Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2017 i The English Home

The Cotswolds village I live in becomes a hive of activity as Christmas approaches. A hugely sociable place all year round, it becomes even more so during the festive season. Proceedings begin with the nativity play at the little local primary school (guaranteed to raise tears and laughter), progress through to singing and mulled-wine events in the pub – hosted by one of the three village choirs – and peak with the all-important Christmas Eve service at the church. There, the pulpit is garlanded with flowers, candles flicker in each of the stained-glass windows and there is not a single empty seat to be had in the pews. In addition to all this, neighbours far and wide gather for drinks parties, the village lanes throng with walkers on Boxing Day…

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‘What I enjoy most about having an English house again is collecting English china, embroideries and paintings’ Moving house is a challenge, but Gloria Stewart – a garden designer and dealer in French brocante and textiles – has a talent for it. She anticipates where furniture will be placed in new rooms and where lamps, pictures and china will be hung or displayed. Within days of moving, her house looks like home and she is thinking about what to do with the garden. This foresight has been honed by the experience of restoring a number of period houses in France with her musician husband, Eric. They lived in France for 30 years, and when they decided to return to England in 2014, they rented whilst they looked for somewhere more…

The natural beauty of native seasonal greenery is immediately evocative of Christmas. Combine the greens of various foliage in garlands and wreaths with crisp whites and frosted silvers for a pretty and sophisticated appoach to rustic style. The table dressing seen here allows foliage to take centre stage in the form of an impressive garland created by Liz Fallon of The Cotswold Posy Patch, an independent, artisan flower grower and florist who champions the use of seasonal, British-grown flowers and foliage. Fallon wired bundles of foliage along a length of jute twine to construct the garland. “It contains seven different evergreen foliages, including green and variegated holly, and several different pines and conifers,” she explains. “They are repeated along the length of the garland to give rhythm and a sense…

Rose and old golds, coppers and soft pink tones are seeing a rise in popularity this year for a romantic take on the festive season. Embrace the glamour with plenty of shimmering surfaces and glittering lights, with textures that catch the light, such as cut-crystal and mercury glass. Lacy patterns on crackers and napkins, and sequin detailing on decorations and stockings, all imbue a sense of femine charm. A floral wreath is the perfect touch to welcome guests into this pretty, vintage look.…

SUGAR & SPICE There is nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm mince pies on a cold winter’s eve. The trio of spices used – nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves – is thought to be symbolic of the gifts brought by the Three Wise Men. All year, we look forward to savouring rich mincemeat enrobed in buttery, melt-in-the-mouth pastry, served with lashings of cream. Many entrust an expert to prepare this treat, such as Bettys of Harrogate, founded in 1919. Betty’s Classic Mince Pies, £10 for a box of 12, bettys.co.uk…

CLARIDGE’S Claridge’s is perennially irresistible. This year, just in time for Christmas, comes the launch of the hotel’s first cookbook. Co-authored by its executive chef Martyn Nail, Claridge’s: The Cookbook is a celebration of the hotel’s best-loved dishes and drinks. The famous five-star hotel’s annual Christmas tree is another reason to make a festive visit; every year, Claridge’s commissions an A-list designer to decorate its tree, seen by many as the most creative expression of Christmas in the capital. Judging by past efforts by Dolce & Gabbana and Christopher Bailey for Burberry, it will be spectacular. claridges.co.uk THE RITZ One of the capital’s most famous hotels, The Ritz’s festive season will begin on 24 November, following an overnight sprinkling of sparkles over its opulent Louis XVI-style decor. The centrepiece will…

Bettys Tel 0800 456 1919 bettys.co.uk British Library Tel 020 7412 7735 bl.uk/shop Chelsea Textiles Tel 020 7584 0111 chelseatextiles.com Cox & Cox Tel 0330 333 2123 coxandcox.co.uk Devon Flooring Tel 01626 685285 devonflooring.com Fermoie Tel 01672 513723 fermoie.com Fine Cell Work Tel 020 7931 9998 finecellwork.co.uk Fortnum & Mason Tel 020 7734 8040 fortnumandmason.com Inverawe Tel 0344 847 5490 smokedsalmon.co.uk Jetmaster Tel 0121 580 7868 jetmaster.co.uk Lewis & Wood Tel 01453 878517 lewisandwood.co.uk Nadine Judd Interior Design Tel 07979 523832 Nicole Fabre Designs Tel 03301 133470 nicolefabredesigns.com Paxton & Whitfield Tel 01451 823460 paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk Punica Tel 07979 523832 punica.co.uk Robert Kime Tel 020 7831 6066 robertkime.com Rowen & Wren Tel 01276 451077 rowenandwren.co.uk Scott-Masson Interior Design Tel 07979 523832 scott-masson.com Sophie Conran Tel 020 7603 1522 sophieconran.com VV Rouleaux…

• Making a wreath for my door is something that gives me great pleasure. It’s something I tend to do in the week before Christmas – setting aside a weekend morning to raid the garden for foliage and creating havoc on the worktops whilst I ‘play with flowers’. I find it enormously satisfying, even if the end results are not particularly skilful. • Baking snowflake- and dove-shaped biscuits with my daughter , who is reaching an age when the icing is less messy and the making is almost as much fun as the eating. • Going shopping for a new bauble. We treat ourselves to one new addition for the tree each year. The ritual is a deep-seated memory that I hold dear from my own childhood and am eager…

Ardent aficionados of Christmas can sprinkle a little extra whimsy and festive flair with decorative touches designed specifically for the season. From robin motif tableware and kitchen textiles to a jolly doormat, there is plenty to choose from. We suggest some of the most tasteful ways to add additional embellishment when decking the halls.…

Nestling in a quiet hamlet on the border between Wiltshire and Dorset, is a thatched farmhouse with arguably one of the most spectacular views in the area. The views were amongst the prime reasons James and Tara Loyd bought the property when they were first married and are also the reason why, 20 years later, with their children William and Eliza now 20 and 18 respectively, they have resisted the temptation to downsize. “When the farmhouse began to look tired and outdated, Tara and I took the view that it was worth a second round of repairs and we would prefer to renovate than move. Frankly, where else would we find as lovely a view?” says James. Tara smiles and nods in agreement, adding: “We would be crazy to leave…

The anticipation of sharing their home with friends at this festive time of year is a pleasure relished by Emily and Oliver Howard, and its splendid Georgian entrance, approached along an avenue of clipped yew trees and flanked by standard bay trees and flickering storm lanterns evokes a welcoming greeting for guests. In the fortunate position of being free to choose anywhere in the UK to live, Emily and Oliver thought an opportunity to spend a weekend in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside might focus their minds on a suitable location. “Having recently retired, we decided to move away from city living,” says Emily. “We felt we could live anywhere. To some extent it was a matter of exclusion; not too far north or west, and not too far from London.”…

Throw caution to the wind and embrace the opportunity Christmas affords to fill the home with opulent accessories and decorations. This look is luxurious and full of rich, deep, contrasting colours, and whilst there is a formality and a hint of tradition with the use of green, red and gold, the jolts of punchy purple add dramatic impact to the scheme. We have been rather extravagant in using a gorgeous green rayon/silk damask from Rubelli as the tablecloth, but a deep-green linen would work equally well. The runners, too, are made of silk, this time in a gorgeous purple from James Hare. Using table linen that follows similar colour combinations will have the same impact, as it is the rich contrast that is so striking here. Red napkins add a…

Silver and white baubles inject a twinkly Christmas mood into an otherwise natural and rustic scheme – look for mercury or painted glass and antiqued finishes, rather than anything too glittery or sequined. Wreaths should, of course, celebrate natural seasonal greenery featuring foraged pine cones, seedheads and dried flowers. Jute ribbon on gifts or crackers, or brown paper adorned with silver string are charming, as are block-printed cotton stockings.…

CHRISTMAS CAKE Soaking the fruit The counsel of perfection states to soak the dried fruit overnight in brandy and fruit juice. To be honest, I don’t bother, simply because dried fruits are not as dry as they once were, being generally more juicy and soft than in years gone by. If you would like to do that, then put the vine fruits into a large mixing bowl, pour over the brandy and the orange and lemon juice, then steep overnight. An occasional stir will ensure as many fruits as possible stay in contact with the liquid. Makes a 20cm cake 250g butter 125g light muscovado sugar 125g dark muscovado sugar 100g shelled hazelnuts 650g of dried fruits – ready-to-eat prunes, apricots and figs, candied peel, glacé cherries 3 large eggs…

REGENT STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Towards the end of November, central London gets a twinkling Christmas makeover. A tradition since 1954, a spectacular display of lights runs all the way from Oxford Circus to Waterloo Place via Piccadilly and St James’s, and each year these lights are switched on by someone famous. As soon as these lights are illuminated, Christmas in the capital has officially begun. 16 November (switch-on); regentstreetonline.com CAROLS AT ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL There are few places on earth more uplifting to attend a Christmas carol service than St Paul’s Cathedral, whose interior is as resplendent as its dome is iconic. It starts with the Advent Procession, one of the Cathedral’s most dramatic services of the year, and continues with a host of choral Evensongs and carol services up…

PAXTON & WHITFIELD Founded in 1797, Paxton & Whitfield is the oldest cheesemonger in Britain and holds two Royal Warrants. Though it has four locations, do call in at 93 Jermyn Street, its flagship store, which is full of traditional charm. Try its festive selection of raw-milk cheeses; the British selection includes Bix, Cheshire Appleby, Montgomery’s Cheddar and Cote Hill Blue. Spend a happy half-hour sampling cheeses to your heart’s content, and perhaps even order a Christmas hamper. paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk SIMPSON’S IN THE STRAND For a hearty helping of traditional English food, make a reservation at Simpson’s In The Strand, one of England’s oldest eateries. Part of the Savoy Buildings (as is The Savoy hotel), it opened in 1828 as a smoking room, then became a coffee house, before its renown…

KATY, decorating editor On my Christmas wishlist: I’ve had my eye on the V&A-inspired collections at John Lewis, particularly the Japanese teapots and plates, with their exquisite gold detailing. My favourite thing about Christmas is: Christmas Eve. I love the anticipation and it’s even more exciting now with my young daughter. After we have hung her stocking and tucked her into bed, my husband and I will pop open the prosecco and have a feast of delicious canapés, then make sure Father Christmas can get all the presents under the tree. I can’t get through the festive season without: Baileys! It’s my favourite tipple, plus I like to use it in my special tiramisu recipe as I’m not keen on traditional Christmas pudding or cake – even though I make…

Revel in the rituals for a smooth sleigh ride towards December 25th. Choosing Christmas cards and wrapping accessories evokes a festive feeling. Turn card-writing from a chore into a pleasure by having carols playing in the background, a delicious cup of tea close by, and using a favourite fountain pen to inscribe festive greetings. Whilst gift-wrapping, festoon the table with papers and ribbons and let imagination take flight.…

DRESSED TO IMPRESS The centrepiece of the festive home is a splendid tree, adorned with glinting baubles and twinkling lights. After choosing the perfect-shaped tree – natural, of course (see our feature on page 124 for advice) – fix it in a sturdy stand that allows enough room for watering. Begin dressing the tree with strings of fairy lights – a six-foot tree will need at least two strings – then hang the largest, most special and interesting decorations first, positioning them evenly over the tree. Fill the gaps with smaller baubles to create a show-stopping focal point. Tree and decorations from a selection at Dobbies…

Aubergine hues add a seductive and unexpected twist to a traditional festive palette – look for cut glassware, ornate baubles and satin ribbons for finishing off perfectly wrapped presents. An abundance of gold imparts a luxurious tone and partners green and red decorations perfectly. A dazzling wreath with gold-sprayed foliage and berries completes this colourful ensemble for a sumptuous Christmas look.…

CHRISTMAS FAIR AT CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN Over 100 carefully chosen exhibitors will come together at London’s most beautiful secret garden to sell hand-crafted gifts under cover of a marquee. It is worth visiting just to see the Chelsea Physic Garden which, founded in 1673, is one of the city’s oldest botanic gardens. 25 & 26 November; chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk PETERSHAM NURSERIES With a branch recently opened in Covent Garden, Petersham Nurseries’ cachet continues to grow. Its original home in Richmond is more than just a place to buy plants: it draws the city’s cognoscenti to its bucolic surrounds, acclaimed restaurant and shop, which is a haven full of stylish rustic homeware. Magical throughout the year, there is no place like it at Christmas. On 12 December, join Thomas Broom-Hughes and…

Ready-made faux wreaths, garlands and Christmas arrangements are increasingly realistic, but there is nothing more satisfying than creating your own using gathered or shop-bought natural materials. As with making your own Christmas pudding or mince pies, the end results can be tailored to just how you like them, as simple or elaborate as you wish and perfectly scaled to fit the intended location. Many of the less perishable floral and natural ingredients can be gathered and stored well in advance. Family forages on country walks are a really good way to source raw materials, and children make especially good hunter-gatherers when it comes to finding fallen pine or fir cones, pheasant feathers, teasels and mossy twigs. These can be gathered in baskets and kept in a cool, dry shed until…