Woman's Own December 10, 2012

I am not a great cook – there, I’ve said it. This comes as a perennial disappointment to my Italian husband who loves his food, but I would rather be in the garden trimming trees than in the kitchen cutting carrots. However, this festive season I am determined to show off my limited skills by offering up my version of Christmas lunch. It will consist of some of the fabulous recipes from our mini mag, along with a lot of readymade bits from M&S – it’s the thought that counts, isn’t it? facebook.com/womansownmagazine twitter.com/womansown womansowneditor@ipcmedia.com 020 3148 6565 Just for you ◆ Our 24-page guide has more than 40 recipes for the Christmas season ◆ Delicious ideas for starters, mains, desserts, cocktails and more ◆ A Boxing Day menu along…

On the spot with... Lynda Bellingham The Oxo mum, 64, will be spending Christmas with her husband and two sons 1 Sprouts or stuffing? You can’t have one without the other. 2 Christmas at home or abroad? Home. It’s all about being at home. 3 Eggnog or champagne? Champagne. Eggnog’s a bit gloopy. 4 Slade or carols? Carols. As soon as I hear Once In Royal David’s City, I’m away. 5 Pyjamas or posh frock? You need to wear slouchy stuff to cook. But don’t wipe gravy on your trousers! 6 Snooze or stroll? A walk is nice but I like it when everyone nods off on the sofa. 7 Christmas pudding or mince pies? I buy mini mince pies and clotted cream – disgustingly naughty! 8 Socks or smellies?…

Shimmering sequins Joan Collins might be approaching 80, but she looks amazing in glitzy gold. With a dress like this, less is more – the simple kneelength shape lets the sequins do the talking. Find sparkly dresses at very.co.uk from £45. Body jewels Want to glam up your LBD? Take a tip from Dame Judi Dench, 77, who wore a temporary stick-on ‘007’ crystalencrusted tattoo on the side of her neck in honour of the latest Bond film. These look great on the shoulder and décolletage, too, so don’t be afraid to experiment! Plunging necklines Actress Jane Seymour, 61, shows how to wear a deep halterneck the elegant way. With her long, wavy hair worn to the side and subtle, pretty make-up, this classy look channels old Hollywood glamour. It’s…

Delegate this Christmas! After watching that poor ‘superwoman’ in the much talked-about Asda Christmas advert, I have three words for women getting stressed at this time of year: Delegate! Delegate! Delegate! Don’t attempt to do everything yourself. You will end up totally frazzled and your rattiness will make everyone feel uncomfortable. I find watching that Asda ad makes me anxious. Her big lump of a husband could do a lot more to help! I always make sure my guests share the load at Christmas by tidying up the wrapping paper, taking the dog for a walk or peeling the spuds. People lending a hand generates the real spirit of Christmas and brings everyone closer together. I’m a stickler for tradition when it comes to festive food and always have turkey…

When Ant and Dec were first approached about presenting I’m A Celeb... 10 years ago, they were sceptical. Ant thought it was a ‘ridiculous concept and a terrible title’. Turned out alright though, didn’t it, lads? The secret of the duo’s success is their genuine warmth on screen, which comes from their 25 -year friendship. We’ll next see the m on Tex t Santa (ITV1) on 21 December and then Britain’s Got Talent in January. Both 37, they look set to be on TV until they’re Sir Brucie’s age! Sir Ant and Sir Dec has got a rather nice ring to it... Flatmates They once shared a pad in West London. It wasn’t pretty – Ant’s a neat freak but Dec is the messy one. In the beginning The Geordie…

In recent weeks, we've seen Fern Britton in sequins and fake tan, waltzing around the dancefloor. Come Christmas, she’ll take a wellearned break and plans to spend the day in her pyjamas! Fern laughs and admits she loves nothing better than lying on the sofa at her Buckinghamshire home with a box of chocolates, surrounded by her husband, chef Phil Vickery, and children, 18-yearold twins Jack and Harry, Grace, 15, and Winnie, 11. ‘We had a tempestuous time – I got frustrated’ ‘We'll be at home, in our pyjamas, flopping about and watching telly on Christmas Day,’ says the 55-year-old as she settles down for a chat with WomanÕs Own. ‘But my favourite day over the festive period is actually Christmas Eve, which I think is magical. When it’s dark…