Innholdsfortegnelse for The Christmas Magazine i The Christmas Magazine

We love prepping for the festive season, so we’ve brought you tons of ideas to help you look forward to your best Christmas yet. The savviest shoppers know that early planning makes sticking to a budget much easier. That’s why we’ve shared some of our favourite festive finds from across the market, to give you inspiration way ahead of the big day. This means we’ve had our eyes on the best festive buys since the summer, so do check availability with individual stockists (page 98) as some prices weren’t even released at the time of print. This year we’ve partnered up with the wonderful team at Wayfair to bring you a superb 15% off their range. Use it against home decorations, gifts, or something special for yourself! Turn to page…

01 UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS BOOK Check in with your friends and family nice and early to ensure you have all the correct info for your Christmas cards. This lovely A5 hardback personalised address and birthday book is perfect for keeping yourself up to date. £29.95, Martha Brook. 02 THRIFTY GIFT TAGS Last year’s Christmas cards make excellent craft supplies for creating tree decorations, parcel toppers and even new cards. See Sarah Beaman’s excellent step-by-step in your free Christmas Crafts Magazine. 03 SANTA’S ADDRESS You simply cannot forget the most important address of the year… send your letters to Santa here: Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0 04 Make new traditions If the old traditions feel tiresome or too much of a chore – no one enjoys listening to the kids grumbling as…

Greet your friends and family with an array of stunning festive lights and decorations adorning your garden and door step. Then, as they walk into your hall they can be met with presents, glittery stars and hallway garlands. Let us help you transform your space with our top picks. FIRST IMPRESSIONS Whether you have a large front garden or tiny porch, there’s enough space for a decorative welcome. Jute Christmas sack, £10; Deluxe eucalyptus wreath, £175; Daby alpaca throw sand, £160; Rustic moss green pillar candle, set of 2, from £12; Taupe ribbed pillar candle, set of 2, from £16; Square brass lanterns, from £12; Stripe orange cushion, £66; Frill cushion cover forest green, £58; Green and natural reversible wrapping paper, Natural and white stripe wrapping paper, White star wrapping paper,…

DECORATE YOUR MANTLE Mantles are the ideal area for placing a beautiful garland, this could be real or faux. Or, you could use faux and weave in some sprigs of holly to give it a special touch. Look out for smaller decorations to use with it like these gold birds and reindeer. Objects always look better in threes, so bear that in mind when you’re creating your display. From a selection of the Winter Fayre collection at John Lewis BRING OUT THE BUNTING Bunting is a fabulous decorative option all year round to celebrate different events, and at Christmas you’ll find designs with holly, trees, wreaths, and letters. Hang on mantles, walls, door frames and bookcases for extra cheer. Holly Leaves Christmas garland decoration, £5.99, Ginger Ray FOREST BATHING We…

Whether you’re hosting for a big group, or keeping things small this year, planning for Christmas Day really helps to ensure dinner goes off without a hitch. As always, we’ve got your cooking timings for the day, to help everything go smoothly, because amongst the excitement of unwrapping presents, and enjoying FaceTimes with distant relatives, the day can easily start to slip away… we’ve all been there! At The Christmas Magazine, we are big fans of preparing as much as possible in advance. Not only does this make everything easier and smoother on the day, it also allows you more time to enjoy the precious moments with your loved ones, rather than feeling like you’re tied to the kitchen. Our countdown is designed to cover everything to get your dinner…

First things first… remember that lots of dishes can be made in advance and frozen until needed, such as stuffing, sauces, gravy, roast potatoes, mince pies, tray bakes, sweet and savoury tarts and even the Yorkshire puddings! This will save you lots of lots time on the big day, so being prepared is key! LIFE TOO SHORT FOR STUFFING? Save time by buying your stuffing ready-made. There are lots of great options on the market this year including Asda’s Extra Special Pork, Truffle & Porcini Stuffing Parcels (300g £4.50), vegan-friendly spicy and fruity Wicked Kitchen Jewelled Stuffing Balls at Tesco (12 for £3) or Waitrose’s showstopping British Pork Jewelled Stuffing Wreath studded with cranberries, candied clementine and blood orange (serves 8, £12). Do you like to make your own stuffing…

For stockists turn to page 98. Whether you’re searching for stocking fillers for your own children, gifts for your grandchildren, or presents that your nieces and nephews will adore, here are our top picks that are sure to delight your little ones.…

For stockists turn to page 98. The tree is decorated, the wreath is on the door, there are mince pies waiting to be devoured… it’s time to light a candle or put out a new diffuser to give your festive home the final, beautifully scented, flourish!…

For stockists turn to page 98. Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in a little of what you fancy, which is why we love checking out all of the tastiest treats on offer. Here are some ideas that you might just want to pop on your own list to Santa……

(Serves 6-8) Preparation time: 30min Cooking time: 5min Baking time: 35min Total time: 1h 10min INGREDIENTS • 1 egg• 200g spinach• Salt• 250g ricotta• 1 tbsp lemon juice• 1 tsp lemon zest• 2 tbsp white breadcrumbs• Freshly ground black pepper• 1 pack ready-rolled puff pastry• 1kg salmon fillet; skinless and boneless METHOD 1. Separate the egg. 2. Blanch the spinach briefly in boiling salted water. Rinse, squeeze out excess liquid and chop. Mix with the ricotta, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper. 3. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas 6. Unroll the puff pastry and brush with egg white. 4. Cut the salmon in half and place the thinner half on one side of the pastry. Cover with the ricotta mixture and…

CHILLI POPPERS Put the bite in bite-sized! (To serve 4) Preparation time: 30 min Cooking time: 10 min Total time: 40 min INGREDIENTS • 8 slices of bread• 1 jalapeño• 250g cream cheese• 80g mozzarella; grated• Salt• Freshly ground black pepper• 3 tbsp plain flour• 2 eggs• 150g breadcrumbs• Vegetable oil; for frying• 4 sprigs coriander leaves; coarsely chopped• 1 lemon; cut into wedges• 100g sweet chilli sauce METHOD 1. Remove the crusts from the bread, cut each slice in half and flatten with a rolling pin. 2. Cut the jalapeño into rings. Mix with the cream cheese and mozzarella and season with salt and pepper. 3. Spread 2-3 tsp of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom third of each bread strip and roll up towards the top. Press…

Christmas wrapping is one of our favourite ways to get crafty as there are so many ways to level up your gifting in a fun and inexpensive way. Here are a few ideas of how you can spruce up your presents so that they look gorgeous under the tree. GO FORAGING Sprigs of holly and fir tucked into ribbon can really make your presents pop, and the best part is, it’s free! If you have a garden, look for evergreens that you can snip, or head out for a walk in the woods to forage for small sprigs that you can use. Just remember not to take too much. Berries add a lovely pop of colour, but we recommend searching for faux ones to protect children and pets from accidently…

This charming set of hanging ornaments have been made from easily obtainable everyday materials – some otherwise destined for recycling. The printed colours and patterns of used greetings cards add a higher degree of visual interest than plain coloured papers would. Used thoughtfully, the images can represent details and textures such as hair and feathers resulting in a refined and sophisticated look, which can become even more personal if the senders’ writing is incorporated. Nevertheless, a child should be able to reproduce these decorations and the outcome will be just as special. Except for the robin, all the circles have been drawn with a compass and cut out freehand – if you don’t have a compass use mugs or dishes as templates to draw around. Craft punches have been used…

We’ve selected four fabulous Christmas trends for you this year, there’s Nurture Nature – this is all about natural materials. Then Sugar Plum for those who love pastel shades and a sense of fun. Snowy Chalet is ideal if you love the simplicity of green and white. Finally, there’s Opulent Gems, strong jewel shades of blue, purple and red… which will you choose? Look 1 NURTURE NATURE KEEP IT NATURAL This look is all about natural materials – evergreen foliage, wooden candlesticks and ornaments, and an earthy colour palette. There’s also an animal element, robins, foxes, squirrels and hedgehogs are all welcome. Wrap presents with brown paper, and use raffia and ribbon in shades of green, ochre and aubergine. Decorations from a selection at John Lewis & Partners PINE AND CONES…

WIN one of three John Lewis vouchers worth £100 each* You and The Christmas Magazine 1. How did you obtain your copy of The Christmas Magazine? ◻ From a newsstand/retailer ◻ From the Kelsey online shop (Publisher of The Christmas Magazine) ◻ From a friend/colleague ◻ Digital edition via Readly ◻ Digital edition (not Readly) ◻ Free copy 2. How much time have you spent reading your issue of The Christmas Magazine? ◻ < 1 hour ◻ 1-2 hours ◻ 2-4 hours ◻ 4-6 hours ◻ 6 hours + ◻ None 3. How would you rate these sections of the magazine on a scale of 1-5, where 1 star is ‘not very useful’ and 5 is ‘very useful’ Interest features Planning/preparation Decoration Food Travel Shopping/Gifting 4. What would you like to…

Most of us only eat turkey at Christmas and never give it a second thought for the rest of the year. While the traditionalists can’t bear the thought of eating anything but a turkey on Christmas Day, why not try something a little different for 2022? Here, we take a look at how to cook a goose, duck, chicken or turkey this year, plus a wild card… will you consider trying something new? GO WILD WITH GOOSE With a layer of fat sitting right under its skin, goose naturally bastes as it roasts for really moist, succulent results. Goose, with its rich buttery flavour, is in season from September to January, though you can buy frozen year-round. Prepare the bird by pouring two kettles of boiling water over it in…

For stockists turn to page 98. The hunt for the perfect present for your mum, aunt, wife, sister, daughter, or best friend ends here! From jewellery to slippers, make up to accessories, we’ve got some of the best ideas from across the market.…

For stockists turn to page 98. Whether you’re a stickler for something traditional or just love to hang out something a little bit fancy, however you choose to wow Santa when he pays a visit there’s bound to be a stocking for you among these favourites……

For stockists turn to page 98. Nothing adds a more welcome and festive touch like a wreath on your front door. Whether you opt for traditional reds and greens, something more soft and muted, or go bold with brights, you won’t go wrong with one of these beauties!…

(Serves 4) Preparation time: 35min Cooking time: 1h 35min Total time: 2h 10min INGREDIENTS For the stuffing • 200g stale white bread• 150ml hot milk• 1 onion• 1 tbsp vegetable oil• 100ml cider• 100g dried fruit; e.g. apricots, sultanas• 2 sprigs sage• 1 egg• 2 tbsp pine nuts• Freshly grated nutmeg• 1 pinch ground cinnamon• 1 pinch ground cloves• Salt• Freshly ground black pepper For the turkey • 1 turkey breast; approx. 1.2kg, with skin• 60g melted butter• 1 tbsp honey• 1 tbsp lemon juice METHOD 1. Remove the crusts from the bread and cut into small cubes. Place in a bowl and pour over the milk. Leave to soak. 2. Meanwhile, peel and finely dice the onion. Heat the oil in a frying pan and sauté the onion until…

ON TREND FOR 2022 Honey paired with cheese is big news for Christmas 2022, the perfect way to add a sweet note to salty, creamy blue cheeses and oozing brie. Paxton & Whitfield Acacia Honey comes from hives in the acacia forests of the Danube Valley and each jar features a piece of honeycomb for crunchy sweetness (340g, £9.50). GREAT ON A BUFFET TABLE… Or with a platter of cheese and cold cuts, Waitrose’ luxury vegan parfait is made from earthy roasted open cap mushrooms, porcini mushrooms and port, finished with a creamy topping flavoured with thyme. Serve with bowls of warm toast. (80g, £4.50) TWO FOR THE VEGGIES Waitrose’s Roasted Mushroom & Mascarpone Pâté is a blend of earthy oven-roasted and porcini mushrooms with soft cheese and mascarpone, and…

GINGERBREAD ESPRESSO MARTINI INGREDIENTS • 40ml Wheatley vodka• 25ml cold brew coffee• 15ml Borghetti Coffee liqueur• 15ml speculoos syrup• 5ml sugar syrup METHOD 1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. 2. Add all ingredients and shake for 10 seconds. 3. Strain into a martini glass. 4. Garnish with coffee beans. CRANBERRY & ORANGE PUNCH INGREDIENTS • 1L cranberry juice• 500ml vodka• 500ml orange juice• 500ml lemonade• 1 orange, sliced• 100g cranberries• Ice METHOD 1. Ensure all ingredients are chilled. 2. Add all ingredients to a punch bowl or pitcher, stir. 3. Allow guests to serve themselves… you may need to keep topping up, this one is pretty moreish! Top Tip Try adding cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves if you like a spicy festive flavour, or substitute the lemonade for ginger ale…

YOU WILL NEED… A TabbyandTweed Christmas flower weaving wreath kit available from tabbyandtweed.co.uk, £35 Each kit contains the following: An unmade rattan wreath, 25cm in diameter British Appleton tapestry wool Tapestry and sewing needle Buttons for decoration Two sizes of flower weaving loom Ribbon Gold baubles and coloured minibells Decorative yarn braid STEP 1 Unpack your kit and lay it out. STEP 2 To make a large flower you will need the large flower loom and between 4-5m of yarn depending on how full you would like your flower. Take the loom and, holding an approximately 5cm tail, take the rest of the yarn from the back of the loom up through the first top slot. Take the yarn straight down the loom to the opposite slot. STEP 3 Take…

Kate Smith shows you how to make these decorations using craft items you’ll probably already have hanging around at home or in your craft stash. Plus it makes for an excellent activity to keep the little ones occupied when you really need to get on with your Christmas preparations! You could cut out letters instead of shapes, if you prefer. And use whatever yarn you have at home, or choose colours to match a theme. Brown card templates will create a rustic effect, or opt for bright and bold for a bit of fun. If you have a CricutTM machine, you’ll find it easy to cut intricate shapes in no time. Otherwise, you might find it easier to stick to more simple outlines that you can draw by hand or…

OCTOBER MAKE THE MOST OF THE AUTUMN WINDFALLS Gather up pinecones, acorns, chestnuts and small branches to use in beautifully natural Christmassy displays. Use them to make wreaths to hang on your front door or tie with ribbon and place in vases. Spray some of your treasures gold and silver or dress them up with glitter and beads, leave others plain for a rustic look. Use thin twigs to make snowflakes to hang on the tree, add ribbons, clove sticks, and small pieces of evergreen foliage for a festive finish. GET THE KIDS INVOLVED Get them to help you dry out slices of oranges and lemon to store until Christmas – hung on the tree with ribbons or brown string, they make fabulously scented decorations. You can also hollow out…

Wether you love a full-on opulent look, or would rather go down the traditional route, we have you covered. Maybe you prefer the classic red and white of the Scandi look? If you like the idea of a themed festive table then check out our four fabulous looks below. Look 1 CLASSIC COUNTRY This classic look of red and green is for you if you love the traditional festive table. Robins and pheasants galore, you can feature them on your table in the form of printed napkins, runners and place settings. Use green or red candles and add in some stripes. From a selection at Sophie Allport DECORATIVE CANDLES Dot these charming candle holders along the centre of your table, they come with faux berries and fir and some pinecones.…

With everyone back around the table again, you may find you have lots of different tastes – and diets – to cater for, from the aunt who doesn’t eat sprouts to the brother who’s just turned vegan. Here are the best food buys to keep everyone happy. PAS DE TURKEY Are they all complaining about dry turkey again? Change things up this year with a different joint. What about rack of lamb with a parsnip, herb and Parmesan crust, served with a leek and cheddar stuffing (Tesco Finest Lamb Guard of Honour, £32/kg). Or choose beef for a hearty dinner – try Sainsburys 30-day aged British beef joint (1kg, £17) or Asda’s Extra Special Tomahawk Wellington (£28/kg), a 21-day matured French-trimmed steak with mushroom duxelle and cheesy truffle melt, all…

For stockists turn to page 98. Don’t know what to get for dad? Need ideas for the husband who has everything? From fine fragrance to cool new sneaks, and everything in between, here are some of our favourite ideas.…

For stockists turn to page 98. Advent calendars really add to the magic and excitement of Christmas, no matter what age you are! Whether you’re looking for one to refill and reuse, or something fun for 2022, here are some gorgeous options.…

For stockists turn to page 98. Can you ever have enough decorations for your Christmas tree? We love selecting a fun bauble to gift to friends and family who are hosting during the festive season; it creates a lovely keepsake as a reminder of good times spent with loved ones.…

Food is one of the centrepieces of Christmas, with everyone gathered round the table sharing delicious meals, grazing on party food, indulging in something sweet, and sipping on a cocktail or two. If you’re hosting this year, we’ve got some stunning recipes for you, including a stuffed turkey breast, which is a fantastic option if you don’t want to do battle with a whole bird. We’ve also got a gorgeous fish dish, which is perfect for Christmas Eve. This one is definitely going on my 2022 menu. We’ve also scoured the market for the best buys of the season. With so much on offer, it makes sense to tap into some of the excellent options available, to help save you time on the big day. So, have a browse, pick…

(Serves 8-10, or for a 20cm tin) Preparation time: 1h 30min Baking time: 55min Cooling time: 14h Total time: 16h 25min INGREDIENTS For the gingerbread • 150g honey• 150g brown sugar• 60g butter• 350g plain flour• ½ tsp ground ginger• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda• 1 egg For the icing • 2 egg whites• 1 tbsp lemon juice• 400g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting For the cake • 125g butter; softened, plus extra for greasing• 100g caster sugar• 1 tsp vanilla extract• 1 pinch salt• 3 eggs• 250g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting• 2 tsp baking powder• 2 tsp ground ginger• 1 tsp ground cinnamon• 2 tbsp cocoa• 125ml milk METHOD For the gingerbread 1. Heat the honey, sugar, and butter in a pan, stirring, until the sugar…

Whether you want to create pretty decorations, make your gift wrapping stand out from crowd, or are looking for ideas to entertain the kids, we’ve got you covered. My favourite feature this year is Sarah Beaman’s tree ornaments, created using last year’s Christmas cards. I love the way she has used material that would otherwise be wasted and turned it into something really beautiful and lovely to make. Turn to page 14 to try it for yourself. All that’s left for you to do is dust off your craft stash – maybe treat yourself and add to it like I always do – and get crafting!…