Table of contents for 50 - 2018 in Best

With Christmas almost here, we decided to have a nostalgic wander down memory lane to see how best readers celebrated in the 1980s (see pages 33-39). The letter above was written by the first editor of best more than 30 years ago. In some ways things haven’t changed – in these last few busy days before Christmas we’re all working our way through ‘to-do’ lists, worrying about food, gifts and decorations. But there is one area Iris and I disagree on – she says she’ll be resisting shop-bought mince pies, as she enjoys making them herself. Me? I’ll be popping to the supermarket for my mince pies, my Christmas cake and my frozen veg. Anything to make life easier I say… Now, anyone for a glass of fizz? Please let…

Statement shoulders Shoulder pads are back in business! Smart casual Opt for a knit on top and shimmer on bottom. High-neck hero A flattering style with no necklace required! Layer up! Party perfection doesn’t always mean flashing the flesh. TOP TIP A chic knit with a glam sequin skirt is the perfect combo to take you straight from work to a fun, festive night out.…

‘A little kindness goes a long, long way’ As my son, Daniel, pulled on his coat and headed to the door, I noticed something strange. He didn’t just have one hat and scarf, he had a whole bag of them. ‘I know it’s December, but surely you don’t need all those,’ I joked. He grinned and shrugged. ‘I’ve just noticed loads of people out on the street this year,’ he explained. ‘I’ve been buying some winter woollies to keep them warm.’ Typical Daniel. Although he didn’t have much money, he’d happily spend it on others. He’d had his own struggles, so was always looking out for those who were less fortunate. Back in 1990, Daniel had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, aged just eight. It came as a shock…

TOP TIP Use unscented toiletries when you go shopping for fragrance, so that your skin is a ‘blank canvas’.…

Welsh born Sian Gibson, 42, is famous for co-starring in Car Share with Peter Kay. Who is your favourite new cast member? Oh, how could I choose? They’re all comedy legends, and when I saw the cast list I was so excited. We had great fun on set. Do you like working with a big cast, or on an intimate show like Car Share? I can honestly say I enjoyed working on them both equally. I’ve known Peter Kay for years, so we are very comfortable together. But with this ensemble cast, every day felt like being on a school trip. How do you spend your Christmas? I am the Christmas Queen. For me, it starts in November with the Christmas songs, mince pies and mulled wine. It’s always a…

Meghan’s former acting agent, Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne, claimed recently that Meghan ‘will make a movie again,’ – something which is unheard of for a married British Royal and will surely not go down well with The Firm. Prior to her marriage to Prince Rainier III in the 1950s, Grace Kelly was a Hollywood star. But after she became Grace, Princess of Monaco, she gave up her film career for good. She had no choice in the matter. Meghan might not be quite as willing to follow the rules, but only time will tell how being Harry’s girl and a mother will change her……

FESTIVE DRINKS You know the party season is in full swing when those drink invites start arriving! So, how do you prevent the booziest month of the year from running away with your willpower? Our top tip is to be aware of your ‘tipping point’ – when alcohol weakens our resolve, and we find ourselves indulging more than usual. Eat well before you go out, so you’re not drinking on an empty stomach. Decide on your drinks beforehand (spirits and diet mixers are a wiser option for weight loss than wine or creamy cocktails), and have something healthy on hand to eat when you get in. If you slip up, don’t worry! Just be kind to yourself, and start afresh with your healthy eating plan the next day. WORK CHRISTMAS…

‘The thing I dislike most about Christmas is the sheer waste. People buy too much food and throw it away. They drink too much, and throw it up. They also throw huge amounts of money at pointless tat that no one really wants or needs! I’ve never been a big gift-giver. I prefer presence with a ‘c’, not presents with a ‘t’, because I feel giving your time is far more precious and much less effort than the material kind. All that shopping, wrapping and carting gifts round to friends and relatives, who will then feel obliged to put on a show of gratitude before they either dump said pressie in the re-gifting cupboard, the charity shop or the bin. Having said that, some of my favourite trinkets are tat,…

…being a mum to boys Ours is a chaotic household [Kirstie is mum to kids Bay and Oscar, and teenage stepsons Orion and Hal]. They all have opinions, let’s put it that way. But we are the parents and we have to say, ‘This is the way it’s going to be.’ Otherwise it would be anarchy! …finding true love Ben [Andersen, her long-term partner] and I are always happy in each other’s company. I feel lucky to have found him, and I think he agrees. …why you’ll never see her in trousers I don’t own a pair of jeans. They don’t suit my body shape. But I have lots of dresses and I will just grab one that works for that day. I always wear a new dress on Christmas…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES STRAIGHT CLUES ACROSS 6 Frying, baking, etc. (7) 7 Workmen’s implements (5) 9 Come across, encounter (4) 10 Tall building (10) 11 Irrefutable evidence (5) 12 Group of lions (5) 14 Spoken (4) 16 Price, expense (4) 17 Small, quiet room (5) 18 African country (5) 22 Personal harmony (10) 25 Lazy (4) 26 View, vista (5) 27 Sprinters (7) DOWN 1 Managed, handled (10) 2 Leading, initial (5) 3 Awful to look at (4) 4 To hold in store (5) 5 Settee (4) 6 Evident (5) 8 MPH meters (slang) (7) 13 Seen as known (10) 15 Comes back (7) 19 Tablets (5) 20 Bordered (5) 21 Used up money (5) 23 Flat and level (4) 24…

TOP TIP Choose soft pastels and mix textures in an unexpected way – knitwear and satin are perfect partners. TOP TIP Pick an on-trend cable knit in winter white, and French tuck it into your skirt to create a waist. TOP TIP For pretty festive style, pair a fairy tale tulle skirt and a sweater with a velvet bow tie at the back.…

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Are you a Christmas jumper killjoy? We all know that Friday 14 December is Christmas Jumper Day, and we’ll happily wear our festive knits and donate £2 for the privilege – especially when the money goes to the Save the Children charity to help kids have a better future. But while many of us happily don our festive jumpers on any December day, some of us aren’t so keen on that kind of Christmas cheer. Namely, our editor, Siobhan. ‘People think I’m miserable, but I’ll only wear that type of jumper for charity,’ she says. ‘To me, a celebration is a glass of bubbles and a mince pie!’ Bah humbug! We’ve tried to get a reindeer deely bopper on her, too… but no chance! Do you love…

IT’S PARTY TIME Shirley’s off to panto, Bruno generally goes to the Maldives, Darcey will be with her family, and I’ll be at home for my first Christmas with Jonathan. We’re having 20 of his family over for Christmas – and on New Year’s Eve, I host a fabulous pool party. Come mid January, the judges and I will be reunited for the Strictly tour! MYSTIC CRAIG PICKS HIS WINNER It’s so hard to know who’s going to win, it’s been a real rollercoaster year. I think the audience will choose Joe or Stacey. Personally, I adore Faye. I’d love her to win, but it’s not up to us judges. Come the final, we’re there holding our scores, but all our power has been taken away and it is up…

When it comes to Christmas in our household, it’s the earlier the better! I’ve always loved it and, ever since my husband, Stuart, and I had our two children – Sam, now 15, and Zara, 11 – it’s been extra special. Plus, my birthday falls on 21 December, so it’s always a double celebration! Our Christmas tree, lights and decorations go up as soon as Stuart allows it, and I buy and wrap my presents early so I can relax and enjoy every mince pie-filled moment. Last year started off like any other. On 21 December, we went out for a wonderful slap-up family dinner. Two days later, we were at a friend’s house for Christmas drinks. I never really drink, but I raised a glass to that festive spirit.…

‘When I sing, I feel free…’ ‘Being homeless was an uncomfortable time. I always tried to find work, but it was hard. In a way, I don’t regret the past that made me who I am today’  Dalton Harris has just won The X Factor – he has the world at his feet and will get a life-changing record deal – but he grew up in a two-room house without electricity or running water, and was homeless at the age of 17. Yet, despite his poor upbringing, the 24-year-old’s desire to succeed kept him going… How are you feeling after winning the TV show? It was a complete shock! I feel a bit overwhelmed with it all, to be honest. Right now, I’m still coming to terms with what it all means, and…

KATIE HOLMES IS A SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December You’ll be asked to raise awareness of pressing problems in the community. Your passionate commitment to a cause will help to make a real difference. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January Be open to new experiences. Travel will take you to areas you’ve never been to before. Getting away from familiar places will help you move past some personal challenges and, by looking at life from different perspectives, you will feel your vision expanding. Forging a new path will yield impressive results. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February You have an eye for a bargain, and an early Christmas shopping jaunt will be fun. You feel more in control and you’ve made a great start on your festive preparations. A…

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