Innholdsfortegnelse for Your Home Christmas Made Easy i Your Home Christmas Made Easy

Whatever your Christmas style, we have a host of great ideas and tips for the festive season. From this year’s biggest trends – Evergreen Hues, All is Bright, and Black and White Ball (see p7) – and flavoursome new recipes (flick to p83), to decorating tricks and classic crafts (starting on p29), I know you’ll find something within this annual issue to get you excited for a very special, very homely Christmas. Purse-friendly solutions are at the heart of our recommendations this year, with 20 clever spending hacks on p69 and gorgeous gift ideas for every budget, starting on p14. You’ll find lots of price-conscious shopping pages throughout, with thrifty ways to use what you already have, forage for natural decorations or tweak your décor ever-so-slightly for maximum festive impact.…

Style it right • Look for modern shapes and sleek designs finished in black, white or gold to bring this look up-to-date.• Choose a deep, dark green tree or fully embrace the trend and pick a black one to really make the gold and white touches pop.• Add fun additions, such as gold nutcrackers and festive signs, for a light-hearted celebration of the season.• Make use of white fairy lights to brighten dark corners and make the gold in your scheme sparkle.…

WHO LIVES HERE? Emma Fishman, 54, an interior stylist. I live in a five-bedroom Edwardian house in Woodford Green, Essex, with my husband David, 55, a company director, and our three children, Lottie, 24; Izzy, 20, and Sadie, 14. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE? I get so excited to get out my magical boxes of sparkle and baubles at Christmas. My biggest challenge was finding space, because my shelves are all filled to the brim! HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? I spent a couple of days in late autumn picking holly and foliage from the forest nearby and then added candles, star lights and decorations to bring the spirit of Christmas into the kitchen. TOTAL COST £248…

Style tips • Opt for a variety of different flowers; from blousy roses and fluffy pampas, to trailing stems and large hydrangeas.• Continue the floral look with a pretty, bloom-covered cushion or two.• Why not create your own floral wall hanging by framing some blooms or make a flower-filled wreath?• Keep costs down by buying a faux arrangement and chopping the…

Hang it high Loop it, drape it, wrap it! Whichever way you choose to style your Christmas garland, it’s sure to bring a flush of festive joy to guests. Make the most of an outdoor space and accentuate the door frame with a frosted, lighted drape of foliage (fake or real) for a cosy, Santa’s grotto vibe. Dress to impress Baubles are a cheap and easy way to decorate your home at Christmas. As well as being a classic tree decoration, they look adorable when hung from wreaths and garlands in the hallway. Choose designs that reflect the scheme in the rest of your home for a sense of flow, and arrange them according to size and colour. O, Christmas Tree! Make a grand statement in your hallway and place…

Craft a centrepiece Get the whole family involved with crafting a bespoke piece to take centre stage on the mantel. Wrap coloured twine or wool around a branch to add colour, then hang pom poms and tiny baubles from it for a personalised look. Fill an unused fireplace Use standing decorations at varying heights to fill an empty fireplace, draping them with twinkly fairy lights. On the hearth, add LED candles and faux gifts to give the arrangement more depth and a joyful, cosy feel. Hang traditional Christmas stockings What’s more exciting than finding a stocking bulging with presents on Christmas morning? To keep them looking just as tempting in the lead up, cover small boxes in co-ordinating wrap and ribbons, and have them peeping out of the top. Tinsel…

1 SHOP AROUND Before Christmas gets underway, calculate how much you’re able and willing to spend. Take into account everything from the gifts you need to buy to travel costs, food and drink, and even the postage costs for your gifts and cards. This sum will depend on how much you’ve already saved in your Christmas kitty and how much you can spare in the run up to the big day. Once you’ve decided on your budget, think carefully about each element and work out where you can make savings. 2 DO A SECRET SANTA… Instead of giving gifts to friends, work colleagues and family members you don’t see very often, cut back and either agree to stop exchanging presents or suggest a Secret Santa instead. Even better if it has…

Choose a neutral scheme A palette of neutral hues such as, creams, whites, light wood tones and hints of gold will ooze sophistication in your dining space. Add interest by including lots of texture and layering at each place setting to stop it feeling sterile and cold. Gold cutlery, white textured plates, ribbed glassware and faux fur seat pads are all stylish additions. Warm white lighting used around the space will bring that magical glow to complete the setting. Pick a palette Warm yuletide hues, such as red and gold, are brought to life when teamed with vibrant greens. These shades are the perfect mix for a festive dining table, bringing a sense of luxury and extravagance, while incorporating touches of nature for that homely feel, too. This centrepiece, filled…

Chocolate and amaretto truffles V GF Preparation and cooking time 35 minutes, plus cooling time Makes 12 220g dark chocolate, finely chopped120g double cream90g unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature2 tbsp amaretto1 tsp almond extract1 pinch of Maldon Salt For the coatings Finely chopped pistachios, desiccated coconut, cocoa powder • Place the finely chopped chocolate in a large heatproof bowl. Put the cream into a saucepan and heat until just boiling, then remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before whisking until smooth. Add the butter, amaretto, almond extract, and a pinch of Maldon Salt and then whisk again until smooth. • Transfer to a shallow tin and allow to cool at room temperature before putting in the fridge to…

GIFTS! IDEAS FOR ALL TASTES BUY SIMPLY CHRISTMAS NOW! Only £6.99 (incl. UK p&p*) ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/SimplyChristmas23 CALL 03330 162138 and quote ‘SIMPLY CHRISTMAS 23 PRINT1’ +UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff). Lines open weekdays 9am to 5pm. Overseas please call +44 (0)1604 973 746. Price for UK Including postage is £6.99, EUR price £7.99, ROW price £8.99. All prices include P&P. On sale from 14 September 2023. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery. Offer subject to availability.…

Roast turkey with leek and cider gravy Preparation time 40 minutes Cooking time 3½-4 hours Serves 6-8 4-5kg organic turkey with giblets2 leeks1 carrot1 tbsp olive oil320ml LuscombeDevon cider1 bouquet garni1.35L boiling waterSea salt and freshly ground black pepper2 garlic cloves50g butter2 tbsp plain flour • Two hours before you start, take the turkey out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Remove giblets and rinse. Fill and boil your kettle. Rinse the leeks, trim the roots and the top 5cm of the leeks. Scrub, trim and peel the carrot. Keep all trimmings. Save the trimmed veg for the gravy later. Pour 1 tbsp oil into a pan and warm to a medium-high heat. Add the giblets. Season with salt and pepper. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning…

Christmas pudding cheesecake V Preparation time 30 minutes, plus chilling time Cooking time 20 minutes Makes 1 cheesecake For the base 25g ground almonds175g Doves Farm organic wholemeal digestive biscuits75g butter, plus extra butter for the dish For the filling 175ml double cream175g cream cheese150g Christmas pudding25g light brown sugar2 tbsp dark rum or orange juice1 orange, grated rind For the orange topping 2 tbsp tapioca flour2 tbsp caster sugar200ml orange juiceFresh rosemary, to decorate • Spread the ground almonds out on a baking tray or pan, and toast or roast them on a medium heat for 5-10 minutes until they are lightly golden, shaking after 3-4 minutes. • Rub some butter around the inside of a 20cm round dish or loose-bottomed tin. • Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs,…

Style it right • Look out for motifs from nature to carry throughout your décor – stags, trees and berries are spot on.• Use natural elements, such as foliage, rattan and hessian.• Break up the greenery with hints of red and gold to bring warmth and sparkle to every corner.• Carry the look to the sofa and bedroom by switching up your cushions and throws for ones with this must-have hue; subtle festive designs keep the finish more refined. TOP TIP Elevate your tablescape with lots of layers and textures. Stack ceramic plates on top of wooden charger plates and woven placemats for extra interest…

Stuck for the perfect gift? Let our guide inspire you, whether you’re looking for a bit of luxury or a fun stocking filler…

Counting down the days Let the festive countdown commence with this sparkly, stellar Advent calendar. To make it, download the Advent star template from yourhomestyle.uk and use it to cut 48 stars from metallic paper. Make the stars into envelopes by placing two stars together with right sides facing out. Glue them together around the edges on the bottom half of the star, leaving the top open to allow you to slide a note inside. In each star envelope, put a note with some family activities to do, a nice a quote, or the name of a Christmas tale to read. Use numerical stickers to number the stars from 1-24. Arrange the stars the way you want to hang them on the dowel – we used four columns of six…

1. Mix up real plants that will survive in your environment with artificial ones to keep guests guessing which are which. Display them on open shelves among your favourite pieces of crockery. 2. String up some glowy lights around a window frame – they’ll create an enchanting atmosphere after dark. Add garlands and mini snowy Christmas trees to make the most of a cosy window seat. 3. Give your shelves a merry makeover by filling clear storage jars with all your kitchen essentials and wrapping the tops with festive ribbons. Intersperse them with matching, battery-operated tealights for a warm winter feel.…

Style tips • Not brave enough to try the whole look? Why not incorporate some rainbow-themed baubles into your usual décor?• Accessorise with matching cushions, stockings and candle holders to add small, punchy bursts of colour.• On a budget? Look for large multipacks of coloured baubles. You can always spray paint old decorations to suit your scheme to save the pennies.…

Style your kitchen kit Display your collection of plates and glassware on shelves or a dresser, breaking up each row with crackers and small decorations, as well as foliage and flowers dotted between. Style up a sideboard Add a cake stand or bowl to a sideboard and fill it with glass baubles or brightly wrapped boxes. Add fairy lights and you have yourself a simple yet effective display. TOP TIP Eucalyptus and fir have the added bonus of smelling gorgeous. Amp up the festive scent by adding cinnamon sticks and clove-studded oranges to wreaths and garlands…

INTRODUCE SEASONAL LINENS Give the spare room an upgrade with some super soft bed linen that has a festive touch. Go all out with a bold Christmas design that’s sure to make the right impact, or go for something a little more subtle, like this white snowflake pattern, that will fit in effortlessly with your existing spare room décor while still giving guests that festive feeling. STORE IN STYLE Giving guests space to unpack their belongings might not be the easiest of tasks if drawers and wardrobes are already full to the brim. So why not invest in a couple of stylish, multi-functional pieces? A storage ottoman looks great at the end of the bed, provides a place to sit and can store a number of your items to free…

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Crushed pea and ham bruschetta Preparation time 5 minutes Cooking time 30 minutes Serves 4 200g Asda Frozen for FreshnessGarden Peas1 lemon, zest only¼ tsp chilli flakes (optional)1 Asda Bake at Home Baguette2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil1 garlic clove, peeled6 tbsp Asda Light Soft Cheese80g Asda Italian ProsciuttoFresh mint leaves or parsley, to garnish (optional) • Preheat the grill to medium. Tip the peas into a pan of boiling water over a high heat and cook for 3 minutes, then drain and refresh in cold water. Drain again and place in a small bowl along with the lemon zest and chilli flakes, if using, and mash with a fork or blitz briefly with a hand-held stick blender to make a coarse mash. • On a board, cut the baguette in…

Pavlova Christmas tree GF Preparation time 35 minutes Cooking time 1 hour 45 minutes Serves 6 4 egg whites200g caster sugarPinch of salt For the filling 450ml double cream1 tsp vanilla extract1 tbsp icing sugar200g strawberries, cut into slices50g pomegranate seeds100g blackberries3 sprigs of fresh mint • Preheat the oven to 140°C/Fan 120°C/Gas Mark 1. Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the egg whites until firm and fluffy. • With the mixer still running, add a spoonful of sugar at a time. Add the salt and mix for a further 5 minutes. • Draw a circle, 16cm wide, on one side of a sheet of baking paper and fill with 5-6 dollops of the meringue mixture. • Next to this, spoon the remainder into 5 more decreasing…

Style it right • Look out for wavy shapes and patterns in everything from candles to glassware, to give this scheme a playful feel.• Inject hints of the year’s key colour, Digital Lavender, to bring this pretty trend right up-to-date.• Ensure this dopamine décor trend hits the spot with a flourish of pastel baubles to brighten up your tree and beyond.• Choose a pre-lit tree with a snow-topped finish to enhance this soft chic look. TOP TIP For an airy, eclectic look, mix vibrant purples, blues and pinks with one or two shades in your décor and let them influence your choices when shopping for your scheme…

Ready to get creative and decorate your tree in an unusual way this year? Then we’ve got four bold looks to tempt you, each promising big statement style and maximum impact Style tips • Wrap tinsel in a diagonal fashion around your tree to echo the red stripes on a candy cane.• This trend works best when you keep the look simple, opting for red, white and silver baubles only.• Get children involved by letting them hang their own candy canes and sweet-style decorations on a tree that’s just for them.…

Style tips • Look out for decorations with a hand-crafted look to them, whether it’s a macramé wreath or paper decorations. You can always make a few of your own!• Instead of tinsel or foliage garlands, string a natural beaded design around your tree as an alternative.• Why not embrace the idea of a sustainable Christmas tree and opt entirely for eco-friendly decorations?…

Size matters You’ve found the perfect tree, now all it needs is to be festooned in your favourite fairy lights. Avoid the disappointment of the string of lights running short by following the golden rule of 5 metres of light per 2ft of tree. If your tree is 6ft tall, you’ll need 15 metres of fairy lights to reach the top. Easy! From top to bottom When styling your room, make the most of every level; from the skirting boards to the ceiling. This will help to create a cocooning effect, so you’ll be bathed in a festive glow. It’s also an chance to experiment with different types of lights; candles on the floor, pre-lit garlands at eye level and net or string lights at the top of the room.…

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All the tips & tricks for your most magical Christmas! • The hottest festive looks and purse-friendly buys • Easy makes for decorations and fab foodie gifts • Delicious recipes for your Christmas feast plus a festive vegan menu • Seasonal styling ideas for every room • Gorgeous gifts all under £40 ORDER YOUR COPY NOW! Simple ways to order Visit buysubscriptions.com/HomeStyleXmas23 Or call 03330 162 138† and quote HomeStyle Xmas 23 Print1 TERMS AND CONDITIONS †UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff). Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Lines are open…

Clementine whisky sour Serves 1 For the clementine syrup 125g granulated sugar125ml waterPeel from 1 clementine (keep the fruit for juice) 50ml bourbon whisky25ml clementine juice2 tsp lemon juiceA few drops of Angostura bittersIceWedge of clementine to garnish • Firstly, make the clementine syrup. In a small pan, heat the sugar, water and clementine peel, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is simmering. Leave to cool, then strain to remove the peel. Keeps for 2 days in the fridge. • Pour the whisky into a cocktail shaker with the clementine juice and lemon juice. Add 2 tsp of the clementine syrup and a few drops of Angostura bitters. Add ice to the shaker then shake well. Strain into an ice-filled tumbler and garnish with clementine. Recipe and image courtesy…

Creamy leek and parsnip soup V GF Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 30-35 minutes Serves 4 6 parsnips, 5 not peeled and cut into1.5cm pieces, reserve 1 for garnish2 tbsp olive oil2 large leeks, cut into 1.5cm pieces1½ tsp salt1 tsp black pepper1 bay leaf1 tsp ground turmeric4 garlic cloves, minced1 tbsp ginger, grated1 shallot, diced950ml vegetable stock1 lemon For the pesto Green tops from a large bunch of carrots1 bunch of fresh basil, including stems3 tbsp sunflower or pumpkin seeds20g raw cashews2 garlic cloves5 tbsp nutritional yeast2 tbsp cold water5 tbsp olive oil To serve 4 tsp olive oil4 tbsp crème fraîche4 tbsp carrot pesto • Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas Mark 4. • Peel one parsnip into long thin ribbons. Place the peelings on a lined…