Table of contents for 2018 in Simply Christmas

Christmas is such a special time of year, and however you choose to spend it, Simply Christmas is on hand to make sure this is your best celebration yet. We’ve got all elements of the festive season covered, from tasty recipes and the latest decor trends to creative craft projects and stylish gift guides. We also take a look at great seasonal activities for the family, with the UK’s top ten winter walks and a round-up of the best days out across the country - and there’s the chance to win a trip to LaplandUK, too! Whether you’re planning a huge celebration with lots of guests or will be enjoying the festive season with a handful of relatives, you’ll find plenty to inspire you throughout the magazine. So relax, enjoy…

Dressing your house in festive finery is one of the most exciting things to do in the run-up to the big day. From bright carnival hues to glittery chic, woodland ornaments to traditional touches, we’ve got all the ideas and inspiration you’ll need to make sure your home is looking its best. And once the decorating is done it’s time to relax, so we’ve asked Radio Times to select the ten best Christmas films for you, and you can also find out more about beloved children’s book The Snowman, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.…

FEATHERED FRIENDS Give these cute miniature owl baubles a good home, nestled among the branches of your Christmas tree this year. £40 (set of 25), www.coxandcox.co.uk FANTASTIC FOLIAGE For a wreath that’s brimming with seasonal cheer, but is subtle and stylish at the same time, this one ticks all the boxes. £25, www.tch.net CREATURE COMFORTS Add a new piece each day of December to create a complete woodland scene – a great alternative to traditional calendars. £24.95, www.pipii.co.uk TREE-MENDOUS This faux pine tree is a brilliant centerpiece if you’re opting for a nature-inspired theme – and you can re-use it next year! £24, www.nordichouse.co.uk SEEING STARS Scatter these glittered natural birch bark stars over your table to bring a touch of the natural world into your home. £4.99, www.pipii.co.uk CONE…

Preparing and sharing delicious food is at the heart of Christmas for most of us, so we’ve gathered a range of fantastic recipes for the season. And with tips from top chefs you’ll be sure to make this a dinner to remember! Delia Smith has shared her classic turkey and stuffing recipe, while Instagram’s ‘Avant Garde Vegan’ Gaz Oakley explains why a meat- and dairy-free meal doesn’t have to mean nut roast! Plus Jack Monroe reveals how smart cooking can save you money and time, and shares some ingenious recipes to make leftovers go further.…

INGREDIENTS 300g fresh cranberries1 tsp grated fresh ginger1 small cinnamon stick1 Braeburn apple, grated200g caster sugar240ml fresh orange juice HOW TO MAKE THE SAUCE 1 First, sterilise your jars. Put them in a large pan of cold water, place over a medium heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 3 minutes then turn off the heat. Remove the jars when you’re ready to fill them. 2 Heat all the ingredients in a heavy-based saucepan over a low heat with the lid on. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring often. 3 Remove the jars from the hot water, spoon the sauce into the hot jars and seal. The sauce will keep for four weeks in the fridge.…

YOU WILL NEED Decorative sticky tape Sharp scissors or craft knife Mini wooden pegs (approx. 5cm long) HOW TO MAKE THE PEGS 1 Centre the sticky tape design over the peg. Line up with the edge along the top half of the peg before the wire pin, then stick in place. Trim away the excess tape. 2 Repeat for the bottom segment of the peg below the wire pin, making sure that any pattern on your tape is neatly aligned. HOW TO MAKE THE CARD HANGER (LEFT) 1 Decide where you want to hang your cards, and cut a length of baker’s twine or string to fit. 2 Clip your Christmas cards to the twine using your decorative pegs. Ensure that you position the hanger well away from candles or…

YOU WILL NEED Empty wine bottles White sticky back plastic Small sharp scissors or a scalpel and cutting mat Pencil Printer and A4 paper Fairy lights (we used 20 white LED silver wire micro battery fairy lights) HOW TO MAKE THE FAIRY LIGHT BOTTLES 1 Wash out the wine bottles in hot soapy water, and soak if necessary to remove any labels. Don’t be tempted to scrape the labels off as you might scratch the glass. 2 In a computer program such as Word, type ‘GOOD CHEER’ in a suitable font and print onto A4 paper (we used Populaire Medium font at 132pt size). On the reverse side of the print-out, scribble over the lettering in pencil. Place the lettering, right side up, over the sticky back plastic and draw…

Getting your home looking festive is always fun, but it’s easy to do the same thing year after year. So break out of a seasonal style rut with our inspirational guides to decorating your living room, dining room and outdoor spaces – they’re sure to give you plenty of ideas for trying something new. As Christmas is a time for opening up your home to family and friends, we’ve also shared top tips on making guests feel welcome. And we speak to professional florists to get tips for decorating with flowers and foliage.…

CRATE EXPECTATIONS Be inspired by this apple crate arrangement from www.plantabox.co.uk and make your own eco-friendly tree – then you can use the boxes to store your decorations. STICK ’EM UP This personalised wall sticker is a great space saver for tiny apartments, and perfect for Christmas away from home as it’s easy-peasy to apply and remove. £30, www.spincollective.co.uk I’M BOARD! Expecting lots of little ones this Christmas? Keep them occupied with this chalkboard tree, made from sustainably sourced plywood. £96 from www.bombus.co.uk SCANDI STYLE This beautiful wooden wall hanging features wintery scenes, Nordic villages and even Santa in his sleigh – plus the star at the top can be personalised. £110, www.betsybenn.com…

Sharing a meal is a joyful festive tradition, and something your guests will be looking forward to from the moment they arrive, so it stands to reason that you want to get all the little details of your dining room just right, as well as making sure to remember the cranberry sauce! The way you decorate your table can make your festive meal even more memorable, so think about the atmosphere and mood you want to create before the big day rolls around. Instagram is a never-ending source of inspiration, and there are plenty of interior design experts inviting you to take a peek at their homes, so have a browse before you start gathering bits and pieces for the table. Begin with a colour scheme or theme. Cool, wintery…

Get children to contribute by colouring in Christmas-themed pictures to be used as placemats. Shape butter cookies into stars and ‘ho ho ho’s, or add glitter to champagne – people always notice these little details. Personalise, personalise, personalise! There are so many ways to get names printed on things for Christmas. It doesn’t have the break the bank but it does really impress your guests. Hire crockery and glassware from a local company. Not only can you change the style of your table, but if they include cleaning charges in their hire fee, that means no washing up! Use Christmas films, books, plays and songs to inspire your table decorations. Last year we bought Nutcracker figurines and placed them down the middle, then nestled wooden characters into the floral centrepiece…

FANCY FELT Give your family the warm fuzzies with this felt creation. Choose the colours, and then personalise with a festive message. £49.95, www.houseofhooray.com TOY STORY Create your own wreath and then decorate with these beautiful vintagestyle decorations. Ornaments from £4.50, wreath £18, www.giselagraham.co.uk TRICK OF THE LIGHT Made from ethically sourced maple wood, this kitsch wooden wreath will last long after all the other decorations are down. £35, www.creategiftlove.co.uk…

MAGIC POTION If your guests have driven a long way, soothe aches and pains and help them to de-stress with these revitalising bath potion shots. £4 per shot, https://moa.co.uk BOOK CLUB If your guest is a bookworm, give them a literary surprise by leaving a scented candle on their bedside table that’s inspired by their favourite read. £13.85, www.thestorygift.co.uk TIME FOR TEA Featuring favourite teas in pretty envelopes, these gift sets will put a spring in their step on Christmas morning. From £8.50, www.victoriamaedesigns.com AND SO TO BED Create a cosy scene in the guest room with a festive bedspread, a beautifully wrapped gift and a simple wreath hung above the bed. Duvet set from £12, www.dunelm.com…

Traditionally, Christmas is a time for celebrating in the midst of winter darkness, and displays of evergreen plants are a reminder that spring will return. And now, with environmental concerns over plastics and sustainability, people are choosing again to use natural decorations in their homes. Businesses are following suit, so it comes as no surprise that Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for floral designers. For London-based commercial florist McQueens (www.mcqueens.co.uk), Christmas preparation starts as early as April. Their clients include some of London’s top destinations, such as Claridge’s, the Rosewood and the Shangri-La at The Shard, so moodboards and proposals need to be signed off in advance. “The physical aspect of creating the installations begins in August or September,” says Kally Ellis, founder of McQueens.…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 200ml whole milk🎄 0.5g (or the tiniest pinch) ground saffron🎄 25g fresh yeast🎄 75g caster sugar🎄 100ml cup quark or Greek yogurt (or similar)🎄 400-500g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting🎄 ½ tsp salt🎄 100g butter, softened and cubed🎄 1 egg, beaten (reserve half for brushing)🎄 A handful of raisins🎄 Pearl sugar (optional) 1 Heat the milk in a saucepan until finger-warm (no more than 37°C/98°F), then add the ground saffron. In a stand mixer, combine the fresh yeast and the milk-saffron mixture (again, no warmer than 37°C/98°F or the yeast will die). Mix for 1 minute, then add the sugar and stir until dissolved. 2 Stir in the quark or yogurt until incorporated, then mix in about half the flour, as well as the salt. As…

INGREDIENTS FOR THE PASTRY 🎄 350g plain flour🎄 175g cold butter🎄 1 egg yolk🎄 Beaten egg or milk, to glaze FOR THE MINCEMEAT 🎄 1 large cooking apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (approx. 200g)🎄 200g cooked chestnuts, finely chopped🎄 80g dark soft brown sugar🎄 1 tsp ground cinnamon🎄 2 tbsp brandy🎄 Zest of an orange or clementine🎄 180g mixed raisins, currants and golden raisins/sultanas🎄 60g candied/mixed peel🎄 100g suet 1 To make the pastry, sift the flour into a large bowl. Cut the cold butter into small pieces in the flour using a knife, then stir until every piece is coated with flour. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it is no longer visible. 2 Add 2 tbsp iced water to the egg yolk, and…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 300ml double cream🎄 600ml full fat milk🎄 25g loose genmaicha tea🎄 6 egg yolks🎄 150g caster sugar🎄 50g butter, softened🎄 250g panettone, cut into several 1.5cm thick slices🎄 Icing sugar, for dusting🎄 2 tbsp toasted hazelnut nibs 1 In a sealable container combine the cream, milk and genmaicha tea. Close the container and let this mixture infuse in the fridge for 24 hours. (If pressed for time, add the tea to the milk and cream mixture as you heat it in step 2.) 2 Add the milk, cream and genmaicha tea mixture to a pan, heat until nearly boiling, then simmer gently for 30 minutes, but do not let it boil. Remove from the heat, allow the mixture to cool down completely, then pass it through a sieve,…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 300g plain flour🎄 1 tbsp baking powder🎄 A pinch of salt🎄 200g plus🎄 2 tbsp cold butter, cut into cubes🎄 125g plus🎄 2 tbsp icing sugar🎄 2 tsp vanilla sugar🎄 1 egg🎄 1 egg white, lightly beaten, for brushing🎄 Pearl sugar or chopped almonds, for sprinkling 1 Mix the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add the cubed butter and mix with your fingers until it forms crumbs, then add the icing sugar and vanilla sugar and mix again. 2 Add the whole egg and mix until the dough is even (but don’t over-mix). Pop the dough into a bag and leave to settle in the fridge for about an hour. 3 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Line several…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 1 x 397g tin sweetened condensed milk🎄 200g good-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped🎄 20g crystallised ginger, chopped🎄 ¼ tsp coarse sea salt flakes 1 Heat the condensed milk to barely simmering in a saucepan (about 5 minutes) – don’t let it boil. 2 Remove from the heat and add the chocolate, stirring until the chocolate is melted and smooth. 3 Transfer to a 900g loaf tin lined with baking paper. Sprinkle with ginger and salt. Chill until set and slice into pieces. Makes about 18 pieces…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 2 tbsp pesto (see recipe above)🎄 1 sheet (24 x 24 cm) puff pastry, thawed🎄 100g grated Cheddar🎄 1 tbsp dried cranberries, roughly chopped🎄 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 Spread the pesto over the pastry sheet, leaving a 1cm border around the edge. Scatter over the cheese and cranberries. Brush the edges with the beaten egg. 2 Starting from one side, roll up the pastry tightly to enclose the filling. Wrap the roll in clingfilm and chill for 30 minutes. 3 Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Brush the roll with egg, then cut it into 8 slices. Place each slice, cut side up, on a baking paper-lined tray. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden. Serves 8…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 3g (1½ tsp) cumin seeds🎄 5g (2 tsp) smoked paprika🎄 5g (1 tsp) sea salt🎄 25ml (5 tsp) extra virgin olive oil🎄 1 banana shallot, finely diced🎄 1 red chilli, halved, deseeded, finely chopped🎄 10g organic ginger, finely grated🎄 1 clove of garlic, puréed🎄 3g (1½ tsp) fennel seeds🎄 400g can of plum tomatoes🎄 150g soft brown sugar🎄 75ml red wine vinegar 1 Fry the cumin seeds in a small frying pan until fragrant, then grind to a fine powder using a pestle and mortar. Add the smoked paprika and salt and mix. 2 Gently heat the olive oil in a saucepan. Add the shallot and cook for 1 minute, then add the chilli, ginger and garlic and fry briefly. Add the fennel seeds and paprika/cumin mix and…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 2.5kg lightly salted, dry-cured, unsmoked gammon, with some fat on🎄 1 onion, quartered🎄 10 black peppercorns🎄 2–3 bay leaves🎄 Salt FOR THE MUSTARD TOPPING 🎄 1 egg yolk🎄 3 heaped tbsp grainy Swedish mustard🎄 3 heaped tbsp breadcrumbs 1 Place the ham in a large saucepan and cover with water. Add the onion, peppercorns and bay leaves and bring to the boil. Skim off any fat that rises to the top of the water. 2 Reduce to a very slow simmer and cover with a lid. The cooking time depends on the thickness and size of the meat. A rule of thumb is 45-50 minutes per 1kg, but when the temperature in the middle reaches 72°C/162°F, it is done. If you have a longer, thinner piece, it will…

5 things to do in OCTOBER DO IT YOUR WAY The first thing to do is to think about the type of Christmas you want, whether it’s just you and the cat, or a full blown get-together for family and friends. All your other decisions will stem from this, so it’s important to know early on how you want to spend the big day. DON’T BREAK THE BANK Christmas can be an expensive time, so set your budget in advance – and stick to it! Make a list of everything that you know you’ll want to spend money on, such as food, presents and activities, and then set an amount for each. TICKET TO RIDE If you want to do a specific activity over christmas such as outdoor ice skating…

GET GLOWING A flickering candle inside this silver holder will create a magical glimmer to make any home feel instantly festive. £13, www.tch.net SOMETHING SPECIAL For a festive wreath that’s a departure from traditional style, this luxurious, glittering arrangement is the perfect buy. £80, www.amara.com SWAN LAKE We love the elegant lines of this regal swan. He’s a great vessel for a tealight and will add an opulent glow to your mantelpiece. £14, www.sainsburys.co.uk SHINING EXAMPLE These baubles are a magnificent addition to any tree, and the delicate glitter ombre effect catches the light beautifully. £18.50 (set of 12), www.coxandcox.co.uk ALL THAT GLITTERS Indulge in a little opulence with this eye-catching bauble that looks like it’s had a delicate dusting of winter ice. £3.75, www.tch.net LET IT SNOW Seeking a…

SHINE ON Make sure your 2018 tree is right on trend with these glorious hand-blown glass baubles in gleaming copper. £12.50 (set of six), www.coxandcox.co.uk STRIKE A LIGHT These gold Christmas tree candles have a distinctly vintage feel, and work beautifully alongside pretty much any décor scheme. From £14.50, www.nordichouse.co.uk STAR QUALITY We all love a sequin or two, and this little hanging is covered in them – which makes for a fabulously twinkly decoration! £3.99, www.dobbies.com POT LUCK Pop some festive flora in this beautiful hurricane vase and you’ll have instant festive chic with a side order of sparkle. £25, www.debenhams.com GOING FOR GOLD A personalised bauble not only makes a perfect present, it’s also a wonderful addition to any tree. £15, www.handmadechristmasco.com DECS APPEAL For an unashamedly decadent…

1 Die Hard (1988) New York cop John McClane is travelling home to Los Angeles at Christmas, but when his wife’s office is taken over by a gun-toting gang of thieves he has to step in and single-handedly save the day. Andrew says: “This is my favourite Christmas movie – even though it was released in July in the States and February in the UK. There are great links with Christmas in it: John’s wife is called Holly, she’s at a Christmas party, and there’s a plot device in it about a gift – a watch that John gives Holly. It’s become a great Christmas movie.” 2 Elf (2003) When Buddy – a human raised by Santa’s elves – realises that he’s not like the other elves, he leaves the North…

Is it possible to have a vegan Christmas dinner that feels like an indulgence? Yes, definitely! When I was testing the recipes in my book, I realised that they’re going to transform Christmas for me and for many other people, as they’re all super indulgent. I’m not saying they’re all unhealthy, but they are definitely Christmas recipes! What was your first vegan Christmas like? It was shortly after I went vegan, so it wasn’t very adventurous unfortunately, because I still hadn’t experimented that much. I made a really nice, simple nut roast and made sure all the sides were perfect. Do you have any tips for people who have a vegan guest coming for Christmas dinner? Keep it really simple and don’t stress about it too much. As long as…

Keep your menu simple and don’t go overboard with your side dishes – pick just three or four and concentrate on making them really well. Check any dietary requirements your guests might have well before the big day, as you don’t want to have to be tweaking your menu at the last minute or, even worse, find out when you’re serving up the meal! Cooking is a lot easier when you have good quality equipment, such as knives and saucepans. And do check that you have a roasting tin large enough for your turkey. Get your guests involved with the meal preparation. There are lots of ways that they can help, from peeling vegetables to washing up – or simply making sure that your wine glass is topped up! Tidy…

YOU WILL NEED White card Wool or string A small branch Your free Simply Christmas cookie cutters PVA glue Paintbrush Scissors or a craft knife Paperclips White pom-poms or felt balls Darning needle HOW TO MAKE THE WALL HANGING 1 Use a pencil to draw around the large star cookie cutter twice onto a piece of white card. Cut the two stars out. 2 Repeat step one with a variety of size stars until you’ve cut out 40 pairs of stars. 3 Tie a length of the wool to one end of your driftwood, then tie the other end to the other side, to make the hanging loop. 4 Find a large flat surface and lie the driftwood down near one edge. Now arrange your pairs of stars into six…

YOU WILL NEED Medium-thickness white card Glue Scissors and/or a craft knife TO MAKE THE PLACE MARKERS 1 Photocopy The Snowman figure and name card (below) onto white paper. Alternatively, you can download a sheet of printable artwork from the address given below. 2 Cut out the paper Snowman, including the tab, and glue onto some medium-thickness white cardboard. 3 Carefully cut about halfway along the underside of The Snowman’s hands (use the photo as a guide). 4 Fold back the tab so The Snowman can stand up. 5 Cut out the name card and write a name in the gap. Slot the card into The Snowman’s hands. You can download a sheet of four printable figures and name cards from the website of our sister magazine Cardmaking & Papercraft:…

YOU WILL NEED Fabric for pouches Ribbons Vintage bingo counters (optional) Luggage tags with ties Needle and thread or sewing machine Treats to put in the pouches PVA glue Tall twigs A large jug or vase HOW TO MAKE THE THE TWIGGY ADVENT CALENDAR 1 Cut 25 rectangles of fabric measuring about 9x2cm, although the exact size doesn’t matter. 2 Fold each piece of fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together. Pin and then hand or machine stitch the two long sides together. If you prefer, you can leave the tops of the pouches unsewn for a rough look, but you can hem them if you prefer a neater look. Turn the pouches right side out. 3 Glue the bingo counters to the bottoms of the luggage tags. You can…

The living room tends to be the most inviting room in most homes, so it makes sense to make it the hub of your festive celebrations. If you’re expecting more than a couple of people for Christmas Day, though, you might have to be a little creative with the space you have! You’re probably keen to start decorating, but it’s a good idea to remove any furniture and furnishings you don’t need before you do. That coffee table or stack of magazines could be taking up vital present-unwrapping space! Make sure everyone has a comfy place to sit, so nobody has to perch awkwardly on the arm of a sofa. If you lack sofa space, a few floor cushions will make the room feel cosy. If you’re planning to have…

“It may be tempting to get decorating as soon as you get your tree home, but un-net it straight away to give the branches a chance to stretch out, then chop off the bottom of the trunk and leave it to stand in water for the first 24 hours. After that you’ll need to water it once a week to keep it looking its best. Be careful not to put it near a radiator, or if you can’t avoid that, then turn off the radiator nearby, as that can dehydrate the tree and cause it to drop prematurely. And don’t forget to leave room on top for your tree topper!” Find your nearest Hillier Garden Centre at www.hillier.co.uk…

THE NAME GAME These ring-pull tins can be personalised, and contain a joke, a chocolate and a paper hat, as well as a dinky gift bearing the receiver’s initial. £10 each, www.auntiemims.com WHAT A SPREAD Set the breakfast table with these pretty crackers, filled with The Tiny Marmalade’s delicious jams (as well as the usual joke and paper crown). £25 per set of six, www.thetinymarmalade.com BEAR ESSENTIALS Little ones will love these official Paddington Bear crackers, with Peggy Fortnum’s original artwork to grace your festive table. £25 per set of six, www.nancyandbetty.com…

You may have hosting skills to rival Nigella, but if you live in a small flat you’ve probably never considered having friends and family over for Christmas. With a little imagination, however, you can transform your tiny home into a cosy festive space that’s perfect for entertaining. First of all, move furniture into rooms you’re not using. Windowsills are perfect for plates of nibbles and glasses, while an ironing board covered with a pretty cloth makes a surprisingly good makeshift bar or buffet table. Don’t overcomplicate things with too many dishes – a few things done well is a far more effective option. Eating tapas style is a lovely, laid-back alternative to a sitdown meal, and don’t be afraid to use the sofa if you need extra seating!…

Having people to stay? Set aside some time to prepare your home and you won’t be hunting for spare towels or wrestling with the camp bed on Christmas eve. It’s much easier to host if you have a guest room, but if you don’t it might be simpler to give your guests a family member’s bedroom rather than plonking them on the sofa bed in the living room – you don’t want them to feel in the way or awkward, and they might not be over the moon about being woken up at 6am by excitable children unwrapping presents! Kids won’t mind camping out on inflatable beds, but you could make the experience more fun by building them a little fort or buying an indoor tent – that way they’ll…

Layers and textures – you can really cosy up your home with sheepskins, throws and cushions. At Christmas it’s all about ambience, so when hosting a party lighting is key – go for low mood lighting, twinkling candles or even a disco ball! There’s nothing better than the smell of Christmas throughout the house – oranges, cinnamon, berries and pine are perfect. I always buy fresh flowers and foliage at Christmas. Go for those that give off a scent – eucalyptus, pine, herbs – or take your pliers into the garden and get some holly. I layer flowers both on the mantelpiece and on my table. Follow Nicola at www.instagram.com/the_girl_with_the_green_sofa or find her at www.thegirlwiththegreensofa.com…

TRY FORAGING “You can create a beautiful and simple theme with elements found in the garden. Bark, branches and some unruly foliage are a great base to add a few flowers or seasonal plants from your local florist” Kally Ellis, McQueens CONSIDER CONTAINERS “Think about the containers you’re arranging into. A festive favourite of ours is to create clusters of arrangements running down your dining table in vintage cut glass vases or decanters. These only take a few stems per vase, but together they look so beautiful.” Kelly-Marie Burdekin, Kintala Flowers ADD A LITTLE LIGHT “A good start is simply placing ivy or pine branches across the middle of the table, interspersed with candles. I personally like vases filled with a variety of winter's finest: twigs, ivy and holly. I try to…

Nothing beats the pleasure of baking and sharing cakes, cookies and other sweet treats with friends – particularly at Christmas! Whether you’re looking to bake a showstopping cake to impress the family on 25 December, try a new festive recipe or rustle up a favourite such as the simple mincemeat streusel (above), you’ll find everything you need in our fantastic prize bundle of bakeware from Lakeland. From specialist baking tins to Christmas-themed accessories, there’s even a versatile ‘Hand and stand’ mixer on offer! Just follow the instructions in the ‘how to enter’ box below to be in with a chance. TERMS AND CONDITIONS The Promoter of this competition is Immediate Media Company Bristol Ltd. Entrants must be UK residents aged 18 years or older, excluding the Promoter’s employees. Closing date…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 125g ghee or butter🎄 80g icing sugar Dash of orange blossom water🎄 250g plain flour🎄 25–30 pistachios 1 In a bowl, beat the ghee or butter with the icing sugar until light and fluffy. Add the orange blossom water and mix to combine. 2 Add the flour and incorporate into the mixture until you have a smooth dough. Place in the fridge and leave for an hour. 3 Preheat the oven to 150°C fan/170°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3. Remove the dough from the fridge and knead it gently. Create small walnut-sized balls from the dough and place on a baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly and add a pistachio to the centre of each one. 4 Cook for about 12–15 minutes – you don’t want them to turn brown, they…

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CAKE 🎄 300g hazelnuts, finely ground🎄 50g plain flour🎄 6 large eggs🎄 150g caster sugar🎄 100g melted butter FOR THE PEARS 🎄 3 large pears, peeled, cored and sliced🎄 100g caster sugar Juice of 1 lemon🎄 1 tbsp eau de vie FOR THE FILLING 🎄 450g ricotta🎄 100g icing sugar🎄 200ml double cream FOR THE OPTIONAL HAZELNUT PRALINE TOPPING 🎄 200g caster sugar🎄 200g hazelnut FOR THE OPTIONAL CHOCOLATE SAUCE 🎄 150g double cream🎄 25g butter🎄 100g dark chocolate🎄 1 tbsp hazelnut liqueur or a spirit such as rum or eau de vie (optional) 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Line two 22cm sandwich tins with rounds of baking parchment. 2 Put the hazelnuts and flour into a bowl and mix thoroughly. Whisk the eggs…

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CAKE 🎄 60g virgin coconut oil, melted, plus more for the tin🎄 1 tbsp milled flaxseeds🎄 100g unsweetened almond milk, or any plant-based milk🎄 1 tsp apple cider vinegar🎄 200g dried figs, stalks removed, roughly chopped🎄 200g water🎄 1¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda🎄 150g wholegrain spelt flour🎄 ¼ tsp baking powder🎄 ½ tsp sea salt flakes🎄 ¼ tsp ground cinnamon🎄 ½ tsp ground cardamom🎄 ½ tsp mixed spice🎄 250g banana flesh (about 2 large, ripe bananas)🎄 50g apple purée🎄 1 tsp vanilla extract🎄 100g 85% cocoa solid dark chocolate🎄 Edible flowers to decorate (optional) FOR THE COCOA CREAM 🎄 125g maple syrup🎄 80g cocoa or cacao powder🎄 120g unsweetened almond milk, or any other plant-based milk🎄 1 tsp vanilla extract🎄 80g virgin coconut oil, melted Pinch of…

INGREDIENTS FOR THE TERRINE 🎄 1 small shallot, peeled🎄 300g raw salmon fillets, skin removed🎄 200g raw prawns, peeled, plus extra to garnish🎄 150ml double cream🎄 1 egg🎄 1 tbsp cornflour🎄 Freshly grated zest and juice of ¼ lemon🎄 20g dill, leaves chopped (plus some sprigs to garnish) FOR THE ROE DRESSING 🎄 50g red lumpfish roe🎄 150ml crème fraîche or sour cream🎄 Salt and freshly ground black pepper TO MAKE THE CANAPÉS 🎄 3 slices of rye bread, buttered🎄 2-3 avocados (not too overripe, but easily sliceable)🎄 Freshly squeezed lemon juice🎄 3 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream🎄 2½ tsp red lumpfish roe🎄 Sprigs of fresh dill 1 Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3. Line a small, deep terrine or baking dish with baking parchment. Take an oven…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 900g floury potatoes, such as Rooster or Maris Piper 🎄100g finely sliced onions🎄 10g (1¾ tsp) sea salt🎄 30g gram flour🎄 Rapeseed oil, to fry 1 Wash but don’t peel the potatoes, then coarsely grate into a large bowl and add the onion and salt. Massage with your fingers, then transfer to a colander over a large bowl and leave to drain for an hour, occasionally pressing the mix down and mixing it around. 2 After an hour remove the potato mix and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible. Transfer the mix to a clean bowl and loosen with your fingers. Sieve the gram flour over and mix with your fingers so the potato is evenly covered. 3 Preheat the oven to its lowest setting. Take…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 6 slices of smoked streaky bacon (around 150g)🎄 500ml vodka🎄 250g cherry tomatoes🎄 A dash of Worcestershire sauce (optional)🎄 Hot sauce (optional)🎄 Celery salt or lemon pepper to serve (optional) 1 To make the bacon vodka, fry the bacon slowly so it cooks in its own fat and renders out as much as possible – do this without the bacon taking on too much colour as a dark, close to charred bacon will spoil the flavour. 2 Put the bacon and all the fat from the pan into a container and cover with the vodka. You don’t really need the bacon as most of the flavour will come from the fat, but it won’t hurt. Leave for several hours to infuse – at least 6, preferably 12, then…

ANY.DO This app brings together to-do lists, a calendar, a daily planner and reminders, all in one place. ASANA Use this app to plan out your festive projects and share tasks with other family members. PRICESPY Compare prices from high street and online stores to make sure you get your gifts at the best possible price. SPENDING TRACKER Ensure that you stick to your Christmas budget with this handy finance app CHRISTMAS GIFT LIST Make a note of gift ideas, set a budget for each and then tick them off when bought.…

COUNTING THE DAYS Chart Advent in style with this super-cute Christmas tree house calendar, with 24 little drawers for hiding treats. £29.99, www.wayfair.co.uk JINGLE BELLS Give your tree a musical makeover for 2018 with a selection of cheerful tin bells in bright, Christmassy colours. £8.99, www.dobbies.com BERRY CHRISTMAS There’s lots to love about this sweet mini-wreath with bright berries and delicate green foliage. £5, www.sainsburys.co.uk IT’S A WRAP Make gifts extra-special by wrapping in personalised paper. The recipient will love it – and it saves on gift tags too! £5 per sheet, handmadechristmasco.com RED HOT STYLE There are few things as festive as these red embossed tealight holders. Set them glowing on your mantelpiece. £12.95 (set of three), www.nordichouse.co.uk STOCKING UP Hang this stocking by your chimney with care this…

STAR BRIGHT We love this cheerful bauble star for injecting a simple but effective pop of colour into any festive scheme. £20, www.debenhams.com LLAMA CHARMER If you’re embracing a carnival theme, make sure your tree is topped appropriately with this cheerful llama decoration. £10.95, www.feltsogood.co.uk CHRISTMAS DRINKS Cocktails aren’t just for summer this year – come Christmas time they can be hanging from your tree too. Cheers! £6, www.debenhams.com GO CRACKERS These super-cute mini rainbow crackers are just the thing to add a touch of carnival cheer to your Christmas table. £6 (box of 6), www.paperchase.co.uk MERRY & BRIGHT Add splashes of colour all over your home with a selection of honeycomb ball decorations in gloriously vivid shades. From £2.75 (for 12in ball), www.pipii.co.uk PRETTY POLLY Do you know what…

(Serves 10-12) INGREDIENTS 1 turkey, about 14 lb (6.3 kg) oven-ready3 oz (75 g) softened butter8 oz (225 g) very fat streaky baconSalt and freshly milled black pepper For the pork, sage and onion stuffing2 lb (900 g) good-quality pork sausagemeator finely minced pure pork1 oz (25 g) sage, chopped1 large onion, grated or very finely chopped4 heaped tbsp white breadcrumbs1 egg, beaten (optional)Salt and freshly milled black pepper For the gravyAbout 2 level tbsp plain flour1 quantity Turkey Giblet Stock (see www.deliaonline.com) EQUIPMENT You will also need a packet of extra-wide foil Cooking a turkey for the first time at Christmas, when in-laws and other guests are probably milling around, can be quite a traumatic experience. I think the secret of success is to give the turkey a good…

A few days beforehand, decide what time you want to eat and work backwards from that, to make sure you have enough time to cook everything, particularly the turkey. This will ensure that you don’t end up sitting down hours later than planned with ravenous guests! Give frozen turkeys plenty of time to defrost. As a rule of thumb, allow 10-12 hours per kg if defrosting in a fridge set at 4°C, or 3-4 hours per kg in a cool room (below 17.5°C). Make sure it’s safe from hungry pets! Once defrosted, either cook it immediately or store it in the fridge, keeping it covered and well away from other food. If you don’t want an early start, or would rather spend the day outdoors, eat later, at about 6pm,…

Are there easy ways for people to economise over Christmas, particularly those who want a big meal? I’m really into the medieval concept of cauldron cooking, where people would use the cauldron to cook lots of things at once, in layers – meat, veg, pudding on top – in order to conserve their hard-to-get fuel. View your oven like a cauldron, then you can start to think of ways to use all of it and not waste energy. Also remember that smaller joints cook faster, which is more economical. Forget turkey – I’ve never seen the point of it. It’s a great big bird that doesn’t fit most people’s ovens and it doesn’t taste good. You can get two small chickens for the same price that taste better and will…

Christmas is the season to get crafting! Adding a handmade touch to your home is easy with our fun projects – you can enjoy the countdown to the big day with a rustic advent calendar, dress your table with simple candle holders and illuminate your home with beautiful fairy-light lanterns. After all that handiwork you’ll deserve some time off, so we’ve put together a guide to the best festive days out around the UK, and the BBC Countryfile Magazine team have shared their top ten winter walks so you can stretch those legs!…

YOU WILL NEED (PER STAR) Cotton fabric (20x40cm) Toy stuffing Pretty twine or cord (1m) Thin card (3x5cm) Gold machine embroidery thread Matching thread Basic sewing kit Your Simply Christmas cookie cutters HOW TO MAKE THE LABELS 1 Trace around the largest star cutter onto a piece of paper and cut it out. 2 Fold your fabric in half with right sides (RS) together. Place the template on top and draw around it using an erasable pen or chalk. 3 Pin the fabric together along the drawn lines through both layers. Cut out the star 1cm outside the drawn lines all the way around. 4 Sew the two layers of fabric together along the drawn lines, leaving a 4cm turning gap at the end. 5 Trim the outer corners and…

YOU WILL NEED 130g cornflour 260g bicarbonate of soda 350ml water Your free Simply Christmas cookie cutters Other cookie cutters Wine glass Sharp knife Rolling pin Candles Paint, glitter glue or varnish to decorate HOW TO MAKE THE CANDLE HOLDERS 1 Preheat the oven to 80ºC/175ºF/Gas Mark ¼. 2 Sift the cornflour and all the bicarbonate of soda into the saucepan and add the water. Stir continuously over a medium heat for a couple of minutes. The mixture will begin to bubble – turn the heat down a little if it’s bubbling too furiously. Keep stirring and the mixture will thicken and come away from the sides of the pan to form a dough. 3 Tip the dough into a bowl and cover with a damp tea towel. Leave to…

YOU CAN’T CATCH ME Handmade to order, with a pair of shimmering glittery wings, Miss Shelley’s felt gingerbread people toppers really take the biscuit! £22, www.missshellydesigns.com SPELL IT OUT It’s still a ‘star’ and it still shines… This industrial-style stainless steel topper is available in six different colours, from timeless gold to on-trend copper. £29, www.theletterloft.co.uk WE ARE FAMILY Add a personal touch to your tree with this laser-cut bamboo topper. Send your name to Oakdene Designs and they’ll do the rest! £38.50, www.oakdenedesigns.com…

You don’t have to have a fire crackling away to make your fireplace a festive focal point. Bring the outside inside by twisting ivy and other evergreens around a length of rope, or winding them with florist’s wire to create a swag, securing it with nails along the mantel shelf. Carefully arranged baubles also look beautiful on the mantelpiece, but if they’re made from glass make sure you secure them with double-sided tape or Blu Tack. Wreaths aren’t just for the front door – make mini versions from herbs and greenery gathered from the garden and hang them above the fireplace. Baskets of logs and fir cones create a warm, rustic feel, while a magical woodland scene with little wooden animals and paper fir trees backlit with LED lights will…

COLOUR ME HAPPY These brightly coloured metal candlesticks come in different shapes and sizes, and are just made to be mixed and matched! From £12, www.tch.net PRETTY FLAMINGO Beautifully bizarre, these leggy candlesticks make for a wonderfully weird centrepiece that’s sure to make any guest smile. £38, https://crowdyhouse.com INSIDE THE BOX Fill this candle holder with sprigs of winter foliage, fragrant herbs and fir cones, or tiny Christmas decorations. £14.95, www.allthingsbrightonbeautiful.co.uk RUN, RUN RUDOLPH These unusual geometric reindeer have shining metal skeletons inside that reveal themselves as the candle burns and the wax melts! £27, www.hurnandhurn.com…

When the rooms of your house are sparkling with festive cheer, outdoor spaces are often ignored. So this year, why not treat your paths, patios and porches to a merry makeover? From 3D light-up installations to just a touch of sparkle, lighting is an easy way to decorate the garden, and gives it a truly magical feel. Illuminated bushes and hedges look beautiful, and you can create shapes on shed or garage walls with a few nails and a length of outdoor LEDs. Connectable lights are great if you’re covering a large area – Lights4Fun have a wide selection (www.lights4fun.co.uk). Hide battery-powered candles in the roots of trees for an instant winter wonderland effect when night falls – those with a timer are best, so you can set them to…

FESTIVE FIZZ Remind your party guests to bring a bottle of bubbly to your house this year with this cheeky message from More Than Words. £32, www.morethanwords.uk.com FAMILY FUN Featuring Santa on his sleigh and your family name, this doormat is backed with recycled car tyres, so it’s eco-friendly too! £26.99, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk STARRY NIGHT This beautiful indigo blue mat is wonderfully festive but it’s not just for Christmas - you can leave it out all year round. £18, www.oliverbonas.com…

Want to make sure you’re invited back next year? A big festive faux pas is arriving empty handed, especially if you’re staying longer than one night. A thoughtful gift doesn’t have to expensive – a box of homemade biscuits is perfect. And don’t skimp on presentation – go for recycled brown paper, red twine and a handwritten tag if you’re worried about your wrapping skills. If you’re bringing edible gifts, make sure you remember if your hosts have allergies. You could even offer to bring dessert or nibbles to take the pressure off the cook. Put phones on silent or, better yet, leave them in the bedroom – constantly replying to texts or scrolling through Instagram can make the host and other guests feel unappreciated. And don’t forget your thank…

Finding a present that you know someone will love creates a real glow of satisfaction, and we’ve done the hard work for you this year, putting together a magnificent selection for everyone on your list from a range of online and high street stores. Buying for a gardener, crafter or cook? We’ve got the treats that will make their day. No more boring socks for Grandad or bath cubes for your best friend, either – you’ll find great gifts for men, women and kids, plus a selection of stocking fillers for both the young and the young-at-heart. Ready, set, shop! the ultimate Gifts…

1 Get outside! Some fresh air, whatever the weather, will clear your head and, if you’ve got a house full of guests, give you some much-needed breathing space. Whether you opt for a long country walk or a quick circuit of the park, either will do you good. 2 If you feel frustrated in a queue of Christmas shoppers or fed up with family food requests, focusing on your breath can ease rising stress levels. Try Dr Andrew Weil’s breathing technique: exhale fully, then inhale for a count of four. Hold for a count of seven, then exhale for a count of eight. Repeat four times, or until you feel stress ebb away. 3 Learn to let it go. Something that might seem disastrous on the day – burnt potatoes,…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 100g plain flour🎄 50g cocoa🎄 ¾ tsp baking powder🎄 300g dark chocolate (at least 70% solids)🎄 250g butter🎄 250g granulated sugar🎄 4 eggs🎄 100g hazelnuts, roughly chopped🎄 100g Nutella (optional)🎄 50ml Frangelico (optional) 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Line a 30x20cm straight-sided brownie tin with foil or non-stick baking parchment. 2 Sieve the flour, cocoa and baking powder together in a bowl and add a good pinch of salt. Break 250g of the chocolate into a heatproof bowl and place over a barely simmering saucepan of water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Leave to melt, stirring regularly. When the chocolate has melted, remove and leave to cool slightly. Roughly chop the remaining chocolate and set aside. 3 Beat the butter and sugar…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 70g each of dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate🎄 Mini marshmallows🎄 Mini fudge pieces🎄 Freeze-dried raspberries🎄 Wooden spoons 1 Melt the dark and milk chocolate together in a bowl over a pan of boiling water. Let the chocolate cool a little before spooning into an eggcup. Fill to a maximum of 2cm. Leave to set for around 45 mins, but do not refrigerate. 2 After 45 minutes, the chocolate should be semi-set. Stand your wooden spoons in the chocolate and add your toppings: about six fudge pieces or little marshmallows. Leave to chill in the fridge for a couple of hours. 3 Remove from the fridge and tease the eggcup away from the filling, gently pulling on the teaspoons to remove. Repeat for the white chocolate. Allow…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 1.1 litres stock🎄 225g polenta, plus extra to dust🎄 5g (3 tbsp) rosemary, finely chopped🎄 40ml extra virgin olive oil🎄 5g (1 tsp) sea salt🎄 Vegetable oil, for deep-fat frying 1 Put the stock into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Sprinkle in the polenta, whisk with a wire whisk until it begins to thicken, then stir continuously with a wooden spoon or silicon spatula. 2 When it is thick enough that the wooden spoon stands up in it, add the rosemary, olive oil and salt and stir well to combine. 3 Pour onto a large board lined with non-stick baking parchment and spread out into a rectangle 1cm thick. Allow to cool completely, then cut into 1cm strips. Cut these into chip shapes and dust with…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 50ml aquafaba (see above)🎄 1-2 cloves of garlic🎄 20ml cider vinegar or 25ml (5 tsp) lemon juice🎄 2g (¼ tsp) sea salt🎄 150ml oil 1 Put the aquafaba, garlic, cider vinegar and salt into a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a jug or container you can pour slowly from. 2 Set your blender onto a medium speed and very slowly add the oil, a small splash at a time, until about half of it has gone into creating a smooth, glossy, emulsifed liquid. Speed up the pouring and as you near the end the mix will miraculously turn into a thick glossy mayonnaise and you’ll be unable to blend any more. Makes one 300ml jar…

INGREDIENTS 🎄 320g packet shop-bought all-butter puff pastry🎄 Handful of sesame seeds, to sprinkle🎄 2 beaten eggs, to egg wash FOR THE FILLING 🎄 1 tsp paprika🎄 1 tsp ground coriander🎄 1 tsp ground cumin🎄 1 tsp dried chilli flakes🎄 1 tsp ground cinnamon 🎄½ tsp ground nutmeg🎄 1½ tsp sea salt🎄 1 garlic clove, finely chopped🎄 1 onion, finely chopped🎄 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses🎄 400g lamb mince 1 Combine all the meat ingredients in a bowl. You can add more or less of the spices if you like – it is totally up to you. When you’re happy with your flavourings, set the bowl aside. 2 Roll out the pastry to a large rectangle and place some of the meat in a sausage shape along one long edge. Roll…