Innholdsfortegnelse for YourHome Christmas Special 2024 i YourHome Christmas Special 2024

Wreaths, garlands and fairy lights at the ready! It’s our favourite time of year and we can’t wait to deck the halls. What scheme will you lean towards? Turn to page 7 and you’ll find our round-up of the hottest trends for 2024 – whether you’re the nostalgic sort, ready to party, or dreaming of a white Christmas, we’ve got something that will look the part in your home. This time of year is all about entertaining, and we know you’ll want to pull out all the stops for your friends and family. From page 20 47 onwards, you’ll find our Decorating guide, with every room covered (as well as your garden and entryway), including plenty of special touches to make guests feel welcome. On page 85, you’ll find ideas…

TOP TIP Candles evoke a tradition from the advent of the Christmas tree itself in 16th-century Germany. Modernise this look with a frosted colour scheme Style secrets This trend is all about high shine, lavish materials and luxe finishes, which create a more grown-up and sophisticated Christmas setting. Combine glass with gold for an elegant look that oozes chic style. Soften the look in the living room with woven details, velvet touches and textured finishes. Look out for elegant shapes and curved designs. Use natural elements such as foliage and rattan to provide a base for the gold to shine from. Warm white fairy lights on the tree and plenty of candlelight can help to create the perfect atmosphere. Play with shape and scale – nestle oversized ornaments deep in…

GET CRAFTY! You don’t need to spend big on candles. In fact, they’re super easy to make at home, and they’re great stocking fillers for friends and family…

6ft pre-lit Frosted Sugar pine tree, £299; 10ft pre-lit Winter Meadow foliage garland, £399, both Balsam Hill. 50 Warm White LED micro fairy lights, £7.99; Ivory TruGlow LED mini votive candles, £39.99 for 6; TruGlow Ivory LED pillar candle trio, £24.99; all Lights4fun. Green owl cushion, £10; Woodland Walk multi-wick candle, £8, both Nutmeg Home. Autumn Lux Spice candles; £6 for 3; jute ombré rug in Olive Green, £155, both Dunelm. Antique Gold glass bauble with robin, £5.99; clear glass bauble with oak leaf/Copper acorns/berries, £5.99; painted glass robin decoration, £5.99; glass squirrel and hedgehog baubles, £6.99; clear glass bauble with fox/fruit, £5.49; Matt Green glass bauble with owl/fruit, £5.49, Antique Green glass bauble with hedgehog/fruit, £5.49; Red flock/Gold toadstool decoration, £3.99; resin toadstool decorations, £3.99; clip-on robin decorations, £2.49;…

THRIFTY GIFT! Nothing beats a long, warm soak to soothe the muscles after a day of gardening. Bath bombs, salts, soaps and oils make great stocking fillers in this case!…

Choose a theme Begin to create your magical outdoor setting by choosing a lighting theme. From charming multicoloured lights full of festive fun to bright, icy cool hues for a cosy, frosty feel, classic warm whites which are soft and timeless, or a mixture of the two – there is a style to suit every outdoor space and transform it into a magical winter wonderland. Front door styling A classic yet timeless touch, simply adorn your front door with twinkling foliage in the form of traditional wreaths and garlands for a warm welcome home that is always on trend. Lighting at different levels Our rule of lighting at three levels is perfect for any setting! Hang festoon and string lights up above for a magical overhead ambience. Fairy lights will…

King of trees Glossy needles, grandiose stature, strong branches: the Nordmann fir is Europe’s best-loved tree for good reason. This 7ft faux version boasts True Needle technology and LED clear lights with wires tucked tidily away in the trunk. The lights can be operated via an app, with a variety of settings. It also comes with a storage bag, extra bulbs and a three-year warranty. BH Nordmann fir tree, £699, Balsam Hill TOP TIP Fluff branches and separate needles before decorating, for a healthy looking tree, and lightly brush the branches with a dry cloth to prevent dust build-up There are many reasons to invest in a faux Christmas tree. No dropped needles or threadbare trees looking bereft over the festive week, for starters. An artificial tree can be shaped…

THRIFTY TIP! Trade in old phones, consoles, games and more to raise funds for your Christmas shopping and keep an eye out for certified refurbished gadget deals…

THRIFTY TIP! On a tighter budget this year? Why not make your hosts-with-the-most a selection of hot chocolate stirrers with all kinds of different flavours for them to cosy up with and enjoy…

CHEF’S TIP To make a vegan version, swap the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives. Ensure the dark chocolate is suitable for vegans Chocolate coated cherriesV Preparation time 45 minutes Cooking time 2 minutes Makes Approx 40 cherries • 375g icing sugar• 60g butter, softened• 1 tbsp milk• ½ tsp almond extract• 2 jars of Opies cocktail cherries, drained• 340g quality dark chocolate chips• 2 tbsp vegetable fat (eg Trex) • Line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper. In a bowl, combine the sugar, butter, milk and almond extract. Knead until smooth and pliable then shape into balls around the size of a two pence piece before flattening into discs. If the mixture gets too sticky, place in the fridge for 10 minutes to harden a little. • Ensure…

THRIFTY TIP! Foodie friends are the gifts that keep on giving. Why not get them a voucher for a special cooking or tasting experience to enjoy in the new year!…

CHEF’S TIP This recipe will leave you with the perfect amount of Boxing Day leftovers. Turn to page 124 for inspiration on what to make with them! Clementine glazed turkey Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 3 hours 30-50 minutes, plus 45 minutes resting Serves 8, plus leftovers • 1 free-range turkey, 5-5.5kg• 2 onions, skin on, roughly chopped• 2 carrots, chopped• 2 sticks of celery, roughly chopped• 1 tbsp olive oil• Salt and pepper• 2-3 Asda clementines• 6 bay leaves, plus extra for garnish• 1 bunch fresh thyme• 2 x 110g packs Asda Extra Special Roasted Garlic, Sage and Red Onion Stuffing Mix• 400g sausage meat 50g macadamia nuts, roughly chopped• 100g butter, plus extra for greasing• 2 tbsp honey • Remove the turkey from the fridge 1 hour…

Bang bang turkey Preparation time 30 minutes Serves 6-8 • 6 x 50g nests dried rice vermicelli noodles• 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil• 1 tbsp fish sauce• 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into matchsticks• ½ cucumber, cut into matchsticks, watery centre discarded• 200g Chinese leaves, thinly sliced diagonally• 4 spring onions, thinly sliced diagonally• 550g cold cooked turkey (or chicken), preferably breast, torn into bite-sized pieces• 1 red chilli, very thinly sliced diagonally• Handful of dry-roasted peanuts, chopped For the sauce • 170g smooth peanut butter• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce• 1 tbsp fish sauce• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce• 1 lime, juice• 100ml boiling water • Toasted black and white sesame seeds Lime wedges Cress Watercress or rocket leaves • Place all the sauce ingredients, except the boiling water,…

TOP TIP Coordinate gift wrap with your festive decorating scheme so that you can place your wrapped presents under the tree to enhance the complete look Style secrets A real Christmas tree is ideal for this look, but if you’d prefer to invest in an artificial one, choose a full and classic shape with realistic tips. Trees pre-decorated with pine cones and berries will enhance the finish and provide the perfect base to build your look upon. Introduce fragrances of the season around the home to reinvigorate the space; try cinnamon, peppermint and clove to evoke warm and comforting vibes to complement this trend. Elevate your scheme by placing oversized baubles around your tree, by the fireplace and in the hallway. Incorporate plenty of foliage into your decor. Wreaths, garlands,…

TOP TIP An easy way to try this trend is to make your own paper chains using colourful paper or gift wrap – decorate every corner of your home with a lively touch Style it right More is definitely more with this joyful trend! Ensure every corner is treated to a festive flourish – keep decorations to the same depth of colour to make sure that they all work together in harmony. Add plenty of sparkle with fairy lights, glitter, shiny baubles and disco balls to really celebrate the season in style. Quirky touches, such as slogan cushions and tableware, colour clash gift wrap and kitsch baubles bring this look to life. When it comes to decorating the tree, use a mix of plain rainbow-coloured baubles as your base, then…

FAMILY FUN! Get the kids to decorate plain mugs with paint pens to make gifts for family. Bake for 30 minutes to set the design and they’ll be fully washable…

GET OUT THERE If you’re still struggling for ideas, why not get your well-travelled friend a brand new journal or even a mini, instant camera to document their adventures?…

While it’s the tree that usually takes centre stage at this time of the year, ensure the rest of your living room gets as much attention for a truly magical aesthetic. From adorned fireplaces (a close contender when it comes to scene-stealing), to cosy cushions, we’ve made sure no surface, corner or nook will go overlooked! Street view Give guests a warm welcome by creating a scene that looks as good from the street as it does indoors. Fill windowsills with garlands, hang paper stars and snowflakes at different heights. Tension rod, £6; 6ft pre-lit garland in Champagne, £20; beaded Christmas tree cushion, £20; reindeer faux fur pelt rug, £49; fluffy star hanging decoration, £4; silver paper snowflakes, £10 for 4; Winter Shimmer Starlight paper fans, £8 for 7, all…

Indulgence, high spirits, fun – the Christmas table offers an enriching experience for many. For the home stylist, festive dining also brings the opportunity to flex creative skills. We’ve selected some of our favourite themes and ideas so you can journey into a magical theme, try new colour combinations, make original decorations or create hanging displays. Read on for inspiration on how to style an unforgettable feast. ‘Go rustic with table essentials and opt for handcrafted ornaments and decorations made from sustainable materials’ Bring the outside in Let nature dominate at the festive table. Keep tablecloths and placemats understated in neutrals to allow fresh boughs and sprigs of foliage to make maximum visual impact. Go rustic with table essentials, such as wooden serving bowls, and opt for handcrafted ornaments and…

Cheese and walnut palmiers with pickled walnut sauceV Preparation time 30 minutes, plus chilling Cooking time 20 minutes Makes 18-20 palmiers • 200g mixed cheese, grated e.g. Red Leicester and Cheddar • 2 Opies Pickled Walnuts, finely chopped • 320g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry • Flour, for dusting • 50g red onion chutney• 1 egg, beaten For the sauce • 1 x jar Opies Pickled Walnuts, pickling liquor reserved• 50g light brown sugar • 50g muscovado sugar• Salt and pepper, to taste• Fresh thyme leaves, to garnish • Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Add the grated cheese and chopped pickled walnuts to a bowl and mix well. • Unravel the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface, then spread with an even layer of the red onion…

Starters ★ Dried cranberry and brandy Christmas pâté (p106) ★ Chestnut gnocchi with blue cheese and sageV/GF (p107) ★ Beetroot hummus and hot salmon platter (p107) ★ Carrot lox canapésVG (p118) ★ Christmas saladVG (p119) ★ Cauliflower and cashew soupVG (p119) Mains ★ Clementine glazed turkey (p109) ★ Rolled porchetta with pistachios, fennel and lemon (p109) ★ Cauliflower cheese WellingtonsV (p110) ★ Chestnut, parsnip and squash WellingtonsVG (p120) ★ Chestnut wreathVG (p121) ★ Onion tarte tatinVG (p121) Sides ★ The ultimate roast potatoesGF (p111) ★ Maple and sriracha-glazed Brussels sproutsVG (p111) ★ Homemade gravy (p112) ★ Root vegetable gratinV (p112) ★ Lemon, apple and parsley stuffingV (p113) ★ Slow-cooked red cabbage with treacle V (p113) Desserts ★ Gingerbread trifleV (p115) ★ Bejewelled Christmas pudding (p115) ★ Meringue wreathV (p116) ★ Cream celebration choux ringV (p117)…

Gingerbread triffleV Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 50-60 minutes Serves 10-12 • 100g unsalted butter• 70g dark brown sugar• 2 eggs• 160g treacle• 240g plain flour• 1 tsp baking soda• 1 tsp cinnamon• 1 tsp ground ginger• 1 tsp mixed spice Pinch of salt• 40g Horlicks Original• 150g whole milk• Gingerbread biscuits, to decorate (optional) For the caramel filling • 400g ready-made thick caramel• 300g double cream• 2 tbsp Horlicks Original For the custard filling • 300g double cream• 2 tbsp icing sugar• 500g ready-made vanilla custard • Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Grease and line a loaf tin with baking paper. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, until pale. Add the eggs and mix until combined, then add…

WE’RE MAKING A LIST… Writing out a to-do list is a great way of helping you to visualise the tasks that need to be done – you can then split these up into weekly and daily jobs leading up to the big day. Treat yourself to a new festive note pad that can be easily displayed for you and other family members to see, and ensure you tick the jobs off the list as you go to help boost productivity and decrease stress levels – you’ll have your Christmas sorted in no time. PLAN YOUR TIME When it comes to Christmas it’s best to plan your time realistically, not idealistically. Accepting every invitation in December can often leave you with no time to get your own preparations done, so grab…

TOP TIP Get crafty and spray a small branch silver, place in a vase and hang your favourite blue and silver decorations for a unique and money-saving display Style secrets Create your own winter wonderland with frosted finishes, a spectrum of blues from pale and icy through to dark midnight hues, then bring the sparkle with metallic silver and mirrored accents. Choose a pre-lit snow-covered tree to set the tone, then coordinate with a simple frosted wreath and garland. Keep it traditional by incorporating stag motifs and ornaments, alongside natural materials like tree skirts, woven wicker baskets and placemats in this palette. Use silver as your scheme’s highlight; nestle some sprigs in the tree, add glassware, cutlery and serving ware to the dining table to infuse a little sparkle and…

TOP TIP Make paper snowflakes of all shapes and sizes to hang in the windows and recreate that snowy lodge vibe Style it right Reminiscent of a Scandi-style lodge, this trend is full of textures and finishes to dial up the comfort levels so you can get cosy while you enjoy the festivities. Think rugs and stockings, super soft felt decorations, tufted cushions and bed linen. Incorporate warm wooden hues – choose brown paper for wrapping gifts and hessian table runners for updating the dining table. This hue sits perfectly next to crisp white and natural green tones, bringing the outside in to create your perfect forest lodge setting. Lighting is a key element to this look, as the decor is more minimal, so make use of lanterns for an…

In the frame Although they’re typically used to decorate banisters and staircases at Christmas, foliage garlands can look stunning when used to frame a doorway. Drape one long garland across the top and down one side of the door frame, or for a more traditional feel, create an arch around it. In place of the custom wreath, you could also hang a cluster of baubles from your front door. Dot baubles around the garland too for extra wow. On the ball When it comes to decorating your entrance, shatterproof baubles are your best friend. Not only are they inexpensive, but they’re weatherproof and tough enough to withstand the comings and goings of visitors over the festive season. Use them to adorn wreaths, potted trees and garlands. You can even pop…

Size matters Deciding how many lights you need for your tree can be a tricky one – too many and you’ll have wires poking out all over the place, too few and you won’t achieve that perfectly-spaced glow. We like to follow the golden rule from Lights4fun – they recommend 100 bulbs, or 5 metres of lights per 2ft of Christmas tree. So for a 6ft tree, you’d need 300 bulbs, or 15 metres of lights. The number of bulbs will depend on the style of lights you choose. Colour conundrum Although it is possible to create a stylish look with coloured lights, they can easily overpower a space, so think about your colour choices carefully. White lights are generally available in both warm or cool tones, work well to…

SIMPLE GIFT IDEA! Grab a Sharpie and draw Christmas characters and motifs, like Santa or snowflakes, onto clementines for a thrifty yet sweet gift that’s still special…

TOP TIP Wash the guest bedding in a Christmassy scented washing powder to make the room smell fresh and festive Christmas is a busy, fun-filled and fabulous time, and hosting our loved ones is all part of the experience – that’s why we’re here to make sure your family and friends are well catered for when they come to stay this festive season. We’ve got a host of ways to transform your guest room into a welcoming retreat, as well as styling tips, cosy additions, and quick and easy ways to make them feel right at home. Bed heaven Make the bedroom a sanctuary with gorgeous bed linen, then pile up plump pillows, cosy cushions and blankets in soft, tactile materials like velvet and chenille. A mini Christmas tree by…

CHEF’S TIP You can freeze the raw dough stars in a single layer on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper. When frozen, transfer to a container and keep frozen for up to 3 months Star biscuit treeV Preparation time 35 minutes, plus cooling time Cooking time 10 minutes Makes 1 biscuit tree • 100g unsalted butter• 70g caster sugar• Pinch of salt• 2 tbsp Asda gingerbread flavoured honey• 1 medium egg, beaten• 250g plain flour, plus extra for dusting• 1 tsp ground ginger• 50g icing sugar, sifted, plus extra for dusting • Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas mark 5. Line two large baking trays with greaseproof baking paper. • Beat the butter, sugar and honey together along with a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl with…

Winter Pimm’sV Serves 1 • Ice cubes• Mixologist’s Garden Freeze-dried Orange Slices• 45ml Pimm’s• 15ml triple sec• 45ml ginger ale• 75m prosecco• Cinnamon stick• Rosemary • Fill a highball glass with ice, layering a few orange slices in as you fill it. Pour in the Pimm’s followed by the triple sec. Add the ginger ale and then the prosecco. • Poke a cinnamon stick into the ice and use it to gently mix the ingredients. • Wedge 2 more orange slices and a stem of rosemary into the glass and serve. Recipe and images courtesy of Mixologist’s Garden, mixologistsgarden.com Mulled cranberryVG Serves 2 • 1 litre Ocean Spray Cranberry Classic or Ocean Spray Cranberry No Added Sugar• Lemon, 2 slices• 1 orange, sliced• 2 cinnamon sticks• 3 slices ginger, about…

Dried cranberry and brandy Christmas pâté Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 30-35 minutes Serves 4 • 45g butter• 2 shallots, chopped• 1 garlic clove, chopped• 2 tbsp brandy Pinch of ground cloves• 75g pork belly (rind removed), diced• 15g chicken livers, chopped Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper• 60g dried cranberries, chopped• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1 tsp) Melba toast, to serve • Melt 20g of butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and fry for 1 minute. Add the brandy and cook for 1 minute, then add the pork belly, chicken livers and cloves, season with salt and pepper, and stir. Cook, stirring regularly for 10 minutes, until browned and the pork belly and chicken livers are cooked through.…