Simply Christmas 2021

Your cover gift - ideal for festive décor & crafting It’s never too early to start thinking about the festive season ahead and, as last year was such a difficult time for many of us, we are hopeful that we can plan in the things we love most for Christmas 2021. Having the time to consider and prepare for December 25th and all the celebrations that surround it is a joy in itself. Everything you see in this year’s Simply Christmas has been hand-picked to inspire and help you, from decorating your home and buying gifts, to crafting, cooking and baking. This year, more than ever, the focus is on sustainable and planet-friendly ideas, with lots of ways to use fresh and dried foliage as décor and gift wrap. And if…

“WE START THE MORNING OPENING PRESENTS, THEN IT’S TIME FOR CHAMPAGNE” LAST YEAR: It was a very quiet one for us, not at all like what we usually enjoy. To start with, my family from New Zealand weren’t able to join us as planned. When they are here it is such a lovely thing to catch up with one another, but last year it was just the three of us and our dogs for the festivities. And then unfortunately both my husband and daughter went down with Covid-19 on Christmas Day, which of course was not what anyone would want to happen. So it really was just us for the duration, and a very different experience. THIS YEAR: All being well, our Christmas will be back to normal and even more special…

Christmas 2020 definitely happened, but as that entire year is a bit of a blur, it’s wonderful that we have a brand-new festive season to look forward to and get excited about. And this year we’re hoping to celebrate with nearby and far-flung family and friends, raising a well-earned toast to the last year. THE JOY OF LISTS Before you delve into the practicalities, take a trip down memory lane to previous Christmases and jot down what makes the season enjoyable for you, or what you think it’s been missing – a candlelit carol service, a trip to see Santa with the little ones, a frosty walk, a cosy dinner party or a lively DIY cocktail party (we can help with that on page 170!)? Plan in these special times among the…

FOUR WEEKS Before Christmas Create your gift list. It doesn’t have to be detailed, but make sure you know who you’re buying for and start jotting down notes about what they might like to help stay focused when you head out to the shops or make online purchases. Start by browsing our gift guides from page 116. Determine your budget for present-buying (then try to stick to it!). Begin your Christmas shopping. The earlier you start, the better chance you have of getting good deals and not doing any last-minute panic buying. Where possible, try to buy from independent shops, especially those that sell antiques. A one-o gift that can’t be bought elsewhere is all the more special, and has the added bonus of being more environmentally friendly. Time to organise your gift wrap!…

FOUR WEEKS Before Christmas Ensure the turkey is ordered from your local butcher or farm shop, plus any other special items you might need – such as sausage meat for stu ng, vegetables or special baked treats. Stock up on booze, mixers and soft drinks for the big day, or try your hand at making homemade sloe gin or liqueur. If you’re an online shopper, book your supermarket delivery slot and start planning your order. Pick plenty of supplies that won’t spoil, such as dried goods, partbaked rolls and chutneys. Some supermarkets offer eco-friendly delivery slots, oryoucould try ordering a food box from a local supplier. Batch cook some emergency freezer meals in case of unexpected visits from friends and family. Shepherd’s pie, wintery stews and soups always go down a treat, as do…

FOUR WEEKS Before Christmas Grab the ladder and take a peek in the loft to remind yourself of what you have. Existing decorations can be given a new lease of life with some care and the addition of natural greenery. Or for whole new look, see our pick of the latest trends starting on page 28 – opulent, rustic, mono and bright. Advent calendars are great fun but for something more sustainable, look for wooden or glass frames that you can refill with treats each year. Or go for a charity calendar such as www.adventofchange.com, which tells you each day what great things your donation is doing. A handmade wreath of flowers, berries and foliage for your front door is a true tradition. If you prefer to use a local florist, then order…