Your Home - Christmas Made Easy 2017

H
H
CHRISTMAS MADE EASY 2017
ONLY
made easy
£3.50 all you need for your
CRAFTS H RECIPES H DECORATING IDEAS H PRACTICAL ADVICE
Foolproof recipes for family ❆ Cheat’s

feasts and foodie presents shortcuts
❆ Money-
saving tips
❆ Expert
planning
advice
Styling ideas to make your

home twinkle and shine
805
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
Step-by-step craft projects

for gifts, decs and more
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Styling Anna-Lisa De’Ath Photos Lizzie Orme
W W W
Welcome
C
hristmas really is the
most wonderful time of the
year and here in the Your
Home office we’ve been as busy
as Santa’s elves putting together
this year’s Christmas Made Easy just for you. We’ve had great fun
making, baking, shopping and stitching to ensure that this special
festive issue is packed with the most creative and inspiring craft
ideas, recipes and practical advice you’ll need to ensure that this
Christmas is your best one yet.
You’ll find page upon page of beautiful craft projects
to give your festive decorations, cards and gifts a truly
personal touch. You can even discover how to sew your
own elf on a shelf to ensure your kids behave
themselves in the lead-up to Christmas. Our food
pages in this issue include everything you need to feed your
family and friends, from tasty tipples and sweet treats to a
delicious Christmas menu plan. Plus we’ve got lots of clever
expert tips to make sure your Christmas runs smoothly.
I do hope you enjoy reading this issue and that you
have a very happy Christmas!
W
W
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk christmas 2016 1

71 98
41
54
74 34
Decorating
Be inspired by this snowy
cabin in the woods scheme
Fancy something a bit different
this year? Give these clever
alternative trees a try
20 Our handy guide to the best 84 Create a look that oozes drama
real and artificial trees around with this black and gold trend 41 Make sure your tree has that
this season personal touch with stylish
Create it yourself
home-made decorations
28 Check out our favourite
wreaths to adorn your door 54 Give loved ones a thoughtful
48 Add a bit of sparkle with

8 These fabulous Advent ideas gift with these beautiful
will help count down the days handmade ideas
these magical lights
17 Discover how you can make 71 Craft your own tradition with
52 A selection of our favourite this cheeky elf a fun-filled Christmas Eve box
baubles to perk up your tree
61 24 Send an extra special

Food & entertaining
Fill your home with beautiful Christmas wish with these
festive blooms simple card ideas
64 We’ve chosen six of this year’s 30 Make your gifts stand out 92 Try your hand at making these
best Christmas looks from the crowd with these sweet treats to tempt loved ones
statement wrapping ideas
84 61 17
74
24
98 Your guide to a stress-free 12 Organise fun festive days out 90 Ensure you’re the host with
Christmas dinner for all of the family to enjoy the most or the perfect guest
with our handy advice
103 Impress your guests with our 144 Banish the post-Christmas
mouth-watering meal planner blues with these great ideas 130 Subscribe to Your Home to
ensure you never miss an issue
117 These festive tipples are bound
to get you in the spirit
Don’t miss out 131

Find out how to make our
Christmas crafts here
122 Not sure what to do with
your leftovers? Give these 15 Win! Stylish kitchen 140 Win! One of three sets of
recipes a try appliances from Beko Sabatier knives from Stellar
82 Tackle the season in style 143 Where to buy everything

Stay organised

with one of these fabulous
Christmas jumpers
featured in this issue
4 Ensure your Christmas runs Cover Image: Styling Jo Rigg Photo Lizzie Orme Blue splendour shadow rug, £145, Flair Rugs. Cloud velvet chair, £650,
smoothly with our handy Rockett St George. Gold foil ‘&’ cushion, £12, Next Home. Frosted sugar pine pre-lit tree, £279; Fraser fir pre-lit wreath,
£89, both Balsam Hill. Peacock feather wreath, £55; turquoise glass candle holders, £15 per pair; gold dog with crown
countdown to the big day ornament, £60 per pair; gold pear decoration, £15 per pair; white polar bear, £15 per pair; prism drop decorations,
£12 per box, tree decorations and ribbons, from a selection, all The Contemporary Home. Gift bags, £1 each; giant blue
bauble, £1; white light-up star, £5; fox cushion, £1, all Poundland.
Background fabric on this page: Scandi 4 Snowflakes, The Henley Studio, Makower UK
Countdown to Christmas
1 Commencing the
countdown 2 Get crafty
Christmas is the ultimate
time to get crafting. Whether
Image Lakeland
The Yuletide month has officially started,

it is a simple handmade card or a
which means it’s time to get your Advent
bold DIY alternative tree, today
calendar up. Although you can’t go
is the day to enjoy some time
wrong with a yummy chocolate one, we
to yourself and try your hand
just love our crafty alternatives. Flip to
at something Christmassy and
page 8 and kick-off your December with
creative. Why not pick up a needle
a fun DIY Advent project for the whole
and thread and have a go at our
family. You can even make an extra-
very own ‘Elf on the Shelf ’ design
special calendar for your four-legged
on page 17?
friend and fill it with animal-friendly treats!
Image Sainsbury’s Home

3 Delve into
décor
Get yourself into the seasonal
spirit and deck those halls. Though
it may be a bit too early to put up
your real tree, you can still get a
head start in turning your house
into a magical Christmas grotto. If
an artificial tree is your shrubbery
of choice then now is the time to
don the tinsel and dangle those
baubles. Take this opportunity to
H H H H
showcase your crafty skills around
H Hearty
4
H Hand H the house for all your friends and
H H home-made H H family to see.

A home-made gift is the Hperfect
H H NotHpresent
H H
for both family and friends. H
only will they be wowed by your
crafty skills, Hbut the H
H
H H
as a reminder
H
gift will also serve
of the time you spentH
H
H
making it just right for them. Put today
H makesH H head over
H
H to pageH
H aside for all your and
HH H
54 to take a look at our festive
6
Hsuggestions. H
gift
H H H H H H H Turning tables
5
It’s never too early to start
He’s making a list… planning your table setting
If you want the chance of getting for the big day. Use this time to
Image George Home
on the big man’s ‘nice list’ then sit down and take stock of how
you’d better hurry up and send your many guests you will have and
letter! Today is a great opportunity how many plates, bowls, knives,
to get the children involved in writing forks and spoons you will need.
and decorating their letters to Santa. But, most importantly, make sure
Plus, don’t forget that the Royal Mail you have enough chairs around
your dining table – no one wants
Feature Matilda Bourne
is helping all Christmas letters get to

the North Pole this year. Simply send to be eating their Christmas
dinner on a beanbag!
your letter in a stamped envelope to:
Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland,
HM4 5HQ.
4 christmas 2017 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

7 Compose your cards
Put some Christmas tunes
on, pour a glass of your
favourite festive tipple, and start
8 Culinary
Co-ordination
Brussels or no Brussels? When
it comes to the Christmas dinner, you
putting pen to paper. After all, don’t want to be caught off guard with
nothing says Christmas cheer more any surprise dietary requirements from
so than a heartfelt message inside your guests. Contact everyone who you
a beautiful card. However, if the expect to be there on the day, including
thought of writing all your cards in any new partners, and start planning
one evening seems a bit ambitious, your menu. For added inspiration, sneak
then break down your address book a peek at page 103 for all of our fail-
into manageable chunks and slowly safe festive foods.
conquer them over the weekend.
Top tip If you have American friends or relatives, the last day to guarantee a pre-
Christmas delivery to the USA via Royal Mail is 14th December. You can find out the
dates for all other countries by visiting www.royalmail.com.
Image Sara Miller London
9 Stock those
10 Oh Christmas tree,
Image Sainsbury’s Home
shelves Oh Christmas tree

Now that you’ve planned the perfect If you’re following our essential guide to
meal, make a list of all the non- picking the perfect tree on page 20 then
perishables you need and head today is the ideal day to put your real
down to the shops. Stocking up on tree up. Grab the family, head down to
tinned and frozen foods while the your local garden centre and follow our
shops are a bit quieter will mean tips on what to look out for when eyeing
less panic leading up to the 25th. up the spruces.
Don’t forget to look in the back of the
supermarket magazines for handy Top tip Look out for a garden centre
money-off vouchers too! with a Santa’s Grotto, or a reindeer
Image Tesco
experience, for an extra-special festive

family day!
Image Dobbies
11 Pop online
What can be better
than browsing your
favourite products all from
12 ‘Tis the season
Christmas is essentially a time
for giving, so spend today
making a difference to others. You can
the comfort of your living help out your local soup kitchen for a
room? Online Christmas few hours, donate to the food bank when
shopping is a great retail you’re in the supermarket, or even buy
alternative for those who a toy for a charity. Simply bring a new
are pressed for time in unwrapped toy into your local Salvation
the seasonal period. But Army and they will wrap and distribute
it doesn’t have to stop at it to a child in need this Christmas. To
gifts. Order all the food find your local appeal centre, head to
and drink you will need
HH H H H
www.salvationarmy.org.uk.
for the big day today and
pick a delivery slot close
H H
H HH H
13
to the 25th before they
all go!
H
The deep
H freeze H
Remember Place all
HH H One nifty way to reduce your food
H
your online orders nice freezer. Make
H
preparation time H
is with the trusty
H
Hyour mince pies today, put H
and early to make sure H a fewHaside to nibble on, and freeze the H
your goodies arrive in rest H Eve.
H ready for Christmas HYouHcan H also
time and include any
postage costs in your H sauce, bread
H gravy to save H H
make and freeze your stuffing, cranberry
H sauce and H
present budget.
H H H H H H H
precious family time on the day.

14 15
Sing, sing, sing
Last orders! You can’t beat a good sing-song on
Today marks the last the lead up to Christmas. Grab your
day you can order your friends and family and find a local
turkey with Waitrose – if you carol service where you can showcase your
haven’t done it already, get your best rendition of Silent Night. Or, if you’d
order in now. However, if you still rather see the professionals at work, scout
need a bit more time, or you aren’t out your local theatre groups and go and
sure on how many people will see a classic British pantomime.
arrive on the day then don’t panic,
you can still order an award- Top tip If tickets to your local professional
winning Kerry Bronze turkey up group look a bit too pricey, try the amateur
until the 17th. societies for great performances at a fraction
of the price.
Image Waitrose
16 Bottoms up
Along with the festive
season comes its yummy
tipples. Whether you’re bonkers
about Baileys or crazy for cocktails,
17 Make time for tonight is the night to try a bit of

everything and see which drinks
your loved ones will be the perfect match for those
cosy Christmas evenings. Flick to
After all the organisational hustle and page 117 to see our favourite
bustle, today is the day to set aside Christmas concoctions.
some well-earned time with the family.
Maybe find a local wood for a brisk Remember not all your guests
walk, or curl up on the sofa and put will be drinking alcohol, so be
your favourite Christmas films on. Cosy sure to come up with a couple of
blankets and festive slippers are, of mocktails for the designated drivers.
course, compulsory!
18 It’s a
wrap
Image M&S
Second only to the
big day itself has
to be wrapping all
those presents. By
this point you’ll
HH H
H
19
H
Festive
be a craft master
HH H
H
H
and will have an

H H
abundance of Friendships
handmade gifts to You’ve spent time with
H
H
delicately conceal the family and wrapped what

H
and position under seems like a mountain of gifts,

H
the tree for your now it’s time to let your hair
HH H H
H H H H H
H
H H H
guests. Think down, hang out with the pals

about your interior and exchange gifts. Have a
H
H
colour scheme and night in and crack open the

H H
which accents will board games, or take to the

complement your town and dance ‘til you drop
H
tree decorations. – you deserve it!

H
Head to page 30 to
H
see our seasonal Top tip If you’re thinking

H
HH H
suggestions. of going out for a group

H
H
meal, make sure you book

H
Image John Lewis your table in advance to

H
avoid any Christmas party

H
disappointment.
H

20 Hey, hey, Mr. Postman
21 Whistle while
Image Yankee Candle

Calling all gift bearers! Today
is the last day you can post
your UK cards and gifts 1st Class for a
you work
You’re just three days away from
guaranteed pre-Christmas delivery. But
guests arriving and Christmas
don’t worry, if you forget to post that
officially starting, which means it
vital last gift today you can still send
is time to get cleaning – though it
it by Special Delivery until the 21st or
needn’t be a chore! Put the Christmas
Special Delivery Saturday Guaranteed
tunes on and call in the troops;
by the 22nd.
after all, many hands do make light
work. Reward yourself with a special
Christmas-inspired scent from Yankee
22
Candle that will fill your home with
Triple Christmas cheer.
check time
Today is the day to pick up Christmas Magic and The Perfect Tree scented
candles, from £8.99, Yankee Candle
the turkey and take stock of all your
groceries. Run through each recipe step
by step to make sure you have all the
23
necessary ingredients and equipment.
If you find you are missing something Shipshape
Image Lidl
then quickly pop to the shops and

you’ll be right back on track again.
and shiny
It’s time to prepare
for your guests’ arrival and get
Top tip Avoid a Christmas Day
every room in order. Start with a
disaster and remember to buy
quick vacuum to catch any rogue
batteries for all the children’s new
strands of tinsel and then move
toys in advance.
onto the bedding. Washing all
your sheets and towels today will
cut down tomorrow’s to-do-list
and leave you with more time to
enjoy your company.
Top tip A bunch of festive

flowers, or even a Poinsettia,
will add the perfect festive finish
to any room.
H HH H H H H H
Image M&S
24
H Yes chef!
H H tomorrow
HmorningH
H by starting at the timeH
Spend the
H
eating dinner and working
H
your
H H H
writing out a timeline for H
you want to be
H way backwards. Defrost all
H in theHfridgeHso it’s
H and pop the wine
your frozen goodies
perfectlyH
chilled for when your guests arrive later. You H can
alsoHpar-boil veg todayH
H Now sit back, H readyH Htomorrow.
to use
put your feet up and make Hsure youH
leave out aH HSanta tonight! H
special nibble for
H H H H H H H
Image M&S
25 Merry Christmas!
You’ve done it! All the hard work and
preparation has paid off. Presents have been
opened, the turkey is in the oven, and you’re sporting
a very glamorous Christmas jumper. Crack open the
champers and reward yourself, you deserve it.

; A gift a day ;
Countdown the days to Christmas with these DIY Advent calendars
Mini gift
bags
Repurpose a multi-
aperture frame
with this quick
and easy idea
Turn to page 131

to find out how to
create this idea
for yourself
Felt stargazing polar bear, £12.50, Cox & Cox. Mouse decoration, part of a set of three, £18,
Feature xxxxxxx
The Contemporary Home. Natural wooden snowflake table decorations, £6.25 per set of 24, Pipii.
Chalet furry boot decoration, £2, Asda. Moulded multi-glitter ball, £10.50 per tube of 12, Gisela Graham.
Mini winterberry baubles, £9.50 per set of 54, M&S. Silver jingle bell garland, £2.95, Dotcomgiftshop

Top tip
We trimmed the tassels
from our gift boxes to make
them neater, but leaving
them on will add a hint of
colour to your tree.
Tabletop gifting tree

This cute little evergreen will give
you a treat every day
You will need

4four packs of hanging white glitter tassel star
gift boxes, £7 per set of six, Pipii 4hot glue gun
4Make It Merry wooden Advent numbers, £3 per
pack of 27, Hobbycraft 4pre-lit mini Christmas tree
with jute bag, £14.99, Lights4Fun
T his tiny tree makes a great centrepiece on

your table – but is super easy and quick to
create. Simply stick Advent stickers onto the
gift boxes, add some treats inside, then nestle
the boxes between the branches of the tree.
Feature and styling Sophie Holt Photos Lizzie Orme
Mouse decorations, £18 per set of three, The Contemporary

Home. Natural wooden snowflake table decorations, £6.25
per set of 24, Pipii. Mini winterberry baubles, £9.50 per set
of 54, M&S. Table scatter, £3.49, Talking Tables

Red Christmas bauble
with mistletoe, £4;
gold glitter train
decoration, £3, both
The Contemporary
Home. Gold glittered
natural pine cone,
£1.65 per set of three,
Pipii. Nordmann fir
Christmas tree, from
£109, Balsam Hill.
Gold tealight holder,
£5 per set of three,
Dunelm
Top tip
Mix your numbered
pompoms up when
sticking them down to
add a little variety to
the countdown.
Christmas
countdown 1 Start by cutting the board – you can make it as large as you like, but make sure
that the beard area is big enough for 24 pompoms to fit. Once cut, sand the
edges to smooth them, then give the board two coats of white paint
Little ones will love ticking off
the days with this fun Advent 2 Draw out a Santa face, then paint over the various areas, leaving to dry
thoroughly between each part to ensure the different colours don’t mix together.
You will need

4sheet of MDF or plywood 4saw 4sand
3 While the paint dries, create the beard pompoms. Cut 24 circles from white
card, then stamp a number from 1-24 on each. Use a red pen to draw a border
around the edge of each one, then use a dab of hot glue to stick one to each of the
paper 4pencil 4paints 424 60mm snowball beard pompoms.
4
pompoms, £2.39 per pack of eight, Little Crafty Sit the pompoms on Santa’s beard to decide how they’ll be laid out. One by
Bugs 4white card 4numbers and symbols
one, remove them and use a marker pen to write the corresponding number
stamps, £21.50, Willow & Stone 4marker
pens 4hot glue gun 4Stix 2 Anything 3D underneath. Then, use a glue dot to stick the pompom back over the number,
glue dots, £2 per 100, Hobbycraft 4wooden concealing it. Finish up by glueing Scrabble letters spelling out the words
scrabble tiles, £5.49 per pack of 50, Amazon ‘Christmas Countdown’ above Santa’s face.

Festive paper
packages
Hang up your treats with
this show-stopping display
Turn to page 131 to make

this fun alternative to a
traditional Advent
Whether you’re donning ice skates or a taking a trip to the theatre,
take some time out this Christmas and celebrate the season!
Image Warner Bros.
Studio Tour – The Making
Skate at Somerset House
of Harry Potter
with Fortnum & Mason
The Strand, London
15th November 2017 –
14th January 2018
Back by popular demand is the stunning

seasonal Somerset House ice rink.
Transforming the property’s iconic 18th-
century courtyard into a picturesque winter
destination, each skating session promises
an abundance of family fun underneath a
magical 40ft Christmas tree.
Whether you’re taking to the ice in true
Torvill & Dean style or watching on with
a glass of mulled wine from Fortnum’s
Lodge, Somerset House has it all. If you’re
after an alternative festive night out, head
to the special ‘Skate Late’ sessions where
you can glide around to a cutting-edge
Feature Matilda Bourne Background image iStock
selection of DJs and artists!

Hogwarts in the Snow For more information and to buy tickets,
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter visit www.somersethouse.org.uk.
18th November 2017 – 4th February 2018
Conjure up the magic of Christmas with a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and see
Hogwarts in all its festive finery! Grab your wand and get the chance to walk through
the Christmas tree-lined Great Hall, hang out in the Gryffindor common room or see
the Hogwarts Castle model under a blanket of seasonal snow. Plus, this year you can
even feel the different types of cinematic ‘snow’ used in the production and get to know
just how each type was selected for its ability to float, crunch, or glisten! For more
information head to www.wbstudiotour.co.uk.
Winchester Christmas
Market and Ice Rink
Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire
20th November – 22nd December 2017
Including an open-air ice rink and quaint

wooden chalets, Winchester’s magical
Christmas Market attracts over 350,000
visitors each year. Deviate from the high
street for your gifting this season and head
to the historic Cathedral Close, where
the whole family can cosy up with a hot
chocolate, peruse a multitude of unique
and individual hand-picked exhibitors, and
even take a group photograph around the
enchanting Nativity scene! To find out
more about this great day out, head to Photo James Bryant
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk.

Scrooge the Musical
Curve Theatre, Leicester
18th November 2017 –
7th January 2018
When it comes to Christmas theatre, the

‘Made at Curve’ production company
has got you covered. This year it is set to
bring Charles Dickens’ classic yuletide
story to life in Scrooge the Musical.
Ready to take you and the family on a
spellbinding journey through Christmas
past, present and yet-to-come, this
Avon Valley Steam Railway Experience feel-good story about hope and
happiness is the perfect way to celebrate
Bristol, South Gloucestershire the season of goodwill! For tickets,
25th November – 24th December 2017 visit www.curveonline.co.uk.
Plus, as an extra-special treat, Curve
Join the Avon Valley Railway for a ride on one of its specialist steam-hauled trains to Theatre is giving one lucky Your
see Father Christmas himself! Setting off from the picturesque Bitton station, you’ll board Home reader four tickets* to
the vintage carriages and gently begin your hour-long trip to Avon Riverside. Journeying see Scrooge the Musical. To enter, send
through the breath-taking Avon Valley countryside, you can get the chance to meet your name, address and contact details
the North Pole elves and tuck into a mince pie while Father Christmas makes his way to Your Home, Scrooge the Musical
to your carriage ready to see who’s been naughty or nice. Each child will receive a giveaway, HBM UK, The Tower, Phoenix
present especially tailored to their age and, of course, there are always opportunities Square, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9HU
for a photo or two. To find out more, head to www.avonvalleyrailway.org. before 31st October 2017.
*Subject to availability. Adult or

child tickets for Monday-Thursday
performances only, from 20th November
– 7th December 2017.
Reader
TREAT
Enchanted Gardens
Northumberland, South Yorkshire, Isle of Wight, London,
Essex, Warwickshire
15th – 23rd December 2017
Christmas isn’t Christmas without a spectacular array of glistening fairy lights.

That’s why six nationwide English Heritage locations are turning to the great
outdoors to get into the Christmas spirit. Visitors are invited to follow the elegant
strings of lanterns around the grounds to reveal a magical traditional fair ground,
featuring a carousel and swing boats! From mince pies to mulled wine as well as an
abundance of festive gift ideas, the ‘Enchanted Gardens’ are a must-see. To find a
location near you, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk. Photo Tom Wren

Christmas at
Pennywell Farm
Buckfastleigh, Devon
1st – 24th December 2017 Save your pennies this season and try out
some of our thrifty ideas on how to have
Experience a real life Nativity scene fun for less
this December and head down to
Pennywell Farm. Complete with H Wrap up warm and go on a winter
Christmas lights, an authentic manger adventure at your local woodland. Try
and live animals looking on, each your hand at amateur scavenging and
child will get the chance to dress-up forage for sweet chestnuts in the late
and star in this Christmas story while autumn or scout out some holly, mistletoe
singing along to a variety of popular and pine cones that you can transform
hymns, including Little Donkey, While into beautiful home-made decorations.
Shepherds Watched and Away in
a Manger. H Pile into the car and try to find the
After the play, each child will then house with the most Christmas lights in
visit Father Christmas’s famous grotto your neighbourhood – first person to spot
and receive a special present from the Santa’s Stately it wins! Cheesy festive music is, of course,
compulsory.
man himself and his reindeer. But, no
need to fret adults, there will be warm Breakfast
H Let each family member pick their
mince pies and mulled wine for you Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
favourite festive film and snuggle in front
too! To book your ticket, head over to Selected dates from 25th November –
of the television ready for your movie
www.pennywellfarm.co.uk. 24th December 2017
marathon. For extra fun, buy some
Image Pennywell Farm Santa is officially returning to Warwick popping corn from your local supermarket
Castle this year and is inviting families and get the children to make their own
to enjoy a one-of-a-kind feast at Mr popcorn!
and Mrs Claus’ very own private
dining table, set in the Castle’s H On your
decadent State Dining Room. marks, get
Tuck into delicious pastries alongside set, BAKE!
Mrs Claus and await the arrival of Surprise
Santa and his team of personal waiters your friends
who will be poised with your exquisite and family
full English breakfast. After you’ve this season
munched away, Mrs Claus will share with a batch of
a story or two while Santa presents a fresh biscuits decorated by
gift, chosen by you, to each child, all the whole family. Get started
making for a truly magical Christmas with this set of three gingerbread man
morning. Tickets for this unusual cookie cutters from Wilko at just £1.50.
event are available to buy from
www.warwick-castle.com.
Christmas Craft Workshop Photo Janice Alamanou

Holkham Hall, Norfolk
3rd & 10th December 2017
Calling all families! Get those creative

juices flowing and get crafting together this
December at the historic Holkham Hall. Full
of festive fun, these Christmas craft workshops
will teach all ages how to make beautiful
decorations to takeaway, using a combination
of natural materials including berries, twigs,
pinecones, greenery, moss and – of course
– glitter! Starting the day off with an amble
around the idyllic Hall grounds to forage for
your decorating materials, this is a perfect way
of bringing the family together in the winter
season. To book your place in the workshop,
head to www.holkham.co.uk.

Win! Win! Win! Win! Win!
Win! Beko appliances to kit

out your kitchen in style
Transform the hub of your home with this fantastic set including oven, hob and hood
B
eko, one of the UK’s leading home
appliance brands, has teamed
up with Your Home to offer one
lucky winner an amazing prize worth
over £1,000. The winner will receive a
set of three Beko built-in appliances for
the ultimate kitchen makeover. The prize
includes an oven, hob and hood – ideal
for cooking up a feast this winter.
The lucky winner will receive:
Beko single multi-function Split&Cook
oven (BVM34500BM) £350
This innovative oven allows you to cook
two dishes at the same time, but at
different temperatures. An internal divider
ensures flavours won’t mix, meaning you
can make the most of your oven space.
Ideal for roast dinners, put meat in one
compartment and your Yorkshire puddings
in the other.
Beko built-in IndyFlex induction hob
(HII64500FHT) £419
Beko’s sleek induction hobs cleverly
recognise the size of your pots and pans
and only heat the surface of the pan, saving energy and reducing the overall space-saving and energy efficient.
heat let into the kitchen. This particular Equipped with helpful technology that
hob comes with Indyfex technology, saves valuable time and energy, the lucky
which means you can use the Touchslide winner of this set will have a sparkly new
control to combine two cooking zones kitchen that is bound to be the envy of all
into one large zone – great for those their friends.
family-sized dishes.
Beko built-in 60cm T-shaped hood Find out more at www.beko.co.uk.
(HCB63744) £329.99
To finish off the look, Beko’s stainless
steel 60cm hood will keep your kitchen
smelling fresh this Christmas. With three How to enter
different fan settings and an easy-to-read
LED display, your cooking space will be
Q: What is the name of the multi-function
totally transformed.
oven included in the prize?
Beko built-in appliances are perfect for
open-plan kitchens as they are stylish,
A) Cook&Toast
B) Bake&Grill
Rules of entry 7) The Editor’s decision is final. Correspondence will not be
1) The competition closes at midnight on 31st December 2017. entered into. 8) The winners are selected at random, from correct C) Split&Cook
Winners will be notified after the closing date. 2) Subject to entries received, after the competition end date. 9) Prizes are
availability, non transferable or refundable. No cash alternative valid for six months after the date of the draw, and the prize will
will be given. Prizes include delivery but not installation or be withdrawn if it is not claimed within this period. 10) Hubert Visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk to
removal of existing products or appliances, where applicable. Burda Media UK and companies involved in these promotions
3) Open to residents in the UK (mainland), over age of 18, may use your details to advise of products and services. Details enter. Simply click on the WIN! tab, then
except employees of Hubert Burda Media UK or companies are occasionally available to vetted companies. 11) Allow 8-10 fill in your details including the answer to
involved in these promotions. 4) Entrants must be homeowners weeks from selection to completion. 12) Reproduction of this
where decorating/renovation work is required for the prize. competition, in whole or part, without written permission is the above question, before the closing
5) Only one entry per person. 6) The winners must be willing to prohibited. Hubert Burda Media UK reserves the right to date of 31st December 2017. Good luck!
participate in publicity if required. prosecute offending parties.
Visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk to enter online.

CLEAN UP FOR CHRISTMAS WITH
CONVENIENT TURBO CLEANING

WITH PEDAL OPERATED
WRINGER
SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE CORNER CLEANING EASY TO USE EASY POUR SPOUT

2in1 microfibre grease-busting Designed for corner and Simply use the foot pedal A smooth water flow and
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at 60°C furniture bending required when carrying
For stockists please visit

www.vileda.com/uk/stockists Follow us on:
Behave
Yours-Elf
Feature and styling Anna-Lisa De’Ath Photos Lizzie Orme

Make your very own watchful elf
on a shelf to make sure your little
ones behave themselves in the
lead-up to Christmas
Naughty or nice?
Our elf will keep your children
on their toes during December.
Turn to page 131 to find out

how to make our cuddly,
posable elf character.
,
Decorations,
from £2 each; The parents guide to
Elf on a Shelf
Santa's magic key
decoration, £1.50,
all Wilko
Here’s our unofficial guide to using your elf on a shelf, which will
ensure your kids have a magical Christmas
1 Ready, steady, go
The rules
The arrival of the Christmas
tree in your home is usually the
s when it comes to the beacon to signal your elf to
There are two main rule
t, the elf is to be moved to a arrive. Ideally, start using your
elf on the shelf. Firs
r house every night while elf from 1st December – giving
different location in you sion
. This is to create the illu you 24 nights of adventures for
your children are asleep No rth
travelling back to the your elf, otherwise you may run
the Christmas tree that every night the elf is ll you r
This naughty elf has climbed magic key! Pole to report back to Sa
nta about how we out of ideas for your elf's antics!
in an attempt to steal Santa's tha t da y. Sec ond, you need to make The elf is traditionally used
kids behaved ll
touch the elf, or else he’ to report back to Santa to tell
sure your children never ch him ,
s accidentally tou him if your children are being
lose his magic. If your kid nta . The y’re to
gy letter to Sa well behaved or not. However,
Wooden Santa they can write an apolo le of cin nam on,
h a spr ink if you're not keen on the idea
lorry Advent , leave the letter, along wit
the elf be for e the y go to bed, so the elf can of your elf 'telling tales' on your
£36.99, Gisela next to
late r that night. children, arm your elf with a
bring the letter to Santa
Graham
letter saying he's come to your
house to learn how children
celebrate Christmas to help
2
Keep it simple
If you go crazy and make
your elf get up to all sorts of wild adventures
their work in the North Pole.
To help reinforce positive
behaviour, explain that your elf
around the house, your kids will come to expect will tell Father Christmas all the
it every year and you may find you've made a good things the child has done.
rod for your own back. Some elves bring special treats
to reward good behaviour in
the build-up to Christmas.
3 Perform surgery
Our elf has bendable legs and Velcro hands
to make sure he's easily posable, but if you use
a shop-bought elf you may find it hard to place
it in interesting positions. If you’re good with a 4 The Christmas
countdown
Instead of using a traditional
While the children were sleeping the elf decided to ride glue gun or needle and thread you could add
snap fasteners, Velcro or insert pipe cleaners to Advent calendar, you can
round the living room on Santa's Advent delivery lorry.
make your elf more malleable. use your elf to bring little
treats or sweets from the
North Pole overnight to help
count down the days until
Christmas.
5 Feedback on
surveillance
It’s one thing to have
the elf appearing in
a different spot each
day, but it’s quite
another to add some
real acknowledgement
that he is working. Try
having your elf appear
in the morning with a
reminder note from Father
Christmas pointing out
behaviours that your
Uh oh! This elf got the munchies in the night, but children may need to
ie dai sy! Thi s elf tho ugh t it was fun to wrap himself ended up getting stuck in the cereal box. work on.
Ooops
lys down the stairs at
in toilet paper and do roly-po
when no-one was watching.
midnightchristmas
18 2017 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
Elf mail bottle, £1; Elf
6
magic message board,
Set an alarm £1, both Poundland.
before you forget Red reindeer plate,
Set up a daily reminder £16.99, Gisela Graham.
on your phone each
evening (after the kids
have gone to bed)
to remind yourself to
move the elf. But, if you
accidentally forget to
move the elf, act like it’s
part of the magic. Say
you’ve heard elves can
do this and it might mean
he has something exciting
up his sleeve. Maybe he
can have assumed a new
position when the kids
get home from school or This artistic elf decided to ma
ke breakfast 'eggstra'
when your child wakes up special by drawing silly faces
cupcake to go with their on all the eggs in the
from an afternoon nap. Elves secretly love a scrummy fridge with a Sharpie marke
't taking any blame for them r!
bottle of milk, but this one isn
being en.
eat
7 Look for help

If you're stuck for inspiration for your elf's
adventures, scour the internet for ideas.
There’s a website full of suggestions at www.
elfontheshelf.com and Pinterest, Instagram and
9 There are no rules
The reality of the elf on the
shelf is that it was a family tradition
Twitter have plenty of inspiration too. Thinking that they decided to market (and
of creative things for your elf to do every night very well). But there's no reason
should be fun, not a chore. Don't beat yourself why you shouldn't make it your
up if you don't have time. You don't have to own. Perhaps your elf pops up
take photos of his overnight antics to amuse the in different spots throughout the
kids (or other parents!), simply make sure he's day. Maybe your elf is allowed to
moved to a new position in the house each be touched. Maybe your elf only
morning to maintain the magic. shows up when your children have
been good.
8 Any elf will do Your elf is another bit of magic

Elf report and
If you don't have time to make to add to the festive season and to postbox kit, £1,
our cuddly elf, then there are plenty of versions celebrate the unconditional belief Poundland
to buy in the shops. From the official Elf on the in the impossible that is unique to
children, so do what works for you. This diligent elf has been sending daily report cards
Shelf costing £29.95 to the Poundland version
back to the North Pole to tell Santa whether the
costing £2, there's an elf out there for
children he's staying with have been good or bad.
every budget.
Background fabric Stars by Patrick Lose for RJR Fabrics, £14.99 per m,World of Sewing
10 Time to say
goodbye
Let your children know
in your elf’s welcome
letter how long they're
staying for. Your elf
could leave a note on
Christmas morning saying
they’d had a lovely time
but were going back to
celebrate Christmas with
their own family. If you’re
planning a pre-Christmas
toy declutter, your elf
could ask for toys your
Elf house stickers, £1;
kids don't want to take postbox Christmas
back for Santa to recycle decoration, £1; telephone
box Christmas decoration,
for other children. Or he £1, all Poundland
could slip away quietly
on Christmas Day when As he's staying with the family for 24 nights, the elf
your kids are distracted decided to make himself at home and set up residence n making snow angels on
with their new toys. in the skirting board Whoopee! What's more fun tha with Mum's flour?!
the kitchen worktop overnight
Choosing a real tree as a family creates
Image Greenwood Tree Farm, Billerica, MA magical Christmas memories
Pick the perfect tree One of the best for
t
needle retention,
a Nordmann Fir has
Real trees Make this festive season one to remember

with our pick of the best real trees
dark green foliage and
is available in a
variety of
There’s no denying the magic of choosing a real tree and the wonderful tradition of bringing different sizes
it into your home. The British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) estimates around
seven million real trees are bought each year and there are many advantages to staying Nordman Fir pot
measuring 60cm-
real. Not only do they come in a great variety of shapes and sizes to suit your space, 80cm, from £20,
they’re also wonderfully scented for an authentic Christmas feel. They’re eco-friendly, and Homebase
buying a real tree is a way to support the British farming industry. Each tree is unique to you,
and buying a different one each year means you can change your look every time.
Create the cosiest

t
Real tree varieties beautiful pyramid shape and lovely scent,

plus an abundance of branches, perfect if
Christmas setting with this
classic Nordman Fir tree
Real trees tend to fall into three categories: you have lots of decorations. It can be a
firs, spruces and pines. The type of tree you little sharp and spiky to touch. Traditional Nordman Fir tree,
from £29.99 for a 4ft
choose and what is available to you will l Fraser Fir Leaner in shape with much size, Dobbies
depend on where you live in the country. denser foliage, this variety is a dark green/
Here are the most popular trees: blue in colour, has good needle retention
l Nordmann Fir With dark green foliage, and a lovely Christmassy scent.
soft leaves, an even shape and good l Douglas Fir This tree can live for a
needle retention, the Nordmann fir equates thousand years and features needles that
to 80% of sales in the UK. It’s a good radiate in all directions from the branch.
Fill your living
t
choice for allergy sufferers as the needles Featuring blue to dark green needles, it has
space with beautiful
have a thick waxy coating and strong one of the best aromas among Christmas festive scent by
branches make hanging heavy decorations trees when crushed.
Feature Helen Brown
choosing a nostalgic
easy. A water stand is advisable for this l Blue Spruce Elegant with natural blue Norway Spruce
type of tree and should be watered every foliage and a symmetrical shape, this
one to two days. variety has very stiff needles that will support Cut Norway spruce,
available in 1.5m-1.8m
l Norway Spruce The traditional choice heavy decorations but the needles can drop sizes, from £50,
for UK homes, it’s known for having a in a warm room. Homebase

Expert advice Whatever the
t
size of your home,
a Norway spruce
Harry Brightwell, secretary of The room. Measure the height of your ceiling
offers flexibility in
British Christmas Tree Growers Association and don’t forget to allow for a stand. a great range of
(BCTGA) shares his handy hints on Caring for your tree sizes. Choose from
everything you need to know about n Saw a few centimetres off the base of trees starting at 3ft
choosing and caring for a real tree: your tree with a pruning saw or panel at this sustainable
Find a reputable grower To locate a saw and store it in a bucket of water until specialist
reputable grower in your area, visit www. you are ready to bring it inside and place
7ft Norway Spruce,
bctga.co.uk and enter your postcode. A list in your stand. from £56.95, Pines
of sellers near you will be available to view. n Place your tree away from direct and Needles
Delay buying The Christmas decorations are sunlight, draughts and heat from radiators
out in the shops from September and the or open fires to avoid drying it out and
kids may want to put the tree up in shortening its life. Keep the container
November, but if you are opting for a real topped up with water every day. Your Whatever the size of
t
tree, it’s advisable to buy no earlier than the tree may drink one to two litres of waters your home, you’ll be
10th December to ensure it looks its best for per day, depending on its size and your able to find a real tree
as long as possible. central heating settings. to fit. These stylish trees
come in various
Measure up Get a clear idea of the space n It is advisable to place your tree in
varieties and sizes,
you have before you go shopping as you water rather than sand or soil. A tree
presented in a
don’t want your tree to overcrowd your stand will keep it firmly in place.
festive red pot
Pot grown
Christmas tree,
What could be more festive than the from £12.99
t
for a 1ft size,

handsome good looks and glorious scent
Dobbies
that a real tree has to offer?
Traditional Nordman Fir, from £29.99

for a 4ft size, Dobbies
Top tip
The colour of the needles on
real trees should be a dark green
rather than pale and washed out,
and should feel waxy to the touch.
To check that a tree is fresh, hold the With a
t
inside of a branch and gently beautiful blue
pull your hand towards you. colour, this
The needles should stay petite Fraser Fir
on the tree. is an attractive
buy for a flat or
small home
4ft Pot grown

Fraser Fir, from
£62.95, Pines
and Needles
How to dispose of
your real tree
According to the Carbon Trust, you need to
re-use an artificial tree at home for at least
10 Christmases to keep its environmental
impact lower than that of a real tree. Once
Christmas is over, consider burning your
tree on the bonfire, planting it for another
year in early January (if your tree has roots)
or have it chipped to spread on the
garden. This significantly reduces the
carbon footprint by up to 80%. If these
options are not possible, check your local
authority website to see if they will collect
and recycle it. Some local charities offer a
free collection and removal service too.
christmas 2017 21
Achieve effortless
Artificial trees decadent style with this

luxurious design
Top tip
If you want the tallest tree your
For minimum fuss and not 6.5ft Grande Val-D’Isere tree,
£120; tree decorations, from room will allow, go for a tree that
a dropped needle in sight, £6 each, both House of Fraser is at least six inches lower than
an artificial tree is a smart
your ceiling height. For example, if
investment and can look
you have a standard 8ft-9ft ceiling,
as good as the real thing
choose a 7.5ft tree. Remember to
If you can’t wait each year for 1st allow space for an angel or
December to arrive so you can decorate star at the very top!
your Christmas tree, a fake tree is for
you. There’s the convenience of only
having to go to the loft and your tree
is instantly ready for the baubles, plus
there’s no need to worry about watering,
drooping branches or needles on
the floor. There’s no denying that the
manufacturing process of artificial trees
uses more energy and materials, but the
good news is that if you use your tree for
more than 10 years it offsets the carbon
footprint. You’ll be amazed at the choice
available this year and artificial trees
have never looked more realistic!
Which size tree

is best?
Artificial trees come in every height
imaginable, although 6ft and 7ft are the
most popular choices for UK homes. If
you have a large living space with big
windows, go for the largest tree your budget
will allow. If space isn’t a luxury you have,
consider a medium sized 3ft-4ft design or
brighten up a hall table or shelf with a 1ft-2ft
tree. When it comes to width, most trees
measure around 3ft-4ft and slim trees are the
perfect choice for tight corners.
Place this small yet beautiful tree

t
on a shelf or table for an instant

focal point. A hessian sack around
the base is a stylish finishing touch
2ft Flocked
Snowy tree,
£9.99, Argos
Expert advice
Nina Findley, Homebase Christmas buyer, n There is a wide range of realistic-looking
shares her top buying and decorating tips: artificial designs on the market but not
n Artificial Christmas trees are a great everyone is looking for a traditional-style
long-term investment which you can use year tree. Pencil trees are the perfect way to save
after year and a good quality artificial tree space in a smaller home, while a half tree,
is often hard to tell apart from the real thing. with its raised branches, solves the problem
They’re a good choice for homes with of how to deal with inquisitive pets and
allergy sufferers, pets and young children. curious children. However, if you’re looking
Adorned with rustic
n Before buying your tree, decide where for a design statement, try a pre-lit or fibre
t
pine cones and berries, you want to display it. Which room will it be optic style.
this budget-friendly in? Is it going to be the centrepiece of the n A good quality artificial tree should have
tree could be placed in room? Or, is it a second tree that will go in foliage that resembles a real Christmas tree,
any room dressed or 7ft Luxury the hallway? Will it be placed in a corner, look out for the quality of the branch tip and
undressed and still Regency tree, along a wall or next to a doorway? the way the foliage is designed.
look fabulous £70, Tesco

If space is tight, Decorating hints
t
this slimline artificial l Make sure you allow space for your tree
tree will slot into any
topper – measure how long it is, then add
corner and is pre-lit
this to your tree for the total height. You’ll
with 250 LED lights
need to allow for a small gap between the
5.5ft green slim Glemore top of the tree and the ceiling too.
pre-lit tree, £95, l Select a tree with a single straight leader
Debenhams
(the very top branch) to easily secure your
tree top ornament which can be the trickiest
This crisp, decoration to place.
t
contemporary tree l Balance your decorations. Pick a tree with

provides a beautiful a balanced shape so it will look great from
backdrop for colourful all angles, and evenly space branches to
baubles and will showcase your lights and decorations.
complement any
l Consider a sturdy metal stand for your
festive scheme
new tree to ensure it doesn’t topple or lean
6ft classic white Christmas to one side. If you need to protect your floor,
tree, from £279 for select a design with rubber feet. A tree skirt
Candlelight LED and
£169 for unlit, Balsam Hill
provides the perfect finishing touch and
you’re sure to find one to suit your Christmas
colour theme.
If you are on a Featuring rich green
t
t
budget, this elegant branches and a perfectly

spruce-effect design symmetrical shape, this
Unlit or pre-lit? is hard to beat graceful design has
and will work timeless appeal for
The choice between unlit and pre-lit beautifully with many Christmas
artificial trees is purely down to style silver and blue seasons to come
preference and convenience. An unlit tree decorations
will appeal if you love the classic way of 7.6ft Buckingham
6ft Twilight hinged tree,
tree dressing and wish to let your creative spruce tree, £290, Wyevale
juices flow when it comes to decorating. £40, Wilko
Pre-lit trees are brilliant for those who are
time-conscious as the setting up process
is faster. You can also avoid the issue
of cords getting tangled up, bulbs that
don’t work or the kids tripping over wires.
t
Create the perfect Cool and
t
With glittery winter wonderland sophisticated,

t
Introduce the natural tips that look like look with this snow- this blue
beauty of birch trees snow and pine effect design, tinted tree
into your home cones in amongst featuring thick, is an instant focal
with these sparkling the branches, rich branches point and comes
trees, complete with this centrepiece with a stylish
6.8ft Snowy stand
energy-efficient clear tree comes Vancouver
LED lights with a metal mixed
pine tree, 7ft St Petersburg
stand for Blue Christmas tree,
5ft Winter Birch twig £230,
convenience A by £250, John Lewis
tree, priced at £169,
Balsam Hill Amara
7.5ft Glitter tip Christmas
tree, £120, Homebase
3 of the best... tree skirts For a natural, rustic

t
look, this Birchwood

design is the ideal
Disguise the base of your tree in style
complement to
with one of these chic designs… a real tree
If you’re
t
Birchwood tree skirt,

looking for a £19.99, Dobbies
contemporary This understated tree skirt
t
finishing touch is a great investment buy

to your tree, as it will complement any
this silver colour or room scheme
design ticks
all the boxes Galvanised tree skirt, Wicker tree skirt, £45,
£30, John Lewis The White Company

Season’s Greetings Give heartfelt handmade cards this Christmas
Snow globe card 1 Start by covering the front of the card. Lay the card blank down onto a sheet
of decorative paper, draw around it and then cut the resulting rectangle out.
Use a glue stick to fix the paper to the front of the card blank.
Make your own mini snow
scene with this colourful card
You will need

2 Draw a circle onto the front of the card – we used a jar as a template. Cut
the circle out using a craft knife. Cut a piece of acetate slightly larger than
this circle, and use hot glue to stick it to the inside of the card, covering the
4white 5” x 7” cards and envelopes, £5 per pack aperture – ensure it is firmly stuck all around the edge.
3
of 50, Hobbycraft 4Elements Wood A4 Ultimate Create the backing for the snow globe, making sure that it is around 2cm
Die-Cut & Paper Pack, £12.99, Papermania larger all around than the round aperture in the card front. Build up a snow
4pencil 4scissors 4glue stick 4acetate sheet
scene, using blue glitter card as a the sky and background, and pieces of white
4hot glue gun 4X-Cut No1 craft knife, £4.50,
Hobbycraft 4blue glitter card, £3 per set of 20 card or paper stuck over the top to create the hillside. Cut a small house and
sheets, Hobbycraft 4white, green and orange some trees from scraps of paper, and glue them into position on top.
card sheets 4silver glitter 4alphabet stamps
4black ink pad 4 Lay the snow scene out flat. Sprinkle a little pile of silver or white glitter onto
it, trying to keep it to the middle of the work as much as possible. Apply
a line of hot glue all around the edge of the snow scene and, working quickly
Basketball before it dries, place the open card front on top, ensuring the edges of the
bobble aperture and the snow scene line up. The glitter should now be trapped within
fringe,
£8.50 per
the snow scene, which should be positioned perfectly within the aperture.
m, The Use alphabet stamps to write your greeting,
Stripes then stick a ‘base’ for the snow
Company.
Mini glitter globe made from orange card
baubles, beneath the aperture to finish.
£10.50
per tube of
12, Gisela
Graham.
Ginger-
bread
house jar,
£12, Asda.
Top tip
Ensure that your acetate
and snow scene are
stuck firmly all the way
around to stop glitter
from leaking out through
any gaps.
Stitched
mouse card
Fans of needlework will
love this cute project
Turn to page 131 to find
out how to make it
Vintage graffiti
greetings
Give old photographs
a fun new look with this
quick and easy idea
Turn to page 131 for a
guide to these clever cards
Rainbow baubles and

tinsel garland, £22,
Rockett St George.
20 warm white LED
micro fairy lights,
£2.50, Lights4fun.
Clear teal and gold
stripe bauble, £3
per pack of four; teal
hanging text bauble,
£1.50, both Tesco.
Mini glitter baubles,
£10.50 per tube of
12, Gisela Graham.
Ice cream van
tree decoration,
£3, Asda.

Paint chip card T his card is quick and
easy to create – simply
Colour lovers will adore this draw and cut triangles
shaded creation of various lengths from
paint chip cards, then
You will need stick them to the front of a
4paint chip cards, free from DIY
card blank using adhesive
stores 4pencil 4scissors 45” x 7”
polka dot card blanks and envelopes, foam pads to layer them
£2.30 per pack of eight, Hobbycraft up. Once happy with the
4adhesive foam pads 4scraps of arrangement, cut and stick
blue glitter card, £3 per set of 20 stars from glitter card to the
sheets, Hobbycraft top of each tree to finish.
Mini glitter baubles,

£10.50 per tube of
12; painted wood train
decoration, £7, both Gisela
Graham. Set of six glitter
Christmas trees, £36,
Rockett St George. 20
warm white LED micro fairy
lights, £2.50, Lights4fun
Watercolour card
Paint this rainbow design in
gorgeous colours
Turn to page 131 to make

this pretty design

Baking tray card 1 Begin by covering the front of the card with decorative paper. Lay the card back onto
the paper, then draw and cut around it. Stick the paper onto the front of the card using
This 3D card is perfect for a glue stick.
2
your favourite baker Cut a 6cm x 8cm rectangle from mirrored card and round the edges off. This will be
your baking tray. Draw tiny gingerbread biscuit shapes onto scraps of corrugated card –
You will need we drew two men and one star. Use scissors to cut them out, then decorate them with felt tip
4white 5” x 7” cards and envelopes, £5 per pens. Stick these onto the baking tray using adhesive foam pads.
3
pack of 50, Hobbycraft 4Elements wood Stick the baking tray (complete with biscuits) onto the front of the card, setting it at a
A4 ultimate die-cut & paper pack, £12.99, slight angle in the middle of the card front. Draw and cut two oven glove shapes from a
Papermania 4pencil 4scissors 4glue stick
sheet of glitter felt, and position them on other side of the tray. Stick them into position using
4mirrored card 4scraps of corrugated
cardboard 4coloured felt tip pens 4adhesive adhesive foam pads.
foam pads 4blue glitter card, £3 per set of 20
sheets, Hobbycraft 4scraps of patterned card
4alphabet stamp 4black ink pad
4 Cut two ‘arms’ from scraps of decorative card or paper – we used green polka dot
card. Fix these beneath the oven gloves using a glue stick. Finally, use an alphabet
stamp and ink to add the words ‘Merry Christmas’ beneath the tray.
Top tip Deer mug, £3.50; festive

caravan teapot, £8, both
Asda. Santa’s Coming To
Using foam pads gives Town stacking mugs, £7,
the different elements Tesco. LED gingerbread
house ornament, £44.99;
of your card a stacked, mini glitter baubles,
3D effect. £10.50 per tube of 12,
both Gisela Graham
The
wreath
wish list
Feature Hugh Metcalf
A festive home starts at the front door,

so make sure yours sparkles this
Christmas with one of these star buys Wreaths, from a selection, HomeSense
Botanical t Introduce on-trend eucalyptus foliage

into your home for Christmas. Faux or fresh,
it’ll last the festive period and beyond
t
This
green and
Eucalyptus leafy design
sparkle wreath, is a new
£35, Next Snowy
take on the eucalyptus
traditional berries wreath,
Christmas Gold £30, John
eucalyptus Lewis
wreath
wreath, £18,
Sainsbury’s
Home
Frosted feather t
wreath, £6, Choose snowy greens for a subtle
Wilko and stylish statement piece
3 of the best... feather wreaths

With a style for every decorating scheme on the high street
this year, the time is right to pluck one of these indoor-only
wreaths off the shelves
Peacock
feather
wreath, £14,
Dunelm
Green
burgundy
feather
wreath,
£30, John
Lewis
28 christmas 2017
Big
sp ender Crafty
Run out of time to make
t
your dream Christmas
wreath? Get the look
with this DIY-inspired buy
Felt wreath,
£6.50,
Cody Foster Dunelm
& Co bauble
wreath, £55,
Amara This fun,
felted wreath from
Paperchase will add
a serious injection of
colour into your home
Pompom wreath,
£15, Paperchase
We
predict this
log slice wreath
will be a big hit with
Anngarsk matt
These handy
t
glitter wreath, lovers of Scandinavian
£30, Habitat hangers are a quick style this year!
fix for attaching
wreaths to doors and Bark wreath,
other tricky places – £17.99, Very
Budg et no nails required!
buy Wreath hangers, £2.50

each, Roman at Home
Traditional
t
Pick this
charming
wreath with
When it comes to choosing a woolly holly
Wool holly
traditional wreath, you can’t twig wreath, leaves and
beat fresh foliage. With holly, £20, The berries for its
pine and bundles of cinnamon Contemporary home-made
sticks, this arrangement is a Home
look
treat for not only the eyes, but
the nose too
Traditional Christmas
door wreath, £32,
Interflora
Personalised
wooden
wreath,
£30, Etsy
t
Add a personal touch to your décor with
this modern, laser-cut wreath engraved with
your family name
christmas 2017 29
Think outside
the box Ensure that your wrapping is as good 1
as the gift itself with these great ideas
Vintage Christmas
Go for a classic theme with a combination of traditional
colours and endearing vintage-inspired motifs
1 MAKE A MINIATURE SUITCASE

Give a gift the ‘wow’ factor by turning it into a super cute piece of luggage.
Simply wrap with brown paper then add details with felt and stamps
Brown ribbed kraft wrapping paper, £4.50 per 8m roll, Pipii. Cashmere brown felt sheet,
55p; stamps, from a selection at Hobbycraft
2 ADD A LUCKY SIXPENCE

Why not stick on a lucky sixpence as an additional gift for someone special?
Lucky silver sixpence, £4.99, Talking Tables
3 USE A STAMP INSTEAD OF TAGS

A hand-stamped tag gives a great finishing touch
‘To’ and ‘with love from’ stamp, £3.95, Pipii. Mini wreath, from a selection at
Gisela Graham. Botanical Christmas clip-on robin, £9.99 for six, Talking Tables
8
4 MAKE IT EASY WITH FABRIC BAGS
Short of time? Simply pop a gift into one of these pretty bags and add
your choice of decoration
North Pole gift pouch bag, £1.75, Pipii. Acorns from red glitter acorn pick bunch,
£1.99, Gisela Graham
5 ADD A TREE DECORATION

This adorable Santa decoration is the perfect addition to any gift
7
White with red snowflake gift wrap, £3.99, Pipii. Felt Santa dec, £2.99, Gisela Graham
6 PICK UP SOME PAPER BAGS

Keep it simple with printed paper bags, fastened with a sticker
’Tis the season to be jolly small brown kraft gift bags, £1.99 for 25, Pipii
7 MAKE YOUR OWN SNOW DESIGN PAPER

Use the rubber end of a pencil to dab dots of white paint for the perfect
snowy scene
Brown ribbed kraft wrapping paper, £4.50 per 8m roll; retro Father Christmas gift tags,
£2.49 for 15, both Pipii. Botanical Christmas clip-on robin, £9.99 for six, Talking Tables
8 ADD A TOY CAR

Small and big kids alike will appreciate a toy car tied on to their gift
White with red snowflake gift wrap, £3.99, Pipii. Mini tree, from a selection at
Gisela Graham. Toy car, stylist’s own
Background: Scribble wallpaper in Calico,
£58 per roll, Harlequin. Red paper heart
ribbon bunting, £3.80, Pipii. Mini Santa
hats, from a selection at Talking Tables

2
6
3
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk christmas 2017

31
Feature and styling Lisa Hibberd Photos Lizzie Orme
Geometric glamour
Adorn gifts with gorgeous metallics and geometric
shapes for an on-trend look that’s sure to impress
1
1 COVER WITH GOLD LEAF
Part-cover a gift with metal leaf for a luxurious look
Metal leaf, from a selection at Annie Sloan. Gold star, from gold glitter
star garland, £7.49; rose gold luggage gift tags, £3.49, both Pipii
2 MAKE A NAME WITH WASHI TAPE

Cut washi tape into angular strips and use them to write
the recipient’s name
Paper, from a selection at Paperchase. Copper foil washi tape,

£2.50, Oh Deer. Patterned washi tape, from Geometric Gems four
pack, £5, Hobbycraft
3 GO FOR A GEOMETRIC STAMP

We love this bear stamp – perfect for adding an
extra-special touch
Christmas geometric bear rubber stamp, £8, Skull and Cross Buns
4 CHOOSE PATTERNED PAPER

Sometimes a showstopping paper is all it takes to make
a gift look good. We love this bargain design with its
chic geometric pattern
Geometric gift wrap, £1 per roll, Poundland 8

5 SPELL IT OUT
There’s no need for a tag with these eye-catching
metallic stickers
Gold foil alphabet stickers, £5, Pipii. Paper, from a selection

at Paperchase
6 CREATE A TRIANGLE PATTERN

Cut out triangles from metallic card and arrange
neatly to create a geometric pattern
Paper: Makrana wallpaper in Rose Quartz, £62 per roll, Harlequin.

Gold card, from a selection at Hobbycraft. White gold glitter dipped
feathers, £3.99 per pack, Pipii
7 USE A FANCY GIFT BAG

These paper bags are almost too nice to give away!
Fill with goodies to put a smile on someone’s face
Modern metallics copper treat bags, £4.99 per pack of eight, Talking
Tables. Round gold foil on brown kraft gift tags, £2.95, Pipii
8 CUT OUT YOUR OWN DESIGN

Cutout patterns work a treat when fixed to a
contrasting background
Matt gold kraft wrapping paper, £3.85 per roll, Pipii. Design cut out from
Geometric Gems 12” x 12” paper pad, £10, Hobbycraft
7
Background: Makrana wallpaper in Rose Quartz, £62 per roll, Harlequin. Rose gold
beaded garland, £6, Wilko. Gold glitter table confetti, £2.99, Pipii. Mint green
shimmer baubles, £1 for two, Poundland. Copper fern spray, £5.99, Gisela Graham

3
5
6

Oh, Christmas tree
Make your own
alternative to
the traditional
tree with these
inventive ideas
Chalkboard tree
Let your artistic side out with
this illustrated arrangement Gold and white cowhide bench, £195, Graham
& Green. Genuine sheepskin rug, £59, Rockett
Feature xxxxxxx
Turn to page 131 to find St George. Clear snowcapped baubles, £2.50

per pack of three; 2017 clear glass bauble,
our guide to this pretty, £3.50; white glitter sequin baubles, £3 per pack
decorative design. of four; Get Your Sparkle On baubles, £3 per
pack of four, all Tesco

Folded paper trees n Begin by making the bases for your trees. For each base, stack up three mini log
slices, adding a dab of Gorilla Glue between each one. Hold the three slices in
These little tabletop decorations position in a clamp until the glue has dried, this will ensure a firm hold. Once dry, pick
can be made in a flash a drill bit that is the same in diameter as your wooden skewer and drill down through
the top two slices in each stack, leaving the bottom one intact. Add a drop of glue to
You will need the hole, then push the skewer in firmly.
4mini log slices, £5.99 per 20 pieces, n Prepare your paper tree. From a sheet of large decorative paper, draw and cut out
Amazon 4Gorilla Glue 4clamp a long triangle using scissors. Lay it on a flat surface and start making 1cm concertina
4drill 4wooden skewer 4paper, folds along the length of the tree until it is all folded completely from bottom to top.
from a selection at Paperchase n Measure and mark the centre point of the folded tree. Using a single punch, make a
4ruler 4pencil 4scissors hole at this point. Thread the skewer (attached to the log slice base) through the hole
4single hole punch and pull the tree out to unfold the concertina somewhat. Use a dab of glue to fix the
top of the tree to the top of the skewer to finish.
Top tip
Make your trees larger
or smaller by lengthening Flocked deer hanging decorations, £3,
the skewer and the paper Tesco. 20 warm white LED micro fairy lights,
£2.50, Lights4fun. Mouse and trees glass
triangles used to dome ornament, £7; natural wood deer
make them. and trees glass dome ornament, £21,
both Gisela Graham

Paint chip tree
Use paint swatch cards to create this 3D decoration
You will need

4large piece of card 4scissors 4tape
4paint swatch cards, free from DIY stores
4hot glue gun
n This tree is quick and easy to create from just a

few simple materials. To begin, form a flat-bottomed
cone from card or thick paper – this will be the base
of your tree. Once you’re happy with the size and
shape, use tape to hold it together firmly. Next,
take your paint swatch cards and cut them in half
lengthways from top to bottom to create two long,
thin strips from each one. Bring the two short edges
of each strip together and fix with a dab of hot glue
to form a loop. Cover the cone with these loops,
using more dots of glue to stick them in place with
each one overlapping the one beneath it. Cut a few
narrower strips and stick these in between the main
ones to vary the texture of the tree. Once the entire
cone is covered, cut and stick a star shape to the
top of the tree to finish.
Fox and Ivy Jardin champagne flute, £15 per pack of four, Tesco. Silver
and white crackers, £8, Asda. Natural wood glitter shape decorations,
£3.50; natural wood star light box, £13.99, both Gisela Graham

Wooden shelf tree
This space-saving tree is great
for smaller homes

how to make this creative
display for decorations.
Natural wood and pale gold glitter shapes, £11.99; bristle animals, from £3.50; antique glass mini dimpled ogee,
£13.99 per pack; natural wood star with glitter deers, £3.50; iridescent wire star, £11.99; natural wood jointed teddy,
£5.99; white bisque ceramic house tea light holder, £22.99; clear glass ball with silver leaf trellis, £3.10; matt white
ribbed glass ball with iridescent glitter, £5.10, all Gisela Graham. Ski chalet ice skates decoration, £2, Asda

Wooden carnival star, £16.50;
starry birch garland, £17.50; three
tea light houses, £45; all Cox & Cox.
Moons gift bag, £3.75; gift boxes,
from a selection, all Paperchase
Corner tree
This wrap-around design is
ideal for compact spaces

how to make this minimalist,
modern tree

Staircase tree
Use pretty papers to create this sleek
Top tip arrangement
Decorate your tree by
cutting bauble shapes You will need
from coloured card or 4tape measure 4wallpaper 4scissors
4double sided tape
paper and sticking to the
wallpaper ‘tree’ after
n This tree is ideal for smaller homes,
it’s in position.
where displaying a regular tree just
isn’t feasible due to space constraints.
Simply measure the height of your stair
risers, then trim sheets of wallpaper to
fit onto the front of each one to create
a Christmas tree shape. Fix them into
position on the stairs using double-sided
sticky tape.
Wooden carnival star, £16.50;

rust tealight houses, £75 for a
set of two; antiqued soft gold and
cream stars, £30 for a set of two;
all Cox & Cox. Set of copper bells,
£9, The Contemporary Home.
Natural wooden snowflake table
decorations, £6.25, Pipii.
Silver sequin apple decoration,
£3.50; clear and iridescent glitter
wavy stripes glass bauble, £3.99,
both Gisela Graham. Gift boxes,
from a selection at Paperchase

Unleash your creative
side this Christmas
The ideal additions to your crafting kit, Duck Tape colours
and glitter tape are perfect for all sorts of festive projects
W
ith winter on its way and
the weather getting chilly,
there’s nothing nicer than
spending a weekend getting stuck in
to some Christmas crafts. Make sure
you have room in your craft box for a
few rolls of coloured, patterned and
glitter Duck Tape – the ideal crafting
companions for a wide range of
creative ideas.
t
Make your own string of festive

decorations using glitter Duck Tape. The
glitter won’t shed, so it’s a hassle-free
project for a rainy day, plus the colour
theme of black, gold and white works well
for a sophisticated scheme. If you prefer
something a little more traditional, why
not try a Scandi look using red and white
instead? Add other decorations for a
perfectly co-ordinated mantelpiece
t From wreaths and stockings

to tree decorations and gift
wrap bows, you’ll be amazed
at the professional finish that
Glitter can be a messy
t
can be achieved with a little

material to work with, but
creativity and a pair of scissors.
help is at hand with Duck
We love this Christmas
Tape’s glitter design. The
tree, made from
sparkly finish is designed
loops of tape. Mini
not to flake off, making it a
versions will look
mess-free option available
fabulous hung on
in a range of colours. Why
the tree, while a
not let children help to create
larger one will make
a set of pretty candle votives? Let them
a great table
choose the colours and patterns, and always
centrepiece
supervise cutting with scissors
If you’re feeling
t
adventurous,
you could even
make a poinsettia
completely from
Duck Tape – it’s
one Christmas
plant that is
guaranteed to
last for years
Personalising gift wrap is an easy
t
to come! Use florist’s wire

and affordable way to jazz up any to give the leaves structure
YH PROMOTION
present. Take a plain brown paper and to created a realistic

bag, buying in bulk for the best value, veined effect
and use coloured Duck Tape to transform it into a character, such as this fun
reindeer. You could also try a snowman, a penguin or even Santa Claus himself – n For more information and to see the full
little ones will love coming up with their own ideas range visit www.ducktapecolours.co.uk.

Deck the halls
Spruce up your tree with these handmade decorations
Nordmann fir tree, from £109, Balsam
Tonttu gnomes Hill. Red glitter mini baubles, £2.99 per
tube of ten, Gisela Graham. Vintage
Christmas baubles, £4.95 for 12,
These festive little elves will guard your tree Dotcomgiftshop. Gold glittered natural
pine cones, £1.65 per pock of three;
Begin by making your Tonttu’s beard. This can either vintage Santa suitcase, £19.95 per pack
be crafted from wisps of wool tops, or cut lengths of of three; peach mini glass teardrop
bauble, £4.95 per set of 12; all Pipii
yarn. Tie a length of thread around the middle of the
fibre, fold it in half at this point and fan it out, until
it resembles a beard. Use a blob of glue to stick it
to a paper mâché bauble (£6.49 per set of eight,
Amazon). Glue a small white pompom to the top of
the beard to make a nose. Make a cone from felt and
glue this on top of the head, then add a band of white
felt around the bottom of the hat and another pompom
to the top. Finally, tie a loop of twine around the
pompom to hang from your tree.
Wooden skis
Add a little alpine charm
with these mini ski sets
Turn to page 131 for
these cute tree decorations
Feature Sophie Holt Photos Lizzie Orme
Nordmann fir tree, from
If you don’t have a
£109, Balsam Hill. Jingle tree decoration to snip,
bells, £2.95 per set of make your own tree
four, Dotcomgiftshop
from pipe cleaners or
a bottle brush.
Mason jar village

Repurpose jar lids with these hanging snow scenes
To make the backing for your snow scene, lay the lid of a
mason jar down onto a sheet of silver glitter card (£3 per
20 A5 sheets, Hobbycraft), draw around it and cut it out.
Cut two more circles in the same way from white card.
Within each of these circles, draw the shape of mountains –
one set sloping to the right and the other sloping to the left.
Cut out the mountains, then use adhesive foam pads to stick
them onto the glitter card back, layering them up to get a 3D
effect. Cut a little house shape from coloured card, then snip
the top from a tiny bristle fir tree decoration (£3.50 per set of
five, Pipii) to make a little tree. Glue both into position on the
snow scape. Finally, cut a 20cm length of twine and tie into a
loop, then stick it to the back of the decoration for hanging.

This make is perfect
for using up scraps
of ribbon from
other projects.
Ribbon trees
Create these pretty decorations from
scraps of colourful ribbon
Cut a wooden dowel down to around 12cm in
length and sand the cut edges to smooth them
off. Gather together several different types of
ribbon (each at least 15cm long) and tie them
around the dowel, pulling the knot tightly to
secure. Carry on adding knots of ribbon until
most of the dowel is covered. Take a pair of
scissors and trim the ribbon tails of each knot
down, to create a graduated tree shape. Finish
by tying a loop of twine to the top end of the
dowel, to hang from your tree.

LED snowmen
Illuminate your tree with friendly faces
These cute little snowmen are so simple to
Owl create. Start by using a black marker pen

to draw a snowman’s coal mouth and eyes
decorations onto an LED tealight, leaving the ‘flame’
of the candle to become his carrot nose.
Turn ordinary pinecones Create accessories and glue them onto the
into cute owls face – we made a top hat from felt and
Turn to page 131 for a buttons for one, earmuffs from pompoms and
guide to these fun makes pipe cleaners for another, and glued a tiny
pearl ribbon bow (£3.50 per pack of 30,
Hobbycraft) to another. Cut and tie loops
of twine and glue these to the back of each
snowman to hang them up.
Nordmann fir tree, from £109,

Balsam Hill. Red glitter mini baubles,
£2.99 per tube of ten, Gisela Gra-
ham. Glass baubles, £4 each,
The Contemporary Home

Mini snowglobes
Create these sparkly decorations
with glitter and charms
To make this decoration, first unscrew the lid Fill your glitter jar
of a Smiths Mini Mason Jar (£8.99 per set of with water to enhance
six, Amazon) and fill the bottom 1cm or so of the snowglobe
the jar with glitter. Thread a length of twine effect.
through the hole in a tiny silver jewellery
charm (from 99p per set of 24, Amazon)
and make a short loop, around 2cm long.
Stick one end of this loop to the underside of
the lid, so that when screwed on again, the
charm hangs down inside the jar. Finish by
tying a length of twine around the neck of the
jar to allow for hanging.
Nordmann fir tree, from £109, Balsam Hill.

Red glitter mini baubles, £2.99 per tube of
ten, Gisela Graham. Ho Ho Ho snowflake
table scatter, £2.99 per pack, Talking Tables.
Christmas Holiday Collection biscuits, £32.50,
Biscuiteers. Santa & reindeer paper straws,
£5.75 per pack of 24, Pipii

Paper
pouches
These colourful decs
are easily customised
a guide to make them
Woodland baubles
Make 3D critters from bauble blanks
Take several mâché baubles (£6.49 per set of
eight, Amazon) and paint them white all over,
to prime them. Paint a face on your bauble –
we made an owl, a rabbit and a deer.
While the paint dries, make ears for the
animals from scraps of felt, using fabric glue
Hang your baubles to stick the pink inner of the ear to the outer
up to let the paint while folding the edges inwards along the
dry without getting bottom edge to form a 3D shape. Once dry,
smudged. stick the ears to the baubles to finish.

Make your tree stand
out from the crowd
with a set of these
illuminated baubles
Light-up baubles, £38

for 12, Cox & Cox
Feature Lisa Hibberd

Sparkle
This cute tree is
the perfect place
H to display your
favourite cards
HH Wire lit tree,
and shıne
£25, Next
H
H H
Introduce a touch of magic with fabulous
festive lighting for every room, plus some
great ideas for outside too
t
We love the
pretty scene inside
this gorgeous
illuminated star
Small light-up
star, £15, The
Contemporary
Home
t These hanging decorations feature LED tea

lights so they’re safe for busy family homes
Glass bulb terrarium LED tea light holders, £9.99 for

t
Try this on-trend ombré design
two, Festive Lights
for a dome with a difference
Festive glass dome, £14.99, Festive Lights
Metal and glass star

lanterns, from £160
each, Raj Tent Club
t
Create a stunning feature
by investing in a set of these
spectacular star lanterns
Try this chic spiral for a table centre

t
with a twist
Copper wire tree centrepiece, £14.99,

Festive Lights
t
Spell out a message

in lights with this super
festive design
Light up NOEL,
£19.99, Dobbies

Make a sparkling
statement with a
hanging sphere
t
This affordable star
will brighten up a dark Light up hanging
Battery corner, and is also sphere, £20, Wilko
operated light- available in white
up star, £5,
Poundland
We love this
contemporary tree which
features infinity lights
LED infinity tree, £14, Wilko
t
Make this budget-friendly house part
of your festive display
Battery operated light up

house, £5, Poundland
t
If you prefer a more modern festive

scheme, this infinity light is just the ticket
Party Illuminations infinity star light, £27.99,

Talking Tables
t This family of deer will look a treat

perched on your doorstep
Acrylic standing deer family, £50,

Wyevale Garden Centres
t
Make your house the envy of all your neighbours
with this clever snowflake projector t
Let your wreath take centre stage
Christmas snowflake projector light, £38.99, Lights4fun with a battery-powered design
Bauble wreath, £25, Next
50 christmas 2017
Turn your outdoor
space into a winter
wonderland complete
with a sparkling stag
Large twinkling stag, £50;

light up wall star, £20;
LED bright white rope
light, £20; willow tree,
£85, all Wilko

Feature and styling Lisa Hibberd Photos Lizzie Orme
Glass frog prince bauble, £5, The Contemporary Home. Green dog decoration, £2, George Home. Eco wool racoon with antlers decoration, £6.99,
Gisela Graham. Glass strawberry bauble, £4, The Contemporary Home. Wire jolly cactus, £4, John Lewis. Confetti bauble, £7, John Lewis. Geometric
disco bauble, £7, John Lewis. Donut bauble, £1, George Home

Branch
out Adorn your tree with
our pick of some of this
year’s most fabulous
hanging decorations
Woodland flower hanger, £5, John Lewis. Gold resin bird, £4.50, Gisela Graham. Floral tile bauble, £4, John Lewis. Ceramic acorn decoration, £2.50,
Dunelm. Pheasant feather bauble, £3, Dunelm. Starry night finial green glass bauble, £2.50, Wilko. Starry night prism blue glass bauble, £2, Wilko.
Eco wool brown Christmas pudding decoration, £3.40, Gisela Graham. Feather tree bauble, £2, George Home

H
Give a H
little gift Treat your loved ones with

these handmade presents
Copper
wine rack
Drink buffs will adore
this stylish piece
this great gift idea
5A Fifth Avenue gold ombre white wine glasses, £17 per

H H H
set of four, Dunelm. Copper glitter 3D star decoration,
£3.10; sequin apple and pear decorations, £3.50 each, H
H
both Gisela Graham. All other items stylist’s own
H H
H
54 christmas 2017 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk H H
H
H H
H H
H
H H
H HH H H H H H H H H H H H H H
H
H H
H H H H H H
HH H H H H H
H H H H
H H H H H
H H
H H H H
H
H H
H H H H H H H
H
H
H H
Pin your cotton cat shapes H
H H H
H H Kitty heat
H H pad
H
2
H
H H H
Warm Hyour lovedHones’pillow
heartsH H H
H
together, with right sides facing.
Use a straight machine stitch toH sew H H
H
with this microwavable all around the edge of the work,
H H
H You Hwill need
H H H H Hleaving H and
a 1cm seam allowance
H H
H H
41m cotton fabric 4pencil
an 8cm gap in the seam. Turn the
work out through the gap, and use
4scissors 4pins 4sewing machine and
Add a few drops of
lavender oil to your oats H
a pencil to poke the corners of the
thread 4funnel 4oats or cherry stones or cherry stones to make
ears, feet and tail out. Press with a your pillow even more
1 Download and print the Kitty

Pillow template from www.
yourhomemagazine.co.uk or send a
warm iron.
3 Using a funnel, gently fill the

cat with oats or cherry stones,
relaxing.
stamped SAE to Your Home CME 17 making sure it is fairly full but not so
Kitty Pillow Template, HBM UK, The stuffed that it feels rigid. Once you’re
Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, happy with how full it is, carefully
Essex, CO4 9HU. Use it to cut two hand stitch the gap in the seam
cat shapes from cotton. On one, closed. Finally, use scraps of felt or
embroider eyes and a mouth using fabric to make your cat a little collar,
black thread. and stitch it around the neck.
HH H H H H
HH H
H H HH
HH H H H H H H H H H H H H H HH
H
Perth Christmas stocking in Blush, £35; brushed cotton
H
throw in Rose, £79.50; both Ian Mankin. Luna sequin
H H
Dream cushion, £15, Dunelm. Rose gold snowflake
H H H H
H H H
H H H H H H H H
decorations, £8; pointed copper glass bauble, £5; copper
glitter bauble, £3; white bauble with gold spots, £4, all H HH H
H H
H H
H
The Contemporary Home H H H
H H
H H H H H H H H H 55H H
H H H H H HH H H H
H H
H H H H H H H
H HH H H H H H H H H H H
H HH H
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4citric acid, £6.99 per 1kg tub, as well. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry a little bit
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H
Table scatter, £3.49, Talking Tables. Set of copper bells,
H £9; matt pink glass star baubles, £6 per set of nine; rose
gold forest tea light, £4, all The Contemporary Home.
Gold tea light holder, £5 per set of three, Dunelm
H
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Framed family tree T his gorgeous family tree design can be customised to suit any colour
scheme. Simply cut and stick a sheet of patterned paper to the back
Display vintage photos with this pretty picture board of a large frame – we used pink and gold lace Decopatch
paper. On a separate sheet of paper (we used a sample of map-print
H
You will need wallpaper), draw and cut a tree shape, then glue the tree onto the
4frame, from a selection at The Range 4Decopatch backing board. Stick your family photos onto the branches, then cut and
pink and gold lace paper, £3.80 per pack of three stick frames around each one using scraps
sheets, Hobbycraft 4scissors 4glue stick 4a sample of pink card. Place the backing board back
of Crown Voyager wallpaper in Parchment, £21.99 in the frame to display.
per roll, The Range 4vintage family photos 4scraps
of pink paper
Scale up your frame

and the tree within to
include more photos
for larger families.
H H H
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Starry Night glass onion-shaped mercury baubles, £1.50 each; Starry Night copper
H H
H
wire mesh ball lights, £6; frosted glass mercury hearts, £1.50, all Wilko
H H
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firing imaginations for over 35 years
The UK’s most comprehensive range of high quality stoves and fireplaces
Woodburning | gas | | M u lt i - f u e l | e l e c t r i c
stovax.com
YourHome_STXGZO_FP_Xmas16.indd 1 11/09/2017 09:10

Get creative
with festive
flowers
Christmas isn’t just about the holly Enchanted

and the ivy, so don’t forget to bring wreath,
from £135,
seasonal blooms in from the cold for Interflora
some fabulous floral arrangements


Expert advice
Make these clever Florence Kennedy, founder of Petalon
present toppers with florists and author of Flowers Every Day
fresh foliage, scraps of (Pavilion), shares her tips for getting
floral foam and string started with floral foam:
Look for floral foam Project from Flowers Every Floral foam comes in a green version for
Day by Florence Kennedy, holding fresh flowers and a brown version
in craft supply shops £18.99, Pavilion
such as Hobbycraft. for dried flowers. You can buy it in pieces
that you cut to shape and size with a sharp
knife, as well as in pre-cut shapes or ready
fitted into trays and cage-like frames.
You must soak the green version before
you use it. To do this, float it in a deep bowl
or bucket of water until it sinks to the bottom
and air bubbles stop escaping. Do not push
the foam down. Leave it to stand in a sink
until the excess water has drained out, then
it’s ready to use.
To save money, why not try

collecting fresh, festive foliage
from your garden for a bouquet
or home-made floral arrangement?
t Bright white blooms are perfect for the festive

season and if you choose these potted plants, they’ll
look just as great in your home come spring time
Snowflake ceramic, £7; spathiphyllum in silver glass pot, £12;

flowering hyacinth in stag pot, £4; two spike phalaenopsis
in silver pot and glitter sleeve, £30; snowflake ceramic bowl
arrangement, £15; grey zinc jug with kalanchoe, £8; two
spike dendrobium in gold snowflake pot, £20, all Wyevale
Garden Centres
t
These planted bulbs

have been given a magical
makeover with glitter
Star planter with glittered white

bulbs, £35, Waitrose Florist
Treat yourself to this

t
pretty lantern filled

with seasonal foliage
and poinsettias
Christmas lantern, £18,

Waitrose Florist

Make a country chic
Christmas garland
The experts at Interflora tell us how to
Expert advice
The Wren
bouquet, make this beautiful hallway decoration
£65, Bloom
& Wild Anton van Duijn, Style Director
at bloomon, says: You will need
4 Foam garland 4 A selection of Christmas
A small arrangement works best on a foliage including spruce and holly 4 Eucalyptus
table so your guests can still see each 4 Wax flower 4 White chrysanthemum blooms
other. Place thicker stems to the middle 4 Hydangea 4 Trachelium 4 White Avalanche
of your arrangement so that more delicate roses 4 Vanda orchids 4 Dried lotus seed heads
4 Twigs 4 Scissors 4 Florist’s wire
stems can lean on them without damage.
n Before you begin measure the space you

t
Keep your colour scheme consistent,
matching your table setting to your flowers would like to display the finished design and
cut the foam garland to size. Lay the flowers
Small bouquet, from £21.95, bloomon out in front of you, ready to use. Immerse
t
Look for
bouquets with deep
the foam garland in water until completely
purple accents and soaked, then place on a protected work
jewel-like berries surface, ready to get started.
for your table n Using a pair of sharp scissors cut off
centrepiece sprigs of spruce roughly 17.5cm in length
and insert into the foam at a slight angle.
Interflora recommends removing at least 3cm
of pine needles at the stem so that you can
push the spruce easily into the foam.
n Repeat with holly and eucalyptus until
the surface of the garland is well covered.
You won’t need to cover the bottom of the
garland as this won’t be visible when the
design is in place.
t n Next, carefully move the garland to the
Find a place where you want to display it. Cut the
few festive extras hydrangea stems and roses at an angle and
for bouquets, such insert into the foam. Ensure that you spread
as pine cones and
them evenly along the garland.
sparkly decorations
n Next, add trachelium and wax flower in
Autograph white the same way. Follow with chrysanthemum
Christmas bouquet, blooms. Once you are happy with the
£25, M&S
positioning of the flowers and foliage, add
Interflora can the twigs. To finish the garland, add Vanda
t
supply all kinds of fun orchids and dried lotus seed heads.
and novelty vases and
pots for flowers, but Rather leave it to the experts?
we especially love Interflora’s expert florists can take your brief
this simple rustic log and create something truly unique, either for
your home or as a gift, based on favourite
Festive red cyclamen
trio, £28, Interflora flowers, colours or style and budget.
u u
u
u u u
u Take inspiration from the latest trends for the season to bring a sprinkle
u
of magic to your festive decorating
Tartan works well with
Highland fling a traditional red, green
and white decorating
The must-have pattern this Christmas is scheme, making it easy to
traditional tartan – used on everything re-use some of last year’s
from soft furnishings to baubles to add decorations in a new way
warmth and comfort to your home Berry tree, £35; baubles,
from £1; lying down stag,
£15; wooden calendar,
t Add a tartan accent to your dining £6; wreath, £8; tree
table with these fabulous crackers skirt, £10; jute rug,
£25; coffee table,
£59, all George
Fam tartan crackers, Home
£15 for 12, M&S
t Give your home some

best of British style with
on trend stag motifs
Hanging tartan antlers, £3,

Sainsbury’s Home. Sequin
stag cushion, £12.99, Very
You can’t
t
help but fall

in love with
this adorable
winter robin
Red glitter
u Traditional,
t
robin, Stuff this

t
£7.50, stocking full but with a glitzy

M&S twist – these
of mini gifts
for your decorations are
loved ones sure to become
firm favourites
Red check
stocking, Glass tartan
£19.95, baubles, £14.99
White Stuff for six, Very
u
Try something different for your
u
Winter pastels traditional festive lunch table – we
love the effect of this soft and
Embrace pretty pinks and greens welcoming colour palette
alongside iridescent rainbows for a
pale and interesting festive scheme Light up wreath, £45; Advent house,
£50; tree decorations, from £3; candle
holder, £9; hurricane lantern, £15;
iridescent table top trees, small £9,
large £12; bisque polar bears, £15, all
The Contemporary Home
t
We love these on
trend blush pink baubles
Metallic tree decorations,

£9.99 for three, Very
t
Complete the look with

this sweet stocking
Seedling & Bloom Christmas
stocking, £45, Tori Murphy
Make sure your

t
tree topper delivers on

the ‘wow’ factor with
this sparkly star
Silver star tree topper,

£12, Debenhams
u
This votive’s
t
subtle iridescence
makes for a
pretty detail
u
Pearl tea light
holders, £20 for
four, Red Candy
u
u t
Pair soft greens and pink with off white
table linen for a contemporary, yet cosy look
u
Pastel deluxe crackers, £4.99 for 10,
Home Bargains
u
t
Dress your tree in iridescent t

glass decorations Help to create a
soothing, yet festive feel
Iridescent pendant, £1, George
Home. Glass bauble, £4.50, with foliage in muted
Debenhams. Ice reindeer green tones
decorations, £10 for two,
The Contemporary Home Frozen leaf garland, £15,
National Trust
u u christmas 2017 65
This festive tree goes to show
you can take inspiration from
Yule jewels the luxurious Art Deco trend
no matter what your budget
Choose baubles in peacock
hues and champagne gold for a Jewel Christmas tree
truly decadent feel to your home decorations, from £1,
Poundland
this Christmas
t Opt for these detailed

gold place settings to
add subtle glam to
your Christmas table
Ornate beaded
placemat, £12.50;
bead coasters,
£12.50 for four,
both M&S
Use sumptuous
t
fabrics, such as
velvet, in your
home for a touch
of instant luxury
u Embroidered
dragonfly
Christmas
stocking,
£70, Johanna
u Buchanan
for Amara
t
Create Art Deco

opulence with these
Get the Gatsby-era look with
t
bargain baubles Art Deco

this collection of decorations baubles, £3,
Art Deco baubles, from Matalan Matalan
£1, Poundland
Turn your sofa into part of

t
These crackers are the
your Christmas décor with
perfect shade of gold to bring
a new cushion
this scheme through into your
Crown your tree with this bejewelled
u
t
u
table setting Gold tassel small pillow,
topper for the perfect finishing touch £19.50, M&S
Cream and gold family crackers,
£3, George Home Snowflake tree topper, £6.50, Sainsbury’s Home

Combine frosty whites
Scandi by nature with calming greys and
taupes to create your
Create some much needed
own winter retreat
‘hygge’ in your home during
the festive period with stripped Snowy Christmas tree,
back Nordic neutrals £39.99, Home Bargains
t Faux fur
fabrics soften
the edge of this
rustic trend – try
cushions or this
stylish stocking
Soft brown
stocking, £22,
Debenhams
t Look out
for log pile-
inspired tree
hangers, like
this one from
u George Home
Wooden
heart ornament,
£4, George Home
u u
t
These tabletop Direct your
u
t
decorations from Very guests to the
Betty
are perfect for styling right seats with
up a sideboard into a
festive display
these simple
place card
u
holders
Rustic table top twig
tree, £12.99; Gisela
snow globe, £24.99,
both Very
Wooden place
card holder,
£5.49 for four,
Talking Tables
t Create a stunning centrepiece

with this faux reindeer antler at t
its heart These fun
decorations deliver
modern Scandinavian
style by the festive
sleigh load
u Wooden cut out hanging
decoration, £1.75 each,
Large silver antler prop,
Sainsbury’s Home
£13.99, Talking Tables

Create a look adults and
folk songs children will both love, by

mixing cute character baubles
Achieve a fun, family-friendly look with classic Christmas colours
with this decorating idea inspired Folklore Sophia spruce 7ft tree,
by European folk designs £250; tree decorations, from £5;
Design Project No22 table, £279;
Barbican three-seater sofa, from
£1,199, all John Lewis
Folklore crackers,
£20 for 12, John
Lewis. Christmas
place setting,
75p each,
Dotcomgiftshop
t
Extend the folk theme to your dining
table with these decorative crackers and
place settings
Green angel
bauble, £4, M&S.
Mitten bauble, £1,
George Home
u
u
u t
We love this
adorable garland Christmas
nutcracker,
of miniature dolls £12, Matalan
Christmas friends t
garland, £12.95, Choose pretty,
Dotcomgiftshop detailed decorations
inspired by Polish
paper cut designs
t
Hang this
stocking in pride
of place so guests
can admire its
gorgeous detail House
cloche,
u
Gold and £16,
silver Christmas Sainsbury’s
stocking, £25, Home
Postcards Home
Look out for laser-

u
t
cut designs, such as

Red tree
u this tree topper, which
t
This fun light up topper, £6,
are spot on for
u
dome is perfect for Sainsbury’s
this trend Home
t
Traditional nutcrackers are a adding some festive

must-have for Christmas this year whimsy to your home

Check out Dunelm’s fantastic
Ornament box, £10; gold ribbon, selection of baubles in golds and
£2; festive charm baubles, £20 for blues for a tree that’s sure to be
100; sequin peacock bauble, £2; a talking point this season
chunky tinsel, £1; geometric tree
Festive charm candle, £5; church candles, from
50p; mercury gold glass diamond
For an opulent feel this Christmas decoration, £2, all Dunelm
go for Dunelm’s rich blues and
glamorous golds
t If you’re entertaining
this season greet guests
with their favourite tipple
in these luxurious glasses
– and why not try the odd
cocktail to get the party
started too?
Gold cocktail shaker, £10;

gold stem champagne flutes,
£22 for four; gold rim
champagne saucer, £18
for four, all Dunelm
u u
u
t The experts at Dunelm have this advice

Make sure to help you recreate this opulent look.
each place
setting at the l Inspired by iconic Art Deco style, rich
Christmas table shades of teal and peacock blue form
oozes opulence by the perfect backdrop to a host of stunning
setting the tone with Beaded napkin ring, gold highlights in this fabulous festive look.
these beaded napkin rings £8 for four, Dunelm
l The perfect party atmosphere isn’t
complete without gorgeous gold barware,
match with gold-rimmed glasses and a
u
t
Who doesn’t drinks trolley that will be the envy of all

love a statement t your family and friends.
star at the dining Ensure your tree sparkles and
shines with this selection of baubles
l Add a touch of sophistication by
table, above the
opting for a black Christmas tree this
fireplace or at
Star decoration, £3; sequin bauble, season, decorating with gold baubles in
u
the window
£2; mercury diamond decoration, geometric shapes and metallic finishes for
to set the £3, all Dunelm
scene? that extra sparkle.
l Feathered accessories and sequinned
Feature Lara Berry YH Promotion
Gold metal edges baubles in a striking peacock blue will

star decoration,
£20, Dunelm add a bit of glamorous fun to this theme.
For more inspiration head in-store or online

This gorgeous platter will make
t
at www.dunelm.com.
a great table centrepiece – pile it
high with lavish gold baubles to
make it work for the festive period
Teal glass platter, £20, Dunelm

Get creative with
spray paint
this Christmas
Whether you’re changing your colour theme or

getting crafty this Christmas, look no further
than PlastiKote spray paints for quick and easy
transformations!
Use Twist & Spray Colour, Metallic or Glitter on
everything from fir cones and fruit to baubles and
candlesticks. For smaller projects, use PlastiKote
Fast Dry Enamels.
Availalbe from Hobbycraft, The Range, B&M, Wickes
and good independent DIY stores.
IT’S QUICK AND EASY WITH

PLASTIKOTE SPRAY PAINTS
www.plastikote.co.uk
www.spraypaintideas.co.uk
’Twas the
night before
Christmas…
Craft a beautiful Christmas Eve box
for your little one to enjoy
Box painted in: Emperor’s Silk chalk paint,

£4.95 per 120ml, Annie Sloan. White
wooden snowflakes (on box), £2.95 for 21,
Pipii. Reindeer stamp (on lid), £2.50; red ink
pad and red glitter, all from a selection at
Hobbycraft. Bluffton 6.5ft artificial tree, £170;
felted robin, £4; plain red baubles, £5 for 10,
all from a selection at Wyevale Garden Centre.
Felt Advent calendar, £20; knitted baubles,
£5 for two; knitted jumper decorations, £9 for
two; mini spotted baubles, £3.50 each; large
spotted baubles, £4 each; gold baubles, £4
each; Nordic Santa musical snow globe, £30,
all The Contemporary Home. White faux fur
rug, £25, Flair Rugs. Car with tree hanging
decoration, £1.50; ultra soft red throw, £6;
nutcracker soldier, from £1.50; knitted hat
decoration, £1.50, all Wilko. Little nutcracker
soldiers, £1 for two; gift bags, £1, both
Poundland. Swirly lollipop decoration, 50p;
skis decoration, £2; knitted gloves decoration,
£2; mail box decoration, £2, all George Home.
Christmas 2017 71
A box filled
with treats
Make sure your home is filled
with festive cheer by placing a
beautifully decorated box under
the tree for your little one to enjoy
this Christmas Eve. It’s a lovely
tradition to start and can be
something that the whole family
can get involved with. Just a few
special treats, fun gifts and things
to do will be enough to start
the magic and keep little ones
entertained before bed time calls.
Top tips!
Not sure what to put in your Christmas
Eve box? Here are some of our ideas…
H Christmas DVD
H Pyjamas
H Santa’s key
H Magic bell
H Cuddly toy
H Hot chocolate
H Decorate a festive plate kit
H Sparkly reindeer food
H Sweets
H Christmas story book
H Nice list certificate
H Stocking
H Popcorn
H Festive cookie baking kit
H Christmas activity book
H Family game
The Night Before Christmas book, £6.99; Father
Christmas DVD, £3.84, both Amazon. Snowmen
bright red pyjamas, £28, Cath Kidston. Fynn
teddy bear, £27.90, Steiff. Decorate your own
Christmas plate for Santa kit, £9.35, All Things
Brighton Beautiful at Notonthehighstreet.
Prepare for a very

important guest
Decorating a special plate for Santa is a
great activity for the kids on Christmas Eve.
Feature & styling Lara Berry Photos Lizzie Orme
Let their creativity flow to make their own

designs – leaving space for Santa’s mince
pie and Rudolph’s carrot. And if they
haven’t done so already, a little note to
the big man himself will go down a treat!
Decorate your own Christmas plate for Santa

kit, £9.35, All Things Brighton Beautiful at
Notonthehighstreet. Mince pies, £1.09, Asda.
Letter to Santa activity pack, £1, Poundland.
Stag fabric, stylist’s own.

Don’t forget
the reindeer!
Enhance the magic just before bed time
by sprinkling special reindeer food out
on the lawn to help guide Santa to your
home and keep Rudolph’s energy up for
the journey ahead. Simply mix oats and
gold glitter in a bowl and pour into a box
or small plastic sachet – tying neatly with
a bow to finish it off.
Porridge oats, 39p per pot, Aldi. Gold glitter,

from a selection at Hobbycraft.
Make it special
Use porcelain pens to decorate a
plain mug and personalise it for your
special someone. Then fill a clear
sweet cone bag with hot chocolate
powder, chocolate chips and
marshmallows for the perfect bed time
drink that is sure to send them right off
to sleep, making sure Santa doesn’t
have any interruptions during his visit.
Mug, £2, Tesco. Porcelain Painter pens, £2.50

each, Amazon. Reindeer hot chocolate cone:
clear sweet cone bags, £1 for 10, Hobbycraft.
Classic Hot Chocolate, £9, Hotel Chocolat.
White, milk and dark chocolate drops, 75p
per packet; mini marshmallow faces, 25p per
packet, both Asda. Christmas jumper teddy
bear, £4.99 (with £1 donation to Save the
Children), WHSmith. Reindeer plate, £12,
The Contemporary Home. Jolly Ginger Santa
biscuit, £6; personalised Christmas biscuit
box, £22.50, both Biscuiteers. Lulea foot
stool, £47.99, Maisons du Monde.
H HH
HH H
H Great idea H
HH scrumptious,
Why not treat them to some
beautifully iced H
biscuits from Biscuiteers to
their bed time drink? H
H accompany
We love the Jolly Ginger Santa
H
biscuit, or you could personalise
H the Christmas box selection H
H to make the gift extra
H
H special.
H
HH H
H
Christmas tree, from a selection, Kingswood Christmas
Trees. White glitter baubles, £3.50 each; frosted glass
reindeer design baubles, £4 each; light up wooden star
decoration, £15; pine cone Christmas garland, £18, all
The Contemporary Home. Warm white LED fairy lights
on clear cable, £9.99, Lights4fun. Sheepskin, £130; red
candle in jar, £1.75, both Ikea. Rattan deer head, £60;
pine leaf star, £20 per set of four, both Cox & Cox. Red
knit stocking, £4, Wilko. Grey Scandi wooden trees,
£6.50 per set of three, Notonthehighstreet
Feature and styling Jo Rigg Photos Lizzie Orme Background iStock

Baby, it’s cold outside
This festive season we have been inspired by the rustic interiors of cosy wooden
cabins. Our crafty makes will help set the scene whether you opt to make our
natural wooden decorations, tasty biscuits or wrap your presents in Scandi style
Felt, 55p per sheet; 20mm wooden beads,

£4.50 per pack of eight, both Hobbycraft.
Faux snow, £1 per bag, Poundland
Meet the little people

Choose a clean dry log or branch for the
elves to sit on. Place it down in front of you.
Use a hot glue gun to attach three pine cones
on the top of the log. Glue a wooden bead on
the top of each pine cone for a head.
To make each hat, roll a small piece of felt
into a long thin cone, cut away any excess felt
and then sew the long seam closed with small
hidden stitches. Each hat can be as long as
you like, just make sure the open end of the
hat is large enough to slip over the wooden
bead head. Stitch a small bell at the tip of
each hat. Cut a long scarf from felt for each
elf – we made each scarf a little different,
one with a cut fringe, one knotted and one
left plain. To finish draw two eyes on the
wooden bead and then glue two buttons
at the base of each cone for elf feet.
Faux snow, £1 per

bag, Poundland
Be candle safe. Never leave burning candles unattended
Cool as ice
Set the scene with some frozen festive candle holders. First
boil some water and then leave it to cool. To make the
candle holder you will need two similarly shaped containers
to use as moulds, a large one for the outside of the holder
and a smaller one for the inside – small plastic stacking
bowls or tubs are ideal. The containers can be any size
but the smaller container needs to be big enough to hold a
tea light inside. Fill the larger container with 2cm of cooled
boiled water, place upright in the freezer and leave to
freeze. Sit the smaller empty container in the centre inside
on the frozen ice. Use sticky tape to tape across the top of
the two containers, this will keep the smaller container in the
middle and stop it moving around as the ice freezes.
Place several small pieces of foliage, leaves or berries in
the space between the two moulds, top up with water and
freeze. The frozen candle holder should be easy to remove
from the moulds within a few minutes out of the freezer.
Place a tea light candle in the centre, ready to light.

Decorate simple
log slices
Begin by drilling a small hole for hanging the
decoration a little way in from the edge of
each log slice. Use a pencil to lightly sketch
your design on the wood. Burn the Christmas
designs onto the surface of the wood following
the pencil lines. This is quick and easy to do with
the pyrography tool. Use white acrylic paint to
fill in the snowy areas. To finish, thread each
decoration with string. The festive wooden slices
can be used as hanging decorations or can be
tied to presents for a finishing touch.
Log slices, £5.99 per pack of 20, eBay. Pyrography wood

burning tool, £10; white acrylic paint, £1, both Hobbycraft
Faux snow, £1 per bag,

Poundland. Wood-
print card 12” x 12 “
scrapbook pad (used to
make cabins), £6.99,
Papermaze
Count the days

to Christmas
Each cabin in our Advent village holds a
surprise treat or two to enjoy while counting
down the days to Christmas. Download
and print the ‘Advent cabin’ templates
from www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk or
send a stamped SAE to Your Home CME
17 Advent cabin template, HBM UK, The
Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, Essex,
CO4 9HU. The templates will print out on
three A4 sheets, each with a different
cabin design.
Cut out each template. Lay your wood-
print card face down and place the
template on top. Draw round the template
with a pencil. Remove the template, cut
round the shape. Use the dotted lines on
the template as a guide to lightly score the
folds. Fold the tabs and glue to form the
cabin. Use stamps and an ink pad to stamp
a number on each one. As a finishing
touch we drew a front door on some of our
cottages. Pop a sweet or two inside and
then fill with scrunched tissue paper.

Set the snowy scene
Add a festive touch to your Christmas table setting with
our snow globe wine glasses. Arrange two or three
Christmas cake decorations on top of a log slice; keep
the decorations toward the centre of the log slice so you
can slip the glass easily over without knocking them. Glue
in place with a hot glue gun. Next pour a tablespoon of
rock salt or white granulated sugar into each glass. Pick
up one log slice, turn it upside down and place it on top
of the wine glass. Carefully tip the glass upside down
while holding the log slice in place. Add a glass at each
place setting. When you are ready to use each glass just
lift it from the log slice and shake away the faux snow.
9cm round log slices, £4.99 per pack of 10, eBay. Christmas cake
decorations, all stylist’s own. Svalka wine glass, £2.50 per box of six, Ikea

Create a warm welcome
Don’t forget to decorate the outside of your home to
welcome guests this Christmas. Dress to impress with
rustic lanterns, cosy cushions and magical lighting.
Rolled throw, £10; red and white cushion, £13, both Ikea.
Grey and white woollen snowflake cushion, £45; blanket, £100;
plywood snowflakes tied to present, £12.50 per pack of 12; pine
leaf star, £20 per set of four; light up berry garland, £35, all Cox
& Cox. Red and white knit cushion, £20; snowy tree decoration,
£12, both The Contemporary Home

Tuck into tasty snowflakes
Use our gingerbread recipe (below left) to make a batch of
snowflake-shaped cookies. They keep well, so make a big batch
to enjoy on the lead-up to Christmas – they’re perfect for when
unexpected guests turn up! These delicious cookies are also
ideal to give as gifts to friends and family. Simply pop them in a
clear cellophane bag and tie with a pretty festive ribbon and a
handwritten tag. You could even personalise them by adding your
loved ones’ initials. Alternatively, you could hang them on your
Christmas tree as edible decorations. To hang them, simply use a
blob of the thicker icing to ‘glue’ a length of twine to the back of
each cookie, leave to dry, then tie to the branches of your tree.
Artisan serving set, £47.99; tall coffee glass, £2.99, both Lakeland
Gingerbread snowflakes
For the gingerbread • 900g plain flour • 3 tsp bicarbonate
of soda • 2 tbsp ground ginger • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 400g unsalted butter • 200g light muscovado sugar • 100g
dark muscovado sugar • 200g golden syrup For the icing
• 1kg Royal icing sugar • assorted food colourings
n Preheat the oven to 180°C/350ºF/Gas Mark 4.
Line two baking trays with baking paper.
n Sieve the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger
and cinnamon in a large bowl and make a well in the
centre. Over a medium heat melt the butter, sugar and
golden syrup until the butter has completely melted. Pour
the mixture into the bowl and mix to combine. Leave to
cool slightly before kneading to a stiff dough on a lightly
floured work surface.
n Roll out the dough to the thickness of a £1 coin and use
snowflake-shaped cutters to cut out your biscuit shapes.
n Bake the biscuits for 12 minutes, remove from the oven
and transfer to cooling racks.
n Prepare the Royal icing by sieving it into two large
bowls – 500g of sugar in each one. In one of the bowls,
gradually add three tablespoons of water and mix – the
icing should be the consistency of toothpaste. In the other
bowl, gradually add four tablespoons of water. This icing
will be your flood icing and should be slightly runnier.
n Transfer the thicker icing into a disposable piping bag.
It’s a wrap!
When you’re ready to start icing, use scissors to cut the Beautifully wrapped presents needn’t cost
very tip of the bag and briefly practise piping on a sheet a fortune – we used off-cuts of wallpaper
of baking paper. to wrap our larger presents and tied
n Outline the snowflakes with a single, unbroken line of them with natural string and twine.
piping icing. Allow the biscuits to dry for about 10 minutes
Wood-effect wallpapers, from a selection, B&Q.
before using the flood icing to fill in the rest of the biscuit. Plywood snowflakes, £12.50 per pack of 12,
Once you’ve finished flooding the biscuits, place them on Cox & Cox
a lined baking tray and bake them for about 20 minutes
at your oven’s lowest temperature so that the icing dries.

Fimo modelling
clay, £2.50
To top it all off
per block, Make a forever cabin decoration to top
Hobbycraft your Christmas cake. Download the
‘Cabin cake topper’ template from
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk or send
a stamped SAE to Your Home CME 17
Cabin cake topper template, HBM UK,
The Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester,
Essex, CO4 9HU. The template will print
on one A4 sheet of paper. Cut round the
template pieces. Roll some brown Fimo to
a thickness of 3mm. Place the templates
for the cabin on top and use a sharp knife
to cut round the outside of each shape.
Transfer the shapes onto a baking sheet
and harden in the oven following the
manufacturer’s instructions. Leave to cool.
Use a hot glue gun to stick the sides of the
house together and then attach the roof.
Roll a block of white Fimo to 3mm thick,
use a knife to cut it in half, each piece will
make one half of the snow-covered roof.
The two straight cut sides will join together
at the peak of the roof. Shape and trim
the other three sides of each piece with
a wavy edge, lifting the Fimo to check it
fits the roof as you work. Gently curl the
edges of the Fimo to give it a more 3D
shape before you bake it.
Cut and shape the snowy trimmed
edges for the underside of the roof gables.
Make two trims for each roof gable and
one to fit on top of the roof to hide the
joins. Bake these white trims as before
and then glue in place. Place the cabin
on your cake and dust with icing sugar.
Make a rustic
cabin window
Our window frame is made from rustic branches
gathered on a walk through the woods. Look
for dry and fairly straight branches to cut with
a saw into four 50cm long lengths. These will
make the outer window frame. Glue and nail the
corners together. Measure and cut two smaller
branches for window bars, one to lie across and
one down the middle of the window. Glue and
nail in place. To dress the window, wind several
fine branches around your window frame, secure
with small pieces of florist’s wire, if needed.
Lastly, decorate the window frame with berries,
pine cones, baubles or even a festive
Christmas robin.
Red clip-on robin decoration, £3, The Contemporary Home
80 christmas 2017
Fashion a simple star
Collect six long, straight, dry branches.
Cut them all to the same length – we cut
ours to 45cm long. Arrange the sticks in a
star shape. Wrap and twist a small length
of wire at each corner and also where the
branches cross to hold the sticks in place.
Vintage hurricane lamp, stylist’s own. Plywood

snowflakes, £12.50 per pack of 12; light up berry
garland, £35, both Cox & Cox. Mini Christmas trees,
99p per pack of 12, eBay

Child’s red sequin penguin jumper, Women’s green
£22, House of Fraser slogan jumper, £34, Women’s navy gingerbread
Notonthehighstreet.com jumper, £16, Peacocks
Men’s Christmas Fairisle jumper,

£18, Matalan Women’s black sequin jumper,
£18, George Women’s red reindeer jumper,
£24.99, Bon Prix
Once the height of bad taste, Christmas jumpers have seen a surge in popularity
in recent years, here’s our pick of the best…

Christmas jumper garland, £7.99, Talking Tables
Feature Matilda Bourne
Women’s Christmas tree sequin Women’s pink slogan jumper,
jumper, £20, Peacocks £32, Debenhams
Men’s blue Star Wars jumper,
£34.99, Numskull
Child’s red reindeer jumper,

from £8, F&F
Women’s green snowman

Make the world
Men’s white snowman
hooded jumper, £20, F&F
jumper, £16, Peacocks
better with a sweater…
Save the Children’s National Christmas
Jumper Day is on Friday 15th December
2017 and this year Benji and Bruno the
bears are joining the team! Sporting
their very own knitwear, these bears are
available to purchase in-store and online
at WHSmith for £4.99. Head to www.
christmasjumperday.org
to find out more.
Charity
Christmas
jumper
bears,
£4.99,
WHSmith
Women’s striped mistletoe jumper, Men’s grey turkey jumper,

£29.50, M&S £18, Matalan
Celebrate this
Christmas in dramatic
style. Layer up shades
of black dressed with
touches of gold and
blue for a strikingly
modern festive look
Feature and styling Jo Rigg Photos Lizzie Orme
Dress to impress with this opulent dark Christmas room scheme. Black is super
glamorous teamed with firelight, candles and twinkling fairy lights.
Gold glitz and glam crazy foil party balloon pack, £30, Bubblegum Balloons. Black velvet chair, stylist’s own.
Black sheepskin, £65; gold star table, £215, both Graham and Green. Black Merry Christmas cushion, £1,
Poundland. Black and gold tea light holder, £6.75; Marmor Paperie black and white hand marbled baubles, H
£15 each, all Notonthehighstreet. Gold wire star candle holder, £7.50; pair of gold dogs with crowns, £60,
The Contemporary Home. All other baubles, from a selection, Gisela Graham at The Contemporary Home.
Pearl rug in black, £260 for 160cm x 230cm, Flair Rugs. Stunsig blue mug, £3; Jubla white candle, £3.75
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per pack of 20; Atgang black glass bottle, from £5, all Ikea. Black candlestick, £20, Notonthehighstreet
used with a black and gold candle, £25, Sara Miller. Gold dot bowl, £6, Oliver Bonas. Fraser Fir pre-lit 6.5
ft. Christmas tree, £489, Balsam Hill. Gift bags, from a selection, Sara Miller
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No need to hunt down real mistletoe when you can create this
everlasting alternative that you can use year after year. Begin
by painting your canvas with chalkboard spray paint. Leave to
dry and then sketch the basic outline for your design onto the
surface of the canvas with a fine white marker pen. Chalk to
draw over the white lines and add the smaller details such as
stars, use your fingertips to smudge and blend the chalk.
Chalkboard twist and spray paint, £7.39, PlastiKote. White stretched canvas, £5;
Uniball white Posca marker pen, £3; white chalk, £1 per box, all Hobbycraft.
Black candlestick, £20, Notonthehighstreet. Jubla white candle, £3.75 per pack
of 20; Stockholm blue vase, £4, both Ikea. Gold mini disco bauble, £8.50 per
pack of 20, Gisela Graham. Black and gold candle, £25, Sara Miller
Our festive twine trees are simple to make

and are easily placed to add to the festive
decorations in your home.
Begin by wrapping a polystyrene cone
with clear plastic cling film. Pour one
part PVA or white glue and add two
parts water in a bowl and mix well. Paint
the outside of the cone with the diluted
glue mix. Tape one end of the gold
yarn underneath the base of the cone.
Wind the twine round the cone until it is
covered. Then paint over the twine with
another coat of diluted glue. Leave to dry,
overnight is best. Unpeel the end of the
twine from under the base of the cone and
then lift the woven tree shape off the cone.
Carefully peel away the plastic wrap. Trim
the ends of the twine if needed. You can
leave the tree plain or dress it up.
Polystyrene cones, £3.20 for 27cm high cone and

£2.50 for 21cm high cone; craft PVA glue, £2 per
H 300ml pot; metallic gold yarn, £4.80 per 25g ball, all
Hobbycraft. Black and gold star studded table, £100,
H Rockett St George. Ceramic chalk Advent calendar
H bauble, £10; black and gold tea light holder, £6.75
each, both Notonthehighstreet. Fraser Fir pre-lit 6.5 ft.
Christmas tree, £489, Balsam Hill. Baubles, from
H a selection, The Contemporary Home
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Decorations aren’t just for
trees, we’ve gone all out
and dressed up this chair
full of festive sparkle.
Black velvet armchair, stylist’s own.

Black sheepskin, £65, Graham and
Green. Pompom throw, £41.99,
Gisela Graham. White lights on
back cable, £49.99, Lighst4fun.
Gold foil ampersand cushion, £12;
black cluster cushion, £45, both
Next. Fox cushion, £1; black Merry
Christmas cushion, £1; large gold
bauble, £1, all Poundland. Pearl
rug in black, £260 for 160cm x
230cm, Flair Rugs. Blue Stockholm
pouffe, £85; Stunsig blue mug, £3,
Jubla white candle, £3.75 per pack
of 20, all Ikea. Pair gold dogs with
crowns, £60, The Contemporary
Home. Black candlestick, £20,
Notonthehighstreet
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Make decorative rosettes from ribbon to adorn your home and even your guests!
They make great table favours and alternatives to place cards too! To make our
Christmas rosette you will need 2m of ribbon, we used 20mm wide black satin
ribbon. Cut the ribbon into 14 x 12cm long strips. Fold over each strip to form a
loop and then sew or glue the ends together. The remaining ribbon will be used
for the rosette tails. Cut two 5cm circles from blue card. Arrange the cut ends of
the ribbon loops around the outer edge of one of the circles so they radiate out
from the centre of the circle overlap them slightly. Glue or stitch the ends onto the
card around the outside of the circle. Glue the second card circle directly on top
of the first circle to hide the ribbon ends. Fold the remaining ribbon in half and
glue the fold at the back of your rosette, trim the tail ends neatly. To finish add a
festive slogan to your rosette – we used a Dymo label printer for our message.
Black ribbon, £1 per 15m roll; blue glitter card, £3 per pack of 20 sheets, both Hobbycraft. Dymo
label maker, £16.88, Amazon. Black and gold spotty baubles, £3 each, Gisela Graham. Pair of gold
dogs with crowns, £60, The Contemporary Home. Black and white hand marbled baubles, £15 each,
Marmor Paperie at Notonthehighstreet

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This alternative Christmas tree will work best if it has a straight central stem
with a few side branches to hang things from. Look for a dry branch. Begin
by wiping the branch clean, then paint it with a coat of white acrylic paint,
leave to dry. Apply a second coat if required.
White home craft acrylic paint, £1.50 per 60ml tube, Hobbycraft. Black 1-24 gift tags, £5.20,
Notonthehighstreet. Marble monochrome party balloons £10.50 per pack of 14, Bubblegum
Balloons. Large gold bauble, £1; white light-up star, £5; Countdown to Christmas hanging sign,
£1, all Poundland. Pjatteryd black reindeer picture, £15, Ikea. Feather angel wings, £5, Wilko
Dress up a small table for an

instant festive bar and fill it with
Christmas spirit, all ready to whip
up some cheeky cocktails when
your guests arrive
Blue paper honeycomb decorations, £2.99

for three; white LED rope light, £21.99, both
Lights4fun. Neon fluorescent blue light, £60;
base, £13.75; blue glass tea light holders,
£4.50 each, Graham and Green. Luxe
bar table, £295; hanging ampersand and
X alphabet letters, £1.50 each, all Oliver
Bonas. Flimra champagne glass, £1.95;
Fyrfaldig Martini glass, £1.75; Ikea PS
2017 glass vase, £15; Glattis tray, £7.95,
all Ikea. Gold foil straws, £4.75 per pack
of 24, Papermash. Gold wine glass, £3;
gold champagne flute, £3; blue prism
bauble, £2, all Wilko. White bauble
with stitched tree decoration, £16.99,
Notonthehighstreet. Bronze ceramic reindeer
decoration, £1; light-up glass dome
decoration, £1, both Poundland

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Beautifully wrapped presents look

great and can add a glamorous
touch to your festive display until
it’s time to hand them over.
Gold mulberry leaf lounger chair, £295; gold

iron honeycomb side table, £125; teal blue agate
tea light holder, £21, all Graham and Green.
Perpetual type calendar, £25; chalkboard gift
wrap, £10.95, both Notonthehighstreet. Black
velvet studded cushion (just seen), £20, Next.
Light-up stag head silhouette, £54.99, Lights4fun.
Gold and black glitz and glam star garland, £15,
Bubblegum Balloons. Gold champagne flute,
£3, Wilko

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Set the scene for the big day, our
H festive modern table setting works
for breakfast, lunch or the main
event – Christmas dinner with all
the trimmings.
Ingatorp black dining table, £225; Tillagd

gold cutlery, £40; Fabulos clear with black
spot tumblers, £2.50 each, all Ikea. Marble
print plates, £35 per box of 12; black
scribble round placemats, £8, both Next.
Gold champagne flutes, £3 each, Wilko.
Black gems table confetti, £5 per bag,
Notonthehighstreet. Black geometric frame
candle lantern, £4.99, Lighst4fun. Blue prism
bauble, £2, Wilko. Winter trees crackers, £15
per pack of six, Sara Miller
For a quick and super stylish place

setting we gave a handful of feathers
a festive touch. Begin by taping your
feathers in a straight line down on
a flat surface, position the tape in
one straight strip across the middle
of the feathers. Then tape a piece of
scrap paper or bubble wrap to cover
the ends of your feathers. Spray the
feathers with gold spray paint from the
tip of the feather downwards with a
light sweeping action, use more paint
at the tip of each feather and less at
the end, this will give a nice graduated
paint finish. Leave to dry and then
un-tape and remove the bubble wrap.
Paint a line of gold glitter glue along
the spine of each feather.
Feathers, £3.30 per pack of nine; gold glitter

glue, £1.50 per 60ml tube, both Hobbycraft. Gold
spray paint, £8.53 per 400ml can, PlastiKote
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Give plain clear baubles a new dimension by adding elegant silhouette shapes.
Download and print the ‘Silhouette’ template from www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
H
or send a stamped SAE to Your Home CME 17 Silhouette template, HBM UK, The
Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9HU. Measure the diameter of your
bauble. Use a permanent marker to draw onto a circle on a sheet of clear acetate
that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the bauble. Place the paper template on
your work surface. Position the acetate circle centrally over one of the designs. Use
the same marker pen to trace round the template shape and fill in the centre. Cut the
circle out. Remove the top of the bauble. Roll the acetate circle and pop it inside the
bauble, it should unfold easy to reveal the silhouette design. Pour one tablespoon of
snow inside and add a few stars. Replace the bauble top ready to hang.
Baubles, £5.99 per box of six, Amazon. Faux snow, £1, Poundland

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Keep
calm
on at
f f
and carry
W W
f f
W
Christmas
s
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With all that’s going on, Christmas is a time when we all need to be on our
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best behaviour and follow a few simple ground rules to avoid a festive family
fracas. Whether you’re hosting or visiting, follow our simple advice to make
sure you’re the best guest or host with the most.
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Wave goodbye to wifi
There’s nothing more unsociable than a family gathering
Don’t make a drama out of dinner
Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for at least a couple of members
of your festive gathering to have a food allergy or intolerance
where, instead of chatting to each other, everyone sits or be on a specific diet. To avoid dinnertime disasters, make
around staring at a mobile or tablet screen, especially at sure you ask about any dietary requirement well in advance. If
Christmas. To encourage more interaction amongst your you have a dietary requirement as a guest, it’s a nice gesture
guests, tell them your wifi is down and secretly turn off the to bring along a dish that not only you can eat, but would be a
router for the day. Before you know it your house will be something that could be shared by the whole group, for example
filled with the sound of chatter and laughter as your family if you have a wheat or dairy intolerance, maybe bring along a
and friends discover they joy of being present in the room side of smoked salmon that everyone could tuck into. As the
together, rather than away with the techno fairies! host, choose dishes that can be shared by all your guests rather
than cooking different meals for individual dietary needs.
e All present and correct e

When it comes to gifting there are a few dos and don’ts to be aware of. Avoid giving scented candles (too obvious a re-gift),
and, unless specifically requested, steer clear of gift cards and vouchers. They often expire too quickly, they can be easily
lost and some need passwords to activate them – so generally too much faff! A lottery scratch card or lucky dip ticket can
be a fun and inexpensive gift for those you don’t know too well. Or for a little luxury, treat loved ones to something you
know they would not normally splash out on for themselves, for example Wolford tights or posh chocs in a beautiful box
for the ladies. And, after a straw poll in the Your Home office, it turns out most men really do love getting new socks
and posh pants. Otherwise, for many men you can’t go wrong with a nice bottle of their favourite tipple or some
exciting new ingredients for budding chefs to try in the kitchen.
W Suggest a siesta W
A buck’s fizz at breakfast and a lunchtime tipple often
Game for a laugh
In these days of hi-tech computer games, there’s still something
leads to sleepy guests in the afternoon, so rather than really lovely about all sitting down together as a family after
everyone flaking out on the sofas, encourage everyone Christmas lunch and playing a good old fashioned board
to have a quick power nap to keep them going through game. It’s a great way for both adults and kids to come
to the evening. An hour or two’s siesta will give together. Opt for family favourites, such as Cluedo, Buckaroo,
everyone a chance for some downtime and prevent Mousetrap or Operation, which are interactive and fun. Avoid
anyone getting niggly or feeling a bit claustrophobic in Cards Against Humanity or Monopoly, as it goes on for too
each other’s company, especially if your family don’t get long and can be tricky for very young children to get to grips
together often. And in the evening, if anyone looks like with. If you have space, why not set up a jigsaw table, which
they are planning on drinking into the night, politely guests can dip in and out of throughout the day? It’s fun to do,
suggest that you’re happy for them to take a drink up needs no rule book and can be enjoyed by all ages.
to their room, but explain that it’s time for bed and
you need to set the burglar alarm. ooooooooooooooooooooooo
Be un-social
Hide the remote control
With most households having multiple televisions, laptops
In these days of camera phones and constant social
media posting, it’s good to set a few ground rules on
Christmas Day. It’s fine to take photos to record the festive
and tablets, it’s all too easy for your guests to disperse to fun and games, but ask guests not to share them on social
different rooms to watch tv during Christmas Day. Keep media without asking permission by all involved first. Your
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everyone together by banning the box, or just agreeing on Auntie Jean may not appreciate a shot of her snoring on
one or two programmes that you can all sit down together the sofa being posted to Facebook for her bingo chums to
Feature Anna-Lisa De’Ath
and watch – a good film or the Queen’s speech, for see and your usually stylish sister might not want a photo
example. Other than that, give the telly a day off and make plastered all over Instagram of her looking unkept in her
the most of each other’s company by going for a walk, old pjs opening her presents on Christmas morning.
playing a game or having a singalong. ooooooooooooooooooooooo
These indulgent
goodies make great
gifts for friends with a
for giving & sharing sweet tooth…. if you

can resist eating them
yourself that is!
T
hese mouth-watering confectionery recipes are really easy and take
less than half an hour to make. Why not get the kids to lend a hand
making them? Some need a bit of practice and a few just need patience,
because the chocolate mixture has to cool and set before it can be formed
into small bite-size pieces, but they’re all well worth the effort
Christmas tea truffles

Make a large batch of truffles, wrap
them up in a pretty box and gift them
to your friends and family
• 300g dark n Chop the chocolate

chocolate finely. Heat the cream
• 200ml slowly in a small
whipping saucepan. Add the tea
cream when the cream is hot
• approx. (it mustn’t boil) and leave
1 tbsp to draw in the hot cream
Christmas tea for 5 minutes.
• 40g soft n Strain the hot cream
butter over the chocolate. Mix
• cocoa together quickly with a
powder wooden spoon until the
mixture is smooth. Stir in
the soft butter and mix
well. Cover the cream
with cling film – the film
should be in contact
with the surface.
n Refrigerate the cream
for 12 hours.
n Form a little ball of
cream in your hand with
the aid of a small spoon
and roll the ball in
cocoa powder.
n Continue in the same
way until all the cream
has been used. Store the
truffles in a cool place
but not in the refrigerator,
because then they get
too hard.
Preparation 25
Feature Anna--Lisa De’Ath
minutes + 12 hours
refrigeration time
Makes 25-30

Preparation
20 minutes
+ 3 hours
Crunchy chocolate balls

resting time
Makes about 30
With these tempting treats you get

sweets and biscuits in one mouthful,
as the chocolate balls are rolled in
crushed biscuits
• 4 tbsp n Bring the cream to the

whipping cream boil in a small saucepan.
• 1 tbsp loose Remove from the heat
Earl Grey tea and let the tea draw in
• 150g the hot cream for 10
milk praline minutes. Strain out the
chocolate tea leaves.
• 100g dark n Bring the cream back
chocolate to the boil, then reduce
• 8 thin, the heat. Chop both
pale-coloured kinds of chocolate and
biscuits add to the cream. Stir the
mixture until the chocolate
has melted.
n Pour into a bowl and
refrigerate for 3 hours.
Crush the biscuits.
n Form about 30 balls of
chocolate and roll them
in the crushed biscuits.
Store in a cool place.
Preparation 15 minutes +
2 hours refrigeration time
Makes 25-30
White chocolate snowballs

These spheres of white chocolate are flavoured with
rum and decorated with three different coatings. If you
don’t like sweets containing alcohol, you can replace
the rum with a little vanilla essence
• 500g white n Break the chocolate into smallish

chocolate pieces, tip into a small bowl with
• 125ml reduced the crème fraîche and rum and melt
fat crème fraîche over a bain-marie. Let the chocolate
• 2 tbsp rum (or mixture cool, then refrigerate for
vanilla essence) 2 hours. Put the grated coconut,
sesame seeds and flaked almonds
For decorating on 3 different plates.
• 100g grated n Make walnut-sized balls of
coconut chocolate mixture and roll them
• 100g sesame in the different coatings. Keep
seeds the truffles in a cool place
• 100g flaked before serving.
almonds

Coffee mocha truffles
Chocolate truffles are easy to make but
you need a little bit of patience, because
the chocolate mixture has to rest in the
refrigerator for about three hours before
it can be formed into balls
• 150g dark n Chop the chocolate

chocolate into small pieces. Heat
• 100ml the cream over a low
cream heat and pour over the
• 25g soft chopped chocolate.
butter n Mix well so that the
• 1 tsp very chocolate melts. Cut the
strong coffee butter into smallish pieces
• cocoa and add to the mixture.
powder Lastly, add the coffee
and stir thoroughly.
n Cover the truffle
mixture with cling film
and refrigerate for at
least 3 hours. Then form
about 20 balls with the
aid of a dessert spoon
and roll them in cocoa
powder. Keep the truffles
in the refrigerator.
Preparation 20
minutes +
3 hours
resting time
Makes about 20
Preparation 5 minutes
Baking time 10 minutes
Makes about 12
Coconut kisses
These easy coconut cakes only contain four
ingredients that are quick to mix and bake. It
only takes 30 minutes to make them. Eat them
straight away – you won’t be able to resist!
• 2 egg whites n Preheat the oven to

• 60g icing 180°C/356ºF/Gas Mark 4.
sugar Beat the egg whites and icing
• 90g coarsely sugar together with a fork. Mix
grated coconut in 90g grated coconut and the
+ 10g for cocoa powder.
decoration n Using a tablespoon, arrange
• 20g cocoa 12 little heaps of mixture on a
powder baking sheet lined with baking
parchment, leaving plenty of
space between them.
n Sprinkle with a little coconut
and bake for 10 minutes.
94 christmas 2017
Fruit and nut medallions
These chocolate treats are so simple to make. Top them with your
favourite nuts and dried fruits
• 100g dark n Break the chocolate into smallish pieces and melt over a bain-
chocolate 70 % marie for 5 minutes. Cut the candied orange peel in small pieces.
• 12 pistachios n Using a tablespoon, arrange 12 little heaps of melted chocolate
• 12 almonds on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment.
• 12 hazelnuts n Press nuts, raisins and candied orange peel gently into the
• 12 raisins chocolate while it is still soft. Leave the chocolate to set. It is best
• 2 slices candied not to put it in the refrigerator, as the chocolate may develop a
orange peel grey ‘bloom’ if you do.
Preparation 10
minutes + about 1
hour cooling time
Makes about 12
+ cooling time
Makes about 20-30 pieces
Pumpkin-seed nougat
These easy-to-make sweets have a mild lemon flavour with
added bite from the crunchy pumpkin seeds. Be careful if you
have children with you in the kitchen, as the sugar gets very hot
• 100g sugar n Simmer the sugar, water and lemon juice over very low
• 1 tsp water heat until the nougat mixture is pale. Remove the pan from
• a little the heat and quickly mix in the pumpkin seeds.
lemon juice n Pour the nougat mixture immediately onto a small tray
• 4 tbsp lined with baking parchment and leave to cool in a cool
pumpkin place (not in the refrigerator). When the nougat has set,
seeds break it into smallish pieces.

Preparation
30 minutes
+ 6 hours
Creamy caramels
resting time Is there anything nicer than caramels?
Makes about 50 This mouth-watering recipe is sure to
become a family favourite
• a square n Line the tin with baking
cake tin about paper. Gently bring the
20cm x 20cm cream to the boil and
• 50ml remove the pan from the
whipping heat. Put the sugar, syrup
cream and lemon peel in a heavy-
• 340g sugar bottomed pan and mix
• 280g corn together thoroughly. Heat
syrup (or slowly to melt the sugar and
glucose syrup) then bring to the boil. Let the
• finely grated caramel mixture simmer until
peel of ½ golden. Mix in the butter
untreated and cream.
lemon n Continue simmering until
• 70g butter the temperature reaches
118°C then pour the mixture
straight into the tin and leave
to cool (in the refrigerator,
if desired). Remove the
caramel from the tin, cut
into smallish rectangles or
squares and wrap them in
twists of baking parchment.
Fruit and nut slabs

Here is a heavenly nibble to go with a nice cup of
coffee. This confection is filled with various kinds of
nuts, dried fruits, puffed rice and lots of chocolate.
Use the nuts and fruits you have in the house and
taste your way to your favourite combination
• 50g each of n Preheat the oven to

Brazil nuts, 160°C/310ºF/Gas Mark 2.
blanched almonds Mix together the Brazil nuts,
and pistachios almonds, pistachios and coconut
(shelled and flour. Place the nuts on a baking
skinned) sheet and roast for about
• coconut
35g 10 minutes. Stir the mixture
flour occasionally and leave to cool.
• 50g dried n Dice the apricots and orange
apricots peel. Break both kinds of chocolate
• candied
50g into small pieces and melt in a
orange peel microwave or over a bain-marie.
• 150g dark Add all the ingredients to the
chocolate (70% melted chocolate and pour it onto
cocoa content) a baking sheet lined with baking
• 75g milk parchment. Spread the mixture out
chocolate evenly in a rectangle. Leave to set
• 50g puffed in a cool place for at least 3 hours.
rice n Cut the chocolate into small
rectangles. Preparation 25 minutes
+ 3 hours resting time
Serves 6-8

Tonka bean truffles
In these truffles, dark chocolate is mixed with whipping cream
and flavoured with tonka beans. If you can’t get hold of tonka
beans, you can use vanilla seeds instead
• 400g dark chocolate n Break the chocolate into smallish pieces. Bring the
• 150ml whipping cream milk and crushed or grated tonka beans to the boil over
• ¼ tsp crushed or grated a low heat. Remove the pan from the heat and melt the
tonka beans or vanilla seeds chocolate into the milk, stirring continuously, until the
• 4 tbsp cocoa powder mixture is smooth.
n Leave the chocolate mixture to set in the refrigerator for
about 6 hours. Form into little balls with your hands with the
aid of a teaspoon and roll them in cocoa powder.
n Keep the truffles cool until you are ready to eat them.
Preparation
20 minutes +
about 6 hours
refrigeration time
Makes about 30
christmas 2017 97
Your ultimate guide to
a stress-free Christmas dinner
Forget soggy sprouts and
undercooked turkeys, with some
clever planning and a little
cheating, you can breeze through
preparing your festive lunch
Feature Anna-Lisa De’Ath Main image iStock
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa H Creating canapés can be fiddly, presenting them

C rack it
time-consuming and fill your kitchen with beautifully. Use with yo
ur
washing up. Save yourself the bother and
opt for some of the many ready-made ones
wooden boards,
slate platters or
c a n a p és
available in our supermarkets. Most are even a pizza
designed to cook for the same time at the stone to create
same temperature, making it easy to batch an impactful display.
heat them in the oven so you get more time H Don’t feel like you have to present
to enjoy with your guests. If you feel like everything fully finished. It’s much more fun
using shop-bought canapés is cheating, to let guests build their own canapés – a
customise them with your own garnishes to few cubes of cheese with bowls of silverskin
give them a more home-made feel. onions, olives or pineapple chunks and a
H Don’t overdo it on the portions. It’s easy stack of cocktail sticks will have everyone
to get carried away and overwhelm your loving your retro build-your-own bravado.
guests with too many options. Just pick three H Add your own finishing touches. A pot
or four favourites and stick with them. You of home-made chutney on a cheeseboard,
need to leave your guests enough room to some stuffed olives or some freshly baked
12 Thai-inspired prawn lollipops, £2; 12 Cajun enjoy the rest of the meal. cheesy crackers will give your canapés a
inspired chicken bites, £3; 10 Bombay potato rosti
baskets, 32, all Tesco H Give your canapés the ‘wow’ factor by home-made feel.
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa 98 christmas 2017 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

aaaaaa
Start as you
mean to go on
H If you’re cooking a full-on Christmas
dinner, your oven will be full of dishes
for the main course, so give yourself
a break and plan a starter that can be
served chilled or at room temperature,
to take more pressure off the cramped
oven and hob.
H Soup is always a good choice
for a starter. It can be made well
in advance and served in a small
portion, so as not to fill up your guests
too early. If your tableware is going to
be in demand for the main course, try
serving your soup in espresso cups or
shot glasses instead of bowls.
H You’ll be so busy in the run-up to
Christmas you may not have time, or
fridge space, to make soup ahead.
But there’s no harm in cheating and
serving a ready-made soup from the
chiller counter, just add your own
garnishes, such as a swirl of cream, a
drizzle of oil or some fresh herbs and Festive nut roast,
£3.50, Tesco
croutons to make it extra special.
H Alternatively, you could be brave
and scrap off the starter altogether.
After a few canapés, your guests will
need to leave all the room they can to
stuff themselves with the main course.
You can always have a cheese board
waiting in the wings ready for those
who still have the munchies after
their pud.
H With so
void
a
dietAry
8 Finest mini crayfish
cocktails, £8, Tesco many people
having
specific
disasters
dietary
requirements
these days, catering for them all at one
meal can be stressful.
It’s often better to cheat with ready-made
free-from dishes rather than trying to
make them yourself and weaving your
way through a minefield of specialist
ingredients which you will probably
never use again.
H If you’re going for the ready-bought
option, then do check the labels closely
to ensure that they are suitable for your
guests’ particular allergy or intolerance,
e.g. gluten, dairy, nuts.
H Often a free-from or allergy-friendly
option will work for all your guests,
meaning you won’t have to cook lots
of separate dishes. For example, a
veggie nut roast will double up as a
great stuffing and a suet- or gluten-free
Christmas pudding can be enjoyed by
all your guests, rather than buying two
or three different types.
Finest free range heritage
Narragansett turkey, £9
per kilo, Tesco
h
Top notc H Cooking the perfect turkey can be one of the biggest Splendid sides
turkey stresses on Christmas Day (especially if it’s your first time),
H Your hob and oven can soon become
but don’t let it overshadow your enjoyment of the festivities.
battlefields at Christmas when you try to boil
H Make sure you weigh your turkey and have a large
and roast all the veg and side dishes for the
enough roasting tin to accommodate it (breast up). Start by allowing your bird
big feast. Cut yourself some slack and cheat
to come up to room temperature. If it’s trussed up with butcher’s string, remove this
with ready-made sides. These days there are
and re-tie the legs loosely together with kitchen string, or leave them untied. Rub
some delicious options available which will
the skin all over with oil or softened butter and season well. Pre-heat your oven to
save you both time, cooker space and money.
190ºC/170º fan/Gas Mark 5 and cook for 30-35 minutes per kilo, based on the
H Check the packaging for serving sizes, you
weight of your bird. Cover with foil if the turkey is browning too quickly. To ensure
might want to allow extra as sometimes the
your bird is cooked, pierce the thickest part of the bird with a sharp knife and make
portions are a little on the small side when
sure that the juices run clear with no red tinge. A meat thermometer is a handy tool
you’ve got a host of hungry mouths to feed.
to use if you’re in any way unsure.
H If you’re serving a ready-prepared roast, read the cooking instructions thoroughly Luxury Christmas
(and twice!) well before your guests arrive. In fact, do this on Christmas Eve to trees and baubles,
prevent any last minute panics. You need to know how long it will take to cook, so £2, Iceland
you can plan the timings for the rest for the meal. There’s nothing worse than still
waiting for the turkey to cook at 8pm!
H If you’re not a dab hand with a carving knife, then go for an easy-carve option
instead (they often cook more evenly than bone-in birds) – a turkey crown is ideal.
H Never skimp on resting time. By allowing your bird to rest once it comes out of
the oven, you will free yourself up some time to finish the gravy and sides off and the
meat will be more succulent and juicy because of it. As a rule of thumb, cover your
turkey in a couple of layers of foil and allow it to rest at room temperature for half as
long as it cooked for. But make sure you keep it out of the reach of pets to avoid a
‘who ate the turkey?’ scenario!
aaaaaaaaaaaa
aaaaaaaaaaaa Avoid the gorgeous Finest
Valdobbiadene
Prosecco
last-minute
nightmare gravy Superiore
DOCG
of juggling Magnum,
a giant £19, Tesco
roasting dish of hot meat juices and
making lumpy gravy by taking the
easy option. Either make your gravy
in advance and chill it ready to be
reheated with the turkey juices at the
last minute, or buy a good ready-
Image iStock
made chicken gravy and jazz it up

with a splash of brandy or wine, a
swirl of cream and a knob of butter.
aaaaaaaaaaaa
it’s t he
H With so
l itt l e thin
that co gs
much going
on in the
kitchen, unt
make your
life easier by starting the
day with an empty dishwater and kitchen
bin. Clear away dirty dishes and throw
away food packaging as you go, rather
than leave it until the end of the day
when all you want to do is relax.
H Take all the pressure off yourself by
delegating clear-up tasks to the younger
members of the family – one can be
loading the dishwasher, one unloading,
one putting away and one on bin duty.
H Get out all the tableware and
serveware you’re going to need for
your Christmas lunch the day before
and ensure you have enough of what
you need. Make sure it’s all clean and
to hand, so you’re ready to plate up as
soon as your kitchen timers go off.
H Too many cooks really can spoil the
broth, so limit the amount of helping
Christmas pudding melt, £6, Iceland
hands you have in the kitchen to avoid
accidents, and always check the
seasoning yourself before serving up to
your guests.
The perfect pudding H Don’t feel obliged to cook anything
just because it’s traditional. If you hate
Your Christmas pud is the final hoorah of your Christmas meal, so make sure you get it right.
Christmas pudding, then serve a Pavlova
H If you’re serving a shop-bought pudding, read the cooking instructions on the packet and
or a baked Alaska instead. If turkey isn’t
cook it accordingly, then turn it out onto a beautiful serving plate or cake stand.
your thing, then a salmon wellington or
H If hob space is at a premium, rather than steaming your pudding, opt for one which can
a succulent joint of beef would make a
be microwaved instead.
delicious alternative. Better to have empty
H A flaming pudding always garners ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahs’ from your guests. The best way
plates at the end of a meal than be
to do it is to warm a ladleful of brandy in a small pan, bring it to the table, light it and then
throwing mounds of leftovers into the bin.
spoon it carefully over your pud.
H Finally, remember to have fun.
H If it’s your family tradition to include sixpences or charms in your pud, do make sure you
Delegate where you can and make sure
warn all your guests before they tuck in, especially if they haven’t shared a Christmas meal
you keep your glass of fizz topped up!
with you before (new boyfriends beware!), to avoid broken crowns or having to bust out
your best Heimlich manoeuvre.
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Festive
n
your foolproof
i
i
menu
meat dishes
Beef Wellington r Sage, caramelised onion and chestnut
sausage loaf r White wine roasted turkey
veggie and fish dishes

Comté, mushroom and nut pâté en croute r Roasted vegetable tart
r Stuffed salmon and mustard-honey leeks
vegetables
Roasted winter squash with watercress crisps and brown butter
r Tenderstemf with Christmas butter
R
r Maple and bacon Christmas sprouts

potatoes
Roast potatoes with chorizo r Low fat oven roasties
rPink Lady, celeriac and truffle Christmas mash
sides and sauces
Gluten-free bread sauce r Cranberry Christmas stuffing
with allspice, rosemary and cinnamon
r Port tangerine and cranberry sauce
desserts
Pomegranate, clementine and pistachio Pavlova
r Exotic Christmas pud
Feature Kate Harding

meat
i
Beef Wellington Preparation time 1 hour and 35 minutes (including chill time) Cooking time 45 minutes Serves 6-8
• 1kg beef fillet n Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas Mark 7. to a rectangle about 30cm x 35cm. Remove the
• 3 tbsp olive oil n Place the beef on a lined baking tray, brush over beef from the cling film and place it on the centre
• 1 tbsp Cottage Delight the olive oil and season. Place into the oven for 20 of the pastry base. Brush the edges with the beaten
Dijon mustard minutes. Next, remove from the oven and allow to egg yolk.
• 10 slices Parma ham cool, brush all over with mustard and place into the n Lift the second piece of pastry and place on top of
• 90g Cottage Delight pâté fridge for 20 minutes. the beef. Pressing the pastry over the sides. Trim the
with black pudding and beer n Roll out 60cm cling film onto a work surface, pastry joins to about 4cm and seal the edges with
• flour, for dusting double layering. Lay the Parma ham lengthways the back of a fork. Brush all over with the remaining
• 500g ready-made puff pastry onto the cling film, overlapping each slice slightly to beaten egg yolk. Use a knife and carefully make
• 2 free range egg yolks, beaten create a double row. Thinly spread the pâté over the diagonal slits into the pastry, ensuring not to
Parma ham. cut through. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
n Place the beef at one end of the ham then, using n Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
the cling film, draw the ham up and onto the beef n Cook the Wellington for 20-25 minutes for
fillet and roll tightly. Then, place the Parma ham medium rare or 30 minutes for medium. The pastry
wrapped beef, with the cling film still on, into the should be golden and crisp. Allow the meat to rest
fridge. for 10 minutes before serving.
n Dust a work surface with flour. Roll out a third of
the pastry into a rectangle about 18cm x 30cm and
place onto a baking sheet lined with baking paper Recipe courtesy of Cottage Delight, for more
– this is the base. Roll out the remainder of the pastry please visit www.cottagedelight.co.uk

Sage, caramelised onion, and chestnut sausage loaf
Preparation time 30 minutes Cooking time 1 hour Serves 4-6
• knob of butter n Heat a saucepan and add the butter, oil and diced onion. Cook
• 10ml olive oil on a low heat for about 15 minutes until the onions are golden, then
• 1 onion, diced remove from the heat and set to one side.
• 1 pack HECK Fair & n In a mixing bowl add the sausagemeat, herbs, chestnuts and
Square sausage cooked onions and, using your hands, mix all of the
• 10-12 sage ingredients together.
leaves, chopped n Now lay cling film down on the work surface; enough to lay 8
• small handful bacon rashers side-by-side on top of the cling film, leaving about 2-3
parsley, chopped inches each side of the cling film. With the bacon laid out evenly,
• 60g chestnuts, place the sausage mix onto the middle of the bacon, then roll into a
roughly chopped loaf. Using the extra cling film each side, tighten the loaf and place
• rashers smoked
8 into the fridge for an hour (this could be done the night before).
streaky bacon n When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas
Mark 6.
n Remove the cling film from the loaf and place onto a greased
baking tray and cook for 40-45 minutes. Recipe courtesy of www.heckfood.co.uk
White wine roasted turkey Preparation time 5 minutes Cooking time dependent on weight of turkey,
see directions Serves 6-8
• 1 whole turkey n Preheat oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5. n Remove the tin foil an hour before the end
(4-4 ½ kg) n Remove giblets from the cavity, if necessary. Pat of cooking time.
• 1 tbsp oil the turkey dry with kitchen roll. Rub the oil and butter n Test if the turkey is cooked by inserting a skewer
• 50g softened all over the turkey. Season the bird inside and out. between the breast and thigh – the juices should run
butter n Place the prepared turkey into a large, deep clear. If the juices are still pink, return to the oven for
• 3 tsp salt roasting tray and pour in the water and the wine. 15 minute intervals until cooked.
• 300ml water Cover well, but loosely with foil and place into the n Remove from the oven and cover again with foil.
• 300ml white wine centre of the pre-heated oven. Leave to rest in a warm place for a minimum of 30
n Cook turkeys less than 4kg for 20 minutes per kilo, minutes, but preferably an hour.
plus 70 minutes. Cook turkeys more than 4kg for 20
minutes per kilo plus 90 minutes. If stuffing, stuff the Recipe courtesy of Gressingham, for more recipe ideas
neck cavity only and allow 20 minutes extra cooking please visit www.gressinghamduck.co.uk
time per 500g of stuffing.

veggie/
fish
i
Comté, mushroom and nut pâté en croute

Preparation time 45 minutes Cooking time 30 minutes Serves 8
• 30g unsalted butter n Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium-low heat
• 250g mushrooms, chopped quite small and gently fry the onion, mushrooms and celery for about 10
• 1 large onion, finely chopped minutes until soft, but not brown. Remove from the heat, stir
• 1 stick celery, finely chopped in all other ingredients, season with salt and freshly ground
• 1 large clove garlic, crushed black pepper to taste and mix well. Leave to cool.
• walnuts, chopped quite small
120g n Preheat the oven to 200˚C/400˚F/Gas Mark 6.
• 360g cashew nuts, chopped quite small n On a floured surface, lay the two pastry sheets out flat.
• 240g unsweetened chestnut purée n Form the mushroom mixture into two sausage shapes, a
• 150g Comté, cubed (aged for 18 or 24 months) bit shorter than the length of the pastry, then roll the pastry
• 2 tbsp brandy around the filling (like a large sausage roll), cutting off any
• ½ tsp paprika excess overlap. Brush the edges with beaten egg and press
• 1 tsp thyme leaves, chopped to seal the pastry.
• 2 medium free range eggs, lightly beaten n Glaze the surface of the pastry with beaten egg. Any
• salt and pepper excess pastry can be used to decorate, try cutting out leaf
• 2 x 320g packs all-butter puff pastry sheets or star shapes and just stick on and glaze with more
beaten egg.
To glaze: n Line two baking sheets with non-stick parchment or silicone
• 1 medium free range egg, beaten and carefully transfer the croutes. Bake in the preheated oven
for 30 minutes until dark golden brown.
For the sauce n Meanwhile, to make the sauce melt the butter in a large
• 30g butter frying pan over medium heat and fry the mushrooms, turn the
• 250g mushrooms, sliced heat down very low, stir in the soured cream, season with
• 300ml full fat soured cream salt and black pepper and serve straight away.
(half fat will split when heated)
• salt and black pepper Recipe © Laura Pope, courtesy of www.comtecheese.co.uk

Roasted vegetable tart Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 50 minutes Serves 8
• 2 large sweet potatoes, n Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/

skin on, cut into 2cm wedges Gas Mark 6.
• 200g cherry tomatoes n Put the sweet potato, tomatoes, onion,
• 2 red onions, peeled and vinegar and oil in a roasting tin, season,
cut into 1cm wedges toss then roast for 30-35 minutes.
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar n Reduce the oven to 180°C/350°F/
• 2 tbsp olive oil Gas Mark 4.
• salt and black pepper n Roast the pumpkin seeds, almonds
and cashews on a baking tray for 6-8
For the base minutes, until they go a shade darker.
• 35g pumpkin seeds Blitz in a food processor with the
• 125g whole almonds, remaining base ingredients and a little
skin on salt until a sticky dough forms.
• 40g unsalted cashew nuts n Shape the dough into a rough log.
• 100g whole peeled Place between two sheets of non-stick
chestnuts, cooked baking paper and roll out to a thin 36cm
• 75g coconut oil x 25cm rectangle. Even out the edges
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup with your fingers. Remove the top layer
• 8 sprigs rosemary, of paper and slide the tart and bottom
leaves removed layer of paper onto a tray. Bake in the
• salt oven for 15-20 minutes, until golden.
Remove and leave to cool.
n To make the pesto, blitz the basil,
nuts, garlic and ½ a teaspoon of salt in
Recipe courtesy of a food processor. Add the oil gradually,
realfood.tesco.com whizzing until combined. Dollop the
pesto over the tart base, leaving
H HH an edge.
HH H n Top with the roasted vegetables and
H
Top tip HH scatter over some fresh basil leaves.
Serve at room temperature.
HH
You can prepare the
H fish up to the end of HH
H point
then
1 the day before,
cover and chill. H
Stuffed salmon with mustard-honey leeks
H H
H Preparation time 25 minutes Cooking time 50 minutes Serves 8
H
H H • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil n Line a roasting tin with foil and pour in
H
• 2 whole sides salmon, skin on 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Lay a piece of
• 1 fennel bulb, core removed and sliced, leaves salmon skin-side down in the tin with untied
trimmed and kept aside pieces of string beneath. Top with the fennel,
• red onion, thinly sliced
1 onions and herbs. Lay the other piece of
• 15g dill salmon on top, skin-side up. Tie the strings
• 15g tarragon together. Rub the fennel seeds, seasoning
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil into
• and black pepper
salt the skin. Place the lemon slices under the
• 1-2 lemons, thinly sliced string, along with the fennel leaves.
• 3 tbsp white wine n Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas
Mark 6.
For the vinaigrette n Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette. Put
• 3 shallots, finely diced the shallots and vinegar in a bowl and
• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar leave to sit for 5 minutes. Add the other
• 1 red grapefruit, peeled and roughly chopped ingredients, season and mix.
• 1 lemon, peeled and chopped n Add the wine to the roasting tin and cover
• 2 tbsp fresh tarragon leaves, chopped with foil. Roast the salmon for 30 minutes,
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil then uncover and roast for 20 minutes.
• 1 tsp coriander seeds, crushed n Steam the leeks for 5-8 minutes, then put
in a serving dish. Mix the mustard, honey
For the leeks and white wine vinegar in a bowl, then pour
• 6 leeks, outer green leaves discarded, sliced over the leeks.
into rounds n Drizzle the salmon with the vinaigrette and
• 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard serve with the leeks.
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar Recipe courtesy of realfood.tesco.com
veg
Photo Lara Jane Thorpe
sides
i
Roasted winter squash with watercress crisps and brown butter

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter n Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.

• 2kg mixed squash, n Place the butter in a small saucepan and cook over a medium heat until the butter is
scrubbed browned and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to overdo it or the butter will burn.
• salt and pepper n Cut in half and deseed the squash, then cut into slices 2cm thick.
• 50ml extra virgin n On a baking tray, drizzle the squash with the brown butter, season with plenty of salt
olive oil and pepper and toss to coat thoroughly. Roast for about 25 minutes, turning half way
• 24 watercress leaves through. When cooked, the squash should be tender and golden around the edges.
picked from stalks n Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan and fry the watercress leaves in two separate
batches until crisp. Remove using a slotted spoon and place on kitchen towel to drain.
n To serve, pile the squash on a serving dish and scatter with the watercress crisps.
Recipe courtesy of www.watercress.co.uk

Tenderstem® with Christmas butter
(The Christmas butter recipe will make around 24 portions, but can be kept
in the freezer until needed.)
For the Christmas butter: n To make the Christmas butter add all
• 250g salted butter, at the ingredients, except the Tenderstem®
room temperature and oil, to the softened butter and
• 2 handfuls of finely chopped combine really well. Place the butter mix
chestnuts (precooked variety) onto some greaseproof paper and shape
• 2 handfuls of dried into a long sausage with a diameter of
cranberries, finely chopped about 2 inches. Wrap the greaseproof
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, paper around the butter mix and tightly
finely chopped roll it around the butter to form an even
• zest of 2 clementines sausage shape. Once it’s tightly rolled
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and with a couple of layers of greaseproof
finely chopped paper, twist each end tightly until you
• salt and pepper have a neat sausage-shaped butter mix.
Place in the freezer to freeze.
For the Tenderstem®: n When ready to use, heat a large
• 2 tbsp rapeseed oil frying pan over a medium/high heat
• 200g packet of Tenderstem® and add the rapeseed oil. Once hot, fry
the Tenderstem® for a few minutes on
each side until cooked and
slightly charred.
n While the Tenderstem® is hot, cut
H H H about 1 inch from your Christmas butter
H H H roll (about 1/6th of the roll) and
H Top tip H place on top of the Tenderstem®to
melt. Toss through the butter and
H H
H The remaining butter mix serve.
will sit happily in your H
H freezer for a couple of
H
Recipe courtesy of
months ready to melt www.tenderstem.co.uk
H on your Tenderstem® H
H when needed. H
H H
H H
H
Maple and bacon Christmas sprouts

Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 35 minutes Serves 6-8
• 600g Brussels n Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas

sprouts Mark 6.
• 6 rashers bacon n Wash the Brussels sprouts, trim the ends
• drizzle olive oil and arrange them in a single layer in a
• few sprigs thyme roasting dish.
and rosemary n Cut the rashers of bacon into lardons and
• 100ml Clarks Pure fry until crispy.
maple syrup n Scatter the bacon, rosemary and thyme
• salt and pepper sprigs over the top of the sprouts, then cook
in the oven for about 25 minutes.
n Just before they are ready pour the maple
syrup over the top, stir well and return to the
oven for 5 minutes.
n Remove from the oven, pick out the herbs,
season well and keep warm until ready
to serve.
Recipe courtesy of Clarks Natural Sweeteners, for more please

visit www.clarksit.co.uk
potatoes
i
Roast potatoes with chorizo
• 1 ½ kg King Edward n Preheat oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas Mark 7.

potatoes n Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and fill
• 150g chorizo, cubed with water until covered. Bring to the boil over a
• 3 tbsp Cottage Delight high heat and simmer for about 7-10 minutes.
goose fat n Drain the potatoes and return to the saucepan.
Place the lid on and shake gently to fluff the edges.
n Add the Cottage Delight goose fat to an
ovenproof dish and place in the oven for a few
minutes until melted and hot. Remove from the oven
and tumble the potatoes into the hot goose fat,
Recipe courtesy of tossing each one to coat before sprinkling with a
Cottage Delight, generous amount of chorizo.
for more please visit n Roast for 35 minutes until golden and crisp,
www.cottagedelight.co.uk stirring halfway.

Low fat oven roasties Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes Serves 6-8
• Around 2.5kg - 3kg potatoes n Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.

(preferably King Edward or n Peel and cut potatoes into 3cm cubes, save the trimmings to make mash.
Maris Piper) n Place the potato cubes into a shallow oven-proof tray. Pour in the hot vegetable stock and brush the
• 500ml hot vegetable stock for 6 top of the potato cubes with a little rapeseed oil. Season with salt and pepper.
people or 600ml for 8 n Bake for 1 - 1¼ hours, until the stock has evaporated and the potatoes are crisp and golden.
• rapeseed oil for brushing
• sea salt and black pepper Recipe produced by Teresa Bovey for Seasonal Spuds
Pink Lady®, celeriac and truffle

Christmas mash
Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 45 minutes
- 1 hour Serves 6-8
• 1 small celeriac, peeled n Put the celeriac, Pink Lady® apples,

and chopped into potatoes, garlic and bay leaves into a
roughly 1cm chunks deep pan and fill with enough water
• 4 Pink Lady® apples, until covered. Bring to the boil and then
peeled, cored and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the
chopped into cubes celeriac is very soft.
• 2 potatoes (mashing n Drain into a colander removing the
variety), peeled and cut bay leaves and leave to cool with no
into cubes lid, as the steam will make it waterlogged.
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled n Once cooled, put back into the pan and mash to a smooth consistency. Heat up the mash and
and sliced slowly stir in the double cream until thoroughly mixed through. Finely grate nearly all the truffle,
• 2 bay leaves reserving some for the garnish, and add 3 tablespoons of truffle oil, salt and pepper and mix again.
• 150ml double cream n To finish, scoop into a serving bowl, drizzle with the remaining truffle oil and grate over the
• 1 truffle remaining truffle.
• 6 tbsp truffle oil
• 1 tbsp salt and pepper Recipe courtesy of Pink Lady®, for more please visit www.pinkladyapples.co.uk
sides
i Gluten-free bread sauce
• 1 small onion, cut across into halves n Stud the cut side of the onion halves with the cloves and place cloves-side down
• whole cloves in a medium, heavy-bottomed pan.
• 2 bay leaves n Place the bay leaves, nutmeg, four grinds of black pepper and salt with the milk
• freshly ground black pepper into the pan and slowly bring the milk to a gentle simmer. Simmer for five minutes
• a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg then remove from the heat and leave the ingredients to infuse until the milk is cool.
• ½ tsp of salt Strain the flavoured milk, through a sieve into a clean pan.
• 500ml whole milk n Gently reheat the milk to a simmer and stir in the breadcrumbs. Stir slowly over a
• 4 medium slices of white Genius Gluten-Free low heat until the breadcrumbs are soft and swollen and have thickened the sauce.
bread, whizzed into fine breadcrumbs n The sauce should be creamy in consistency, so add a splash more milk if it is
• 30g butter too thick. Just before serving, stir in the butter, taste and season with more salt and
freshly ground pepper as necessary.
Recipe courtesy of www.geniusglutenfree.com
Cranberry Christmas stuffing with

allspice, rosemary and cinnamon
• 80g butter n Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas

• 1 onion, finely chopped Mark 4.
• 2tsp Bart Infusions n Melt the butter in a frying pan and gently
garlic paste cook the onion for 8 minutes, then add the
• 100g cooked chestnuts, garlic, chestnuts, cranberries, herbs, spices
roughly chopped and cook for a further 5 minutes.
• 70g cranberries n Transfer to a bowl, stir through the
• 1 tbsp Bart parsley breadcrumbs and beaten eggs. Use a fork to
• 1 tbsp Bart rosemary mix well.
• ½ tsp Bart ground allspice n Lightly oil a loaf tin and tip the stuffing mix
• ½ tsp Bart ground in, spreading into the corners. Cook for 35
cinnamon minutes until golden and cooked through.
• 250g fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 medium eggs, beaten Recipe courtesy of The Bart Ingredients
Company, visit www.bart-ingredients.co.uk

Pink Lady® festive stuffed apples Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 20 minutes Serves 10
• 30g butter n In a non-stick frying pan, melt the butter and add the onions, rosemary
• 1 large onion, diced and thyme. Cook to soften the onions. Just before you take off the heat,
• 2 sprigs of rosemary, leaves removed and chopped add the chopped garlic cloves and soften. Empty into a bowl to cool.
• 6 sprigs of thyme, leaves picked n In another large bowl, add the pork mince and egg. Beat the mixture,
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped best done with hands, to work the egg into the meat, thickening it.
• 850g pork mince n Add the cooled onion mix and one diced Pink Lady® apple to the
• 1 large egg pork mince and then combine the rest of the ingredients.
• 1 Pink Lady® apple, cut into cubes for the stuffing mix n Slice the top off five Pink Lady® apples (or more, if you plan to make
• 100g walnuts, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish up to 10 to use most of the stuffing). Hollow out the inside of the apples
• small bunch of sage leaves, finely chopped to make space for the stuffing. Stuff the Pink Lady® apples, using roughly
• zest of 2 large oranges 150g of the stuffing mix between five apples.
• 30g breadcrumbs n Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.
• salt and pepper n Pop the lid on the apples and place on a non-stick tray and roast for
• 5-10 Pink Lady® apples 20 minutes. Once cooked, add a sprig of rosemary into the top of the
(to be stuffed) apple for garnish.
Recipe courtesy of Pink Lady®, for more please visit www.pinkladyapples.co.uk
H HH
HH H
H Top tip H
HHAny stuffing mix leftover from H
the apples can be placed in
loaf tin and baked H
H aatgreased
180°C/350°F/Gas Mark
H
4 for 45 minutes, or until
H cooked through. H
H Serve sliced alongside H
H the apples. H
H H
H
Port tangerine and cranberry sauce

• 300g frozen cranberries n Place all the ingredients into a pan, bring
• 150ml port to the boil and then reduce to a simmer
• zest of 1 tangerine for 20 minutes until most of the liquid has
• juice of 2 tangerines reduced and you are left with a sticky sauce.
• 150g sugar n Season with salt and pepper.
• salt and black pepper
Recipe courtesy of Gressingham,
for more recipe ideas please visit
www.gressinghamduck.co.uk
desserts
i
Pomegranate, clementine and pistachio Pavlova

Preparation time 45 minutes Cooking time 2 hours 15 minutes Serves 6-8
For the syrup n Zest the clementine, then use a knife to peel off the skin and segment it. With the leftover flesh
• 10 clementines in the peel, squeeze and save the juice for later on.
• 100g sugar n In a pan, bring 100g sugar to a light caramel, add the rum and cook off the alcohol. Add the
• 100ml spiced rum juice and zest from the clementines, coriander seeds and reduce down to a thick syrup. Place
• 1 tsp coriander seeds the clementine segments in a Kilner jar or something similar and pour over the warm syrup. Once
cooled place in the fridge. This can be done a day or two in advance.
For the meringue n On 3 sheets of baking paper trace around an 8” cake tin. Line 3 baking trays with the paper,
• 200g egg whites (around 6 large eggs) so that the trace is on the underside of the paper.
• 250g sugar n Whisk the egg whites slowly for 2 minutes then at high speed until they start to form peaks.
• 50g pistachios, chopped Add the sugar slowly a tablespoon at a time. Continue to whisk until the whites feel smooth when
rubbed between fingers. Gently fold in the pistachios.
For filling and garnish n Use a little of the meringue to stick the paper to the trays. Spread the meringue evenly over
• 550ml cream the three trays, using the circles as a guide. Make two of them fairly flat on top, but with the
• 65g sugar third make some peaks and interesting shapes as this will be the lid. Bake at 110°C/225°F/
• 50ml clementine syrup (or to taste) Gas Mark ¼ for 2 hours or until the meringue starts to be easy to lift off the paper. Once cooked
• 40g pistachios, chopped allow to cool in the oven with the door closed to help prevent the meringue from cracking.
• 120g pomegranate n Whip the cream with the sugar and syrup until it forms stiff peaks. Build up the Pavlova, adding
the cream, pomegranate seeds, clementines and pistachio between each meringue layer.
Recipe courtesy of Booths. Order your Great Northern Christmas from Booths at orders.booths.co.uk

Exotic Christmas pud Serve with a glass of...
Preparation time 30 minutes, plus 1 hour to soak Cooking time 3 hours 30
The beers, wines and spirits
minutes Serves 8
experts from Aldi have the
• 100g ready to eat dried mango n Cut all the dried fruit into small dice (kitchen following drink suggestions
• 100g ready to eat dried figs scissors can be less messy than using a knife) to perfectly complement your
• 125g ready to eat dried cranberries and place in a shallow bowl. Pour over the Christmas dinner...
• 200ml vegetarian fino sherry sherry and leave to soak for 1 hour, stirring
• 100g light vegetarian suet from time to time. Beef Wellington
• 100g white breadcrumbs n Combine the suet, breadcrumbs, sugar, Exquisite Collection
• 100g light muscovado sugar flour, cardamom and nuts in a large bowl. Argentinian Malbec, £6.29
• 50g plain flour Add the orange zest, juice and eggs to the A bright and intense ruby-
• 1½ tsp cardamom seeds, lightly crushed marinating fruit and then combine with the dry red wine with aromas of fresh fruits.
• 25g pecan nuts, finely chopped ingredients, mixing well. Plum and blackberry notes give great
• 1 large orange, zest and juice n Grease a 1 litre pudding basin and line structure and a long, very fruity finish.
• 2 large free range eggs, lightly beaten the base with baking parchment. Spoon the
• 15g butter, for greasing mixture into the basin and level the top. Cover White wine roasted turkey
with baking parchment, pleated to allow for Exquisite Collection New Zealand
expansion, then cover with foil, also pleated, Pinot Noir, £6.99
and tie with string. Fragrant with ripe cherries, raspberries,
n Place an upturned saucer in a large and plum flavours. It has freshness,
saucepan. Stand the basin on top and pour complexity and an enduring finish.
Copyright © The Vegetarian Society. boiling water two-thirds up the sides of the
Visit www.vegsoccookeryschool. basin. Bring to the boil and simmer for 3 ½ Roasted vegetable tart
org for the full calendar of courses hours topping up with boiling water The Project Sauvignon Blanc, £5.99
and to buy online gift vouchers as necessary. This Sauvignon Blanc has intense
grapefruit flavours with a hint of
pineapple for a tropical taste.
Stuffed salmon with

mustard-honey leeks
Veuve Monsigny Champagne
Brut, £10.99
This blend of Chardonnay, Pinot
Noir and Pinot Meunier has
been cellar aged to enhance its
complexity, elegance and length.
Comté, mushroom
and nut pâté en croute
Original Series Stellenbosch
Cabernet Merlot, £6.99
Enjoy flavours of vanilla, oak and dark
plum. This is a lovely wine for a dinner
party, especially when you’re having
cheese-based dishes.
Pomegranate, clementine
and pistachio Pavlova
La Fleuriste French Gin, £19.99 - On
sale 14/11/2017
Crafted with 17 botanicals and spices
this gin has floral notes at first, followed
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Exotic Christmas pud

Exquisite Collection Limestone
Coast Chardonnay, £4.70
Un-oaked, dry and full with
hints of honeysuckle, white
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Half the saturated
fat of olive oil.
Game over, olive oil.

The rapeseed revolution has kicked off in Britain’s
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Follow thousands of health conscious food lovers

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Festive tipples
and winter warmers
It’s really easy to make your own Christmas toddies and liqueurs. THey make
great gifts and are perfect for warming you up on a chilly winter’s day
Blackcurrant liqueur
This blackcurrant liqueur makes a
good dessert wine but it can also be
added to wine – a great idea for a
special New Year’s Eve tipple?
Preparation 5 minutes + at
least 2 days resting time
• 300ml n Pour all the ingredients

vodka into a bottle and steep for
• 300g at least 2 days, preferably
blackcurrants longer. Strain out the
• 200g sugar blackcurrants and use
them for dessert – with
ice cream for example.
n Pour the liqueur
into small,
decorative
bottles.

Spiced cocoa
Try this spicy twist on a family favourite
• 5 tbsp cocoa n Lightly crush the whole

• 3 tbsp sugar spices in a mortar just
• 1 litre milk before using. Pour the
• 5 cardamom cocoa and sugar into a
pods small saucepan. Add some
• 2 cinnamon of the milk while stirring.
sticks Add the rest of the milk
• Rum or cognac together with the cardamom
(optional) and cinnamon. Heat the
cocoa over a low heat.
Serve with rum or cognac.
Feature Anna-Lisa De’Ath

Coffee liqueur
Coffee and orange liqueur is a bit stronger and not quite
so sweet, so perfect for all taste buds. Mix it into the
coffee, flavour with sugar and top with a large dollop
of whipped cream
Preparation 10 minutes + at least 4 days resting time
• 2 organic n Wash and dry the oranges and prick

oranges lots of holes in them with a fork. Put the
• 1 vanilla pod oranges, coffee beans and sugar in a jar
• 40 coffee and pour the vodka over them. Put the lid
beans on and leave the liqueur to infuse for as
• 200g sugar long as possible. Give it an occasional
• 500ml vodka stir. Strain the liqueur and pour it into a
screw-top bottle.

Danish Christmas schnapps
Preparation 5 minutes + 1-2 days resting time
You need vodka, your favourite Christmas spices
and one or two days’ patience, then the schnapps
will be ready for your Christmas celebrations.
The longer the schnapps infuses, the stronger the
flavour of the spices will be.
• 200ml vodka n Pour the vodka into a

• 4 cloves bottle. Add the spices
• 1 star anise and sugar and shake
• 4 cardamoms the bottle.
• 1 tsp sugar n Leave the schnapps
to infuse for 2-3 days.
The longer the schnapps
infuses, the stronger and
more delicious the flavour
of the spices will be.

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The remains of the day
Give leftover meat, veg and sweet treats a revamp to be enjoyed after the main event
meat feast
Turkey laksa Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 20 minutes Serves 2
H
• 300g ‘straight
• 4 tbsp laksa paste
• 500ml chicken stock
• 200g cooked turkey, shredded
to wok’ ribbon rice noodles
n In a large saucepan, cook the laksa paste for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the stock and bring to a simmer.
n Add the turkey, noodles and bean sprouts and bring to a simmer again.
Stir with a fork to break up the noodles. Once the turkey and bean sprouts
H
H
• handful of bean sprouts are piping hot remove the pan from the heat and stir in the yogurt.
• 3 tbsp Yeo Valley 0% fat natural yogurt n Ladle the laksa into two bowls and top with the cucumber, spring onion,
Feature Kate Harding
• ½ cucumber, cut into strips radishes and coriander leaves. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice, to taste.
• 2 spring onions,
trimmed and cut into strips For more Yeo Valley recipes go to www.yeovalley.co.uk/recipes
• 4 radishes, cut into wedges
• a small bunch of coriander
• 1 lime H
Turkey and mozzarella
Christmas sandwich loaf
Preparation time 15 minutes plus
standing time Serves 4-6
• 1 circular n Cut the top off the loaf

loaf approximately ¼ the way
• 3 tbsp down and pull the soft bread
cranberry out of the centre to make a
sauce bowl shape of the crust with
• 6-8 long a 2cm layer of bread inside.
Cos leaves n Spread half of the
• 150g cranberry sauce in a thin
mozzarella, layer all over the inside of the
sliced bread bowl then layer half
• jar roasted of the Cos leaves over the
vegetables bottom, tearing them to fit.
(peppers, Add a layer of mozzarella,
aubergines, then the roasted vegetables,
courgettes then the turkey and top with
etc.) the rest of the cranberry
• leftover sauce. Repeat until the bread
H HH turkey breast, bowl is full. End with a layer
HH H torn into of Cos leaves.
H Tip H pieces n Replace the lid and tightly
wrap the whole thing in cling
H Dry the roasted H
H film and balance a can on
vegetables and top to weigh it down. Leave
H mozzarella on HH
H kitchen roll to avoid
the bread getting H H to firm up in the fridge for 1-4
hours. Cut into slices to serve.
H
H too soggy. H
H H Recipe courtesy of www.
HH H makemoreofsalad.com
H
Ham, cheese and potato croquettes

MAKES 16
• 50g butter n Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F/

• 50g plain Gas Mark 6.
flour n In a saucepan melt the butter, then
• salt and whisk in the flour. Season well and add
pepper the nutmeg.
• a grating of n Slowly whisk in the milk over a
nutmeg medium heat. Add the bay leaf and
• 220ml semi- cook for a few minutes until thickened.
skimmed milk n Mix in the cheese, potato and
• 1 bay leaf ham and stir well. Leave for five minutes
• 100g grated to infuse.
Manchego or n Remove the bay leaf and spread the
H
strong Cheddar mixture out into an even rectangle on a
• 270g Maris cling film lined oven tray.
Piper potatoes, n Score into 16 rectangles. Take each
boiled, peeled rectangle, roll into a short, fat sausage
and mashed and roll through the breadcrumbs.
• thick cut
125g Repeat until finished.
ham, cut into n Remove the cling film from the baking
½cm cubes tray, spray the croquettes with a little
• golden cooking oil and cook in the preheated
breadcrumbs, oven for 8-10 minutes until hot through. Don’t cook for
to coat too long or they will start to spread and collapse. Recipe courtesy of Potatoes: More than a bit on
n Serve warm with spicy tomato salsa. the side campaign. Visit www.lovepotatoes.co.uk

revamp veg
Boxing Day pie

Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 45-50 minutes Serves 4
• calorie controlled n Mist a large frying pan with cooking spray and fry the mushrooms
cooking spray over a medium heat until soft. Season with black pepper and stir in
• 300g mushrooms, sliced the Worcestershire sauce, crème fraîche, and cornflour paste. Cook,
• freshly ground black pepper stirring, for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce n Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.
• 200g half-fat crème fraîche n Mist a 25cm pie dish with cooking spray, and arrange 2 sheets
• 2 tsp cornflour, blended with of filo over the base, allowing the excess to hang over the edge of
4 tsp cold water the dish. Layer the shredded turkey meat over the filo and dot with
• 4 sheets filo pastry the cranberry sauce. Arrange the roasted veg on top and spoon
• 300g leftover white turkey over the mushroom sauce.
meat, shredded n Top with the remaining filo, then scrunch up the excess pastry to
• 4 tsp cranberry sauce form a thick rim.
• 600g leftover roasted veg n Mist the pie with cooking spray and bake for 35-40 minutes, until
(we used parsnips, red onions, the pastry is crisp and golden and the filling is piping hot. Cut into
Brussels sprouts and carrots) quarters to serve. Recipe courtesy of
www.weightwatchers.co.uk

Christmas potato hash
Preparation time 10 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes Serves 3-4
• 3 large potatoes n Preheat the oven to

(raw or leftover 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5.
cooked ones) n If using raw potato, cut into
• 2 tbsp large dice, leave the skin on
rapeseed oil if preferred, and microwave
• 1 medium red with 1 tablespoon of water for
onion, diced 6-7 minutes, or alternatively
• 1 clove steam for 10 minutes. If using
garlic, crushed cooked potatoes, simply cut
• 50g bacon them into cubes.
lardons n Fry the onion, garlic,
• 100g button bacon and mushrooms in the
mushrooms, rapeseed oil for 3-4 minutes,
halved add the potatoes and
• 125g cooked continue cooking until golden.
leftover turkey Stir in the cooked turkey and
or ham cook until hot through.
• 3-4 eggs n Either poach 3-4 eggs and
• flat leaf parsley serve over the hash, or crack
• salt and the eggs over the top of the
black pepper hash and oven bake until set.
n Sprinkle with flat leaf
parsley, salt and black
pepper before serving.
H
H Recipe produced by Teresa
Bovey for Seasonal Spuds
Leftover lunch cakes

Preparation time 10 minutes,
plus chilling time
Cooking time 10 minutes Serves 4
• 6-8 leftover n Roughly chop the potatoes

roast potatoes and mash slightly with a fork.
• 200g Roughly chop the vegetables
leftover and mix together with the
vegetables potatoes in a large mixing
(carrots, bowl. Stir in the leftover roast
swede, meat, horseradish (or mustard),
broccoli, rosemary and season with salt
cabbage etc.) and milled pepper.
• 150g leftover n Divide the mixture into 4 and
roast meat, form into cake-like shapes. Pop
shredded into the fridge for 5-10 minutes.
• 1 sprig n Heat a large frying pan
rosemary, with the sunflower oil. Toss the
finely chopped cakes into the flour, shaking off
• 1 tsp any excess and fry for about
horseradish 5 minutes over a medium heat
(or mustard) until golden. Flip and cook on
• 2 tbsp the other side. Serve hot from
sunflower oil, the pan with either a fried egg
for frying or poached egg and a little
• 1 tbsp brown sauce.
plain flour
Recipe courtesy of Potatoes:
More than a bit on
the side campaign.
Visit www.lovepotatoes.co.uk

Turkey, cranberry and Stilton tart
more cheese please Preparation time 15 minutes
For the tart n Line an 8” tart case

• sheet ready-rolled with the pastry and blind
shortcrust pastry bake, according to
• 300g leftover packet instructions.
turkey meat n Scatter the leftover turkey,
• 200g leftover crumbled Stilton and cranberry
Stilton sauce into the baked tart case.
• 75g leftover n Whisk the eggs, cream and
cranberry sauce milk together, season with salt
• 4 eggs and pepper then pour into the
• 350ml tart case.
double cream n Bake at 180°C/350°F/Gas
• 150ml milk Mark 4 for 35-40 minutes until
set and golden.
For the salad n While the tart is baking,
• 1 head of celery, mix the celery, onion, walnuts,
peeled and sliced orange juice, olive oil and
at an angle
• ½ red onion,
balsamic together in a bowl,
season with salt and pepper H
finely sliced and enjoy with the warm tart.
• 85g walnut pieces
• juice of 1 orange
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp
balsamic syrup
Recipe courtesy of
Gressingham, for more recipe
ideas please visit www.
gressinghamduck.co.uk
H
• salt and pepper H
Stilton, port and walnut pâté
Preparation time 30 minutes, plus chilling time
• 40g n First, toast the walnuts in a large, dry

California frying pan over medium-high heat for
walnuts, around 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally,
toasted and until lightly browned. Set aside.
finely chopped n Heat a small frying pan over medium-
• 1 small high heat then carefully add the pear,
pear, diced port, water and sugar.
• 80ml port n Bring to a simmer and reduce to a
• 80ml water medium heat for around 10 minutes,
• 1 tbsp sugar then increase the heat for around 5
• 40g Stilton, minutes to reduce the juices to a syrup.
crumbled Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• 2 tbsp n Place the Stilton, cream cheese, butter,
cream cheese parsley and lemon juice into a large
• 1 tbsp butter, bowl and mix until well combined, then
softened add the toasted walnuts.
• 2 tsp fresh n Line a large ramekin with cling
parsley, film and fill with half of the Stilton
chopped walnut mixture, then layer with half of
• 2 tbsp the poached pear. Repeat with the
lemon juice remaining Stilton and walnut mix
and top with the remaining poached
H
pear mixture.
n Cover with cling film and refrigerate
for at least an hour before serving.
Serve with crackers, fresh baguette and
H grapes, or add to your cheese board.
Recipe courtesy of
https://californiawalnuts.uk

Gooey cheese fondue pot
Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 25 minutes makes 1 fondue sharing pot
• 300g cheeses, chopped n Preheat oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3.

into chunks (whatever you n In a bowl, mix together the cheeses. Add the cream cheese,
have left over from your milk, flour and pepper and mix with a spoon.
party cheese board) n Spoon the onion marmalade into a 12cm-15cm diameter
• 100g cream cheese oven-proof dish and spread out evenly. Top the marmalade
• 2 tbsp milk with the cheese mixture.
• 2 tsp flour n Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese starts to
• black pepper bubble. Top with the Parmesan or Cheddar, if using, and put
• 4 tbsp Tracklements under a medium-high grill until it turns golden.
Original Onion Marmalade n Serve with hunks of crusty bread or radicchio/chicory
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan or leaves for dipping.
Cheddar (optional)
Recipe courtesy of www.tracklements.co.uk

sweet treats
Baked Panettone French toast with clementine, black cherry and cranberry sauce
Preparation time 15 minutes, plus chilling Cooking time 45 minutes Serves 6
• butter, for greasing n Lightly grease a 20cm x 30cm baking dish. Cut the panettone into 9-10 round slices, then cut the slices in
H
• 500g Panettone half to make 18-20 semi-circles.
• 5 eggs n In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk, cream, caster sugar, vanilla and clementine zest together with a pinch
• 400ml milk of salt.
• 75ml double cream n Dip the panettone slices into this mixture, making sure they are completely submerged before transferring to
• 3 tbsp caster sugar the baking dish. Arrange the slices in overlapping rows with the curve of a semi-circle facing upwards. Pour
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
H
the remaining custard mixture over the slices. Chill for at least 4 hours or up to 16 hours (or freeze for up to
• 1 clementine, zested one month).
and juiced n When you’re ready to cook, preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3.
• pinch of salt n Scatter the top of the panettone pudding with demerara sugar, cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• 2 tbsp demerara Uncover and bake for a further 20 minutes.
sugar n Meanwhile, make the sauce, put the cranberry sauce in a saucepan with the juice of the clementine and
• 150g cranberry sauce the pitted cherries and their syrup. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring often, for 8-10
• 425g tin black
cherries in light
syrup, pitted
minutes, until thick.
n Serve the baked French toast in bowls with generous spoonfuls of the cherry and cranberry sauce.
Recipe courtesy of realfood.tesco.com

H
Chocolate orange mince pies
Preparation time 20 minutes, plus 1 hour chilling
Cooking time 35 minutes makes 12
• 280g plain n Mix the flour, icing sugar, cocoa powder and
flour, plus salt together in a bowl. Add the butter and work
extra to dust it in with your fingertips.
• 125g icing n Stir in the eggs until the mixture comes
sugar, plus together in clumps. Knead briefly until smooth
extra to dust then wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for
• 50g cocoa an hour.
powder n Meanwhile, preheat the oven to
• pinch of salt 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Mix the
• 200g butter, mincemeat, marmalade and orange zest in a
plus extra bowl and grease a 12-hole tart or bun tin.
to grease n Remove the pastry from the fridge and roll
• 2 eggs, out onto a floured surface to a thickness of
beaten plus 5mm. Using a fluted 7cm cutter, stamp out 12
1 extra for discs from the pastry and use them to line the
brushing prepared bun tin. Spoon a little mincemeat
• 500g mixture into each pie case and brush the edges
mincemeat with a little milk.
• 50g Bonne n Using a smaller 6cm fluted cutter, cut out
Maman Three 12 circles and use them to top the mince pies,
Citrus Fruits pressing the edges together with your fingertips.
Marmalade n Re-roll any remaining pastry and cut out star
• 50g orange shapes to decorate the top. Brush the top of
zest each mince pie with beaten egg and place the
• milk, for stars on top, then brush again with egg.
brushing n Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35
minutes, allow to cool, then dust with icing
H sugar before serving.
Recipe courtesy of Bonne Maman, for more visit

www.bonnemaman.co.uk
Recipe courtesy of Christmas pudding pannacotta

with spiced figs
The Bart Ingredients Company,
visit www.bart-ingredients.co.uk
Serves 4
• 600ml double n Place the cream in a pan with the

cream vanilla pod and sugar and bring slowly
• 1 vanilla pod to the boil, stirring until the sugar has
• 75g caster sugar dissolved. Remove the vanilla pod, rinse
• 3 leaves of and dry.
gelatine, soaked in n Squeeze the water from the softened
cold water for 10 gelatine, add it to the cream and stir until
minutes blended. Add the Christmas pudding to
• 125g leftover the mixture and stir until it breaks up.
H
Christmas n Pour the mixture into 4 ramekins or
pudding, broken individual pudding basins. Allow to cool
into little pieces then chill until just set.
n To prepare the figs, place the sugar,
For the spiced figs water, red wine, cinnamon stick, orange
• 250g caster and lemon slices in a pan. Add the
sugar rinsed and dried vanilla pod and heat
• 300ml water gently until the sugar has dissolved. Bring
• 200ml red wine to the boil and boil for 10 minutes.
• 1 Bart cinnamon n Add the figs and simmer gently for 10
stick minutes, turning the figs once or twice.
• 1 small orange,
H
Transfer to a bowl and leave to cool.
thinly sliced n To serve, remove the figs from the syrup
• 1 small lemon, and cut into quarters. Turn the pannacotta
thinly sliced out of the moulds and serve with the figs
• 4-6 fresh figs and syrup.

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Your
how-to
guide
turn the page to find
out how to make your
favourite festive projects

A gift a day pg 8
Festive paper packages
Hang up your treats with this
show-stopping display
You will need

4kraft brown wrapping paper, £2 per 8m roll,
Hobbycraft 4red kraft wrapping paper, £3.85
per 5m roll, Pipii 4pencil 4scissors 4sewing
machine and thread 4marker pens 4hot glue
gun 4CandyTwist twine, £7 per 100m spool,
Nutscene 4decorative white twig tree, from
£15, Hobbycraft
C reate this pretty tree by drawing and

cutting a series of paper packages
– we made stars, trees and hearts – and
hanging them from a branch for easy
picking. For each package cut two of
your chosen paper shape, then hold them
together and machine top stitch around the
edge, leaving a small gap in one side. Poke
a treat through the gap, then stitch closed to
finish it up. Write a number from 1-24 on
each package, then glue a length of candy
cane twine to the top of each one. Tie them
to your branch, then hang the branch up to
display your Advent.
TOP TIP These little packages could also be

tied onto your regular Christmas
tree alongside your decorations.
Mini gift bags

Repurpose a multi-aperture frame with
2 For each frame, cut a 40cm length
Background fabric: Yuletide Baubles, The Henley Studio, Makower UK
this quick and easy idea of candy twist twine. Loop the twine
around the glass of each frame, so that it
You will need lays across the front of the glass when the
4Canterbury 15-aperture frame, £14.99,
frame is upright. Tie the ends at the back
The Range 4‘Do Not Open Until 25th’ brown
kraft wrapping paper, £3.95 per 3m, Pipii behind the paper and replace the back
4red kraft wrapping paper, £3.85 per 5m of each frame. This should hold the twine
roll, Pipii 4pencil 4scissors 4CandyTwist in position.
twine, £7 per 100m spool, Nutscene 4brown
kraft mini paper bags, £2.75 per pack of 10,
Pipii 4hot glue gun 424 Advent pegs, £4.25
3 Place gifts into the mini paper bags
– we chose to add sweets and
chocolate coins to ours. Fold the top of
per set, Pipii
each bag over and use a tiny blob of
hot glue to hold them closed. Finally,
1 Begin by taking the backs out of the
frames and, using the card within as
a template, cut eight rectangles from the
use the Advent clips to hold each bag
onto the twine.
‘Do Not Open’ wrapping paper and
seven from the red paper. Place one TOP TIP Add two lengths of twine to your
rectangle into each frame on top of the middle frame to ensure you have enough
glass, but don’t replace the frame backs. space for all your gifts.

Behave yours-Elf pg 17
l
2
l
3a
The ELf on a shelf

Make this cute, cuddly elf to keep a watchful eye over your little ones this Christmas
You will need

4scissors 4A4 sheets of felt (one each: flesh, white, black, brown, red and green), 55p each,
Hobbycraft 4pins 4thread 4sewing machine 450cm red patterned craft fabric, from £12.99 per
m, World of Sewing 4Christmas Stars and Stripes fat quarter six-pack, £7, Hobbycraft 4toy filling,
£3.50 per 250g bag, Hobbycraft 4florist’s wire 4long-nosed pliers 4length of dowel or knitting
needle 4two Velcro 16mm white sew-on spots, £4 per pack of 16, Hobbycraft 450cm green
patterned craft fabric, from £12.99 per m, World of Sewing 4scrap of ribbon 4mini gold 5mm
jingle bells, £1 per pack of 100, Hobbycraft 4assorted coloured jingle bells, £2.50 per pack of 30,
Hobbycraft 4buckle-style Christmas button, £1 per 60g pack, Hobbycraft 4two painted wiggle eyes,
£1.50 per pack of 16, Hobbycraft 4pink and brown Anchor cotton embroidery thread, 90p per
skein, Hobbycraft
1 Download and print the ‘Elf on a shelf’

template from www.yourhomemagazine.
co.uk or send a stamped SAE to Your Home
Pin the other head piece on top, making
sure the ears are firmly sandwiched between
the two head pieces. You can leave about
CME 17 Elf On A Shelf Template, HBM 5mm of the ears overlapping the edge of
UK, The Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, the head pieces if you wish to ensure they
Essex, CO4 9HU. Cut out the pattern are well positioned. Sew a 1cm seam from
pieces then pin them to the fabrics. Cut out
the fabric pieces. Use cotton craft fabric
for the body, arms and legs and felt for the
one side of the neck around the head to the
other side of the neck, leaving the end of the
neck open to allow for stuffing. Trim away
l
3b
other pieces. any excess fabric, turn the head right side
out and stuff with toy filling.
2 Make the ears and head. Pin two ear

pieces together and sew a 1cm hem
from one end of the straight edge around 3 Make the arms. Pin the straight edge of
the hand piece to the right side narrow
or length of dowel to turn the arm right
sides out. Use a knitting needle to push
toy stuffing into the hand. Cut two 18cm
the point of the ear to the other end of the straight edge of the arm piece. Sew a lengths of florist’s wire and make a small
straight edge. Remove the pins. Clip away 1cm seam along this edge. Fold the seam loop at each end using long-nosed pliers.
the excess fabric from the edge of the seam over at the back with the edges facing Place the length of wire inside the arm
and use a knitting needle to push the point the hand and press it flat. Repeat with the and continue to stuff the arm with toy
of the ear through the open end so the ear corresponding hand and arm piece. Pin stuffing, leaving the last 1cm of the arm
is right sides out. Repeat for the second ear. both arm pieces together with right sides unstuffed. Repeat for the other arm. Using
Lay one head piece on the table in front facing and stitch a 1cm seam all around slipstitches, sew a Velcro dot to the palm
of you. Place the ears on either side of the the edge leaving the top of the arm open. of each hand, making sure you use a
head with the points facing towards the Trim and clip the edges of the hand close hooked dot on one hand and a looped
centre of the head at a slight upward angle. to the stitching line. Use a knitting needle dot for the other.
4 Make the legs. Pin the straight edge
of the boot piece to the right side
straight edge of the leg piece. Sew a l
5 l
9a
1cm seam along this edge. Fold the
seam over at the back with the edges
facing the boot and press it flat. Repeat
with the corresponding boot and leg
piece. Pin both leg pieces together with
right sides facing and stitch a 1cm seam
all around the edge leaving the top of
the leg open. Trim and clip the edges
of the boot close to the stitching line.
Use a knitting needle to turn the leg right
sides out. Use the knitting needle to push
toy stuffing into the boot. Cut two 22cm
lengths of florist’s wire and make a small
loop at each end using long-nosed
pliers. Place the length of wire inside the
leg and continue to stuff the leg with toy
stuffing, leaving the last 1cm of the leg l
6
unstuffed. Repeat for the other leg.
5 Make the body. Pin the two body

pieces together with right sides
facing. Sew a 1cm seam around the
l
9b
body leaving the neck edge open.
Clip the seam and turn the body right
sides out. Stuff with toy stuffing. Fold the
unsewn top edge of the body over to
the inside by 1cm, then place the neck
inside this opening. Pin the neck and
head to the body and slipstitch around
the neck to join the two together.
6 Attach the arms and legs. Fold over

the tops of each leg by 1cm and
slipstitch into place side by side along
9 Create the hair. Pin the front and back
hair pieces to the head and attach to
the head using small slipstitches of matching
the bottom seam of the body. Fold embroidery thread. Make sure the ears
over the top of each arm by 1cm and poke through between the front and back
slipstitch into position against the neck pieces of hair – there is no need to sew
seam on either side of the body. Make the hair across the ears, as it will stay in
sure you attach the left and right arms to position if you stitch carefully above and
the correct sides of the body so the two below the ears.
Velcro palms meet when the hands are Make the hat. Cut out the hat and hatband
placed together. pieces and sew a hatband to the bottom
edge of each hat piece using a 1cm seam. l
10
7 Make the belt. Cut a strip of black

felt measuring 1.5cm x 24cm.
Thread it through a buckle-style button.
Press the seam open. Place the two hat
pieces together right sides facing and sew
a 1cm seam along both sides, leaving the
Position the button at the centre front of bottom edge open. Trim away any excess
the elf body. The end of the belt should fabric and turn the hat right sides out. Use
overlap slightly at the centre back of the small slipstitches to sew the hat to the elf's
of body. Slipstitch the ends together and head. Sew a bell to the point of the hat.
slipstitch the belt to the body.
8 Make the collar. Place the felt collar

around the neck of the elf and
10 Add the face. Use a hot melt glue
gun to attach two wiggle eyes to
the face – alternatively you could embroider
overlap the edges slightly at the centre some eyes on. Lightly sketch a mouth on the
back. Slipstitch the edges closed. Place face using pencil or tailor’s chalk, then sew
a length of ribbon around the neck of the backstitches along the line using embroidery
elf so it covers the top edge of the collar thread. Use embroidery thread to sew
and slipstitch it to both the neck and the two French knots onto the face as nostrils.
collar. Sew a small bell to each point of Finally, attach bells to the toes of the elf’s
the felt collar. boots using small, neat stitches.

Season’s greetings pg 24 Watercolour card
Paint this bright design in gorgeous
rainbow colours
stitched mouse card
Fans of needlework will love this You will need
cute project 4white 5” x 7” cards and envelopes, £5
per pack of 50, Hobbycraft 4white crayon,
You will need from a pack of 24, £1.20, Hobbycraft
4white 5” x 7” cards and envelopes, £5 per 4watercolour paints 4paint brush 4red
pack of 50, Hobbycraft 4Elements Wood felt tip 4scrap of patterned card 4scissors
A4 Ultimate Die-Cut & Paper Pack, £12.99, 4wooden alphabet and number stamp set,
Papermania 4pencil 4scissors 4glue stick £10, Hobbycraft 4black ink pad 4adhesive
4embroidery needle and thread 4fine line pen foam pads
4spare white card 4hot glue gun 4button
T o create this gorgeous design, first
1 Cover the front of your card with use a white wax crayon to sketch a
decorative paper. Lay the card blank series of zig zag swipes across the front
down onto a sheet of paper and draw of your card blank. Make sure to press
around it, then cut the shape out. Use a fairly hard when doing this. Next, use
glue stick to fix the paper to the front of the watercolours to paint a rainbow tree over
card blank. the front of the card – the paint should
2 Using light pencil strokes, draw a basic separate over the wax stripes, giving the
Christmas tree shape onto the front of appearance of tinsel. Leave the paint
the card. Using a sharp embroidery needle, to dry, then use a red felt tip to draw
pierce holes along the pencil lines of the round baubles over the tree to decorate
tree, every few millimetres – this will make it. Finally, cut a rectangle from a scrap
the stitching process much easier. of card and use stamps and an ink pad
3 Thread a needle with two strands of to write “Oh, Christmas Tree” onto it.
green embroidery thread and work Stick this greeting across the bottom of
through the pierced holes using backstitch. the card to complete the design using
Draw a little mouse underneath the tree adhesive foam pads.
using a fine line pen. Pierce and stitch along Vintage graffiti greetings
his tail with brown embroidery thread, as Give old photographs a fun new look with
you did for the tree before. this quick and easy idea
4 Open the card up, and stick a 5” x 7”

piece of card on the back of the card
front, to cover the stitching up on the inside
You will need
4vintage photographs (or copies) 4pack of 23
Sharpie markers, £12.50, Hobbycraft 4white
of the card. Finally, fix a small button into
acrylic paint 4paint brush 45” x 7” polka dot
the mouse’s paws using a dab of hot glue. card blanks and envelopes, £2.30 per pack of
eight, Hobbycraft 4washi tape 4white card
TOP TIP Rather than tie the thread ends off 4scissors 4scallop-edge scissors 4wooden
on the back of the work, use a small piece alphabet and number stamp set, £10, Hobbycraft
of tape or dab of glue to stick them down. 4black ink pad 4adhesive foam pads
1 Begin by decorating your photographs.

We found that Sharpie markers worked
best on the surface of our photos. We turned
one of our photos into Father Christmas
and gave old family portraits party hats. If
you need to add white to the photo (as for
Santa’s beard), use white acrylic paint.
2 Once you’re happy with the graffiti

photographs, stick them to the front of
the card blanks. We did this by cutting small
lengths of washi tape and trimming the ends
into a V shape, using two per photograph to
attach the picture to the card.
3 Finish up by making the greetings.

We used alphabet stamps and black
ink to write out our messages, then cut them
down to size – we made one into a scroll,
then used scallop-edged scissors to cut the
other two down to rectangles. Decorate the
greetings with coloured marker pen, then
use adhesive foam pads to stick them onto
the card fronts to finish.
Oh, Christmas Tree pg 34
corner tree
This wrap-around design is ideal for
compact spaces
3 Cut the 34mm x 34mm length of wood
down to 130cm in length – this is the
central strut. Place one of your 10cm lengths
of cladding on top of it, aligning the edges
You will need of the cladding against the edges of the strut.
41800mm x 7.5mm x 95mm smooth timber Use three nails to hold it in place. Leave a
cladding, £5.72 per pack of five, B&Q
4tape measure 4pencil 4saw 4sand paper
small gap, then add one of the 15cm lengths
4drill 41800mm x 34mm x 34mm smooth of cladding underneath in the same way.
planed timber, £2.86, B&Q 4nails 4hammer Repeat until you’ve added eleven lengths
4an offcut of scaffold board (or other heavy of cladding down one side of the tree,
wood) 4long screws 4warm white 4LED graduating in size from shortest to longest.
micro fairy lights, from £2.50 per pack, Repeat to do the same on the opposite side
Lights4fun 4duct tape
of the strut to finish the main body of the tree.
1 Begin by cutting the timber cladding

boards that will become the ‘branches’
4 Make the base of the tree. Cut an L
shape from an offcut of heavy wood,
such as a scaffold board. Sand the edges,
of the tree down to size. Cut two of each of
then stand the tree against the inside corner
the following lengths: 10cm, 15cm, 20cm,
of the L. Screw through the strut into the
25cm, 30cm, 35cm, 40cm, 45cm, 50cm,
base, to fix the two together. Finally, add the
55cm, 60cm. Sand the edges of each
micro lights, pushing them through the holes
board to ensure they are smooth.
drilled in step 2. Fix the wires on the back of
2 Drill holes through each of the boards,
spreading them out randomly across
each plank. The bulbs of the micro lights
the tree using pieces of duct tape.
will be inserted through these holes, so TOP TIP We recommend making the base
ensure they are at least 4mm wide to allow at least 25cm long in both directions to
a good fit. ensure the tree is stable.
CHALKBOARD TREE
Let your artistic side out with this
illustrated arrangement
You will need

4plywood 4tape measure 4saw 4spray
paint primer 4chalkboard spray paint, from
a selection by Valspar 4four planks of wood,
each at least 60cm long 4white paint 4water
4paint brush 4panel pins 4hammer 4Uniball
white chalk marker, £3, Hobbycraft
1 Begin by cutting the sheet of plywood

to whatever size you’d like the finished
tree to be – we trimmed ours down to
60cm x 50cm. Once cut, sand the edges
to smooth them, then apply two coats of
spray paint primer all over, leaving to dry
thoroughly in between each one. Apply
two coats of chalkboard spray paint,
again leaving to dry between each coat.
2 Make a frame for the board. Cut four

planks of wood down to size, sand
the edges, then paint them all over with a
white wash mixture of one part water to
one part matt chalk paint. Leave to dry,
then fix these into position around the edge
of the frame using panel pins.
3 Draw a tree design using a chalk

marker pen. We started by drawing
the trunk first, then worked each of the
branches, incorporating little Christmas
designs and symbols such as presents,
birds, leaves and snowmen into the
design. Create your own bespoke tree,
making it as simple or an intricate as
you’d like.
Deck the halls pg 41
Wooden skis
Add a little alpine charm
with these mini ski sets
T ake two lollipop sticks and

cross them over slightly,
one on top of the other. Use
a blob of glue to hold them
together. Trim the sharp tip
from one end of a wooden
toothpick and glue it into
one half of a snap fastener
to make a ski pole. Repeat
to make a second pole, then
use another blob of glue to
stick these on top of the skis,
again crossing over each
other slightly. Tie small loops
of twine (we used Nutscene
Candy Twist twine, £7)
around the top of each pole
to make handles, and stick
another length between the
two skis to allow for hanging.
Finally, add a small snowflake
sticker (£3 per pack,
Hobbycraft) to the centre of
the decoration to finish.
TOP TIP If you haven’t got

any lolly sticks at home
already, they are available to
buy from most craft shops.
wooden shelf TREE Paper pouches

This little tree is great for smaller homes These colourful decs are
easily customised
You will need
4MDF sheet, from a selection at B&Q 4tape
measure 4pencil 4jigsaw 4sander 49.5mm x
1800mm timber cladding, 4£5.87 per pack of T o make these little
painted pieces, first
sketch the outline of
five, B&Q 4panel pins 4hammer 422mm thick,
75mm wide timber, £4.67 per 2400mm length, whatever it is you’d like
B&Q 4 long screws 4drill 4scaffold board, to paint onto a sheet of
£11.82, B&Q 4white paint 4paint brush brown paper (£2 per
8m roll, Hobbycraft).
L ay the MDF board out and draw a

triangular tree shape onto it with a 20cm
‘trunk’ at the bottom. Cut it out and sand
Use paints to colour
your design, adding as
much detail as you can.
the edges. Lay the shape down and place Once dry, cut around
a length of cladding on top of it, aligning it the painted shape,
with the bottom of the tree. Use panel pins leaving a 1cm border
to hold it in position. Leave a 22mm gap, all around. Draw around
then attach another length of cladding in the this onto a spare sheet of
same way. Repeat until the tree is covered. brown paper and cut out
Use a jigsaw to trim the overhanging edges another identical shape.
of the cladding down to the triangular tree Place the two together,
shape, then cut three shelves from 22mm painted side facing out,
thick timber and screw them into place in the and glue around the
gaps between the cladding. Finally, make a edge, sandwiching a
base from heavy wood (such as a scaffold small ball of toy stuffing
board), and screw the tree into it, and cut and a loop of twine in
and attach a star from a spare piece of between the layers.
cladding. Paint the entire tree white to finish.

Owl decorations
Turn ordinary pinecones into cute owls
Give a little gift pg 54
T o make these fun little owls, simply
cut and glue pieces of felt onto
pinecones to form faces and wings.
For each owl, we cut two large wing
shapes, and two small. Layer the small
on top of the large and glue them
together. Make tiny snips around the
edge of the wing to create feathers,
then glue these to both sides of the
pinecone. To make the face, cut one
figure-of-eight-shaped eye mask, two
inner eye circles and two white eyes.
Layer them up and glue to secure
together. Stick this to the front of the
pinecone to create the face, then finally
snip and glue a tiny orange beak
between the eyes. Make little hats for
the owls from felt – we created a party
hat for one and a cone-shaped Santa
hat for the other, which we added a
pompom to. Finally, cut and tie a loop
of twine to each pinecone for hanging.
TOP TIP Cut and glue a pair of feet to

the bottom of each pinecone owl for
extra detail.
Copper wine rack The resin should set permanently in around

Drink buffs will adore this stylish piece ten minutes, so work carefully and leave to
dry between each joint to get a strong finish.
You will need
4two 2m lengths of 15mm copper pipe,
£6.24 each, B&Q 4tape measure 4marker pen
4 While your rack sets, create the fabric
sling that’ll hold the wine. Cut a 64cm x
110cm rectangle of fabric and fold it in half
415mm pipe cutter 412 x 15mm copper elbow
joints 4four 15mm copper T joints 4epoxy resin with right sides facing to make it 32cm x
41m fabric 4scissors 4sewing machine and 110cm. Stitch around the three open edges,
thread 4iron 4strong fabric glue 4needle leaving a 1cm seam allowance
and thread and a 10cm gap in the seam. Turn out
through the gap, stitch the gap closed,
1 Begin by cutting the various lengths of then press flat.
5
pipe you’ll need to construct the body of Attach the sling. To do this, fold one
the rack. You will need: six 11cm lengths, short edge of the fabric sling back on
eight 24cm lengths and four 32cm lengths. itself by 4cm and drape this fold over the
Separate these by size to ensure they don’t first strut of the rack, encasing it within.
get mixed up. Use dabs of strong fabric glue to hold it in
2 Download and print the Wine Rack

Diagram from www.yourhomemagazine.
co.uk or send a stamped SAE to Your Home
position, then once dry, work small hand
stitches to add extra security. Drape the
fabric over the next two struts and glue and
CME 17 Wine Rack Diagram, HBM UK, stitch in the same way, making sure the three
The Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, slings are equal in size. Finally, fold the
Essex, CO4 9HU. Use the diagram to end of the sling over the last strut and once
construct the wine rack – just place the joints again, fix into position.
onto the pipes, do not stick them yet.
3 Once you’re sure that the construction is

correct, use a small blob of epoxy resin
inside the edge of each joint to hold the
TOP TIP After applying the epoxy resin,
twist the pipe once or twice within the
joint to ensure it spreads evenly all over
body of the rack together firmly. both surfaces.

Hair clip holder The more you cut, the thicker the hair will
Kids will love this cute wall-mounted be. Once you feel you have enough,
hair grip organiser decide where you want the doll’s parting
to be and tie a length of yarn around the
You will need hair at that point – we made ours slightly
4two sheets pink felt 4pencil 4scissors off centre. Drape the hair over the top
embroidery needle and thread 4sewing machine
4toy stuffing 4yarn 4ribbons 4fabric glue
of the doll’s head and hand stitch into
4scrap of gold leather place, working the thread through the
parting to hold it in position.
1 Start by cutting out the felt to make the

doll’s face, using a side plate as a
template. Draw eyes, a nose and a mouth
3 Lay the hair down around the sides
of the face. Once you’re happy with
the position, use a dab of fabric glue
onto one of the circles in pencil, then to stick it in place. On both sides of the
embroider over it in backstitch. Place the two face, tie another length of yarn around
circles together with right sides facing and the hair, then braid beneath. Tie off the
machine stitch around the edge, leaving a ends using more yarn, then hand stitch a
1cm seam allowance and a 7cm gap in the loop to the back of the head to hang.
seam for turning. Turn out, then lightly stuff
the face and hand stitch the gap closed. TOP TIP Cut a scrap of leather into a
2 Create the hair. Cut lots of 1m lengths of

yarn and ribbon and lay them together.
crown shape and stitch around to create
a finishing touch worthy of a princess.
Headphone critters
Stop your headphones from getting in
a tangle with these cute little creatures
3 Take one body piece for each critter
and embroider a pair of eyes using tiny
French knots. If making the bunny, stitch his
nose and mouth on underneath the eyes.
You will need If making the bear, place his snout onto
4felt in various shades 4pencil 4scissors the face, then stitch the mouth and nose on
4embroidery needle and thread 4snap fastener
top to hold the snout into position. Stitch
the belly flap onto the front of the body,
1 Download and print the Headphone
Critter templates from www.
yourhomemagazine.co.uk or send a
working a running stitch across the flat top
edge only. Hand stitch a snap fastener into
position, with one half being attached to
stamped SAE to Your Home CME 2017
the underside of the flap and the other, the
Headphone Critter Templates, HBM UK,
body underneath .
The Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester,
Essex, CO4 9HU. Use it to cut out the
various pieces from felt as indicated.
4 Place the two body pieces for each
critter together with right sides facing
outwards. Place the ears and arms of each
2 Hold the critters’ arm pieces together
in pairs with right sides facing out and
work a running stitch all around the edge
one into position, feeding them between the
two body layers, then work a running stitch
all around the edge of the body to hold
of each one to hold the layers together.
everything together.
Do the same with the ears – you should
now have two complete ears and two TOP TIP These little creatures are the
complete arms per critter. perfect mini make to use up scraps of felt.
Editor-in-Chief Anna-Lisa De’Ath Associate Editor Lisa Hibberd Executive Editor Lara Berry Lifestyle Editor Laura Higgins Acting
Lifestyle Editors Victoria Hrastic, Sally Narraway Craft Editor Sophie Holt Style Editor Hugh Metcalf Editorial Assistant Matilda
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Prices and availability were checked at time of going to press, but we cannot be held responsible for any changes. No part of Your Home may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part,
without the prior permission of the publisher. The publisher, editors and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may be advertised or referred to in this issue or
for any errors, omissions, misstatements or mistakes in any such advertisements or references. We can’t guarantee that colours reproduced will be an accurate representation due to the printing process.
Neither the Editor nor publishing company accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. Competition rules apply to all competitions/giveaways in Your Home.
Employees of Hubert Burda Media UK and associated companies are not eligible. There is no cash alternative to prizes. Should the prize become unavailable Your Home has the right to offer an alternative
prize. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Your Home is distributed by Marketforce Tel: (020) 3148 3300.
Win! Win! Win! Win! Win!
Win! A set of Sabatier 3 sets
knives from Stellar

up for
grabs!
Update your kitchen for the new year with your chance
to win one of three sets of knives worth over £400
W
hat do you get when two
of the best known names
in cookware join forces? In
this case, some of the best quality knives
and kitchen utensils around. Sabatier
and Stellar have worked to forge an
enviable reputation amongst home and
professional chefs. Their Carbon Chrome-
Molybdenum full tang blades are second
to none, with a Rockwell C Hardness
rating of 56-58; while their classically-
styled black handles have been shaped
for the ultimate comfort and performance.
The collection comprises 22 of the
finest chef’s blades on the market,
a series of knife blocks and that all-
important sharpening steel. From slicing
and dicing
with a
choice
of cook’s
and paring
knives, to
serious
food
preparation
with
Santoku If, like many Brits, your foodie thoughts
knives, frequently turn to hearty roasts, treat your
poultry joints and birds with the respect they
shears and deserve and carve up in style with the
cleaver, the Stellar Sabatier collection.
Sabatier This festive season we’ve teamed up
Stellar with Stellar and Sabatier to offer three
collection lucky readers a fantastic bundle of How to enter
will deliver knives, perfect for keen cooks. Each set
a lifetime includes a five-piece knife block set, a Q: How many knives are included in
of kitchen 10” carving knife, a 7” carving fork and the collection?
service. a 38cm x 26cm spiked carving tray.
A) 20
B) 22
Rules of entry 7) The Editor’s decision is final. Correspondence will not be
1) The competition closes at midnight on 31st December 2017. entered into. 8) The winners are selected at random, from correct C) 220
Winners will be notified after the closing date. 2) Subject to entries received, after the competition end date. 9) Prizes are
availability, non transferable or refundable. No cash alternative valid for six months after the date of the draw, and the prize will
will be given. Prizes include delivery but not installation or be withdrawn if it is not claimed within this period. 10) Hubert Visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk to
removal of existing products or appliances, where applicable. Burda Media UK and companies involved in these promotions
3) Open to residents in the UK (mainland), over age of 18, may use your details to advise of products and services. Details enter. Simply click on the WIN! tab, then
except employees of Hubert Burda Media UK or companies are occasionally available to vetted companies. 11) Allow 8-10 fill in your details including the answer to
involved in these promotions. 4) Entrants must be homeowners weeks from selection to completion. 12) Reproduction of this
where decorating/renovation work is required for the prize. competition, in whole or part, without written permission is the above question, before the closing
5) Only one entry per person. 6) The winners must be willing to prohibited. Hubert Burda Media UK reserves the right to date of 31st December 2017. Good luck!
participate in publicity if required. prosecute offending parties.
Visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk to enter online.

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www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk To place an advert here please call 01206 851117 ext 258
Competition
On sale now
August 2016 101

3
3 Peacocks 0292 027 0944
www.peacocks.co.uk
Pennywell Farm 01364 642023
3
3
3 www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Pines and Needles 020 3384 9420
3 www.pinesandneedles.com
Pipii 01342 823921 www.pipii.co.uk
ng in this issue Postcards Home 020 7281 3990

Where to buy everythi www.postcardshome.co.uk
Poundland 0333 234 1877
Graham and Green 01225 418200 www.poundland.co.uk
A Aldi 0333 005 0561

www.aldi.co.uk
www.grahamandgreen.co.uk
R Raj Tent Club 020 7820 0010
H Harlequin 020 3457 5862 www.rajtentclub.com

Amara www.amara.com
www.harlequin.uk.com The Range 0345 026 7598
Amazon www.amazon.co.uk
Hobbycraft 0330 026 1400 www.therange.co.uk
Annie Sloan 01865 803168
www.hobbycraft.co.uk Red Candy 0121 224 7728
www.anniesloan.co.uk
Holkham Hall 01328 713111 www.redcandy.co.uk
Argos 0345 640 3030 www.argos.co.uk
www.holkham.co.uk Rockett St George 01444 253391
Asda 0800 952 0101 www.asda.com
Home Bargains www.homebargains.co.uk www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk
Avon Valley Railway 0117 932 5538
www.avonvalleyrailway.org Homebase 0345 077 8888
www.homebase.co.uk S Sainsbury’s Home 0800 636 262
www.sainsburys.co.uk
B B&Q 0333 014 3098 www.diy.com
Balsam Hill 020 3368 6726
www.balsamhill.co.uk
Hotel Chocolat 0344 493 2323
www.hotelchocolat.com
House of Fraser 0345 602 1073
Sara Miller London www.saramiller.london
Skull and Cross Buns
www.skullandcrossbuns.com
Biscuiteers 0870 458 8358 www.houseoffraser.co.uk Somerset House 020 7845 4600
www.biscuiteers.com
I Ian Mankin 020 7722 0997 www.somersethouse.org.uk

Bon Prix 0333 200 6014
www.ianmankin.co.uk Steiff www.steiff.com
www.bonprix.co.uk
Ikea 020 3645 0000 www.ikea.com The Stripes Company 01244 757195
The British Christmas Tree Growers
www.thestripescompany.com
Association 01473 785100
www.bcgta.co.uk
Bubblegum Balloons 01252 626697
J John Lewis 0345 604 9049
www.johnlewis.com
T Talking Tables 020 7627 6767
www.talkingtables.co.uk
www.bubblegumballoons.co.uk
K Kingswood Christmas Trees
01622 843780
Tesco 0800 323 4050 www.tesco.com
Tori Murphy 0115 960 8472
C Cath Kidston 0333 320 2663
www.cathkidston.com
www.kingswoodchristmastrees.co.uk www.torimurphy.com
Claire’s Accessories 0345 603 6088
www.claires.com
The Contemporary Home 02392 469400
L Lakeland 01539 488100
www.lakeland.co.uk
Lidl 0800 977 7766 www.lidl.co.uk
V Valspar 0344 736 9174
www.valsparpaint.co.uk
Very 0344 822 2321 www.very.co.uk
www.tch.net Lights4fun 01423 816040
Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123
www.coxandcox.co.uk
www.lights4fun.co.uk
Little Crafty Bugs www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk W Waitrose 0800 188 884
www.waitrose.com
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making
Curve Theatre 0116 242 3560
www.curveonline.co.uk
M M&S 0333 014 8000
www.marksandspencer.com
of Harry Potter 0345 084 0900
www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
D Debenhams 0344 800 8877

www.debenhams.com
Dobbies 0131 561 6406
Maisons Du Monde 0808 234 2172
www.maisonsdumonde.com
Matalan 0333 004 4444
Warwick Castle 0871 265 2000
www.warwick-castle.com
The White Company 020 3758 9222
www.dobbies.com www.matalan.co.uk www.thewhitecompany.com Background fabric on this page: Traditional Metallic Holly, Makower UK
Dotcomgiftshop 020 8746 2473 White Stuff 020 3752 5360
www.dotcomgiftshop.com
Dunelm 0345 165 6565 N National Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Next 0333 777 8000 www.next.co.uk
www.whitestuff.com
WHSmith 0333 600 5000
www.dunelm.com www.whsmith.co.uk
Notonthehighstreet 020 3318 5115 Willow & Stone 01326 311388
E eBay www.ebay.co.uk
English Heritage 0370 333 1181
www.english-heritage.org.uk
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Numskull 01707 800881
www.numskull.co.uk
www.willowandstone.co.uk
Wilko 0800 032 9329
www.wilko.com
Nutscene 01307 468589
F F&F 0800 323 4050 www.tesco.com
Festive Lights 01257 792111
www.nutscene.com
Winchester Christmas Market 01962
857200 www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
O
www.festive-lights.com Ohh Deer 01509 812075 World Of Sewing 01892 533188
Flair Rugs www.flairrugs.com www.ohhdeer.com www.worldofsewing.com
Wyevale Garden Centres 0344 272
G George Home 0800 952 0101

www.direct.asda.com/george P Paperchase www.paperchase.co.uk
Papermania www.docrafts.com
3000 www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk
Gisela Graham 020 7708 6396

www.giselagraham.co.uk
Papermaze 01473 892195
www.papermaze.co.uk Y Yankee Candle 0117 316 1260
www.yankeecandle.co.uk
Boxing Day & beyond
Avoid a post-Christmas lull with these family-friendly boredom busters
Go for 26th Take that

a walk 30th festive trip
If you’re one for Many festive attractions
traditions, don’t don’t shut their doors just because
forget the Boxing Day Christmas Day has come and gone. If
walk – essential if you missed out on family fun days in
everybody overloaded the pre-Christmas rush, you’ve still got
on roast potatoes a chance to get the whole clan together.
the day before. You Whether it’s a festive light show,
may well know the ice-skating or a winter festival, start
best local walks in with our guide to family days out over
your own area, but if Christmas on page 12 and pay special
28th Conquer
you’re away visiting family, you could attention to individual closing dates.
check out the National Trust website
at www.nationaltrust.org.uk for their
nearest sites. That way, you’re always
guaranteed some spectacular scenery
the sales
If you’ve held out from hitting the
on your trek.
Christmas sales for as long as you
The website has a special section
can, the worst of the crowds should
dedicated to festive walks, which will
have quietened down by now. Time to
give you some ideas for the types of
head out and bag yourself a bargain.
wildlife that each garden may offer
If you’ve been lusting after a new
at that time of year. Why not use it to
piece of home technology, make sure
plan a spotting sheet to keep the kids
you do your research by reading
– and grown-ups – entertained? Image Blenheim Palace
some expert reviews beforehand. This
will help you avoid impulse buys you
regret later. While a trip around the
shops might not be the ideal day out
for the whole family, larger shopping
centres often have cinemas and other
activities on site, which should give Time to party!
them plenty to get on with while you Here’s to the last celebration of 2017!
27th
fill your baskets. Even if you don’t have big plans, you
can turn a quiet night into something
special with a few choice buys and
Say thank you

DIYs. Why not create photo booth
A crafty props, plan party games and maybe
clean up even indulge in a make-your-own

cocktail
Chances are that you’ll never have as station
much scrap cardboard in the house as with
you will do in the days after Christmas. garnishes
This gives you the perfect stash for and
getting creative with young children. syrups?
GMC Books have a range of titles aimed That
at parents of little crafters. The latest one, sounds
The Space Craft Book by Laura Minter like a
and Tia Williams, is out in November and
29th
very
is sure to inspire the next generation of Thank you cards don’t happy
Tim Peakes. We love this cardboard box have to be a chore – and New
rocket playhouse project! they should definitely be a
Year
If you don’t have young children, family affair! Spend some time making to us!
why not learn a craft along with another cards with the kids or treat yourself to Image
some gorgeous stationery in the sales. Talking
member of the family?
31st
Tables
The Space Craft Book, £5.99, GMC Books Thank you card, £2.50, Notonthehighstreet

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EST.
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Offering comfort and warmth

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T: 0845 519 5991

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H

Foolproof recipes for family ❆ Cheat’s

Styling ideas to make your

Step-by-step craft projects

Applies to Felix models

For a chance to win a SEBO vacuum

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk christmas 2016 1

48 Add a bit of sparkle with

61 24 Send an extra special

82 Tackle the season in style 143 Where to buy everything

The Yuletide month has officially started,

Image Sainsbury’s Home

H H home-made H H family to see.

is helping all Christmas letters get to

4 christmas 2017 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Image Sara Miller London

shelves Oh Christmas tree

experience, for an extra-special festive

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk christmas 2017 5

17 Make time for tonight is the night to try a bit of

and will have an

delicately conceal the family and wrapped what

and position under seems like a mountain of gifts,

guests. Think down, hang out with the pals

colour scheme and night in and crack open the

which accents will board games, or take to the

tree decorations. – you deserve it!

see our seasonal Top tip If you’re thinking

suggestions. of going out for a group

meal, make sure you book

Image John Lewis your table in advance to

avoid any Christmas party

6 christmas 2017 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Image Yankee Candle

then quickly pop to the shops and

Top tip A bunch of festive

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk christmas 2017 7

Turn to page 131

8 christmas 2017 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Tabletop gifting tree

You will need

T his tiny tree makes a great centrepiece on

Feature and styling Sophie Holt Photos Lizzie Orme

Mouse decorations, £18 per set of three, The Contemporary

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk christmas 2017 9

You will need

10 christmas 2017 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Turn to page 131 to make

Back by popular demand is the stunning

selection of DJs and artists!

Including an open-air ice rink and quaint

12 christmas 2017 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

When it comes to Christmas theatre, the

*Subject to availability. Adult or

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a spectacular array of glistening fairy lights.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk christmas 2017 13

Christmas Craft Workshop Photo Janice Alamanou

Calling all families! Get those creative

14 christmas 2017 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Win! Beko appliances to kit

Visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk to enter online.

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