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…
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 there’s a birthday, anniversary or celebration coming up and you want to give that special someone a gift that’s not only ideal for them but is also a frugal option, here’s how sending a selection of treats is the ideal solution…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
It would be nice to enjoy a bit of family time over Christmas but, these days, it’s more likely that each member of the family will be glued to their own phones or devices rather than spending time together. Here are a few suggestions to get your family to spend some quality time together this Christmas…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Do you wish your money would stretch further at Christmas? I certainly like to make sure I’m getting the best deals when I’m doing my seasonal shopping so I’ve put together a few ideas to cut the cost of Christmas – and you can start right now..!
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…
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..!
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…
I think Christmas traditions are more important than ever this year, especially as many of the festive things we would usually do are cancelled. So, if you don’t already have a tradition of gifting new pyjamas on Christmas eve, why not give it a try?
I’m excited to tell you that on Sunday 15th November is the Makers Market From Home Christmas Bonanza so I’ll be doing all my Christmas shopping with indie businesses from the comfort of my own home. Here’s some of the talented Etsy makers involved…
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and get the chance to relax over the festive period. And good luck for 2020 – let’s make it a year to remember!
If you’re wondering what to get your youngsters for Christmas this year, or are planning to donate to a charity Christmas gift appeal, I’ve put together a wonderful collection of fun and educational gifts for all ages – from toddlers to teens. Plus, you can win a kids’ microscope kit in my festive giveaway so read on to enter…
Do you enjoy making things? Do you love to save money? Do you want unique decorations that no-one else has? Then it’s time to make your own! I’m getting a head start on my Christmas preparations this month and have made three scandi-style decor projects that you can easily replicate at home. Or you could use these ideas as a starting point for your own designs – it might be the inspiration you need to get you started on crafting your own festive decor…
Ooh the Christmas countdown has really snuck up on me this year and now it’s just 100 day until Christmas! So? That’s ageeees away, right? Well, in the world of thrifty living and financial planning, it’s actually a great time to start thinking about Christmas and I’ve written a little something to get your festive preparations off to a flying start and help you stay stress-free this xmas…
Happy Christmas everyone! I wanted to send you all my best wishes for the big day in advance. I hope you have a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
Ever wanted your home to look like Buddy the Elf has decorated it for Santa’s arrival? Here’s 14 low-cost and easy DIY projects to help you spread Christmas cheer throughout your rooms (using things you already have) in time for the big day…
Fancy making your own neon snowflake light to decorate your home for Christmas? I’ve shared the full DIY project along with photos of my own minimalist snowy white festive bedroom…
Christmas trees? Nah! Santa? Who? We all know that the real star of Christmas is the sprout. Whether you love them or loathe them, they’re the most hotly anticipated visitors on the 25th December and I think they deserve to be celebrated. So I’ve DIYed my own stalk of sprouts, with fluffy green pom-poms and a big stick. Here’s how to make this most-festive-of-all-decorations for yourself…
If you haven’t got a Christmas tree or simply can’t fit one into your home, this DIY copper-pipe tree is a great slimline option. You can make it yourself using offcuts from your plumbing project, a broom handle and a piece of pallet wood, so it’s practically free!
Here’s another DIY festive décor project for you – a glittery light-up neon snowflake. You can hang it on the wall to create a fabulously festive feature or use it as a lamp on your bedside table.
Here’s some of the personalised and retro gifts I’ve picked up for my husband this year, and I hope they’ll help you get your gift list in order too…
Christmas is about so much more than materialism but it’s also nice to buy or create something that lets people know you are thinking about them at this time of year and that you enjoy having them in your friendship circle. Sometimes all it takes is a Christmas card so here are some ideas to give you a new take on this traditional festive greeting…
If you’re looking for a truly unique gift this Christmas, you’ve got to go handmade. Etsy is a great marketplace to find items that have been crafted by artisans and creatives so that’s where I’ve been shopping this year. Here are some festive gift ideas for all members of the family…
Christmas is a popular time for proposals and I can’t think of anything more romantic than a snowy backdrop when you’re popping the question. An engagement ring is a Christmas gift she’ll never forget and I’ve come up with some top tips for buying the ideal jewellery that she’ll be overwhelmed to open on Christmas morning…
Last week, we went for a rummage in the local charity shops and found two boxes of glass baubles to add to our collection. So, for the first time in a long time, our tree has a colour scheme! I decorated my tree on Sunday so I thought I’d share some snaps of it with you today…
December is here and if you haven’t already jumped at the chance to put up your tree and make your home look as festive as possible, you might be looking for some more affordable and creative ways to decorate your space for the Christmas period. There are so many amazing ways to put your own creative spin on Christmas decorations and decor, but to give you a few ideas, here are a select few festive arts and crafts you should try this season…
If you’re thinking of taking a break over the festive season, I’ve come up with some ideas for a Christmas getaway that you’ll never forget…
I’m feeling super-festive right now and it’s because the Christmas issue of Reclaim magazine is out now! And my Design Icon article this month is vintage baubles, including how to spot the genuine article…
If you’re planning to have a real Christmas tree in your home this year, why not choose the eco-friendly and sustainable option of buying local? I took a tour of a Suffolk tree plantation on Friday so here’s why you should consider getting your festive tree from a local producer…
If you’re not a big fan of fairy lights but still want to illuminate your rooms for Christmas, here are some slightly more subtle ways to get a touch of twinkling light into the space without going over the top…
