MENU 2 Comfort & joy! * Starter – Salmon rillettes, p109 * Main – Slow-cooker roasted gammon, p110 * Side – Mulled wine red cabbage, p111 * Dessert – Sticky toffee steamed pudding with butterscotch sauce, p113 MENU 3 Veggie heaven £5.17 PER HEAD * Starter - Celery, Stilton and pear soup, 109 * Main – Mushroom, butternut & spinach koulibiac with creamy wild mushroom sauce, p111 * Side – Baked leek and mustard mashed potato, p112 * Dessert – Ultimate meringue Christmas wreath, p113 £1.76 PER SERVING Salmon rillettes ■ PREPARATION…

7/10 These sausages are a nice size so they feel and look generous on the plate but they have quite a simple flavour. These would be a safe option for a large crowd. 7/10 You get a strong smell of truffle, but the flavour was much more subtle and enjoyable. However, there wasn't much honey, instead they were actually quite salty. 8/10 These sausages had a nice snap when you take a bite – this is thanks to the natural casings which lock in the flavour. The streaky bacon gave a lovely smokiness. They were a little bit fatty though. 10/10 Best on test The sweetness of the treacle was delicious and created a balanced flavour with the smoky bacon. They had a lovely pork flavour too. We found them…

HOST'S TIP For a party, leave a bottle of rum or vodka behind the punch bowl for your guests to add a dash to their own taste, if they like How to make ■ PREPARATION TIME 1 hour 20 minutes ■ SERVES 8 You will need ✔ 1L cloudy apple juice ✔ 500ml orange juice (smooth) ✔ 375ml cranberry juice (pure) ✔ 250ml pomegranate juice ✔ 45ml lime juice ✔ 75ml maple syrup ✔ 6 cinnamon sticks (each 10cm), plus extra for garnish ✔ 3 star anise ✔ 10g Mixologist's Garden Freeze-dried raspberries, plus extra for garnish ✔ 5 Mixologist's Garden Freeze-dried orange slices, plus extra for garnish ✔ 5 Mixologist's Garden Freeze-dried lemon slices, plus extra for garnish DIRECTIONS ■ Put all the ingredients into a large saucepan and…

We're reading… The Flower Book: a bloom for every day of the year by Gardeners' World Magazine (£22, BBC Books) Each day of the year is paired with a beautiful (and seasonal) bloom in this illustrated book – while it's perfect for gifting, green-fingered gardeners might struggle to give it up! We're following… @sammiesvictorianhome If you think neutral schemes can't be child-friendly, then take a look at Sammie's home – it's full of calming spaces and thoughtful details. She says, 'As I live in an older property, I love keeping my home full of character, but I include warm, homely pieces to make it family-friendly.' We're watching… Kirstie's Handmade Christmas Kirstie is back with a new bunch of talented folk to compete in Christmas challenges across five episodes. It's scheduled…

Secret Santa sorted!…

One for your own wishlist!…

EDITOR'S CHOICE…

'If you're having guests to stay for a few days, plan a Christmas movie night or afternoon – stock up on popcorn and sweet treats, then make it cosy with extra cushions and throws. It's the perfect chill out time, no conversation needed, and it gets you in the Christmas spirit too!' Mel Sherwood, editor at Your Home 'Christmas karaoke is a fab way to get everybody together if there's a lull in the party. Pick some classics, as well as more up-to-date favourites, to appeal to all your guests and everyone will soon be out of their seats and singing along too.' Hannah Tribe, style editor at Your Home 'Board and card games are brilliant for resetting the atmosphere at a Christmas gathering. They bring people together and create…

QUICK & EASY…

SOFTLY DOES IT If you love the laid-back, cottagey aesthetic, bring elements into your home that have naturally relaxed lines and edges, such as loosely tied foliage on the walls and softly draped linen fabrics at the windows, while keeping things cosy with snuggly textures…

SHOPPING LIST ● Orbital sander or sandpaper and sanding block ● dish cloth ● satin paint ● paint brush ● wallpaper offcuts ● tape measure ● pencil ● metal ruler ● craft knife ● PVA glue ● clear water-based varnish ● cupboard knobs (optional) ● screwdriver How to… 1 Begin by removing the knobs from the chest of drawers. Then use an orbital sander, or a sanding block and sandpaper, to sand the surface of the chest, including the drawers, to remove any damaged or flaking paint or varnish and to create a key for the new paint. 2 Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dust and debris from the surface and allow to dry thoroughly. Then, apply two coats of your chosen satin paint to the chest…

'I try and reuse as many decorations as possible and often start thinking about schemes a good few months before' SHOPPING LIST ● Oasis Silver 2mm aluminium wire, £5 for 11.5m, Hobbycraft ● reel of florist's binding wire ● flat nose pliers ● 10 faux foliage picks, or a selection of real or dried foliage ● twine or florist's tape ● scissors ● satin ribbon ● velvet ribbon HOW TO… 1 Cut a 70cm length of 2mm silver wire and gently bend it into a circular shape with your hands until it has a 20cm diameter. Twist the ends tightly together with a pair of pliers to secure the wire hoop. This will form the base of your mini wreath. 2 If you're using real or dried foliage for your…

Adding ambience and a warm glow to your home both inside and out, the tradition of hanging Christmas lights has so much appeal. Not only do lights bring a sense of cosiness on cold winter days, but you can also use them to highlight the Christmas tree and areas around your home, while also providing a well-lit pathway or porch for visiting family and friends. So, this year, take some time to plan ahead and think about what you'll use and where, and treat your home to some new additions too. 1 Install some garden statements Let's start with your outdoor space. Whether you have a sprawling lawn out back and a generous area in front, or a pavement front door and small courtyard at the rear, adding festive lights outside…

FOOD & DRINK PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes, plus overnight soaking and decoration COOKING TIME 4-5 hours MAKES 10-12 TOP TIP These mini cakes make perfect edible Christmas gifts. Pop in a cake box or wrap in cellophane and tie with ribbon Mini Christmas cakes YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1kg luxury dried mixed fruit and peel (including cherries, cranberries, chopped apricots and mixed peel) ✔ 4 tbsp medium sherry ✔ 275g plain flour ✔ 250g butter, softened ✔ 250g soft dark brown sugar ✔ 1 tbsp black treacle ✔ 60g ground almonds ✔ 4 large Fairburn's British blue eggs ✔ 1 tsp vanilla ✔ 1 tsp almond extract (optional) ✔ ¼ tsp grated nutmeg ✔ ½ tsp cinnamon ✔ ½ tsp mixed spice ✔ ½ lemon zest and a dash of…

7/10 These have a cheesy taste but are missing the tang of camembert. The garlic offers nice richness. They would be a good crisp for sharing. Best on test 10/10 Cheeselets have had a festive glow-up with their tree shape. They are very cheesy and moreish, ideal for a grazing table or even straight out of the tin! 9/10 These are cracking! When you open the packet, you get a burst of spice. On tasting, the spice isn't as strong and there could be more turkey. But the crisps felt premium. 9/10 Crinkle cut for extra crunch and flavour, these are a lovely snack. They have tons of flavour of both the turkey and the gravy so an ideal Christmas snack!…

7/10 This mix is a improved version of the classic sage and onion. It browned nicely in the oven for a nice crunch, but the garlic and red onion flavour was too mild. Best on test 9/10 This stuffing had nice chunks of hazelnut and chestnut, but not too coarse. Its flavour was nutty, tangy and herby, with a festive touch. 8/10 This looked like a stuffing you would get in a nice pub on a Sunday roast. This has strong onion flavour but is really quite sweet. The mix was also very chunky before and after cooking. 6/10 This mix looks luxurious – you can see the cranberries, clementines and apple. It is Christmassy in colour and ingredients, but it has a very intense citrus taste.…

A A Place for Everything aplaceforeverything.co.uk Accessorize accessorize.com/uk Agriframes agriframes.co.uk Aldi aldi.co.uk Amazon amazon.co.uk Anthropologie anthropologie.com/en-gb Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Asda asda.com Atlas Stone Granite 0141 387 5269 atlasstonegranite.co.uk Atkin & Thyme 01462 412100 atkinandthyme.co.uk B B&M bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Balsam Hill balsamhill.co.uk Barker & Stonehouse 0333 010 2352 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bauwerk Colour bauwerkcolour.com/en-gb Biscuiteers biscuiteers.com Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Bloom & Wild bloomandwild.com Braided Rug Company 01654 767 248 braided-rug.co.uk Brewers Decorator Centres brewers.co.uk by Crea by-crea.com/uk C Candid Owl candidowl.com Caple caple.co.uk Cast in Style 0800 009 6233 castinstyle.co.uk Charlton & Jenrick 01952 200 444 charltonandjenrick.co.uk Christmas Direct 0333 240 6120 xmasdirect.co.uk Closs & Hamblin candh.co.uk COAT coatpaints.com Contempee contempee.com Co-op coop.co.uk The Cotswold Company 0333 2001725 cotswoldco.com Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk Cult Furniture 0208 185 6960 cultfurniture.com Curated Living curatedliving.co.uk Currys currys.co.uk D daals 02477 180 023 daals.co.uk där lighting darlighting.co.uk Dartington Crystal 01805 626221 dartington.co.uk Desenio desenio.co.uk Dexam dexam.co.uk DFS 0800 110 5000 dfs.co.uk Dibor dibor.co.uk Dobbies dobbies.com Domestic Science domesticsciencehome.co.uk Dulux dulux.co.uk Dulux…

EDITOR'S CHOICE…