There’s nothing nicer than fresh festive florals in your home at Christmas. Whether it’s a beautiful bouquet, a welcoming wreath on the door, or mistletoe over the threshold, here’s how to bring more festive foliage into your seasonal decor…
When you’ve met the love of your life and are looking for a way to propose to your partner, the festive season can be the perfect opportunity for this. Here are some ways you can plan the perfect proposal that’ll be memorable and magical…
The festive season is such a busy time of year, but we mustn’t forget to take care of ourselves. Here are some simple ideas to turn your bathroom into a spa-like space so that you can relax and unwind at home this Christmas…
If you’ve got grown-ups to buy for this Christmas, here are some fun, creative and interesting present ideas that they’ll enjoy unwrapping on the big day. Check out this selection to get your shopping sorted at the start of December…
Teenagers are possibly the trickiest age group to buy gifts for. Who knows what’s cool or not – especially when trends change from one week to the next? Here are some fun presents that’ll delight any teen when they unwrap them at Christmas…
Advent is finally here! It’s time to get those gifts sorted so that you can be fully prepared in advance of the big day. If you’d like some inspiration for some fabulous and fun gifts for children, here are my top picks for this year…
Living in a disorganised home is not great for your wellbeing, but many of us find ourselves with much more clutter than we would like. Here are 7 ideas to help you declutter & organise your home before Christmas comes…
Christmas is coming, so let’s not stress: Here are fifty things you can do between now and the 25th of December to help you spread the chores, have more fun and cut the cost of Christmas this year…
If you have a garden, it’s lovely to be able to enjoy it during the autumn. On those crisp sunny days, you can head outside knowing that you’ve got a gorgeous space to relax in. Here are some small tasks for your gardening to-do list this season:
The winter can be a tricky time to navigate the outdoors – even for a fully mobile person. So, when the wintery weather comes, it can sometimes put off some family members from going out of the house at all. Here are some suggestions to help your loved ones stay safe during those chilly months…
What are your family traditions for Christmas Eve? Is there something you love to do in the run-up to Christmas each year? Today I’m sharing some of my own traditions and those essential items you might need for Christmas Eve…
If you’ve got little ones in your household, why not make them an advent calendar that encourages them to read a festive story each night? Here’s an idea to DIY your own book advent for the 12 days of Christmas…
If you love a bit of Christmas crafting in the run-up to the big day, here’s a cute crochet project that’ll help you to make your own string of fairy lights to add a fun retro vibe to your festive decorations…
I always feel more excited about baking at this time of year and I love to incorporate delicious festive spice flavours like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Here are some delicious recipes to add a little spice to your seasonal bakes and makes…
There are so many gift options out there for children this year that it’s difficult to choose something suitable. That’s why I’ve come up with a list of books and board games that combine fun activities with an educational touch…
Whenever I’m shopping for Christmas, there’s one online shopping hub that I always use to find those unique gifts that you can’t get anywhere else. Have a look at my favourite handmade gifts here…
If you want to find the filming locations of Ed Sheeran’s music video for his festive tune ‘Under the Tree’, here’s all you need to know about where the coastal scenes were shot by Richard Curtis…
When you’ve got teenagers to buy for at Christmas, it can be tricky to find something they’ll like or that suits their interests. So, here are some interesting tech treats, arty items and thoughtful gifts that a teen will love…
If you’re considering a Winter getaway, have you ever thought of going on a Twixtmas holiday? Here are 4 reasons why it’s a great money-saving, time-saving and mood-boosting option…
If you’re planning a festive gathering this year, whether with family, friends or colleagues, here are some of the Christmas party essentials you might need to celebrate the season in style!
It’s the start of November and that can only mean one thing – time to start your Christmas shopping! It helps you to make considered purchases and to spread the cost so here are my top picks for gifts for adults this year…
If you’ve got friends or extended family visiting you this Christmas, now’s the perfect time to start creating the cosy – and practical – kitchen of your dreams in time for the big day…
Embracing seasonal flower trends not only allows you to enjoy blooms at their best, but it’ll also save you money if you’re shopping seasonally. It brings a more natural feel to bouquets you’re gifting and can help you to style an event in a way that showcases the best florals throughout the year…
When your favourite festive jumper gets felted in the wash, don’t despair! Why not turn it into a cosy cushion for Christmas? Here’s a handy guide to sew your own festive jumper pillows:
Why not give your usual downtime activities a festive twist, whether that’s reading, playing games or watching TV? Here are a few ideas for getting into the Christmas spirit, no matter what you’re doing…
Be inspired to decorate with fresh foliage after checking out this beautiful Christmas home tour of Corvisel House, where Anne has injected festive florals into each room to celebrate the season…
If you find it difficult to fit a Christmas tree into your home, here’s a handy solution: build these DIY shelves in the shape of a Christmas tree! It’s ideal for the festive season and beyond. Check out the easy step-by-step to make a unit like this for yourself…
With Christmas fast approaching, here are some slightly different ideas for festive gifts for children. These toys, games and treats will help to keep them entertained during the festive holidays – and beyond!
If you fancy taking on a festive knitting project to work on during the dark winter evenings, why not create your own knitted Christmas stocking? Here are the instructions, charts and materials you’ll need to DIY one yourself…
If, like me, you prefer to choose handmade gifts and artisan pieces created by local makers, November is the perfect time to start your Christmas shopping to make sure your customised presents are ready by the big day…
Whether you’re studying or not, take advantage of that back-to-school feeling in September by setting yourself some goals for the first semester of the new school year…
Even though we’re often reluctant to talk about Christmas too early, September is the ideal time to make a start on your festive prep. In fact, you can save money if you start your planning early – here’s how…
At this time of year, everything seems to be about ‘doing it before Christmas’. The celebration provides a handy marker to complete your goals before the end of the year. But what if moving into a new house is your goal? Here are some ways you can achieve it before Christmas…
Making your own soft furnishings is one of the easiest DIY projects to tackle for your home. Here’s a round-up of simple sewing projects (and some no-sew ones too!) that’ll help you update your decor. Plus, I’ve shared some thrifty ways to get hold of suitable fabrics too…
Now that it’s winter and the ground is frozen over, what CAN still be done on the allotment? I’ve shared a rather frosty update to let you know how my veggie patch is getting on…
I’m taking a break for Christmas so I wanted to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a brilliant new year!
This Christmas I was lucky enough to write about a beautiful period home for Reclaim magazine so I thought I would share a little about this pretty property with you over the festive season.
Today’s home tour of a converted barn provides plenty of Christmas decor inspiration for creating a minimal and modern interior that’s full of festive touches and cosy details…
It’s now easier than ever to create your own Christmas light design or neon sign at home. Here’s the step-by-step DIY guide to making any festive design you like using neon EL wire…
If you want to dress your dining table for a special event, here are some thrifty tips & easy DIYs you can use to create beautiful party place settings and festive tablescapes…
It can sometimes be a challenge to find a gift for teens that isn’t tech-related but I’ve come up with a few present suggestions to help encourage your youngsters away from their screens and to start interacting with fun activities…
There’s nothing more festive than a real log fire burning in the grate of a fireplace. However, many homes have had their fireplaces removed over the years and no longer have that cosy Christmassy feel. So, if you fancy reinstating your fireplace this winter, here are some facts to consider…
If you’re planning a Christmas gathering at home and want to make your garden look just as inviting as your interior, here are a few ideas for decorating your garden with fairy lights to create cosy ambience and festive feel…
If you’re shopping for gifts for the grown-ups in your life, why not buy handmade pieces or shop with indie businesses this year? You’ll support a small company or independent maker to stay in business and can treat your loved one to a unique gift at the same time…
Why not turn an old piece of furniture into a drinks cabinet so that you’re ready to host plenty of fun parties this festive season? Here’s a step-by-step guide to DIY a funky bar from any kind of old writing desk or bureau…
Whether you’re heading to a wedding, looking for the ideal birthday gift or simply want to show a friend how much you care, a gift hamper is always a winner. It’s a thrifty way to treat that special someone AND it can be customised to suit their interests. Here’s how to make one yourself…
I hope you’ve had a lovely Christmas and a very relaxing break. I just wanted to wish you all a happy New Year and here’s to a wonderful 2022 for us all!
I love to be organised and Christmas is no exception, which is why I’ve upcycled some old plastic tubs to create my own dedicated storage for our festive decorations…
Yes, that’s exactly what I did. I’ve been back at the sewing machine and have made some Christmassy covers for my Ercol studio couches. Here’s what I stitched…
Take a tour around artist Katharina’s cosy and Christmassy German home to inspire your own festive decorating this December…
Whatever the celebration, a party hat is the ultimate accessory to get the party started! I’ve made a template that you can download and use to DIY your own party hats in any colour and finish to suit your theme. Here’s how…
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Beyond The Barn’s gorgeous home in the past so I’m super excited to see it decorated for Christmas – here’s a mini house tour to inspire your own festive decor along with a sneak peek inside See Suffolk’s winter issue…
Whenever I’m looking for gifts, whether at Christmas or throughout the year, I always head to local and independent businesses first. If I can find a special present while also supporting a small biz or local maker, all the better! Here are some gorgeous gift ideas from crafters and small brands…
Not just an early gift, Christmas Eve boxes are a combination of treats, presents and entertainment – so what should you include in one? Here are five essentials you’ll need to create the ultimate Christmas Eve box…
I love to make wreathes to decorate my doors at Christmas and create something special from garden foliage or leftover materials. Here are a few ideas for different styles of festive wreath to get you started…
There’s nothing more luxurious than receiving a lovely skincare or haircare treat at Christmas. Even though we all joke about getting a pack of ‘smellies’ each year, it actually feels rather pampering to receive a cruelty-free, natural product, especially if it has the added bonus of being recyclable too. Here are some sustainable gift ideas…
This year, I’m keeping things simple and enjoying the holiday season as safely as possible – but I still want to have some festive fun! So I’ve come up with some fab Christmassy activities that we can all enjoy at home or outdoors…
After a tough 20 months, you may want to cut the cost of Christmas 2021. That’s why I’ve provided are some thrifty tips for you – both my own and from the experts – to help you save money on gifts, decorations and entertainment…
‘Tis the season to shop ‘til you drop, but are your finances prepared for the holiday’s big bill? If not, it may be tempting to borrow money to afford the festivities, but this is a quick way of putting your finances on the naughty list…
Whether you’re buying presents for your family or a Christmas Gift Appeal, it’s a good idea to make sustainable choices when shopping for those presents. I’ve put together this festive gift guide for children to get you started…
Seeing as it’s only 15 weeks until Christmas, I thought I would share some super-easy ways to start putting money aside now, so that you’ll be much more prepared when December rolls around…
Last year I discovered just how handy those empty tubs of chocolate can be after Christmas, especially if you have lots of fairy lights to put away like we do. They’re fab storage for LED lights & decorations & all it takes is a little bit of adjusting…
When you’ve got a spare half-hour and fancy watching something festive why not re-watch some classic Christmas TV shows?! Here’s a handy list of all the seasonal episodes of your favourite TV series & sitcoms ready for you to enjoy this December…
Beautifully decorated for Christmas with twinkling fairy lights, homemade decorations and cosy corners for curling up in, this barn is exactly where I’d like to be right now. Take a peek inside this warm & welcoming renovation to inspire your festive decor…
Welcome to my festive pallet project! I’ve DIYed a friendly freestanding snowman to adorn your lawn and the best part is that he doubles-up as a family game. I’ve teamed up with DIY website ManoMano to show you how to make this dapper snowman for yourself.
December is usually full of festive events, pantos & Christmas light switch-ons but this year I’ve found some are some fabulously festive entertainment you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home while supporting performers & local theatres – enjoy..!
Christmas can be busy at the best of times so I’ve come up with some ways that we can use modern technology to make December easier than ever. From gift shopping to entertainment, there are so many festive things you can enjoy without lifting a finger…
For me, Christmas always evokes a feeling of nostalgia so I’ve raided my childhood toybox to decorate my Christmas tree with retro toys. Here’s how to upcycle any small plastic animals or metal cars to create festive decorations for your tree…
If you’ve decided to get a potted Christmas tree this year (that you can use next Christmas!) you may want to jazz up the pot when you bring it indoors. Here are a couple of ideas to dress up the plant pot of your real spruce tree for the festive season…
Yes! You CAN enjoy a fun & fulfilling Christmas without spending a fortune – you just need to get a bit creative with your time & money. And I’m here to help you! Here are some seasonal step-by-step guides & money-saving tips for a cracking Christmas…
