Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2025 i Woman & Home

Right now you are no doubt in the thick of it. Whether it’s visiting or hosting friends and family, it’s a busy time, and with a new year just around the corner too, it really is the gift that keeps on giving! So, don’t forget to take some well-earned time for yourself in all the chaos. Pop the kettle on (or pour a glass of fizz!) and enjoy this month’s woman&home. Our annual book awards are back, and authors Cecelia Ahern, Jodi Picoult and Gillian McAllister all share what they are loving – and, for those who like a murder mystery, make sure you claim your free book on page 167*. One of my favourite things about Christmas is the festive television, and this year is the last ever Gavin…

PARTY PERFUMES…

When BBC3 announced that the majority of its new comedies were made by women, it was a landmark moment in mirth. It was 2021, and the channel revealed women were starring in, writing or creating 58% of its TV comedies. ‘This marks a monumental achievement and is testament to the fact that, increasingly, most pioneering and exciting new voices in comedy are female,’ said BBC comedy boss Kate Daughton. From the Edinburgh Festival to clubs across the country, more women are grabbing the mics as stand-ups too. So please welcome to the stage some of our favourite queens of quips. CATHERINE BOHART ‘If I say I’m gay, then women know I’m interested – and men try much harder.’ The comedian has crafted sell-out sets from her hilarious take on life…

1 Star turns Although he was famous in 180 countries as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders, we relished Cillian Murphy’s Oscars win. ‘He’s the most magnificent human,’ said The Crown’s Elizabeth Debicki. Revivals came thick and fast, and Paddington fans celebrated the bear’s journey to his homeland in Paddington in Peru, starring Olivia Colman. Paul Mescal stormed into the limelight as Lucius in Gladiator II and Beetlejuice made a return, featuring original star Winona Ryder. Meanwhile, TikTok made romcom Anyone But You a viral hit, grossing more than $200m to date. 2 Beavering away Rewilding stories didn’t get much cuter than the beaver babies (kits), born in west London, after an absence of 400 years. Canterbury residents also spotted kits in the River Stour, and a new generation was welcomed…

Standing by the hot pass, as I am in this photo, was my usual position as head chef of Petrus. It was around 1999 and I had taken over the restaurant on behalf of Gordon Ramsay’s company. It was probably Gordon I was on the phone to here, as we spoke every day, updating each other on what was going on. That, or I was on the phone to the suppliers. But I’d stand with my back against the wall, so that I could see everything that was going on. I had worked as a trainee in various big hotels in France, New York, Amsterdam and other countries before working at Petrus. But France was the one you wanted on your CV, to show that you had gone one stage…

Do you feel ashamed when you see your screen-time statistics? Or worry you’re incapable of leaving the house without your device? Does the global average of six-and-a-half hours of daily digital use seem low to you? If you think you have an unhealthy dependence on your phone, you’re not alone. Scary stories about the power of our devices and warnings about screen-time dangers are everywhere. On the other hand, the internet is part of the infrastructure of our lives – apps are needed for everything from banking to home security. Even the United Nations says digital access is fundamental. But could too much of it be damaging to us? Am I affected? Addiction means not being able to stop something despite negative results, experiencing cravings and obsessions, using or spending…

Spinning AROUND ✢ Get ready to make your entrance in this swishy gown. Ensure all eyes are on the statement ruffles and keep the rest of your look fuss-free. ✢ A leather jacket will toughen up the floaty chiffon fabric. Try a biker style in brown or burgundy for a more sophisticated take. Material GIRL ✢ ‘Tis the season for maximalism, and nothing does it better than plush velvet. The paisley print keeps this suit less corporate and more cocktail. ✢ For a more pared-back look, wear the blazer with a cashmere knit and jeans. Darling BUDS ✢ Moody blooms inject instant cheer that’s just as striking as sequins. A tiered skirt and voluminous sleeves gives this a grown-up feel. ✢ Yes, you can wear tights and sandals – just opt…

There’s no need to spend hours in the salon getting your hair ready for a party – unless you want to, of course! There are lots of ways you can give your hairstyle an upgrade for a party or special occasion, yourself at home. All you need is the right tools, know-how and a little bit of practice. QUICK-FIX TREATS Start with the basics and get your hair looking fabulous before you style. For frizz Stylist supremo Michael Douglas rates this brand for its hard-working formulas. Try Umberto Giannini Frizz Fix Shampoo and Conditioner, £19.90, umbertogiannini.com, which uses keratin bonding technology to penetrate each strand of hair, helping to smooth and strengthen it. For lank locks Mousse is back to give flat hair some oomph. But unlike the sticky formulas of…

We can help you live your best lifewellbeing We’re ready for a party at this time of year, perhaps with a few glasses of fizz. Yet while relaxing your routine can be freeing, you might feel the effects the next day. Burning the candle at both ends means ailments can strike, but whether you’re prone to sore feet, low energy, a hangover or a tension headache, you can nix those niggles with our expert-approved guide. Try these easy ways to prevent and fix the most common complaints of the holiday season. 1 REDUCE A HANGOVER Most of us have said ‘never again’ in our time – only to wake with another stonking hangover. PREVENT IT ‘Drink slowly and you’ll have a chance to process the alcohol,’ says Professor David Nutt.…

Q My husband gave up smoking 10 years ago. Lately, he has been coughing a lot and bringing up blood. He will not go to the doctor, as he says it can’t be down to smoking. Any advice? A Haemoptysis is the term that doctors use to refer to coughing up blood from your throat or respiratory tract. It can be bright red, old and rusty-looking, or a streaky discoloured mucus. Infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia or tuberculosis (TB) may be a cause, but it’s less likely if there are no other symptoms. An ongoing cough (a common occurrence at this time of the year after a virus) can be the culprit, because the repetitive coughing may irritate the blood vessels, resulting in bloody sputum. Bronchiectasis, which happens when one…

Let’s look at the facts in the cold light of day. Why do we eat? We eat to stay alive, to give us energy and also for pleasure. If we were to eat nothing for a whole day, then the body would need to find energy from our fat stores. If, on the other hand, we eat more than the body needs, then the surplus is put away for storage in our fat cells. If that continues daily (the overeating, I mean), then the fat stores will grow larger. We will have what I like to call ‘overstocked cupboards’. When we eat more than we need, we store fat. Forget the emotion, the overthinking, the guilt that we girls are so good at. That’s simple science. If we were to…

Ice cream stack Transform shop-bought ingredients into this eye-catching dessert – complete with wow factor. Serves 6 • Prep 20 mins, plus freezing • No cook 1ltr vanilla ice cream3 mince pies, chopped150g After Eights, chopped, plus extra, broken into piecesAskeys Crackin Choc Shell, to drizzle20g pistachios and hazelnuts, toasted and choppedGlacé cherries, chopped, to decorate 1 Split the ice cream equally between 2 bowls and leave to soften slightly. 2 Fold 2 of the chopped mince pies into one half of the ice cream, and the chopped After Eights into the other. Freeze briefly until firm enough to scoop into balls. 3 Scoop 6 balls from each half of ice cream, space out on 2 lined baking trays and freeze for at least 4 hrs until firm (you can…

1 Make your home the star of the street Crail exterior hanging lantern, £275, and Tor wall-mounted candle sconce, £96, both Pooky 2 Style your kitchen In the run-up to Christmas, if you’ve plans to cook up a festive feast, you’ll probably be spending lots of time in your kitchen. Dressing your countertops or island will help you feel Christmassy, and make a lovely spot for guests to sit and chat to you as you carry on baking or preparing food. Add a few candles and lanterns, play seasonal tunes and you’ll soon enjoy the preparation too. 3 Create a Christmas treats destination Find a home for all those treats you’ve bought (or been given), ready to enjoy. Try rearranging a dresser, shelf or sideboard for a place to see your…

1 FOREST BATHING IN FINLAND Chris Morley finds happiness in Finland’s lakeland. Looking through the glass wall of my chic, moss-roofed cabin, perched among lofty pine trees, it’s not hard to twig why the Finns check in as one of the world’s happiest people. Surrounded by pristine nature and a nourishing silence, the modern world falls away and there’s space and time to just be. I’m here with my partner at Kuru, the quieter, adults-only area of Järvisydän wellness resort in the Finnish lakeland. Made up of scattered cabins, each with its own sauna, expansive bed and chill-out deck with swing chairs for reading and idling, the ethos here is pure relaxation. To help release muscle tension or quiet a restless mind, there’s a light-filled ‘Lazy Room’ for daily yoga,…

FASCINATING HISTORY The Romanov Royal Martyrs by Mesa Potamos Publications This historical work lifts the lid on the Russian royal dynasty. It introduces Rasputin and tragic Alexis, the son and heir, drawing you towards the Revolution and the terror of the family’s ultimate destruction. There are wonderful photographs – including those of the four beautiful daughters, which made me more aware of their shocking assassinations. GRIPPING THRILLER Past Lying by Val McDermid Last year I was part of a literary festival on the Queen Mary 2, travelling from Southampton to New York. It gave me so much pleasure to be able to tell Val, in person, how much I enjoyed Past Lying. The novel sees the return of DCI Karen Pirie and has the most brilliant plot – it is…

Opera THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE The English National Opera’s hit production dazzles with its charming wit. The beloved operetta tells the tale of Frederic, who falls for Mabel, but must first navigate comical misadventures. Until 21 February 2025; eno.org Festival DARK SKIES FESTIVALS Celebrate the jewels of the night sky with these festivals organised by the UK’s national parks. The activities include night runs, astrophotography workshops, stargazing, children’s trails and art workshops. Find dates and full details at darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk Theatre THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN Get ready for a thrilling ride as The Girl on the Train hits the UK stage this January. Based on Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel, the show stars Giovanna Fletcher as Rachel Watson, a troubled woman who becomes entangled in a missing persons case after witnessing…

horoscopes Star sign of the month CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY With your New Moon on New Year’s Eve, it’s a fresh start this year. A relationship matter will come to a head on the 13th. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD Focus shifts after 24 May; there’ll be an urge to move forwards. By September you’ll need respite, but you’ve achieved something major. August is romantic. Call 0905 789 4159* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY Going for a promotion? January could pay off. Significant others aren’t having an easy time; explain how it’s affecting you on the 23rd. Make resolutions on the 29th. Call 0905 789 4160* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH If New Year’s…

I’m a people pleaser… and if you don’t like that, I can change! I’m sure I’m not the only female who feels this way. Why? Because we women are judged, rated, compared and continuously told how to better ourselves our whole lives. I’ve spent way too much time accommodating others, first as a dutiful daughter, then a devoted mother of two. But I’m beginning to think that being nice is best left to librarians and lollipop ladies. I’m slightly suspicious of people with no redeeming vice. Even your imaginary friend will run away to play with someone more interesting. I’m sure that doctors will one day discover that the female of the species has a guilt gland that constantly throbs from fear of falling short. Especially at this time of…

MARCUS WAREING is a Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, TV personality, MasterChef judge and cookbook author. Find out what he attributes his success to, on page 47. What would you like to achieve in 2025? It’s the final school year for our youngest, so my wife Jane and I are hoping to travel more. We’ve been enjoying trying different restaurants, so more of that. I have a few TV ideas in the pipeline that could happen, as well as some other exciting projects that just might get off the ground. Queen of Crime LYNDA LA PLANTE is a prolific author, screenwriter and former actor, most famous for Prime Suspect. On page 169, she shares her five life-changing books. What would you like to achieve in 2025? I’ve written a complete treatment…

FESTIVE SCENTS…

‘DANCING GIVES US RESPITE FROM THE CHAOS OF MODERN LIFE’ Sarah Grant, 51, is the choreographer, artistic director and founder of Switchframe, a dance collective that’s based in north Devon. I’m a jazz and ballet teacher, so lockdown meant moving my classes on to Facebook. I promised my students we’d all get together in real life as soon as we could. Once we were allowed to have a socially distanced outdoor class, we met at the sand dunes of Braunton Burrows. One of my students, Gemma Pons Alsina, is a videographer, and she filmed the jazz piece we’d been working on. It was brilliant! Lockdown was a dark and strange time for everyone, but our video was so uplifting, we kept going, and filmed another two routines in Ilfracombe Harbour…

A picture speaks a thousand words, though in the Age of the Emoji, an image may supplant the need for any words at all. Not so long ago, I was taught how to sign off work-related correspondence with ‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Yours faithfully’. Now, I’m more likely to add a cheery thumbs-up or that slightly smug smiling face. We might assume the emoji was an invention of the digital age, but the first smiley face was actually found on a Hittite pot from 1700BC, unearthed in Turkey. The symbols we have come to know and love/loathe (cue cute hearts/green-tongued vomit) were developed in 1999 by graphic artist Shigetaka Kurita, whose original set of 176 was bought by New York’s Museum of Modern Art 17 years later. Extreme emotions Along with…

Like all divorce lawyers, Ayesha Vardag is likely to be busy very soon. ‘Divorce Day’ falls on the first working Monday of the new year, known by legal professionals as a day that sees a surge of enquires from couples who want a divorce after the Christmas period. But the divorces Ayesha, who is in her 50s, works are far from run-of-the-mill – she works exclusively with the super rich. She has handled the marital splits of business tycoons, international footballers, celebrities and royalty – in one case, she helped the Malaysian former beauty queen Pauline Chai win a cool £64 million. ‘I always say, just keep breathing, it will get better’ The catalyst for her firm Vardags – which she set up 20 years ago from the spare room…

Treat YOURSELF From luxurious lace to the smoothest silks, these ultra-feminine styles will make you feel oh-so special. A mood and confidence boost – even if you’re the only person who sees them. Good FOUNDATIONS Underwear shouldn’t be an afterthought. These simple designs deliver both style and support, providing the best base for your clothing.…

Feeling stuffed? Overindulging often goes hand in hand with holiday celebrations. In fact, Brits spend around 10 billion hours eating over the Christmas period, putting on 19.5 million stone between us, says the British Heart Foundation. It’s no wonder, then, that it can leave us feeling sluggish, uncomfortable and often guilty. But eating too much every once in a while isn’t such a terrible thing to do. Here’s what you need to know. 1 IT CAN MAKE YOU REALLY HAPPY Eating with family and friends is about much more than just food, says relationship therapist Sally Baker*. ‘It’s a social occasion that can enhance the connection between people, which can have a hugely positive impact on your mental health. It can raise self-esteem and a sense of self-worth, even if…

Lamb meatball houmous bowls A gently spiced treat – have everything ready, then warm the meatballs to serve! Serves 8 • Prep 10 mins, plus chilling • Cook 40 mins For the meatballs: 400g lamb mince (20% fat)250g cooked rice/pouch2tsp Baharat spice mix20g each parsley, dill and chives, finely chopped For the houmous: 6tbsp olive oil, plus a splash for frying1 large onion, chopped1 large fennel, chopped5 garlic cloves, crushed½tbsp cumin 2 x 400g tins chickpeas, drained and rinsed (liquid reserved), we used BoldBean Co in a jarJuice 1 lemon, plus extra to taste4tbsp tahini½tsp flaky sea salt For the cabbage: ½ red cabbage, shredded6tbsp white wine vinegar1tsp fine sea salt1tsp sugar To serve: Pitted olives, toasted pine nuts, pickled chillies, fresh herbs (we used mint, parsley and dill), lemon…

ELEGANT ENGLISH SPARKLING Leckford Estate Brut, £32.99, Waitrose & Partners Made with chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes from the Waitrose Leckford Estate in Hampshire. Expect toasted brioche and hazelnuts, and a creamy palate with apple and peach flavours. Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs 2015, £49, hattingleyvalley.com The whole team was wowed by this special bottle from Hampshire, and couldn’t resist its delicate bubbles and wonderful chardonnay character, including honeyed white stone fruits, citrus and brioche. FAVOURITE CAVA Codorniu Vintage Cava, £10, major supermarkets This cava is made using the same traditional method as champagne, but with a luscious combination of macabeo, xarel-lo and parellada grapes. You’ll get all that bottle-fermented flavour at a snip of the price of champagne. FRENCH CREMANT Bouvet Ladubay Saumur Brut, £14, majestic.co.uk Endorsed…

At first, Gayle, with her husband Paul and grown-up son Jake, disregarded the Buckinghamshire property – a pair of cottages dating back to 1675, later knocked into one – when it came on the market. ‘It was way out of our budget and needed a lot of work. But we realised the scale of the work was putting people off, so when the price dropped, we went for it’ says Gayle. They made the purchase in early 2020, and Gayle describes the property’s condition at the time as ‘one of those houses that had been patched up in the 1980s and had woodchip wallpaper throughout, holding crumbling walls together’. Despite its appearance, Gayle recognised its potential and the canvas it could be for her creativity. ‘I’d always had a bit…

STAR LETTER STAYING STRONG Such a powerful article by breast surgeon Dr Liz O’Riordan [October] about her cancer diagnosis. I was diagnosed with breast cancer recently and, thanks to her piece, I feel there is light at the end of the tunnel. To fellow cancer suffers out there, stay strong, stay positive, we’ve got this! Liz REMEMBER EMPATHY I’m a Macmillan clinical nurse specialist, and Dr Liz O’Riordan’s article moved me a great deal. As a practising nurse, I sit with people every day to support them through their diagnosis and side effects, and Liz has reminded me to be more aware, empathetic and to realise I have a person in front of me, not a ‘patient’. Ruth VITAL NETWORK My husband was recently admitted to hospital. To pass the…

Standing in the grounds of our rural Buckinghamshire location house, resplendent in a floor-length scarlet gown, Joanna Page is living her own fairy tale. ‘I never, ever wear red. I feel so beautiful,’ she beams. ‘Like a princess.’ A perfectly apt description, coming from TV royalty. Joanna, 47, shot to fame in 2007 playing Stacey Shipman in iconic BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey, following a career-launching role in Love Actually four years earlier. Then, for almost a decade, after welcoming her first child Eva, now 11, then sons Kit, nine, and Noah, who turns eight this month, she threw her everything into being a full-time mum. But since properly reigniting her career following the birth of her daughter Boe in December 2021, the West Glamorgan-born star is right at the…

It has, without doubt, been one of the most difficult years ever for the Royal Family. The King and Kate’s cancer diagnoses, Queen Camilla and Prince William under pressure to carry the Firm, Princess Anne’s hospitalisation and the seemingly endless Prince Andrew scandal. ‘There’s a sense of reflection as the year comes to a close’ And that’s even before we get to the riven nature of the family – neatly summed up by courtiers as the ‘Harry Problem’. As the Royals gather at Sandringham this Christmas, it will be a time to regroup. It will be a chance for the public to see the Princess of Wales and her children, George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six, walk to church on Christmas Day, and for Charles to lead the family…

What are you like first thing in the morning? I’m pretty good, I’ve got lots and lots of energy. I’m not so good after lunch. One of the joys of old age is getting a kip in the afternoon and everybody understanding! I started doing it in lockdown when I didn’t have very much to do, and now I still love crawling into bed after lunch. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever had a plan B’ What is your worst habit? I just asked my husband that, and he said, ‘Your worst habit is scanning the room all the time to see what you can put away.’ I’m neurotically tidy, I just clear up all the time and it drives him mad! I think it’s a good habit, but it can…

Smoother, wrinkle-free skin, once the preserve of celebrities, is now within reach of all who have the desire and money to turn back the clock. We might look aghast at the Love Island-style trout pouts, but they’re still in demand from many young and not-so-young people. And while none of us wants a ‘shiny, plasticky’ forehead or inflated cheeks, how many of your friends are having subtle ‘tweakments’ they’d rather not own up to? Opinions vary between diehard au naturel enthusiasts, those who are curious but worry about injecting chemicals into their faces and people who are glad of a chance to preserve a youthful appearance. There was a massive 57.8% increase in non-surgical cosmetic procedures from plastic surgeons between 2018 and 2022, although this now seems to be tailing…

This year, my husband Paul and I are planning an extra-special Christmas. We’re hoping to spend it in the countryside, in our cosy holiday caravan, with our two beautiful daughters, Penelope, six, and Amelia, five. We’ll have a tree, lots of fairy lights, and we’ll all cuddle up in front of the Disney classics. I can’t wait. It will be very different from our Christmas five years ago, soon after Amelia was born. During my pregnancy, we’d been warned that our baby had bilateral club foot, a condition causing a deformity in both feet. But we were reassured when further tests for genetic abnormalities came back clear. Yet as soon as she arrived by C-section on 29 November 2019, Paul could see Amelia was desperately ill. She was blue and…

The Jazzy Jumper is not a novelty knit with flashing lights on it. Neither is it a kooky designer number from Loewe (hello, Daniel Craig) – and it’s definitely not just for Christmas. The type of top I’m talking about is a timeless Lurex number; a pull-on-and-go style that glides from one festive season to the next – effortlessly adding energy to any outfit. You might own a Jazzy Jumper already. I have a collection. The shimmering sweater is never out of style. ‘Doubling up the glitz is an outstanding option’ There’s an element of 1970s disco glamour to the metallic knit: think Diana Ross in a gold crochet dress and matching headscarf at Studio 54. Knitwear designers, including Sonia Rykiel and Missoni, have a long-standing love affair with Lurex…

WHAT HIGHLIGHTER SHOULD I TRY TO ACHIEVE A FESTIVE PARTY LOOK? Sculpted by Aimee Liquid Lights Highlighter, £18, Boots, offers three different shades suitable for a sophisticated, natural glow on all skin tones. The lightweight, creamy formula melts into skin to give you a gorgeous radiance, without looking too shiny and glittery. Apply to your cheekbones and browbones with your fingers, or sweep on with a brush for a seamless finish. HOW CAN I MAKE MY EYES LOOK LESS TIRED? Revive partied-out eyes with Gatineau Miracle Eye Contour Cream, £36, gatineau.com, a skincare-meets-make-up treatment that adjusts to your skin as you apply to hide dark circles as well as smoothing and brightening skin. I also love By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Concealer, £39, byterry.com, which comes in 12 shades and makes…

five-minute therapy Last Christmas, the first after my mum had died, leaving us no parents, family home or base to return to, someone had to make the effort to get the annual gathering off the ground. I had visions of the family – my two older brothers, their wives, five nieces and nephews, along with my husband and daughter – sat around a table, turkey in the middle, dewy-eyed as we raised a glass to Mum, who loved more than anything having her family together. Despite being the youngest, I’m the only daughter and – as is often the way, whether you like gender norms or not – the most likely to make stuff happen, the clearest communicator and the most empathetic. I knew getting us all in the same…

Turkey chilli Transform your leftovers into this tasty meal with a few flavour bombs. Serves 4 • Prep 20 mins • Cook 40 mins ½ red onion, sliced1tbsp red wine vinegar350g leftover turkey, shredded200g leftover roasted veg2tbsp olive oil2tbsp chipotle paste, we used Gran Luchito400g tin chopped tomatoes415g tin mixed beans in tomato sauce6tbsp shop-bought tomato salsa½ vegetable stock cube2 ripe avocados1 garlic clove, crushed1 lime, ½ juiced and ½ cut into 4 wedges5tbsp soured cream170g bag tortilla chips100g Cheddar, gratedCoriander leaves, to serve (optional) 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6. Put the onion in a small bowl with the vinegar and a pinch of salt. Toss and set aside to pickle. 2 In a medium roasting tin, mix the turkey and veg with the olive oil and…

Deliciously good pesto Saclà is a third-generation Italian family business, based in Piemonte, and has been producing food since 1939. It is now proudly certified as a B Corp by the not-for-profit organisation that recognises the difference companies make to people, communities and the planet to produce food ethically and responsibly. Saclà is most famous for its pesto, which has helped revolutionise mealtimes in the UK, but did you know that every jar sold in the UK supports Natasha’s Allergy Research Foundation (NARF)? Saclà has donated £150,000 since January 2023. As well as stirring through pasta, use pesto to top crostini, stuff chicken breasts, toss through beans or dollop on top of soups and stews. Find the range in supermarkets and online at sacla.co.uk. COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH Pisco sour Popular…

✢ Add interest to an otherwise plain scheme by incorporating off-whites, warm greys, taupes, beiges and tans. Bring in rich greens, through real or faux foliage, glass baubles and velvet bows. ✢ Texture is a must with neutrals, so look for different materials to complete your decor. Think stone, metals, ceramics, faux furs and etched glass. ✢ If you want to incorporate metallics, bright brassy tones will add warmth, but muted, brushed, hammered and galvanised metal pieces suit a cooler scheme.…

Full of suspense Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra ‘I read this book early in 2024 and still think of it at least once a week. It’s a deceptively simple premise: a creak on the stairs when you’re home with your two young children. Incredibly, Sierra plays most of the novel out, closed set, with the protagonist hiding in an unseen nook in her house. It’s perfection.’ GILLIAN McALLISTER ✢ Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister (£16.99, HB, Penguin) is out on 30 January; available to order now. THRILLER All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (£20, HB, Orion) Chris Whitaker’s latest cinematic masterpiece is a brilliantly paced serial killer thriller and love story all in one, set in a small town in Missouri. Local boy Patch is abducted, and…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Juliet Sear TV baker and bestselling author Juliet, 50, lives in north London with her husband Simon. WAKE UP If I’m on ITV’s This Morning, I’m up at 5.30am, but when I work from home, my day starts at 7.30am. I never snooze the alarm – it just prolongs the agony. Straight in the shower, I cleanse my face then whack on some make-up. It’s a treat when I’m on TV a few times a month, where a make-up team does it for me! BREAKFAST The first thing I eat is around 11am and it’s always the same. Two tablespoons of oats, Greek yogurt, loads of berries, a spoonful of turmeric and some flaxseed. I take it on location to avoid making bad food…