Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2022 i Woman & Home

Welcome to the Christmas issue of woman&home! If you haven’t started thinking about the festive season, we’re here to help to inform, inspire and hopefully entertain you. And if you’ve already begun your Christmas preparations, I’m impressed – you’re even more organised than me! If you’re on the lookout for gift ideas for £50 or less, some of the buys on this page are a good place to start. However, if you really want to treat someone, why not consider a subscription to w&h? Go to womanandhome.com/readeroffer to find out how to get the gift that keeps on giving, all year. This sparkly issue of w&h is also my last one, as I’ve only been caretaking for the editor, Miranda, who will be back on this page (and editing the…

WISH-LIST PERFUMES…

What do mums secretly want for Christmas? Let’s be honest: it’s probably a ticket to a desert island, where Hugh Jackman licks caviar from your navel ‘neath a tropical palm. For us, the festive season is exhausting. First, there’s all that frantic holly bedecking, eggnog whisking and writer’s cramping from the 2,000 Christmas cards you have to send. Then there are the Haribo-fuelled kids’ fights, the desperate dashes to the shops for obscure presents for picky relatives, and the sleepless nights spent rustling up sheep costumes for the nativity play at the last minute (and no, the tinsel never bloody well sticks). Is it any wonder that by Christmas Eve most mums have developed the demeanour, aching limbs and mood swings of a long-haul flight attendant? How can any woman…

We’ve been loving this year’s 1980s throwbacks – from sci-fi epic Stranger Things to Sam Mendes’ nostalgic film Empire of the Light. The final two episodes of Stranger Things were so popular that Netflix crashed, and when it featured Kate Bush’s song Running up That Hill, the 1985 hit topped the UK charts for three weeks. Top Gun: Maverick perfected the sequel formula to become 2022’s most successful film at the box office. And Back to the Future: The Musical was an award-winning West End hit. The jury’s out as to how long it takes for a nostalgia cycle to kick in, with 30-40 years usually assumed to be the point when those in positions of influence relive their youth and create a revival. So with the 1990s waiting in…

Q I’m dreading Christmas. My in-laws are coming to stay for a few days and they’re very opinionated. Last year was ruined by an almighty row that left me in tears, as they were so rude to me. My husband knows it upsets me but he doesn’t like confrontation so stays quiet. How can I keep the peace? ‘Wives act out competing roles as homemaker and nurturer’ A I have to admit, your question resonated, not least because it reminded me of a Christmas I once had, when my mother-in-law threw me and my partner out of her house. I didn’t speak to her for six months. We should have seen it coming. Contrary to the picture-perfect Hollywood dream of gifts arranged under a twinkling tree, garlands adorning the stairs,…

‘I started in my kitchen’ Tired of waiting to hear back on film ideas and production deadlines, Nicola Hart, 60, a film-maker, used her spare time to concoct a nonalcoholic drinks business called Agua de Madre. THE IDEA I’d always been interested in food and drink – I used to run supper clubs for 30 people. In 2017, I visited a zero-waste restaurant in Brighton with my friend Sam Clarke, founder of London’s Moro and Morito restaurants. I ordered a water kefir – fermented water with natural rather than carbonated bubbles. Being culture-based, it’s fantastic for the gut and immune system. I ended up buying a 2,000-year-old culture originating from Mexico to make my own. I started with one jar in my kitchen. One jar turned into 10, then 20…

1 PREP LIKE A PRO You don’t want to spend ages on your make-up only for it to melt off as soon as you arrive at the party. The key to a long-lasting look is a bit like home decorating! Put in the prep and the results will look amazing – and last the night too. ‘Your skin is like a canvas and needs to be in the best possible condition before you start layering it with make-up,’ says make-up artist Ruby Hammer. Transform dull, lacklustre skin with Sisley Exfoliating Enzyme Mask, £90, sisley-paris.com. If it seems pricey, think of the uses you’ll get from it compared with one pre-party salon facial. Plus it takes your complexion from drab to fab in just 60 seconds! Mix a little of the…

Christmas can often feel like a roller-coaster ride. Yes, it’s joyful to spend time with family, but all that hard graft, alongside high expectations and overindulgence, can leave you feeling overwhelmed. The good news? We already have the most effective (and free) piece of equipment to boost our wellbeing – our lungs. Controlling your breathing can cause the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol to drop, which deactivates the stress cycle. Our easy exercises (over the page) can be done almost anywhere, at any time – and take just minutes. EASE PANIC OR ANXIETY Feeling frantic? ‘Box breathing reduces your heart rate, causing your body and mind to relax,’ says Stuart Sandeman, founder of Breathpod * . ✢ Inhale through nose for a count of four. ✢ Hold for…

THIS MONTH ✢ Menopausal brain fog✢ Balance debate✢ Insomnia Q I’m so confused about symptoms of the menopause, HRT and dementia. I thought I had early-onset dementia, as I’m perimenopausal and can’t remember anything at all. My GP prescribed me HRT and my symptoms improved, but a friend said HRT is associated with dementia. What’s correct? A I see people in my surgery regularly who are concerned that they may have early-onset dementia in their 40s and 50s. They are describing ‘menopausal brain fog’. This is when you experience difficulties with memory and concentration, which occur during the perimenopause and menopause. This is not the same as dementia, and can be treated with HRT. However, new research shows that women who have a premature menopause, under the age of 40,…

I know what you’re thinking. At this time of year, why should you be giving any thought to health and fitness when it will soon be party season? Thing is, people often think that in order for any useful effects to be felt, the effort needs to be huge. Dramatic. Time-consuming. Expansive. Expensive, even. So I’ve listed seven small things in seven days that won’t take over your life, but will make you feel alive. Ready? 1 Eat slowly Chewing each mouthful sensually (think Nigella), can reduce bloating and give the enzymes enough time to do their job properly. What arrives in our gut will be a lovely fine pulp with no side order of farts. It takes around 20 minutes for a signal to reach the brain that you’re…

Glazed ham with warming spice A whole ham makes an impressive centrepiece for your buffet table, yet it comes together with little effort and minimal oven time. You’ll be thankful for the leftovers, but if you prefer, make with a smaller boneless joint. Serves 20-30 • Prep 15 mins, plus cooling • Cook 25 mins Large bone-in cooked ham (about 4.2kg), skin removed and fat scored For the glaze: 4tbsp gochujang paste (Korean chilli paste)4tbsp brown sugar2tbsp marmalade or apricot jam2½tbsp soy sauce1½tbsp rice wine vinegar1tbsp honey2 garlic cloves, crushed1tbsp finely grated gingerPinch 5 spice powder 1 For the glaze, combine all the ingredients (except the ham) in a small pan, along with 100ml water. Stir over a medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil and…

TESTING THE BEST Our food team have years of experience cooking and tasting the very best in food and drink, and review thousands of products every year. For the Christmas Food Awards they tested over 300 products. Submissions are tested blind, meaning there’s no favouritism and food is judged on its merits. We judged products on flavour, appearance, ease and innovation. TASTIEST CHRISTMAS CLASSICS Handmade Biscuiteers Mince Pies Frangipane Flavour, 6 pack, £15, biscuiteers.com Generously filled with mincemeat and topped with a decadent layer of frangipane, these are seriously good. Food editor Jess Meyer said, ‘These mince pies had a well-balanced sweetness and a satisfying texture.’ Heston Pear & Fig Mince Pies in Triple Cheese Pastry, 6 pack, £3.50, Waitrose & Partners Perfect for those with a more savoury tooth,…

Seeing it look like the typical ‘chocolate box’ cottage, with thatched roof, pretty views and picturesque setting, it’s hard to believe Kim and Mark Dyke needed any persuading to take on this stunning property. ‘I didn’t find the house instantly appealing,’ says Kim. ‘It was actually two properties: a timbered cottage and, joined to that, the former village school.’ With no working electricity, heating or plumbing, the property was barely habitable, while both the interior and exterior were pretty grim. ‘The beams were black, the carpets were pink, plus the front garden had been the school playground, so was all tarmac,’ says Kim. Kim’s husband Mark thought the property was worth pursuing, and Kim was won over by the gorgeous views and village location, close to Norwich where the couple…

FOREST FRIENDS These woodland creatures will look magical in the garden. Wicker LED polar bear, £69, 135cm 2D light-up deer, £79, 500 LED warm white string lights, £29.99, all dobbies.com IN SYMMETRY Stand these trees either side of a door to illuminate the entrance. Indoor/outdoor light-up Alpine fir trees, from £125 each, coxandcox.co.uk EASY DOES IT Illuminate outdoor foliage with all-in-one net lights so you won’t get in a tangle. Topiary net light, £12.99, lights4fun.co.uk WARM WELCOME Up your home’s kerb appeal with festive lights to lead the way in. 140 warm white connectable net lights with clear cable, 2m x 2m, £40, lights4fun.co.uk FLAT-PACK TREE Take the easy option with this string light tree that can be hooked up on an outdoor wall or fence. Indoor/outdoor magical string light…

Having grown up in England, Sue moved to Edinburgh in 2008, where she has since raised two daughters, and become a Professor and Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at the University of Edinburgh. We came to Edinburgh for the food culture and the arts. I would wager there’s more really good theatre and art in Edinburgh than any other UK city, per capita. If I had to pick a favourite spot, it would be the Traverse Theatre. It’s a creative powerhouse of new, high-quality Scottish writing. If it’s on at the Traverse, you know it’s going to be good. Food-wise, I love popping into the farmers’ markets in Stockbridge and Castle Terrace for seasonal produce with low mileage, and treats like proper Scotch eggs. We have a favourite restaurant too…

GROUNDHOG DAY The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Kelk (£14.99, HB, HarperCollins) From the author of the I Heart series comes another crowd-pleaser with a concept: what if it was Christmas every day? For newly single Gwen, who is keen to escape her job, a family Christmas could be just what she needs but, really, she needs peace and quiet. When someone makes a wish and Christmas Day keeps repeating itself, it’s not ideal. With laugh-out-loud moments, it’s another classic Kelk novel. BOOK OF THE MONTH SURVIVOR’S INSTINCT The Prisoner by BA Paris (£16.99, HB, Hodder & Stoughton) When two men violently kidnap Amelie in the middle of the night, holding her hostage, she tries everything in her power to escape from the pitch-black prison. Switching between present day and the…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Eamonn Holmes GB News presenter Eamonn, 62, lives in Surrey with wife Ruth Langsford and their dog, Maggie. WAKE UP On a GB News day, the alarm goes off at 2.30am. I’ll get showered and dressed, ready to leave at 3.30am. MORNING I never drink coffee and rarely drink tea, so I leave on an empty stomach. I listen to the news in the car before arriving at the studio at 4.30am, where we’ll have a chat about the show’s agenda. BREAKFAST At GB News we don’t have food facilities and our ad breaks are only two minutes long, so you’ve no time to eat anything. I might send out for a bacon sandwich, so sometimes you’ll see me chewing as the camera cuts…

Blink and you could have missed it. One of the most astonishing, yet long-awaited, developments in the soap opera that is the British Royal Family, might have slipped under the radar. Amid the historic ‘first speech’ from King Charles III, his tribute to both his mother, son and the Queen Consort at his side, was a piece of news we’ve waited 19 long years to hear: Arise Princess Kate. And now, as a first Christmas without Her Majesty approaches, it will be the once-shy child of an air stewardess who is about to take centre stage. As the royals gather for the festive period, the family will look for Kate and Camilla to fill the void left by the Queen. ‘Over the years Kate has quietly emerged as a favourite…

Beautiful scraps ✢ TOSS root veg peelings with a little oil and roast at 180C Fan/Gas 6 until crisp and golden. Sprinkled with salt and a few ground spices, these make a perfect snack for your Boxing Day spread. Better yet, roast them in an air fryer. ✢ BLITZ leftover leaves and herbs with a few festive nuts, some garlic and oil for a make-do pesto affair. ✢ THROW veggie and fruit scraps and trimmings in the tin under your roast for the beginnings of a rich and flavourful gravy. Apple cores, leek tops, spent citrus and herb stalks are all fair game. Bottom of the bottle ✢ ADD A GLUG of sherry, port or Marsala to dishes calling for white or red wine. Especially good in sauces and meaty…

Tiramisu ice cream terrine Layers of coffee and vanilla ice cream, boozy sponge fingers and chocolate make for a stunning yet simple Christmas centrepiece. The nutty chocolate shards will add some extra crunch as well as drama. Serves 10-12 • Prep 30 mins, plus overnight freezing 500ml vanilla ice cream(not soft-scoop)500ml coffee ice cream(not soft-scoop)24 sponge fingers100ml strong freshly made coffee80ml marsala4tbsp coffee liqueur50g hazelnuts, toasted and roughlyground50g dark chocolate, finely grated For the chocolate and hazelnut shards:200g dark chocolate50g hazelnuts, toasted and roughlychopped To serve:Cocoa powder and icing sugar, optional You will need:1kg loaf tin, lined with baking paper 1 Soften both ice creams until they are spreadable. You can do this in a food processor one at a time or in large bowls using a whisk to beat…

Stollen wreath A twist on a festive favourite, our wreath-shaped stollen – gently spiced and studded with dried fruit and marzipan – is perfect with a mid-morning coffee. Serves 14 • Prep 20 mins, plus about 1 hr 30 mins proving • Cook 30 mins 550g strong white bread flour2 packs (14g) fast-action dried yeast½tsp salt50g caster sugar1tbsp mixed spice½tsp freshly grated nutmeg75g unsalted butter, cut into smallcubes250ml milk1 medium egg, plus extra beatenegg, to glaze 75g currants50g dried cranberries, roughlychopped50g chopped mixed peelZest 1 orange and juice ½ orange250g marzipan100g icing sugar, sifted 1 Put the flour, yeast, salt, caster sugar, mixed spice and nutmeg in a large bowl and stir well. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Warm the milk to hand hot, whisk…

Ginger sparkle A spiced and zesty twist on a royale. Serves 1• Prep 1 min 1-2tbsp gingerwineChilled champagne or crémant,to serve Pour the ginger wine into a champagne flute then top up with chilled sparkling wine to serve. Per serving: 123 cals, 0g fat, 0g sat fat, 3.5g carbs Sparkling hedgerow 75 A British twiston a classicfestive tipple. Serves 8• Prep 1 min 90ml blackberryliqueur or crème de cassis120 dry gin3tbsp elderflower cordial4tbsp lemon juiceChilled sparkling wine (preferablyEnglish), to serve 1 Combine all the ingredients except the wine in a clean bottle or jug. Chill until ready to serve (you can make this up to 2 days ahead). 2 When ready to serve, divide the cocktail mixture between 8 champagne coupes and top up with chilled sparkling wine. Per serving:…

As well as being an award-winning singer, presenter and actor, MICHAEL BALL OBE has just written his first novel. On p63, he recalls conquering stage fright. Which famous person – alive or dead – would be your ideal Christmas guest? This year it would have to be Elvis. I’ve just come back from recording a new album in Las Vegas with Alfie Boe. We sat in Elvis’ old dressing room and performed on the same stage as he did – it was so special. EMMA MANNERS, 11th DUCHESS OF RUTLAND, is a mother of five, and chatelaine of Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire. On p46, she runs through her perfect Christmas, with advice on how to add a splash of glamour to your own castle! Which famous person – alive or…

‘Christmas Day is the crescendo’ TV presenter Anita Rani, 45, lives in Hackney, east London, with her digital agency boss husband Bhupinder, 42. I love my job, so all year I give it my all, but at Christmas, I switch off for two weeks. Bhupinder and I either do a Christmas away or spend it in the UK with family. When I’m at home for Christmas, I go big with celebrations, and I probably overcompensate because, growing up, we didn’t really do Christmas. Mum and Dad were often so busy running their clothing business that Christmas was a hotchpotch. There was no fixed tradition. One year, my mum’s elder sister invited us to her house in Edgbaston, where 50-plus relatives had descended. My auntie had prepared a tandoori turkey and…

Christmas isn’t like it used to be: it’s a common gripe from older relatives as they peer into elegant gift bags and lavish lump-free gravy over al dente sprouts. But in the last decade or so, they’ve been right – and it’s not gravy strainers that are the issue, but technology. In some ways, tech has changed Christmas for the better – being able to check the defrost time for a 7lb turkey online has saved many the trip to A&E with food poisoning. LEDs on the tree are better for the planet and twinkle just as easily as the flickering, faulty Christmas lights of yesteryear. ‘Will our Zoom calls be replaced with ABBA-like holograms?’ Losing touch But while innovations save us time and energy, we’ve lost something that made…

Dame Helen Mirren has been gracing stages and big screens since the 1960s. Her list of credits is as impressive as it is varied. From her breakout role as Cleopatra in 1965, her time with the Royal Shakespeare Company and throughout her career, she had played countless important women, most notably Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen, for which she won an Oscar. Calling her a national treasure doesn’t feel grand enough – really, she’s an icon. She’s known for her sense of humour and her striking dress sense – we always look forward to seeing what she’s wearing at big events, whether that’s walking in Paris Fashion Week or making a showstopping appearance in a glamorous, sweeping gown. Her role as a L’Oréal Paris spokesperson has…

Look at me on the opening night of Aspects of Love with a glass of champagne, the chaos of my dressing room and all my emotions etched on my face! It was April 1989 at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London, and I was flooded with relief and exhilaration. I couldn’t believe it had gone so well. At 26 years old I was the star of a new hit musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. I’d also just recorded Love Changes Everything from the show, and the hit single took me beyond the theatre world and into the national consciousness. I posed for that photo knowing my life had changed. Behind the camera was journalist Cathy McGowan. We met when she interviewed me for the BBC leading up to opening…

SIMPLY RED This scarlet shade in a simply cut design will certainly turn heads for all the right reasons. Adding metallic accessories gets this frock party-ready. WHITE LIGHT Neutral tones are perennially stylish, but avoid stark whites and go for creams, oyster and pale greys. Opt for contrasting textures like satin paired with textured knitwear to add interest. ALL WRAPPED UP Never underestimate the power of a flattering wrap dress – just add sequins, a luxe velvet sash and, voila, you have the ultimate party gown! SOFT TOUCH It’s easy to be drawn to dark velvet, but this luxe fabric gives vivid colours a beautiful softness, meaning you can wear a strong shade like red with confidence. SEQUIN CHIC Create a feel of relaxed glamour by teaming heavily sequinned pieces…

If you’re a beauty obsessive, you will already know Sali’s name. With over 24 years’ experience, she’s known for her straight-talking advice. She’s also co-founder of Beauty Banks, a charity providing essential toiletries to people living in poverty. Following two must-read beauty books, Pretty Honest and Pretty Iconic, she’s just released a third, Everything is Washable (£26, Fourth Estate), which has advice ranging from how to cut your own fringe and build a skincare routine to non-beauty tips like buying the perfect pair of jeans. MOISTURE SURGE Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, £63, spacenk.com You don’t need to spend this much on a moisturiser, but it’s a very decadent treat my skin just loves. SUN PROTECTION Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti-Dryness Protection Cream SPF50, £8, Boots One of my products…

Benefits of hot-water bottles Have you managed to resist turning on the heating so far? This might strengthen your resolve: opting for a hot-water bottle instead of cranking up your boiler could help you to maintain youthful, more radiant skin, as well as save you money. Central heating makes the air in our homes dry, which, in turn, dries out our skin, making it much more likely to crack – say hello to chapped lips. Dry skin can also make wrinkles worse, trigger rosacea and exacerbate any existing conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. Do you want to try to make sure you stay glowing all winter long? When the sun sets, try turning the heating down to the point where you feel cold without a blanket. This way, you’ll…

A CHRISTMAS EVE TREAT Chocolate coffee brownie mince pies A new spin on an old classic, with a familiar comforting flavour. Makes 12 • Prep 40 mins, plus resting • Cook 20 mins For the pastry: 210g plain flour2tbsp icing sugar120g butter1 medium egg For the filling: 75g butter100g chocolate, melted125g light muscovado sugar75g plain flour¼tsp baking powder2tsp instant espresso coffee powder, mixed with 2tbsp boiling water2 medium eggs, beaten260g mincemeatIcing sugar, to dust You will need: 12-hole muffin tin and a 10cm cutter 1 For the pastry, pulse the flour and sugar with the butter in a food processor until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg and pulse until a dough is formed. Wrap in cling film and place in the fridge for 30 mins. 2 For the…

Flavour inspiration Look out in Waitrose stores for the revamped Cook’s Ingredients range. The trend-led collection now combines more than 40 herbs, spices, rubs, sauces and marinades… with a nod to heritage world flavours. New in the range is Italian-inspired Cacio e Pepe paste to stir through pasta, and Deggi Mirch, an Indo-French curry powder made from Kashmiri chilli and red bell pepper. On all the packs you’ll find a handy QR code with recipe inpsiration – great at this time of year when you need lots of ideas to entertain the family. THIS MONTH’S TASTY TIPPLE Spiced mulled cider As an alternative to mulled wine, make this warming sweet cocktail to serve with nibbles before dinner. Serves 6 Put 900ml dry cider, 1 thinly sliced apple, 4 cloves, 2…

✢ Opt for off-whites and neutrals on walls to highlight timber beams and brickwork. ✢ Warm wooden floors with colourful woven kilims and runners, and add scatter cushions and throws in complementary colours. ✢ Go for a mix of classic country furniture in warm polished woods or bolder painted finishes. ✢ Keep it traditional with classic fir wreaths and garlands of greenery, accented by cheery red berries and baubles.…

dream holiday Exciting ways to get away from it all NATURAL BEAUTY I want to… SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS Flashes of bright green, painted across an inky night sky – it’s a sight out of another world. No wonder the aurora borealis makes it on to so many must-see lists – witnessing it is one of nature’s most magical experiences. To catch the phenomenon, you need clear, dark nights and a northerly latitude, upwards of 60°N. Iceland is a great choice; wherever you are, the Northern Lights regularly appear from September to March. What’s more, it rarely gets bone-chillingly cold – think zero rather than the -10C typical of Lapland – and the scenery is spectacular. Even if the aurora plays hard to get (sightings aren’t guaranteed), there are other…

LIFE STORIES PLAYING UNDER THE PIANO by Hugh Bonneville (£22, HB, Little, Brown) We loved him in Downton Abbey, we loved him in Paddington. Now we love reading his entertaining memoirs from life on stage and screen, as well as behind the scenes. We learn why he once played Robert De Niro’s right leg, but also how he discovered his mum worked for the secret service only after her death. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll love Hugh even more. AGATHA CHRISTIE: A VERY ELUSIVE WOMAN by Lucy Worsley (£25, HB, Hodder & Stoughton) While many of us know Agatha Christie as the creator of Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple, life away from her detective novels was just as intriguing and compelling. In late 1926, after a difficult year, Agatha…

Barbara Kingsolver, whose novels include classics such as The Poisonwood Bible and The Lacuna, has won multiple literary awards as well as a devoted readership. She frequently addresses issues of social injustice, and her latest offering, Demon Copperhead, is a modern-day retelling of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, set in the rural Appalachian mountains during the opioid epidemic. It follows the life of Demon, a young boy born in a trailer to a single mum. Barbara has two daughters and lives on a farm in Virginia with her husband, Steven Hopp. ‘I’m telling a truth people don’t often see’ I often jump into subjects that people might rather look away from. In the USA, rural people – particularly Appalachians – are invisible in mainstream culture. If we do appear, it’s as…

While this should be a joyful time of year, Christmas often comes with its fair share of stress, not least the pressure of keeping your guests well fed. Savour the time and banish the stress with our Christmas Day game plan and nifty tricks to save your time, money and sanity over the silly season. Savvy Christmas tricks ✢ PICK YOUR APPLIANCES Consider cooking your gammon, cabbage, root veg or even the Christmas pud in the slow cooker. Not only is it more energy efficient and hands-off, it will also free up precious oven and hob space. ✢ CHOICE CUTS If your dinner party is smaller this year, swap the whole turkey for a rolled breast or cushion. These smaller cuts cook faster than a whole bird, saving energy. ✢…

ME, MYSELF AND I Claire Kenny’s Solo Nights Out article [Oct] was a breath of fresh air. I, too, am single (nearly 45), and I’ve attended a few things on my own, including dinners, a cocktail bar, musicals and yoga festivals, and I went on two holidays. The article made me realise that, even though I may feel nervous or feel I stand out, that’s OK because if I didn’t go, I wouldn’t have the rich experience. Linda LEARNING THE HARD WAY I enjoyed Dr Rebecca Myers’ article about her work in prisons [Oct]. I recently retired as a lecturer and ran tutorials in a wide range of prisons. We were never told the reason why students were in there. All my students were polite and pleased to have the…

‘TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO SOMEONE’S LIFE IS AN HONOUR’ Beth Namara, 44, is a Marie Curie Healthcare Assistant, providing home support to people at the end of their lives, as well as their families. She lives in Kent with her three children, aged 24, 13 and seven. I’ve worked most Christmases since I started my job at Marie Curie in 2015, but I don’t see it as a sacrifice. Caring doesn’t stop just because it’s the holidays, and this is often the time of year when families need us most. I enjoy spending that time with patients. Often, it will be somebody’s last Christmas, and it means so much to share it with them. ‘Caring doesn’t stop just because it’s the holidays’ Meaning ful moments One Christmas Eve, I…

The place I call home is Belvoir Castle, a fairy-tale estate in Leicestershire. The festive season here is always a highlight. Every year we have a theme, and this year it’s Cinderella. I work closely with my decorator-designer, Ray, to create an enchanted wonderland, including a Santa’s grotto, where Father Christmas hands out gifts to children. I wrap hundreds of presents every year. We’re open to the public right up to Christmas, and the planning starts almost as soon as the decorations are dismantled. Decorating the castle is a real joy. We have 75 Christmas trees, and the tallest is usually around 14ft. I keep our most precious ornaments for the tree in our sitting room, and we always have a nativity scene. We have 200 or so rooms, so…

In late autumn 2015, I woke up shivering at two in the morning and saw the first frost of winter sparkling on the bonnet of my car. It was a sight I found terrifying. I was homeless, sleeping in my car and, instead of looking forward to Christmas like everyone else, my focus was on staying alive in the cold to come. It was like staring down a tunnel with no light at the end. Rewind a year from that night and no one would have believed I’d end up in such desperate straits. Back then, I was living with my husband and two sons, then 15 and 17, in a beautiful part of Cornwall. Home was a detached four-bedroom house with two cars on the driveway. And as Christmas…

HURR Home to cult brands like Rixo, Sleeper and Ganni, Hurr is definitely one of the coolest platforms out there. The site is easy to navigate with handy edits such as wedding guest outfits and a sustainable brands section. ✢ hurrcollective.com HIRESTREET As well as high-end designers, Hirestreet has hundreds of affordable everyday looks from £3.75, including M&S, Whistles and Zara. There are no subscription fees either, and cleaning fees are included. With an inclusive size range spanning UK 4-24, you can also search the site by occasion, size, colour and even price. ✢ hirestreetuk.com DCEY New on the rental scene, DCEY stocks small, lesser-known brands, making it unlikely you’ll end up at an event wearing the same dress as someone else. With a strong focus on occasionwear, including dedicated…

Can’t get through the day without your morning latte? For many of us, the idea of quitting caffeine seems, well, impossible. In the UK, we’re drinking 98 million cups of coffee a day * . But it’s not just hot drinks that tot up your caffeine intake – it can be found in diet cola, chocolate and even protein bars. And if it’s a regular part of your routine, you might not realise the effect it’s having – such as increased anxiety and restlessness. Want to wean yourself off? Here’s what could happen when you do. 1 YOU MIGHT GET HEADACHES ‘Caffeine causes the blood vessels to narrow. When we stop having caffeine, these blood vessels open up, increasing the blood flow to the brain,’ says consultant neuroradiologist…

THE PERFECT COMBINATION Go for three to four cheeses, then arrange them on your board with grapes, figs, pears and chutneys, with crackers or bread, as you like, interspersed with edible foliage such as herbs. Make sure you have serving knives/spoons within easy reach. Soft and creamy Go classic with a Somerset Brie or try Bix (Waitrose & Partners), a soft, triple-cream cheese from Oxfordshire with a buttery flavour. If you like bloomy Camembert-style cheeses, go for the award-winning Tunworth, made in Hampshire (paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk), with its nutty, mushroomy flavour. Hard You can’t go wrong with a good, strong Cheddar, such as nutty Montgomery’s (finecheese.co.uk) or creamy and tangy Quicke’s (Tesco and most other supermarkets, or quickes.co.uk). For something a little different, try Lincolnshire Poacher (M&S), where Cheddar meets a pineappley…

Snowy Black Forest gateau Black Forest flavours are making a big comeback this Christmas. And once you’ve tasted this combination of rich chocolate, booze-soaked cherries and indulgent creamy icing, you’ll see why. Serves 12 • Prep 40 mins • Cook 30 mins, plus cooling For the chocolate sponge:175g unsalted butter, softened200g golden caster sugar3 medium free-range eggs1tsp vanilla paste100g dark chocolate, melted200g self-raising flour2tbsp cocoa powder½tsp bicarbonate of soda150g soured cream370g jar cherries in kirsch, drained, Kirsch reserved (we used Opies) For the mascarpone icing:300g white chocolate300g mascarpone150g double cream For the chocolate curls:100g white chocolate, melted You will need:2 x 20cm loose-bottomed cake tins, lined with baking paper 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan/Gas 4. Using an electric mixer, for the sponge, beat the butter with the caster…

So the Christmas countdown begins, and if getting your home ready for the festivities is high on your list, we have it covered. Whether you’re thinking about trying a new colour scheme, or are looking for easy ways to update your existing decorations, we have plenty of festive ideas and inspiration. If it’s the tree that needs upgrading, we’ve rounded up a selection of fab faux firs to make the choice easier, and for outdoor inspiration, there are lighting ideas to bring extra sparkle to the exterior of your house as you welcome in family and friends over the holidays. LOOK 1 NATURAL SPARKLE Take inspiration from the outdoors, with this wintry look that mixes natural fir and evergreens, pine cones and timber with a sprinkling of sparkle and shine.…

STYLE TIP ‘Fluff’ an artificial tree – separate each branch and fan it out, working from the bottom of the tree to the top, to create a fuller shape.…

favourite reads LOVE STORY Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie She writes fiction and non-fiction, and does both so well, and also delivers extraordinary TED talks. In terms of careers, hers is one I aspire to. Americanah is an epic narrative that takes you across continents and society, and examines issues such as race and microaggressions, yet it’s anchored in the personal. She is so good at balancing plot and characters. SHREWD SATIRE The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe This is a doorstop of a book but you can read it so quickly, and that is down to the quality of the prose. I was a journalist and knew I wanted to write fiction. Wolfe showed me how to do that – how to combine the energy of narrative…

CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY Leave shopping until after the 10th, when Venus helps you pick the perfect presents. At least one crucial discussion rumbles on – know it’ll take a long while to resolve. Call 0905 789 4159* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY If you’re having family over for Christmas, the Aquarian moon promises it’ll go like a dream. Someone close has an issue they can’t talk about. Try a gentle approach. Call 0905 789 4160* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH Christmas can be notorious for fallouts. Beware innocent conversations leading to misunderstandings. Conflict could spark around the 8th. Parties offer big fun. Call 0905 789 4161* and choose weekly, monthly and…

THE MENU NIBBLE ✢ Prosciutto, fig and burrata crostini MAINS ✢ Citrus and bay roast turkey✢ Red onion and beetroot tarte tatin SIDES ✢ Oregano and garlic roast potatoes✢ Brown butter and hazelnut roasted sprouts✢ Green bean and frisée salad with spiced vinaigrette and smoked almonds ✢ Salted caramel roasted carrots and parsnips SAUCES ✢ Madeira and shallot gravy✢ Sloe gin cranberry sauce✢ Rich bread sauce TO START Prosciutto, fig and burrata crostini Forgo the formal starter this year and opt for an easy but substantial nibble that will whet your appetite for the feast to come. Serves 8 • Prep 5 mins • Cook 5 mins 150g ciabatta, diagonally cut into8 slices2tsp extra virgin olive oil4 slices prosciutto4 figs, halved or quartered, dependingon size1 ball burrata about 150g, roughlytorn1tsp…