House Beautiful UK December 2021/January 2022

I’m sure I’m not alone when, as December appears on the horizon every year, I ask the question: ‘Just where did the last 12 months go?’ And while I do usually then think back to the previous Christmas, this year it seems even more important to reflect. Because for many of us, last year’s festivities were rather less than festive. We may not yet be back to life as we once knew it, but there is a feeling that this holiday season will be more recognisable. Which is why I’ve decided to double up on effort this year to make up for the quietness of Christmas 2020. We’ve made plans for friends to arrive the week before the festivities and I’m determined that this will be the year I get ahead…

As December is upon us, our focus for this issue is everything Christmas, and we have much to inspire you, from the best tree decs (p20) and most stylish stockings (p27), to the latest trends for dressing your table for the big day (p46). Every issue of House Beautiful is packed with ideas for home lovers, whether you have a specific project in mind or simply want to relax and enjoy taking a peek inside the stunning real-life homes featured each month. And don’t forget, we also have lots of other ways to entertain you online – on Instagram and Facebook at @housebeautifuluk and, of course, on our website housebeautiful.com/uk. GIVE YOURSELF A TREAT If you’re not already part of the House Beautiful family, there’s never been a better time to subscribe. See…

THIS MONTH WE’RE LOVING PAPER DECORATIONS From honeycomb forms to pinwheel fans, these sustainable designs are perfect for adding a touch of natural charm to your Christmas scheme. Use them to dress your tree, hang in clusters to create a statement or scatter along the table as a centrepiece. Once finished, fold flat and put away until next year. ADD CREATIVE FLAIR TO YOUR HOME To celebrate and support arts and crafts, H&M Home has teamed up with three female artists to create an eyecatching collection of unique pieces for your home. The collaboration, For the Love of Art, includes embroidered cushions, decorative ceramics and expressive portrait posters – ideal gifts for lovers of artisan pieces. From £17.99 for a Rattan-lid scented candle in a pot. TRENDING NOW STATEMENT STARS December seems like the right time to…

For more tablescaping inspiration, turn to page 46 MAKE SURE YOU’RE ALWAYS GUEST READY Hosting overnight visitors just got easier. Designed with small spaces in mind, this compact Bed in a Bag can be rolled out in seconds to make room for one more guest. In the morning, roll it back up and hide it out of sight in the easy-to-store canvas sack. Bed in a Bag, £70, futoncompany.co.uk HB HOT ON THE HIGH STREET BEST BOUCLE BUYS Add textured detail with curly, looped yarn * EASY UPDATE A garland draped along a mantelpiece or intertwined through banisters is a classic. But you can also try wrapping one around a mirror, picture frame or even your headboard to get every room looking its best over the festive period. For an added twist, embellish with glitzy baubles and…

HANDS ON Nestled in the garden of The Weeping Willow pub in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk is the Garden Tipi, dressed in fairy lights. Snuggle up with faux-fur throws around the firepit or join in the wreath-making workshop, £75pp. Visit theweepingwillow.co.uk SHOP SMALL For those who love to add a handmade element to their tree, these handpainted baubles, £18 each, can be decorated in a colour combination to complement your home. Artist Lucy Johnson specialises in multimedia textiles, such as woven garlands, pompom wreaths and fibre wall art as well as bespoke crafted gifts. Find out more and view products at neverperfectstudio.com ARTS & CRAFTS If you’ve been anywhere near the internet recently, you’ll be familiar with ‘punch needle embroidery’, a simple and calming technique using a needle to puncture loops into your fabric.…