^COUNTRY LIVING	COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2025
DECORATING Ж CRAFTS Ж FOOD Ж HOMES Ж ARTISANS < GARDENS
л
SEASON’S
GREETINGl
But give me holly,
bold and jolly,
Honest, prickly,
shining holly;
Pluck me holly leaf
and berry
For the day when
I make merry
From HollyXy Christina Rossetti

ЛЙ»,
SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR SARAH OPENSHAW
HEAD OF HOMES CONTENT AMANDA MORGAN
EXECUTIVE EDITOR VICKY CARLISLE
PICTURE DIRECTOR PATRICIA TAYLOR
HOMES & STYLE DIRECTOR BEN KENDRICK
HOME & CRAFTS EDITOR ALAINA BINKS
ACTING ASSOCIATE EDITOR LAURA SILVERMAN
FEATURES EDITORS ANNA JURY & RACHAEL OAKDEN
COMMISSIONING EDITOR LAURAN ELSDEN
PRODUCTION MANAGER GRETA CROAKER
GROUP MANAGING EDITOR INGRID EAMES
EXECUTIVE DIGITAL EDITOR EMMA-LOUISE PRITCHARD
CHIEF BRAND OFFICER, LIFESTYLE,
GROUP CHIEF SUB-EDITOR MICHELE JAMESON
DEPUTY CHIEF SUB-EDITOR JULIE PANNELL-RAE
CEO, HEARST UK KATIE VANNECK-SMITH
FINANCE DIRECTOR JULIEN LITZELMANN
GROUP ART EDITOR ROGER BROWNING
JUNIOR DESIGNER LEO TERRY
CREATIVE DIRECTOR LINDSEY JORDAN
SPECIAL PROJECTS ART DIRECTOR DALE WALKER
HOMES & WEEKLIES SHARON DOUGLAS

Hearst UK*50 Pantoil StreetrLoiidoYi SW 4A J
cou ntrjliving.com/u к <
•' Jr , ЬК.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
LOUISE {PEARCE





H
HEARST
© The National Magazine Company Ltd trading as Hearst UK 2023.
Published by Hearst UK, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ (Reg no 112955).
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JETTY IMAGES; MATTHEW MONFREDI; TAVERNE AGENCY/CHRIS COURT
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS
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Hello and welcome...
.. .to Country Living Christmas2023.
A re you one of those super-organised
people we all secretly envy, who’s made
their present list (and checked it twice!),
planned their festive meals and decided
on their decorations weeks in advance of the big day? We’re all
feeling confident we’ll be inyour team after putting together
this seasonal magazine. It’s a collection of some of our favourite
stories from the Country Living archives, togetherwith
creative ideas for clever crafts and mouthwatering menus.
Along the way, we’ve added in frosty gardens, magical homes
and talented artisans who make and sell the most original
gifts. Now we can’t wait for the festivities to
begin - as the song says, it’s the most
wonderful time of theyear!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Contents
Whether your style is quietly sophisticated
or full-on fabulous, we have 1 he best ideas
to makeyour celebrations extra special
8 CAST A SPELL
Let rustic embellishments bestow an
enchanting atmosphere on every' room
174
40 BEST-LAID PLANS
Three vety different tablescaping ideas
74 a family affair
Inspiration for an afternoon of happy crafting
FRONT COVER
PHOTOGRAPH
Anke Schutz/
Living4media/Grafe
& Unzer
126 NATURE TRAIL
Foraged finds make decorations with a
delicate sophistication
16 OLD-WORLD CHARM
Clever makes with found objects
58 CIRCLE OF LIGHT
Candle-lit wreaths to cast a soft light
142 SPRUCE LOOKS
Fresh ideas for pine cones
BACK COVER
PHOTOGRAPH
Getty Images/fStop
/ } 6 yr 'Ц
32 REBELLIOUS SPIRIT
How one woman has taken a new look at old
methods to produce a very special whisky
SUBSCRIBE TO
COUNTRY LIVING
Turn to page 70 to see
a special offer for you
64 ROOT CAUSE
Parsnips are dish of the day at this family farm
132 SCENTS OF THE SEASON
How to fill your house with festive fragrance
136 BLOCK PARTY
Giving a traditional printing technique a
new lease of life
164 DIVINE INSPIRATION
The exquisite art of icon painting
174 ARTISAN GIFT GUIDE
Get a flying start on your shopping with
the Country Living Marketplace
J (/АЧсу
24 SE I IN STONE
A warm welcome awaits Christmas visitors
in this Welsh countiy cottage
116 EASY DOES IT
The White Company founder Chrissie Rucker
shares the secrets of her festive preparations
156 ARTFUL ELEGANCE
Two collectors fill their Georgian home with
colour and creativity
38 THE MOUNTAIN HARE
Now you see him... then he vanishes in the snow
46 RIME AND REASON
Snow lends icy beauty to Gresgarth Hall gardens
54 ROOTED IN TRADITION
Not just for Christmas: how to care for a real tree
2THE EXMOOR PONY
The rugged little pony with a long histoiy
06 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
46
124 THE MOUNTAIN REINDEER
Santa’s helpers can be found in Scotland
148 TlIE HIGHLAND GOW
There’s a gentle nature behind its fierce looks
150 IGE AND ARTIFICE
Frost and snow highlights the architectural
beauty of a Sussex garden
180 THE PTARMIGAN
This charming bird is well dressed for winter
182 CASTLES. CRAFTS
& CAROUSELS
Some of the more unusual Christmas fairs
(y tu/t
S4 TRADITIONAL WITH A TWIST
Delicious variations on Christmas dinner
92 PLANT-POWERED
PERFECTION
A vegan feast packed with flavour
100 MERRY M AKERS
Giovanna Ryan’s clever canapes and cocktails
106GIFTS FROM THE HEART
Foodie presents to make that you’ll want to keep
countryliving.com/zik
DECORATE
Celebrate this Christmas with a relaxed rustic
style and let its magic spread a welcoming
warmth throughoutyour home
WORDS AND STYLING BY JO RIGG PHOTOGRAPHS BY SUSSIE BELL
A rustic dish or tin filled with candles* and cones makes a quietly
delightful feature. Secure candles to the bottom ofa dish with a large
lege of sticky tack or candlegrips, then add cones, maybe mixed in
и ith a few similar-shaped decorations for a low-key shimmer.
ilar metal tray, £25, joalexander.co.uk. Household candles, £6.85/ten,
prices-candles.co.uk
‘NEVER LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS.
ONLY COLLECT SMALL AMOUNTS OF FALLEN CONES FROM THE WILD AND NEVER TAKE FROM
PRIVATE LAND WITHOUT THE LANDOWNER'S PERMISSION
08 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk
If
Styleyou/' rustic table with fresh foliage,
colourful vintage china, mismatched glassware
and lots of candles*
Artificial Christmas tree from a selection, balsamhill.co.uk.
Warm white fairy lights, £39.99/750, Iights4fun.co.uk. Rusted
metal star, from £20, dairyhouseantiques.com. Vintage
demijohn from a selection, vinterior.co. Similar candlesticks,
£24.30/set of two, solavia.co.uk. Vintage red Luminarc glasses
and gold-banded wine glasses, from a selection, etsy.com

STARSTRl CR
.4 small Cduistmas tree in a vintage tin adds a Jblfy
touch to a bedside. Bedeck it with a homemade garland
of fabric stars - not onlydoes this look cheery but its a
greatyvay to itstimp small fabridscraps. i ,
Homemade bunting created from vintage book pages looks appealing
andean be personalised by painting large letters on eachpage before
stringing them up. Hunt for old childreris annuals - the bigger the
\	illustrations the better- in charity shops.
DECORATE
IT ALL STACKS UP
Decorate log slices with apen or apyrography tool, stack and top with apretty vintage tureen or bowl
filled with flowers - a mix of fresh and dried adds texture as well as colour. Ifyoud like to add more height
to your arrangement, put the tureen on top ofa cake stand and surround it withpine cones.
Pyrography tool set, £10, hobbycraft.co.uk. Log slices, from a selection, giselagraham.co.uk
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 11
The joy of rustic style is
that it needn’t be perfect
to be charming
HEARTFELT GREETINGS
Craft a card holder to display vintage cards.
Bend wire into a heart-shaped frame, then cut
chicken wire into a heart shape and bend the
edges around wire to secure it. Then wrap the
wire in strips of hessian. Tie a ribbon to hang
andpop on a few mini woodenpegs ready
for your cards.
2mm craft wire, £3.5/2m; chicken wire, £7.50/3m;
hessian roll, £3.80/9m; all hobbycraft.co.uk. Mini coloured
wooden clothes pegs, £2.49/25, special-touches.co.uk
WISH UPON A STAR
Decoratey our home with a row of
standing sta rs made from foraged materials
Glue sticks intopieces ofwood - a hot glue gun
is easiest - and make star shapes from bark,
twigs and hessian to glue to the tops.
PARCEL POST
Use brownparcelpaper to wrap у our presents then
dress them up with seasonal foliage, vintage ribbon
and decorations. Smaller gifts look great wrapped
inpages from an illustrated vintage book.
12 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk


A traditional red and green
colour scheme reflects the
shades of nature at Christmas
•NEVER LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS.
ONLY COLLECT SMALL AMOUNTS OF FALLEN CONES FROM THE WILD AND NEVER TAKE
FROM PRIVATE LAND WITHOUT THE LANDOWNER'S PERMISSION
TAKE A SEAT
Dress up aplain heart decoration with
vintage bells and ribbons. Use fine wire
to tie a little fresh foliage, a fewpine
cones and other decorations to the
heart, then tie to the back of a chair
Metal heart wreaths, £10/six, dunelm.com.
Gold jingle bells, £3/20, hobbycraft.co.uk
CORE PRINCIPLES
Fill a decorative bowl or dish with red
apples and a fewfestivefir sprigs, which
will look really Christmassyand smell
great too. Add a colourful candle*- we used
a vintage metal candleholder, but you
could use an apple corer to cut a vertical
hole in one of the apples to hold the candle.
Similar candleholders, from £10, myrustichome.co.uk
countryliving.coin/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 15
Old-world
CHARM
Turn foraged finds into quirky decorations and
make personal gifts that capture the natural
delights of the season
WORDS AND PROJECTS BY CHRISTIANE BELLSTEDT MYERS
PHOTOGRAPHS BY NASSIMA ROTHACKER
PRODUCTION BY BEN KENDRICK
Pl NI i (X ЯI PS
PINECONES*
PVA GLUE
SMALL PAINTBRUSH
EPSOM SALTS, AVAILABLE
FROM CHEMISTS
These retropine cones look delightfully wintry, twinkling
in their frosted overcoats on a table or in an unused health.
1 Gather a collection of pine cones*,
or buy from a craft shop. Ifyou have
gathered them, wash them in a
bowl of warm water with a cup of
white vinegar. Shake off the water
and diy them in a warm oven or
the microwave - this will also help
closed cones to spring open.
2 Using a small brush, paint the
scales liberally with glue, then
sprinkle with Epsom salts and
allow to diy.
5 Pile into decorative bowls, old
enamelware or baking tins - or
even a vintage metal toy truck.
‘ONLY COLLECT SMALL AMOUNTS OF FALLEN CONES FROM THE WILD AND
NEVER TAKE FROM PRIVATE LAND WITHOUT THE LANDOWNER'S PERMISSION. NEVER
LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS
16 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 17

CRAFT
BLANKET WREAT]1
OLD WOOL FABRIC
OLD RIBBON OR THIN
STRIPS OF FABRIC
FLORIST'S WIRE AND
WIRE WREATH BASE
FROM A SELECTION,
hobbycraftco.uk
TWINE, E2.5O/4OM,
NUTSCENE.COM
This alternative wreath isveryeasyto make. You can vary
the size depending on how much felted wool fabric you
have. It’s a great way to use an old wool blanket or scarf
that has seen better days - or the intact parts of blankets
that have been attacked by moths.
1	Felt a wool blanket by washing it
in hot, soapy water - either by hand
or in a machine. Let it diy.
2	For a small wreath, cut long
strips of the fabric and then make
small snips into the strips, about
5cm deep and at 0.5cm intervals,
to create a fringe.
3	Use a ready-made wire wreath
base or simply make one with
several loops of florist’s wire,
twisting the ends over the loop
tightly to secure. Cover the wire
with some old ribbon or strips of
fabric by winding round and round
and tying off to secure.
4	Now create the wreath itself by
turning the strips of cut wool fabric
around the wire base, working in
the same direction. You can go
round several times, depending
on how th ickyou wantyour wreath
to be. To make the one opposite, it
took three strips of approximately
40cm each. Pin or sew the end of
the strips to make them secure and
add twine to hang.
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 19
CRAFT
Cl IRISTMAS TREE
TINY TIN BUCKET £1,
HOBBYCRAFTCO.UK
NEWSPAPER
WOODEN SKEWER,
TRIMMED TO THE SIZE
OF TREE YOU WANT
OLD SHEET MUSIC OR
VINTAGE PAPER
SMALL PAINTBRUSH
PVA GLUE
BIO-GLITTER, E2.5O/2OG,
HOBBYCRAFTCO.UK
SMALL STAR BISCUIT
CUTTER, £2.99,
LAKELAND.CO.UK
MOSS, FROM THE GARDEN
OR FLORISTS
NARROW RIBBON
This quirky little tree can be created with any kind of
paper, although old sheet music - look out for it in charity
shops - is particularly atmospheric. You could make a little
forest ofthese in different sizes for your Christmas table.
1	Fill the bucket with tightly
scrunched-up newspaper.
2	Place the wooden skewer vertically
and securely into the newspaper
with the pointed end at the top.
5 Put aside a piece ofthe vintage
paper, then tear the rest, four or five
sheets at a time, into small squares
ofvarying sizes.
4	Spear the paper onto the skewer,
working from large squares to small
ones and twisting them on the skewer,
to give you the shape of a tree.
5	With a small paintbrush, lightly
coat the edges ofthe paper squares
with glue. Sprinkle over the glitter.
6	Using a small cookie cutter as a
template, cut two stars from the
reserved paper. Glue them together
around the top of the skewer and
hold in place with a clothes peg until
the glue dries. Then dab a little glue
on the star and sprinkle with glitter.
7	Tuck fresh or dried moss into the
bucket under the tree to cover the
newspaper, and tie ribbon around
the bucket ifyou wish.
NEVER LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS
20 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 21


CRAFT
BISCUITS & BAUBLES
227G BUTTER
150G CASTER SUGAR
2 TSP VANILLA ESSENCE
2 EGG YOLKS
281G PLAIN FLOUR
% TSP SALT
COOKIE CUTTERS
EDIBLE GLITTER SPRAY,
E3.50/4G, WAITROSE.COM
TISSUE PAPER
CHRISTMAS BAUBLE BOX,
TRY ETSY.COM
SMALL CHRISTMAS
DECORATIONS
Fill a box with delicious homemade butter biscuits and
decorations. This makes an unusual gift and recipients
can enjoy the biscuits while they hangup the ornaments.
1	Cream together the butter and
sugar. Add the vanilla and egg
yolks, then the flour and salt.
Beat all together until it makes
a smooth dough.
2	Divide the dough into two
batches (this will make it easier to
roll out), wrap in baking parchment
and put in the fridge to chill while
you heat the oven to 180°C (160°C
fan oven), gas mark 4.
7> Roll out the dough on a floured
surface to 1cm thick and cut out
shapes using small cookie cutters.
Cook on baking trays for 5-8
minutes, until lightly golden.
4 Allow to cool on the trays, then
spray with edible glitter.
5 Line an ornament box with tissue
paper and add the biscuits along
with tiny Christmas decorations.
Christiane Bellstedt Myers is the author of several craft/interior books and runs The Cozy Club - crafting workshops
and sales - at her home in Buckinghamshire. See her work on Instagram @thecozyclubx
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 23
HOMES
a lovingly restored stone
provides respite from mod'
the perfect Christmas
WORDS AND PRODUCTION BY	IW
 j И
countrylwing.coni/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 25
PREVIOUS PAGE Candlelight
welcomes you in to the
cottage where all is made
cosy with cushions and throws
THIS PAGE, FAR LEFT Outside,
local stone weathers into
tactile shapes LEFT There are
plenty of picturesque winter
walks for Julie, Miles and their
Bedlington whippet cross,
McGregor BELOW Christmas
preparations are underway
in the kitchen where simple
paper garlands and pine
candleholders give a Scandi
feel to the light, bright room
OPPOSITE Honeycomb
decorations are unfolded
in the hallway and recently
delivered gifts sit on an
old church pew
On a chilly December
day in North Wales,
Ту Coch is a beacon of
Christmas cheer. Down
a remote track, the farm
cottage windows are
aglow with candlelight
and a curl of smoke
laces the cold winter air. Beyond, the mountains of
Snowdonia seem to stretch almost to the sea. “This
dramatic kindscape really sold it to us,” says Julie
Falkingham, an interiors stylist and ceramicist who,
along with her architect and design consultant husband
Miles, bought the smallholding 16years ago.
The property - a typical Welsh smallholding built
in rubble stone - is in an Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty but the house needed a lot of restoration and
the outbuildings were almost derelict. “Our fi rst job was
to sort out the water,” Miles says. The original drinking
water had come from a well in the garden, which could
be unreliable. “A specialist told us that the mains water
came straight from Snowdonia, and we couldn’t get any
better. So we switched straightaway and had a new hot ►
26 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countrylwing.com/uk
HOMES
№№DS


Ж.
water and heating system installed, which is zero carbon
with a ground-source heat pump.”
For the decoration, they were keen to stay true to the
original character of the cottage. “It’s naturally quite a
dark space, so we embraced that and went for darker
colours,” Julie says. There’s a strong focus on Welsh
design and folklore. Layers ofWelsh blankets and
cushions dress beds and sofas, and traditional love
spoons hang in one of the bathrooms. These happily sit
alongside modern Scandi-style furniture and simple
lighting. Miles designed the sea urchin wallpaper in the
living room, which features illustrations by artist and
naturalist Ernst Haeckel.
A biodiversity specialist advised on rewilding the ten
acres of grazed land. “We’ve counted up to 80 species of
native wild flowers thisyear, planted more than 1,000
trees and created three wildlife ponds,” Julie s<ys.
Christmas is always a special time for the Falkingham
family, as they put aside their busy city lives in Liverpool
and head to this Welsh retreat. Traditionally, there’s a
short stop-off at Fron Goch garden centre in Caernarfon
for trees - one for the cottage and another for their
holiday guests in the converted outbuildings. Once they
reach Coch, they will stand the trees in the stream ►
28 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
HOMES
“We always have guests at
Christmas. I love carrying on
the tradition of the farm as a
>Л?-
1

countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 29
HOMES
THIS PAGE The subtle
star patterns of traditional
Welsh tapestry blankets
seem made for Christmas
OPPOSITE In the garden,
strings of lights glow over
an alternative dining area
BELOW, FROM LEFT Dried
flowers and greenery
embellish windowsills,
Julie's collection of Welsh
love spoons and a bauble
wreath on the front door
“Gandies are always set on the deep
windowsills, creating a lovely warm glow”
to keep them fresh overnight. Then they’ll take a walk
along the shore with their Bedlington whippet cross,
McGregor, collecting foliage to decorate the house
the following day
In the evening, Julie’s children Louis and Lily will
arrive and the family will gather around the fire. “The
cottage really comes into its own at this time ofyear,” Julie
says. “There’s a fire lit eveiy evening and candles are always
set on the deep windowsills, creating a lovely warm glow.”
Over the festive season, Julie uses whatever resources
are to hand for her decorative themes. The love spoons,
for example, are strung from the Christmas tree or tied
with colourful ribbons to mark table settings. Paper
honeycomb decorations are hung on the tree and dotted
around the house, while candles and sprigs of aromatic
spruce and fir are placed along tables, together with
homemade edible treats.
Visitors will often bring their own decorations, too.
“We always have guests over Ch ristmas,” Julie says. “The
place has a strong connection to the old pilgrim routes
along the coast, and I love the fact that we’re carrying on
the tradition of the farm as a traveller’s resting place.”
To stay at Ту Coch, call 07866 467979 or go to red-welly.com.
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 31
32 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk


Г'	here’s a revolution brewing in Drimnin on
 Scotland’s west coast. Twenty-nine miles
down a single-track road stands Nc’nean,
the first net-zero whisky distillery in the
' UK and now В Corp certified too, producing
JL	fewer emissions than it sucks up. Powered
by renewable energy, it produces very little waste, while
the whisky, which is stocked in Selfridges and Harvey
Nichols, is organic. “1 wanted to prove that world-class
whisky could be produced in harmony with the planet,”
says founder Annabel Thomas. “I’d love to inspire
producers to become more sustainable.”
CALL OF THE NORTH
Everything here has been created with nature in mind,
as reflected in the brand name, a play on ‘Neachneohain’,
the Queen of Spirits in Gaelic legend and a fierce protector
of the environment. And Annabel wants to shake up the
industry - she calls her team of 18 “the quiet rebels”.
Respect for the
environment is
at the heart of
Annabel's business
Annabel founded Nc’nean in 2013, after severalyears as
a management consultant in London. She has her parents
to thank for the change. Back
in 2002, they bought a home
on the Morvem peninsula,
splitting their time between
the Highlands and Essex,
where Annabel grew up. The family would often visit
when Annabel was a child, but as an adult, she saw the
area differently. What ifthe family started a distillery?
Foryears, this was little more than a pipe dream until
Annabel took a sabbatical from work and did some
research. She headed to Islay in the Inner Hebrides
to find out how whisky was traditionally made. “There
was a focus on doing things the way they’d always been
done, with no mention of sustainability,” she says.
“I saw an opportunity to do things differently.”
Traditional whisky tends to use non-organic barley,
grown in monocultures and sprayed with pesticides,
while the distilleries consume a lot of energy, mostly gas
and oil, to heat the stills. Annabel wanted to create a
whislty that would put the environment first, without
losing any marks for taste.
First, she had to raise funds and aimed for £7.5 million:
“Many investors wanted to try the product but 1 said 1
needed a distillery first, which required money.” To help
develop a signature taste, Annabel worked with the late
whisky expert Dr Jim Swan, who collaborated with
more than 20 Scotch whislty
distilleries in his lifetime
and developed tire original
flavour wheel to describe the
aromas. He was sceptical ►
36 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk
ARTISANS & PRODUCERS
about organic barley as few makers use
it. But Annabel was adamant.
Her barley comes from the east coast of
Scotland. The grains are malted (soaked
so they sprout’), mashed into coarse flour
and blended withyeast and water from a
nearby spring. The yeast is important.
Many distillers use the same variety in all
their whiskies, which has been developed
for highyields of alcohol and a consistent
flavour, but Annabel experiments with
versions designed for wine and rum
production. The mixture is then left to
ferment for 114 hours (nearly five days),
then poured into copper stills, where the
alcohol vaporises, passing into a separate
chamber to cool and form a pure spirit.
Leftover barley or draff is fed to local
cattle, while pot ale, the liquid that
remains after distilling, makes fertiliser.
AGED TO PERFECTION
Batches of whisky are then divided
between former bourbon barrels, which
deliver notes of toffee and vanilla, and
red wine casks, where they develop a hint
of spice. It is then left to age for three
years, taking on its tawny hue. Many
distillers add colouring for uniformity,
but Annabel celebrates difference. The
team finally channel the liquid into
bottles made from 100 per cent recycled
glass - another first for UK spirits. The
carbon footprint of these bottles is 40 per
cent lower than that of standard ones.
A fewyears ago, the first bottle of
Nc’nean sold fora record-breaking
£40,000 at a charity auction. But the
team haven’t rested on their laurels.
Their experimental attitude means they
now also produce Botanical Spirit, a
malted barley spirit that’s triple distilled
and combines traditional gin botanicals
with local Scottish plants.
Annabel wants to democratise whisky
and laughs away the snobbeiy that’s
sometimes attached to scotch, saying it’s
fine not to drink Nc’nean neat: “Whisty
soda is the perfect drink,” she says, “and
it’s a lovely way to relax after a busy
Christmas day”
What can drinkers expect from a glass
of Nc’nean? “I’d describe it as lemon
posset with a little spice,” Annabel says.
“Some people detect notes of lye bread,
but I don't mind ifyou can’t taste that. I
just care whetheryou like it.” And those
in the know already do.
TO BUY A BOTTLE direct from the distillery
(£59.95 for 70cl) and to find out more, visit
ncnean.com.
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 37

OUTDOORS
MOUNTAIN
HARE
These spectral creatures are masters
of disguise, turning from brown to white
when the snows arrive
WORDS BY LAURAN ELSDEN
PHOTOGRAPH BY PETER CAIRNS
T	he difference in winter day length
'	' and air temperature stalls the
production of brown melanin in
a mountain hare’s fur, turning it
silver to provide camouflage in
---------frost and snow. This is essential
for their survival because, rather than burrowing
like rabbits, a drove of20 or more hares will
hunker down in forms’ - shallow grooves in the
ground or grass. If disturbed, they zigzag across
moorland at more than 45 miles per hour.
Unlike the brown hare, which arrived with the
Romans, mountain hares have been here since
the Ice Age. They’re primarily in the Scottish
Highlands and Islands, but a small population
- introduced by the Victorians for hunting - live
in the Peak District. Today they’re considered
‘near-threatened’. Find out more at the People’s
Trust for Endangered Species (ptes.org).
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 39
DECORATE
PLANS
From flamboyant and fun to natural
and understated, letyour table set a
celebratory mood for the meal of theyea
RIGHT AND
EAUTIFUL
A riot of colour ramps up the drama and
excitemen t. Set sat urated hues against white
linen or natural wood and inject highlights
of silver and gold to create sparkle, too.
‘NEVER LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED
OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS
Make your dining area blooming
gorgeous with fresh flowers, clever
paper imitations and peony prints.
OPPOSITE Mix dark and light, modern
and vintage. Similar floral poster, from
a selection, junique.co.uk. Similar
vintage tablecloths, etsy.com/uk/shop/
HappyHyacinthVintage. Black Trudon
candles*, £24/six, matchesfashion.com.
Similar glass candle holders, £2.49,
easyfloristsupplies.co.uk
1 A bit of playful kitsch will make people
smile. Deer ornament, from a selection,
afternoah.com 2 Pile up paper decs in
bowls for pops of colour. Similar paper,
from £3, store.bookbinding.co.uk.
Similar cake stand, £22, dunelm.com
3 Go big or go home: hang giant
paper decorations from the ceiling.
Honeycomb balls and snowflakes from
£3.35, thedanes.co.uk. Similar wrapping
paper, from £2.50, wanderlustpaper.co.
Similar decorative cord, from 65p/m,
hotpinkhaberdashery.com 4 Wrap
table presents in matching paper and
ribbon. Velvet ribbon from £1.70/m,
vvrouleaux.com. Marbled paper, from
£2.50, wanderlustpaper.co 5 Don't
forget the drinks. Similar champagne
flutes, £41.50 each, ninacampbell.com ►
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 41
NATURAL
SELECTION
Go green with a merry mix of real and
faux seasonal foliage to fashion posies,
garlands and table displays that create
a garden of delights for your guests.
‘ONLY COLLECT SMALL AMOUNTS OF FALLEN CONES FROM THE WILD AND Nt
TAKE FROM PRIVATE LAND WITHOUT THE LANDOWNER'S PERMISSION. +NEVER
LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS
1 Choose green cabbageware to
emphasise your back-to-nature
theme. Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage
earthenware, from £15, johnlewis.com.
2 Tie cutlery into bundles and add a
brown gift tag as a place name card.
Similar brushed gold cutlery, £185/set
of 16, nkuku.com. Jute twine, £1.80/27m,
hobbycraft.co.uk 3 If you have a narrow
table, keep things simple with scattered
pine cones* and small decorations. Bottle
brush trees, from £4, thedanes.co.uk
4 Weave trails of ivy around white plates
and clear glassware for a sophisticated
simplicity. Similar gold-coloured circle
candleholder, £59, fermliving.co.uk
5 Spice things up with pears studded
with cardamom that will scent the
room as the atmosphere warms up.
Styrofoam pears, £12.97/6, etsy.com
OPPOSITE The greenhouse effect. Fill a
low zinc tray with water and scrunched
chicken wire to create a miniature
garden. Plant it with moss, succulents
and dried seed heads, then add dinner
candles*. Zinc metal tray, from £21.99,
crocus.co.uk. Dried alliums, £3.75/three,
barnflorist.co.uk. Ivory dinner candles*,
£18/12, charlesfarris.com. Similar green
wine glasses, £50/four, nkuku.com ►
42 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk


NEVER LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS. PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRENT DARBY; DAN DUCHARS;
MICHELLE GARRETT; JACKY HOBBS; HOUSE OF PICTURES/MIKKEL ADSBOL/TIA BORGSMIDT/MARTIN SOLYST/LISBETT WEDENDAHL (STYLING
AND PRODUCTION: CAMILLA GOTTSCHE RAHBEK; HONNIN OG FLORA; DORTHE KVIST/MELT DESIGN STUDIO); LIVING4MEDIA/POLLY
WREFORD; LOUPE IMAGES/DEBI TRELOAR/JO TYLER/RACHEL WHITING; NASSIMA ROTHACKER; MARK SCOTT; RACHEL WHITING
OPPOSITE Just red and white is quite
alright. Hang red bunting across the
wall and co-ordinate with the crackers
and napkins on the table. Bunting and
honeycomb decorations from a
selection, talkingtables.co.uk. Similar
seat pads, £39, hydeandhare.com
1 Simply write guests' names on holly
leaves with a silver pen and pop in
rolled-up napkins. Similar Vippstarr
napkins, £1.50/four, ikea.com 2 Along
the right lines - this is a simple, smart
way to tablescape. Bistro cutlery, £29.95/
set of 16, scottsofstow.co.uk. Similar
table runner, £29.99, truelinen.co.uk
3 Keep a bundle of trimmings to hand
for last-minute tweaks. Ribbon from
a selection, fabricandribbon.co.uk
4 Folk art-style plates are perfect for a
lively lunch. Add a small decoration to
each setting that your guests can take
away for their own tree. Similar plates,
from a selection, emmabridgewater.co.uk.
Similar nutcracker soldier to paint
yourself, £2.72, littlecraftybugs.co.uk
5 A striking Christmas bauble is another
table present guests will love. Similar
bauble, £3.15, waterstreetgallery.co.uk.
Similar folk-art crackers, £24.99/12,
mostdeliciousdesigns.co.uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 45

OUTDOORS
A\ s J
^WT
.U-i. .
A mantle of snow and frost
adds light and shade to this
artfully designed garden in
the grounds of Gresgarth
Hall in Lancashire
WORDS BY CLARE FOSTER
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW MONTGOMERY
countrylwing.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 47
OUTDOORS
with the bare bones. There is time to think,
time to plan”
Arabella Lennox-Boyd
48 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countrylwing.com/uk
resgarth Hall in
Lancashire is the home of Arabella
Lennox-Boyd, who has made the most
wonderfnl garden there over 40 or more
years. Spanning roughly four hectares (10
acres), the hall is set in a steep-sided valley
cut by Artie Beck, a tributary of the River
Lune. Formal terraces and garden rooms
around the house give way to wilder areas
in the further reaches of the garden. An
enchanting lake lies right in front of the
house, reflecting sky and trees and often
freezing over in winter to create an icy
surface that absorbs and refracts the
light, becominga work ofart in itself
Transformed by a mantle of midwinter
snow; the garden and valley resemble a
scene from Namia. The crenellated house
becomes an enchanted castle^icy-white
trees inorph into ghostly sculptures and
topiaiy shapes are animated as if part of
a giant stage set. The garden becomes
another world entirely, and the
imagination runs free.
The areas around Gresgarth Hall are
divided up into a series of rooms within
a framework of evergreen and deciduous
hedges, planted for shelter from the
cold winds that whip through the valley
in winter. “A hedge is an adaptable
architectural tool, defining design or
acting as a punctuation mark in a garden,
w rites Arabella in her book Designing
Gardens, “ft can be kept simple in form
or cut to different heights, castellated
or topped with balls or topiaiy shapes.
Hedges can establish intimacy or unite
different parts of the garden. On a
practical level they provide protection
from the wind and can also be used to
hide unsightly areas.”
Near the front of the house,yew-enclosed
antechambers reveal the deep, densely
planted borders that are divided along
their length with cl ip pedyew but tresses.
The.tops of these hedges catch frost and
snow in winter, highlighting each curve
and outline to draw the eye. “For me,
nothing compares withyew because ►
I
OUTDOORS
LEFT A frost-lined
Artie Beck flows past
the crenellated hall,
creating an almost
Narnia-like scene
it clips best of all, and the dark green of
its leaves is denser and richer than any
other,” says Arabella. “It’s so important
to have these architectural shapes for
winter; without them a garden can
look so bleak.”
A series ofclippedyew cubes line the
wall above the river, two of them shaped
into bird motifs, while box is also used
for smaller, more intricate topiaiy on
the terrace near the house, and in the
kitchen garden. An avenue of pleached
limes adds further structure and shelter
for the main herbaceous borders.
Across Artie Beck the garden starts to
feel more like woodland, with collections
of sorbus, cornus, birch and magnolias
among other trees and shrubs. This side
of the valley can get bitterly cold in
winter, so Arabella planted a serpentine
beech hedge to shelter the borders.
Beech holds its leaves well into winter,
offering subtle coppery tones that
contrast with the evergreens.
These colours are picked up by the
witch hazels, with their spideiy blooms
appearing in Januaiy and Februaiy.
Arabella planted a collection of5O or
60 plants manyyears ago after a visit
to Jelena de Beider’s Kalmthout
Arboretum in Belgium. Other shrubs
are pruned to enhance the natural
framework of the plant, while roses
гиге carefully trained over hazel or
metal supports, to become features
themselves during the winter. Even the
pots at Gresgarth are dressed to look ►
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 51
This is an edited extract
from Winter Gardens by
Andrew Montgomery
and Clare Foster
(Montgomery Press, £65)
ABOVE Looking out
over Artie Beck towards
the informal woodland
garden, yew cubes line
the edge of the river
OPPOSITE, FROM TOP
An undulating yew
hedge separates the
formal garden from the
river, planted to protect
the garden from the icy
winds that descend
from the moor. A fallen
tree bridges the beck
their best overwinter, carefully wrapped in
hessian and tied with twine.
In the wider landscape and woodland on the
valley edges, conifers such as sequoias and thujas
contrast with deciduous trees to make the outlook
more interesting in winter, while theyellow winter
stems of Comussericea ‘Flaviramea bring a burst
of colour to the edge of the lake. “Trees straddle
the divide between hard structure and planting,
playing a vital role both in the architecture and
design of the garden and as living forms that
grow and change with the seasons,” writes
Arabella. When designing formal gardens, she
plants groups of the same species and cultivars
in grids, groves, circles or avenues, which define
different areas, leading the eye and creating
rhythm. Groups of mixed species are reserved
for more informal woodland settings.
The final layers in this garden’s design
vocabulaiy are the ornaments, the furniture and
the hard landscaping, all ofwhich are designed
to shine in winter. Statuaiy leadsyou from place
to place around the garden, beginning with the
handsome wild boar in the entrance courtyard.
Gresgarth means the ‘place of the boar’, so
Arabella commissioned a copy of II Porcellino,
Pietro Tacca’s 17th-centu ly bronze casting of a
Hellenistic marble Calydonian boar, who looks
equally at home in this Lancashire valley as he
does in Italy.
Areas of paving, paths and other hard
landscaping may be regarded as prosaic, but
they are crucial elements of design and should
be given just as much thought as any other
element in the garden - and ofcourse when they
are beautifully designed, they can really define
a garden in winter. Arabella is a master at this,
creating terraces that mix different elements of
stone, brick, cobbles or setts in patterns and
motifs that break up large expanses of paving.
The paving stones on the lower terrace in front
of the house are set in a geometric pattern within
borders of black cobbles to contrast with the
curving lines ofthe lake. Elsewhere she has
worked with specialist Maggy Howarth to create
the most beautiful pebble mosaics. One, at the
entrance to a pair of richly planted herbaceous
borders, depicts an olive tree and a temple,
reflecting Arabella’s Italian roots and her
husband’s interests in architecture, with spirals
and swirls billowing around it. When the border
has receded to its winter dormancy, the mosaic
comes into its own, lifting the garden from the
ordinaiy to the sublime.
52 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
OUTDOORS
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 53
OUTDOORS
/<сс ( <<( (М/
TRADITION
Ain’t nothing like the real thing - whv vou should
choose a Christmas tree that was grown in the ground
О	о
and how to get the best fromyour festive hr
T	'I he uplifting scent of a real Christinas
'	Tree is hard to beat and bound to
makeyou feel festive. Not only that,
but there’s the family ritual of
choosing a tree, getting it home and
__________unpacking all the decorations to
dress it in its seasonal finely Whetheryou can’t
wait to set everything up - who says November is
too soon? - oryou have a strict timetable and the
tree is decked on Christmas Eve, the sight of a
stately hr twinkling with lights is an enduring
symbol of Christmas.
It’s also the greener choice: according to the
Carbon Trust a real Christmas tree can have a
much smaller carbon footprint than a similar-
sized, artificial version. Because of the emissions
produced when artificial trees are manufactured
and shipped,you’ll need to use one for at least 10
years before its carbon footprint comes close to that
of buying a real tree eveiyyear for a decade and
burning it after Christmas. Also, artificial trees
can’t be recycled. So ifyou do opt to fake it, buy the
bestyou can afford and use it for as long as possible.
When buying a real tree,you'll have the choice
of a cut variety or one growing in a pot. Ifyou have
the space outside, buying a potted tree to cany
on growing after the festivities means it will also
continue its work of absorbing carbon from the
atmosphere. Either plant it in the ground or
transfer to a larger container. No space? No
problem -you can even rent a potted tree for
Christmas then just hand it back to the growers.
There are a few things to remember when
choosingyour tree. First, check it’s fresh. Give it a
shake to ensure that most of its needles remain in
place. If going for a container-grown tree, it may
be possible to lift it out of the pot to check the root
system is healthy and intact. Whenyou getyour tree
home, even if it’s a cut tree, the British Christmas
Tree Growers Association recommends that it
should be watered like any other houseplant to
help it retain its fragrance and needles.
A TREE FOR LIFE
Once Christmas is over, what then for a cut tree?
It can be recycled (check at recyclenow.com/
local-recycling or bctga.co.uk). But ifyou’re a keen
gardener it lias many uses. With a shredderyou
can convert it into woodchip for the garden. The
needles on their own will make a good mulch for
acid-loving plants. The bare tree or its branches can
be reused to support climbing plants, or chopped
into short lengths and turned into bug hotels.
Even burningyourtree is a greener option than
sending it to landfill, where organic matter will
decompose without oxygen and release methane,
a greenhouse gas. Burning it simply releases the
carbon it has absorbed in its lifetime. ►
54 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countrylwing.com/uk

OUTDOORS
AND GROW
YOUR OWN
BY SALLY COULTHARD,
THE NEW GOOD LIFE
COLUMNIST FOR
COUNTRY LIVING
It’s long been known that
smells and memories go
hand in hand. Perhaps
this is most fitting over the
festive season, with its
heady aromas of clementine
zest, cinnamon, cloves and
the resinous charms of a
W1IICII VARIETY?
1 NORDMANN FIR
The UK's most popular tree
has long-lasting dark green
needles, and the strong
symmetrical branches are
great for hanging ornaments.
3 FRASER FIR
A newcomer from the US,
this has great fragrance, dark
green needles that are silvery
underneath, and strong,
upward-turned, pyramid-
shaped branches.
2 NORWAY SPRUCE
Water well to keep the needles
happy on this traditional tree,
which is a darker green, has a
rich, sweet scent and a good
conical shape.
4 LODGEPOLE PINE
If kept well hydrated, this tree
will hang onto its green/yellow
needles. With upward-facing,
tapering branches it's a real
old-fashioned favourite with
traditionalists.
Christmas tree. Absolutely nothing beats the lemony
pine scent of a conifer, so it’s no wonder that about seven
million real Christmas trees are sold in the UK eachyear.
As a child, my brother and 1 would head to a local
farm to choose our own tree - a rare privilege. One
December, we found the farmer had sold the lot to a
wholesaler, so we had to buyouts last minute from
Bradford fish market. Instead of the delightful waft of
spruce, our house was tinged with the whiff ofgone-off
mackerel. The cat loved it...
At our smallholding, we’ve taken to growing and
cutting our own Christmas trees - not on any commercial
scale, but just enough for one ayear - and it’s become a
real tradition to choose which one well bring indoors.
We buy the trees as seedlings, or friends and relatives
give us their potted trees, and we grow them on.
Ifyou want togrowyourown Christmas trees, they
are veiy forgiving and cope with most soils with decent
drainage. The cheapest way is to buy bare root seedlings
(20cm-40cm high) and plant them over the winter or in
early spring, butyou can buy more mature potted
starters to plant any time ofyear.
Ifyou grow multiple trees, make sure thatyou plant
them two metres apart. This will give them room to
develop and provide airflow, lessening the chances of
diseases and pests. New seedlings will need watering
weekly for the firstyear, at least between late spring
and early autumn, to help them establish. After it’s
been in the soil for twoyears, prune the tree into an
even shape in late summer.
Weeds and grasses will compete withyour seedling
for nutrients, so keep the base of the tree clear of any
unwanted plants by regularly mulching or weeding.
A tree in a pot can be brought insideyear afteryear,
for a maximum of 10 deys. Replant it eachyear into a
bigger container to give the roots space to grow, filling
the pot with new soil-based compost.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAMY; ALUN CALLENDER; CAMERA PRESS;
ANDREA DENNISS; GETTY IMAGES. WORDS BY SARAH KEADY; EMILY MARTIN
56 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
coun tryhving.com/uk
“Absolutely
nothing beats the
lemony pine scent
of a conifer”	•
(Circle of
LIGHT
Wreaths don’t have to hans on doors. Here are
О
three candlelit ideas that bring a new dimension
to the classic Christmas decoration
WORDS AND STYLING BY BENTE HALKJAER/HOUSE OF PICTURES
PHOTOGRAPHS BY TIA BORGSMIDT/HOUSE OF PICTURES
A CAND1 £
IB LAURSEN ADVENT
CANDLE HOLDER WITH
HANGING HEARTS, £18.99,
finenordic.co.uk
FLORIST'S WIRE
FOLIAGE WITH SMALL,
NEAT LEAVES AND
FLOWERS, SUCH AS
EUCALYPTUS, MYRTLE,
PINE, GYPSOPHILA AND
WAXFLOWER
4 RED DINNER CANDLES
The combination of \a slim structure and thin wires
encourages the illusion that this wreath is floating in
the air - especially when the candles are lit at night.
1	First, to make sure jour wreath is
of a uniform thickness, cut all the
stems to roughly the same length.
2	Gather a few of each of the green
stems and flowers or berries into a
small posy and tie together then
secure to the wreath with florist’s
wire. Work around the wreath,
covering the stems of the first posy
with the heads of the next.
5 Remember that, as this is a
hanging wreath,you need to make
sure the underside is completely
covered with foliage. When adding
the last posy tuck the stems under
the flowers of the first one.
4 Secure the candles* in the wreath
base holders and hang (away from
draughts) by the zinc wire supplied
with the wreath.
‘NEVER LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED
OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS
58 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk

CRAFT
You can dry your own flowers
for wreaths. Remove excess
foliage, tie in bunches and
hang in a dark place to help
preserve their colour. For
hydrangeas, cut flower heads
with long stems. Remove all
leaves and place in a vase
half-filled with water. Leave in
a cool place and by the time
the water has evaporated
- two to three weeks - they
should be dry, ready to use.
Get into the Christmas spirit by
inviting friends to bring materials for
a wreath-making morning
DIMENSION
‘NEVER LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR
PETS. ONLY COLLECT SMALL AMOUNTS OF FALLEN GREENERY FROM THE WILD AND
NEVER TAKE FROM PRIVATE LAND WITHOUT THE LANDOWNER'S PERMISSION
STRAW WREATH, FROM
£2.99, DAISYSHOP.CO.UK
FLORIST'S WIRE
SCOTS PINE SPRIGS, OR
SNIPPETS OF FIR FROM
YOUR TREE
FLOWERS SUCH AS
DRIED HYDRANGEAS,
HONESTY, HYPERICUM
AND GRASSES
4 PILLAR CANDLES
This wreath is made up of earthy colours, with taller dried
flower heads togive depth It makes a statement table
centrepiece and would also look sty lish in an unusedfireplace.
1 Choosing a fat straw base gives
you a flying start on the fuller
appearance of this wreath. Begin
by building up the greenety - Scots
pine is a good choice because of its
long needles that make a pleasing
shape. Tie sprigs of the pine* around
the base of the wreath, starting
almost underneath and working up
and around in spirals, to emphasise
the shape of the wreath and allow
the needles to splay out.
2 As Scots pine needles grow in
bunches along the stemyou will have
‘bald’ patches thatyou can now hl 1
with dried flowers and berries. Make
sureyou position the taller ones at a
slight outwards angle so they won’t
be near the candle flames.
5 Fill the centre of the wreath with
pillar candles* of di fferent heights.
A pale colour will look particularly
striking against the darker foliage.
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 61
FLORAL
ALUMINIUM WIRE,
FROM E5.55/10M,
RITOHOBBY.CO.UK
FLORIST'S TAPE, E1.43/27M,
countrybaskets.co.uk
SELECTION OF BERRIED
GREENERY AND
FLOWERS
WATERPROOF TRAY
OR PLATTER
KITCHEN FOIL
MOSS, FROM THE
GARDEN OR FLORISTS
MINI GLUE GUN, £5,
hobbycraft.co.uk
FOUR PILLAR CANDLES
Smallflowers and berried foliage inpink tones and white, such
as skimmiaJuniper, hypericum, waxflower and gypsophila,
will last for several daysifkeptin a cool place. Spray with
water now and then to help keep them looking fresh.
1	Start by shaping four small circles
in strong wire that will surround
the candles - make these about 3cm
larger in diameter thanyour chosen
candles, leaving plenty of room for
flowers and twigs around their bases.
2	Join the four circles together with
straight lengths of wire to form the
overall wreath shape, ensuring that
it will sit nicely on its tray or platter.
To make the structure stable, twist
more wire around all parts and
finally wrap with floral tape.
5 Build up the candle holders with
small sprigs ofgreeneiy, tying them
in to the wire bases and working in a
circular pattern. Then add colour
with berries and small flowers.
4 Place the wreath on its tray or
platter. Make four ‘boats’ from
kitchen foil, and attach them to the
wire between the candle holders
with a glue gun. Fill the boats with
moss and dampen well. Add a larger
bloom, such as a carnation, to each
boat and, if necessaiy, fill any gaps
with more sprigs and flowers.
5 Finally place the candles* in
their individual wreath holders
and adjust the foliage if needed.
Four different shades of pink will
complement the flowers.
Ring the changes on the usual Christmas
colours with a cloud of pretty pinks
'NEVER LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS
62 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countrylwing.com/uk

ire on
but when Christinas approaches it’s all about parsnips
. * .wot^ps B\ CLARE
PHOTQ§gA>‘H3 BY N®

Constantly checkingyou г phone at work might seem
like slacking off, but Nick Walton ofBagthorpe
Farm has good reason. “We have to pre-empt the
weather, so I look at the forecast about 20 times a
day” he says. Winter is a particularly busy time at
the 700-acre farm in north Norfolk. Nick produces
organiconions, salad potatoes, carrots, beetroot and cereal, as
well as looking after cattle for beef. But as Christmas approaches,
it’s all about the humble parsnip, which the farm supplies in its
thousands for organic box schemes, ready to be glazed, roasted
and devoured across the land.
“Parsnips like a frost,” Nick says. “It makes them sweeter
disaster: “You can’t get the machineiy into the ground to get the
parsnips out.” If his weather app predicts trouble, he must dig out
as many parsnips as he can before the frost hits and put them into
storage. “You’ve always got to be ahead of the game,” he says. “With
organic farming,you can do it all right and it can still go wrong
because the weather is king.”
Nick has become adept at dealing with these challenges since
moving here 15years ago with his wife Emily. The couple had a
veiy different life in London - Nick worked in finance and Emily
was in the music industiy - but when Nick’s company announced
it was relocating to Zurich, they had to decide whether they also
wanted to move abroad. Around the same time Emily’s father,
because it turns their starch into sugar. All the locals will say
thatyou shouldn’t eat a parsnip before there has been a frost.”
But a hard frost on a day when Nick wants to harvest spells
Donald Morton, who owned Bagthorpe Farm, was thinking
about stepping back. “It was an easy decision for me because
I had such a lovely childhood here,” Emily says. “It was just the ►
Parsnips like a frost
It makeslhem sweeter
because it turns their
starch into sugar
ARTISANS & PRODUCERS
Life is always busy
on a mixed farm
such as Bagthorpe
- especially in the
run-up to Christmas
when there's a
high demand for
parsnips. The cows
love them too...
sort of upbringing that I wanted to give ou r own kids.”
The couple arrived at the farm in the bleak midwinter
of Januaiy2008. Despite having no experience, Nick
threw himself into farming, taking plenty of guidance
from Donald. “I was willing to give everything ago,” he
says. “You’ve just got to ask a lot of stupid questions and
learn as quickly asyou can on the job.”
Bagthorpe Farm has been in Emily’s family since the
1950s, and her father had turned to organic farming in
the mid-Eighties when it was still early days for the
movement. “You could describe him as a maverick,” Nick
says. “Donald enjoyed doing things differently. There was
a lot of heavy pesticide use in the Seventies and Eighties
and he wanted to get back to pre-chemical farming.”
Now fully organic, the farm supplies Abel & Cole and
Riverford, as well as a range of smaller organic retailers.
Regenerative fanning, which improves the soil, is a
buzzword now, but Bagthorpe Farm has been doing that
for decades, too. Nick is keen to correct misconceptions:
“There’s sometimes an idea that these sorts of farms can
look a bit of a mess and that we’re toiling with our hands,
when actually we use plenty of modem technology and
current methods. It’s a combination of old and new.”
This type of fanning, together with the diversity ofcrops
they grow, encourages an array of wildlife at Bagthorpe,
from deer and hares to partridges, com buntings, bam
owls, oystercatchers and lapwings, as well as plenty of
insect life. “We have a veiy big ecosystem here,” Nick s<ys.
It’s particularly appreciated by guests staying in one of
the farm’s two glamping options: a wood cabin in a
five-acre field and a pair of biodomes nestled amid the
farmland. “There’s no electricity, so it’s all candles and
lanterns,” Emily s<ys. “It’s great for people who want to
completely switch off.”
FRUITS OF THEIR LABOUR
Whenyou’re running a busy farm, switching ofTis not
someth ingyou can do veiy often, but once the last of the
festive parsnips have been harvested, the Walton family
-which includes the couple’s two children, Charlie (14)
and Beatrice (11) - enjoy a few days’ downtime, when
they naturally eat a lot of their own produce. There’s
plenty for friends and family as well. “People get a bag
of vegetables rather than a bottle of wine when we visit.
The cows love a parsnip, too.”
Then, after a brief break, it’s time to th ink about
ploughing and getting the ground ready for planting
again. “There’s something going on allyear,” Nick says.
“Sometimes I wish it were a little calmer, but the activity
is what makes the farm special. It’s always buzzing with
crops, people and wildlife.”
Even early starts in the dark and cold are bearable
when they’re offset by dramatic winter sunsets and clear,
stany skies. “I really appreciate the ebb and flow of each
season and I relish the challenges,” Nick says. “And being
able to work outside in nature -1 feel really lucly to be
doing that.” Frost and all.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on Bagthorpe Farm, including
glamping options, visit bagthorpefarm.co.uk. Produce is
available through Abel & Cole (abelandcole.co.uk) and
Riverford (riverford.co.uk).
countryliving.com/uk
.S2O23.
ARTISANS & PRODUCERS
HAVE A 'HI ' 'И' Н/
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EXMOOR
POXY
Britain’s oldest native ponies have
evolved to survive on the wild moors
after which they’re named
WORDS BY LAURAN ELSDEN
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN SPURR
naming the rugged moors of the
south -west since ancient times,
this hardy breed grows a thick,
waterproof coat in winter and,
being dun-coloured, brown or
bey, they blend in with their
heathland habitat. Once used by hill farmers to
pull ploughs, herd sheep or be ridden, the ponies
are now valued as ‘conservation grazers’ - eating
tough plants such as bramble, thistle and gorse,
allowing wild flowers to take root.
While categorised as endangered’ by the
Rare Breeds Survival Trust, there are about500
in the wild. But ifyou don’t manage to spot any,
you can visit some at The Exmoor Pony Centre
in Dulverton (moorlandrnousietrust.org.uk).


OUTDOORS
DECORATE
«•
family heirlooms to be usedyear after year
WORDS, MAKES AND STYLING BY SIAN WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHS.BY BRENT DARBY
^et your creativity run wiId as you-reimagine and
recycleyour Christmas decorations, producing
familv heirlooms tn be used venr niter vear
СТ/ (4
AFFAIR7

countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 75
DECORATE
’/haps choose ones
bysepa.
k. Similar cake tins,
emm;
tappets, so you can pose thevi
then reattaching the.
Gold glitter bunting, £11.25/3m, talkingtables.co.ul
iabridgewater.co.uk. Gold baubles, £3.49 each, gatesgardencentre.co.uk.
Similar nesting dolls, £27.49, trouva.com. Artwork, from
£100 (unframed), instagram.com/lucyjwarry
rd cutouts of seasonal items, or
to illustrate a favourite carol, then
naintthem white and edge in red. Convert some into
ating the limbs
'm with split pins.
76 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk
/ш>
OF THE BALL
Assemble gluepens, glitter and
paint for an afternoon decorating
baubles, then string them up with
bunches of bells.
Glue pen, £1; similar plain ceramic bauble,
£2.30; gold jingle bells, £3/20;
all hobbycraft.co.uk. Gold ribbon, from
a selection, simplyribbons.com ►
A small tree justfor the^
children will make their
Christmas. Let them festoon it
withpaper chains and
cut-out decorations, then pop
Christmas Evepresents under
it when they 're not looking.
Core Connect 100 warm white fairy
lights, £25, Iights4fun.co.uk.
Paperchains made from wallpaper
samples, reverse painted in
Emperor's Silk chalk paint,
£26.95/L, anniesloan.com. Similar
acorn baubles, £2.95 each,
closetandbotts.com. Wicker hampers,
from £12, hobbycraft.co.uk

DECORATE
You may not end up with a partridge
in a pear tree, but these fun birds are
easy'to make. Find scraps of fabric
with a figurative print - check out
shop remnants or charity shops - then
cut out the images and glue onto
coloured card or a plain, stiff fabric.
Sew on ribbon or thread coloured
string through a hole in the top.
Fabric bird decorations made from Paradesia
cotton, £79/m, sandersbndesigngroup.com.
Fabric star decorations made from Shibori light
duck egg forget-me-not linen, from a selection,
vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk. Metallic ribbon, from
a selection, plushaddict.co.uk>
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 79
DECORATE
Hanging stars, left and right, covered
in floral linen, from a selection,
cabbagesandroses.com. Middle star
covered in Angus Stripe red linen,
£59.50/m, ianmankin.co.uk. Micro
lights from a selection, Iights4fun.
co.uk. Pine cone candles, £7.99 each,
lakeland.co.uk. Garland (on chair)
made from multicoloured jingle
bells, £3/20, hobbycraft.co.uk,
threaded on twine, £2.5O/75m,
nutscene.com. Similar tea lights,
£9.85/50, holyart.co.uk
Set aside a day for crafting.
Assemble all your materials,
light scented candles*, play
novelty Christmas songs
andserve warm mince pies
whenpeople get peckish.
"NEVER LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS
80 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk


ГНЕ TRUMPETS
Is there an artist in the family?Largefigures of angels painted on
strong card look heavenly - and they needn't be up to Michelangelo's
standard to impress. Baubles and fairy lights are all very well, but
sometimes it pays to ring the changes.
Similar metal angel, £20, pjhgardenfurniture.com. Mini bunting made from
Ashdown Pomegranate Trail red wallpaper, £87/roll, ninacampbell.com; reverse painted
in St Giles Blue modern emulsion, £59/2.5L, farrow-ball.com. Stars, as before
FOOD & DRINK
FLAVOT RS
Food to give and to share - we have
Christmas menus for traditionalists,
vegetarians and vegans, plus party
nibbles and gourmet gifts to make
82 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countrylwing.coin/iik

84 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryiwing.com/uk
WITH
va-va-voom, a
A sophisticated starter, veg with
polished pud and, of
course, a showstopper turkey
FOOD & DRINK
VICHYSSOISE WITH CRAB, APPLE AND SALMON TOASTS
FOR THE VICHYSSOISE
40G BUTTER
2 LEEKS, SLICED
75ML WHITE WINE
400G POTATOES, CUBED
400ML VEGETABLE STOCK
50ML DOUBLE CREAM
FORTHETOASTS
200G FRESH WHITE CRAB MEAT, PICKED
1 TSP CHIVES, FINELY CHOPPED
/2 GRANNY SMITH APPLE, DICED
1TSP LIME JUICE
2 TBSP CREME FRAlCHE
1 SMALL TUB OF CRAB РАТЁ
1 BAGUETTE, THINLY SLICED ON THE
DIAGONAL, OVEN DRIED
1 JAR SALMON ROE
Preparation 30 minutes, plus chilling
Cooking about 30 minutes
Serves 6
Start the meal with something
that's light but stillgla?norous.
You can prepare this well ahead,
and as its served cold you don t
have to worry about warming it.
1 To make the soup, melt the butter in
a saucepan over a low heat and sweat
the leeks until soft. Add the wine and
cook for 1 minute, then add the cubed
potatoes and stock. Cook for 30
minutes or until the leek and potatoes
are veiy soft.
2 Transfer to a blender and blitz until
smooth. Pass through a sieve back into
the pan. Stir in the cream and season
with salt and white pepper. Allow to
cool then refrigerate, covered.
3 In the meantime, combine the.crab
meat, chives, apple, lime juice and
creme fraiche in a bowl and keep in
the fridge until needed.
4 To serve, ppur some soup into a bowl.
Spread a thin layer of crab pate across
a ciisp slice of baguette. Top with some
crab mixture anda little salmon roe;
and serve with the: spun. ►



Giveyour turkey an Italian twist with
delicious pancetta-wrapped bites
instead of stuffing
ROAST TURKEY WITH 'SALTIMBOCCA BITES
It's a good idea tojointpoultry before roasting, as the legs and breast meat require
different cooking times - and always cook the turkey from room temperature. The
saltimbocca bites are a take on the classic Italian dish, servedin place of stuffing.
They are also brilliant hot or cold as canapes, and can be made ahead and reheated.
Preparation 1 hour, plus resting
Cooking about 2 hours
Serves 6
3KG TURKEY
150G BUTTER, SOFTENED
A FEW SPRIGS OF THYME
FOR THE SALTIMBOCCA BITES
30 SMALL SAGE LEAVES
400G SAUSAGE MEAT
85G CHESTNUTS, CHOPPED
50G AGEN PRUNES, CHOPPED
25G BREADCRUMBS
% SMALL EGG
12 SLICES PANCETTA
SUNFLOWER OIL
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan), gas
mark 4. Meanwhile, prepare the turkey.
Make a cut through the skin that holds the
leg to the breast and pull the leg away from
the crown. Place two fingers under the ball
and socket joint that attaches the thigh to
the main part of the bird. Push up withyour
fingers to dislocate the joint, then with a
sharp knife cut through the joint to remove
the leg. Repeat with the other leg and set
both to one side.
2	Remove the wing tips from the wings.
Remove the wishbone and cut away the
backbone with poultiy shears or a sharp
knife to leaveyou with just the crown. All
this makes the bird easier to carve. Weigh
the crown and calculate the cooking time;
you will need 20 minutes per kilo plus
1 hour 10 minutes.
3	Mix the butter with the thyme (leaves
only) and season well. Lift up the skin on the
crown and gently ease it away from the flesh
to allowyour hand to pass underneath.
Smear plenty of herb butter onto the flesh
under the skin, reserving some for the legs.
Press the skin down and rub more butter on
top. Season well with flaked sea salt.
4	Rub the remaining butter over the legs
and season well. Put the legs in a roasting
tin and cook for 30 minutes.
5	Remove the roasting tin and turn the
legs over. Place the turkey crown on top
of the legs, or by the side ifyour oven isn’t
tall enough. Cover with foil and cook for
the required time thatyou calculated.
6 Meanwhile, make the saltimboccas.
Finely chop six of the sage leaves. Place in
a bowl with the sausage meat, chestnuts,
prunes, breadcrumbs, egg and seasoning,
and combine well.
7 Cut the slices of pancetta in half Shape
a small amount of sausage mixture into a
patty about 5cm in diameter. Lay a piece of
pancetta on a board and the sausage patty
on top. Wrap the pancetta around it so that
the ends overlap slightly. Turn over and
press a sage leaf onto the pancetta. Repeat
with the remaining ingredients.
8 In a large frying pan, heat a little
sunflower oil over a medium heat. When
the pan is hot but not smoking add the
saltimboccas, sage side down. Leave for
2 minutes before attempting to turn them,
carefully lifting them so the sage stays
attached. Continue to cook for 2 minutes
then transfer to a baking sheet.
9Remove the foil from the turkey 20
minutes before the end to brown the skin,
and add the tray of saltimboccas to the
oven, to cook for 15-20 minutes
10 Remove the saltimboccas and the
bird from the oven; allow the turkey to
rest for at least 30 minutes and keep the
saltimboccas warm. Reserve the juices
in the turkey tray to make gravy. ►
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 87
FOOD & DRINK
ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH A BACON,
SWEETCORN AND THYME BUTTER
The herbed butter can be made ahead and melted over the sprouts at the
last minute to add sweetness to the dish.
Preparation 15 minutes, plus chilling
Cooking50 minutes
Serves 6
4 RASHERS SMOKED STREAKY BACON
15G SOFT BROWN SUGAR
100G BUTTER, SOFTENED
2 SPRIGS OF THYME, LEAVES
REMOVED AND CHOPPED
50G CANNED SWEETCORN, DRAINED
4 TBSP OLIVE OIL
1KG BRUSSELS SPROUTS, TRIMMED
1	Preheat the oven to 2OO°C (180°C
fan), gas mark 6.
2	Lay the bacon on an oiled baking
tray and bake for 5 minutes. Remove
from the oven and sprinkle a little
brown sugar along each rasher. Return
ROAST POTATOES
Forperfect roasties, don'tjustparboil
your potatoes - cook them thoroughly
before roasting.
Preparation 20 minutes
Cookingabout I hour3O minutes
Serves 6
1.25KG LARGE MARIS PIPER POTATOES
100G DUCK OR GOOSE FAT
FLAKED SALT
Lift sprouts
out of the
ordinary with
intriguing
additions
to the oven fora further 6 minutes or
until the bacon is very crisp. Remove
and cool, then chop into fine pieces.
Combine with the butter and thyme,
then gently stir in the sweetcorn.
5 Place mixture on a piece of kitchen
foil, roll into a log about 5cm diameter
and chill in the fridge until needed.
4 Turn oven down to 180°C (16'0°C
fan), gas mark 4. Put olive oil in a
roasting tray and tip in the sprouts.
Season with salt and pepper then roll
in the tray to completely coat with oil.
Roast for 40 minutes until crispy on
the outside but soft in the middle.
5 Tip the hot sprouts into a warm
serving dish, slice the butterand dot
it on top to melt over them.
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan),
gas mark 4. Wash and peel the potatoes
and cut into quarters.
2 Cover the potatoes with water in a
large saucepan. Cook until they are soft,
as ifyou were making mashed potatoes.
Drain carefully and allow to steam diy
in a colander.
5 Place the duck or goose fat in a
roasting tray large enough to hold the
potatoes in one layer. Place the tray in
the oven and heat the fat until veiy hot.
4 Add the potatoes to the pan and, with
two forks, gently turn them so they are
covered in fat. The forks will also rough
up the edges of the potatoes, which will
make them crispier.
5 Season well with flaked salt then put
the tray back in the oven for at least
1 hour, turning the potatoes gently every
15 minutes, until they’re golden brown
all over. Drain on kitchen
with a bit more salt.
ROASTED CARROTS AND PARSNIPS WITH TOASTED
ALMONDS AND CRANBERRY CARAMEL SAUCE
FOR THE SAUCE
50G CASTER SUGAR
45ML WHITE WINE VINEGAR
150G CRANBERRIES
100ML WATER
1 Preheat the oven to 2OO°C (180°C fan), gas
mark 6. Bring a large pan of water to the
boil. Add the carrots, bring back to the boil
and cook for 5 minutes. Add the parsnips
and cook for a further 4 minutes. Drain
and leave to steam dry, then season well.
Roast in the oven for30-40 minutes in a
little olive oil.
2 Meanwhile, place the sugar and vinegar
in a saucepan and heat to dissolve the
sugar. Once dissolved, bring to the boil
and, without stirring, cook until the caramel
tu ms a light amber colon r. Add the
cranberries and water and continue to cook
for 5 minutes as the cranberries break
down. Strain thejuice through a sieve into
a bowl, pushing as much juice out of the
berries as you can. Return juice to pan and
reduce to a syrup.
5 To serve, tip the parsnips and carrots into
a warm serving dish. Drizzle over the sauce
and scatter with toasted almonds. ►
This sweet andsour sauce, made with caramel and vinegar, is agreat accompaniment
for roast meat and vegetables.
Preparation 20 minutes
Cookingabout 50 minutes
Serves 6
9 LARGE CARROTS, HALVED LENGTHWAYS
9 PARSNIPS, HALVED LENGTHWAYS, OR
QUARTERED IF VERY LARGE
OLIVE OIL
50G SLIVERED ALMONDS, TOASTED

FOOD & DRINK
MULLED PEAR PAVLOVA WITH CARAMELISED WALNUTS
This light and crisp meringue has all the festive flavours and makes a lovely alternative
(or addition!) to the traditional Christmas pudding
Preparation 1 hour, plus cooling
Cooking 2 hours
Serves 6
У2 TSP CORNFLOUR
% TSP WHITE WINE VINEGAR
FOR THE MULLED PEARS
3 CONFERENCE PEARS, NOT TOO
RIPE AND ALL THE SAME SIZE
500ML RED WINE
JUICE OF 1 LARGE ORANGE
1 CINNAMON STICK
5 CLOVES
1 STAR ANISE
FOR THE WALNUTS
50G CASTER SUGAR
50G WALNUTS, ROASTED
TO SERVE
300ML WHIPPING CREAM
1	Peel the pears and remove the core at the
base with a melon bailer or teaspoon.
2	Add wine, juice and spices to a pan deep
enough to hold pears and bring to a simmer.
3	Lower the pears into the liquid and simmer
for 40 minutes, turning eveiy 10 minutes to
cook evenly, until tender but not collapsing.
The cooking time will vary depending on
how ripe the pears are.
4	Leave the pears to cool in the liquid,
continuing to turn them occasionally, so
they take on a deeper shade of red.
5	For the meringue, preheat the oven to
140°C (120°C fan), gas mark 1 and line a
rectangular baking tray about 30cm x 23cm
with baking parchment. In a food mixer or
with an electric whisk, beat the egg whites to
soft peaks. Add sugar a tablespoon at a time
until it’s all incorporated and the mixture is
firm and glossy Stir in the vanilla essence,
cornflour and vinegar.
6	With a large spoon, dollop the meringue
into the tray and spread out evenly to the
edges of the tray
7	Cook in the oven for 1 hour, then switch the
oven off and leave to cool inside. When cool,
the meringue should peel off the baking
parchment easily.
8	Meanwhile, for the walnuts, melt the sugar
in a saucepan and bring to a deep amber
colour. Add the walnuts and coat well. Pour
onto a baking sheet and allow to cool. Chop
into small pieces.
9	Whip cream to soft peaks and spread over
meringue, leaving a 2.5cm border all around.
10 Quarter the pears lengthways and remove
the seeds and any remaining core. Slice each
quarter lengthways into four long pieces and
arrange on top of the cream. Scatter with the
caramelised walnuts and serve.
FOR THE MERINGUE
3 EGG WHITES
165G CASTER SUGAR
/2 TSP VANILLA ESSENCE
countryhving.com/uk
RECIPES BY PETER LIEN. PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRIS ALACK.
FOOD STYLIST KIM MORPHEW @KIM MORPHEW. PROP STYLIST SUE RADCLIFFE
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023

A FESTIVE
CHEESEBOARD
A good selection of cheese is a lovely way
to end a meal. We suggest (clockwise
from top right): a mild goats’ cheese that
softens to a creamy texture when ripe;
a blue cheese, especially at Christmas,
for tradition - we’ve chosen a splendid
blue Stilton; a hard cheese such as a
cave-aged Gruyere; a soft creamy cheese
- Tunworth makes a nice change from
Brie and Camembert; and lastly a real
stinker - many cheese experts’ favourite
has to be Epoisses.
FOOD к DRINK
PERFEC :Т1()\
From classic canapes to figgy pudding, Katy Beskow’s
luxurious vegan menu serves a feast of flavours to
make committed carnivores green with envy
PHOTOGRAPHS BY LUKE ALBERT
DOUGHBALL CHRISTMAS TREE WITH ROASTED
GARLIC BUTTER
Bring this tear-and-share doughball Christmas tree to the table for a fun, festive start to
your meal. Its also the perfect addition to any Christmas movie night in. The doughballs
use store cupboard ingredients and are easy to prepare (kids love to help with this).
They can be baked in advance and frozen, then defrosted and thoroughly reheated.
Serves 4
300G STRONG WHITE BREAD FLOUR,
PLUS EXTRA FOR DUSTING
/2 TSP DRIED FAST-ACTION YEAST
2 TBSP OLIVE OIL, PLUS EXTRA FOR
GREASING
FOR THE ROASTED GARLIC BUTTER
И BULB OF GARLIC, UNPEELED
DRIZZLE OF OLIVE OIL
4 TBSP VEGAN BUTTER
SMALL HANDFUL OF FLAT-LEAF PARSLEY,
FINELY CHOPPED
GENEROUS PINCH OF SEA SALT
1	In a large bowl, mix together the flour and
yeast. Stir in the olive oil, along with 200ml
lukewarm water, and bring together to
form a dough.
2	Sprinkle a clean worksurface with a little
flour, then knead the dough for 10 minutes
until soft and elastic.
3	Lightly grease a baking tray with oil.
Cut the dough into 15 even pieces and roll
them into balls. Arrange on the baking tray,
with 5 dough balls at the bottom, then 4,
then 3,2 and 1, in the shape of a Christmas
tree. Position the dough balls close to each
other but not touching (they will increase
in size during proving). Cover the baking
tray with compostable cling film, then
place the tray in a warm place to prove for
45 minutes.
4	In the meantime, prepare the garlic
butter. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C
fan), gas mark 4. Place the garlic in the
centre of a sheet of foil and drizzle with
olive oil. Wrap the foil to secure the garlic,
then roast in the oven for 20 minutes until
softened. Allow to cool, then squeeze the
roasted garlic into a bowl and use a fork to
mash until veiy soft. Add the vegan butter,
parsley and sea salt and stir to combine.
Refrigerate until needed.
5	Increase the oven temperature to 200°C
(180°C fan), gas mark 6. Remove the cling
film from the tray with the proved dough
balls, then bake in the oven for 15-20
minutes until golden.
6	Remove the dough balls from the oven
and brush over a small amount of the
roasted garlic butter. Serve the remaining
butter in a bowl alongside. ►
92 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
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FIG, WALNUT AND MINT CROSTINI WITH
SMOKED HOUMOUS
Elegant yet easy to prepare, these crostini make a beautiful starter for your
Christmas dinner They are also perfect for serving as canapes, hors d ’oeuvres
or sharing plates throughout the festive season. Smoked houmous contrasts
with the flavour ofthe figs, making them taste almost sweeter andjammier
Lightly oven-toasted walnuts are crispy and add bitterness, while mint adds
freshness and fragrance. Serve warm or cold.
Serves 4
1 SMALL, DAY-OLD WHITE BAGUETTE,
SLICED ON THE DIAGONAL INTO
8 X 2CM SLICES
2 TBSP GOOD-QUALITY EXTRA VIRGIN
OLIVE OIL, PLUS EXTRA FOR DRIZZLING
6 SHELLED WALNUTS, ROUGHLY BROKEN
1 GARLIC CLOVE, HALVED
4 TBSP SMOKED HOUMOUS
4 RIPE FIGS AT ROOM TEMPERATURE,
HALVED
8 MINT LEAVES, ROUGHLY TORN
GENEROUS PINCH OF SEA SALT
1	Preheat the oven to 190° C (170°C fan),
gas mark 5.
2	Arrange the slices of bread on a large
baking tray, and use a pastiy brush to
brush both sides with the 2 tablespoons
of olive oil. Bake in the oven for 8-10
minutes until lightly golden and crisp.
3 Meanwhile, arrange the walnuts on a
smaller baking tray and toast in oven
for 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4	Remove the crostini from the oven and
allow to cool for a couple of minutes.
Rub the cut sides of the garlic clove over
the tops to press in extra flavour.
5	Smooth houmous over each crostini,
about half a tablespoon per slice.
6	Gently squeeze each fig half to loosen
the jammy centre, then place one half
on each crostini. Press on the toasted
walnut pieces, then scatter over the
mint and season with a pinch of sea
salt. Finally drizzle with a little olive oil.
CRISPY
BOURGUIGNON PIE
Rich, classic and oh-so-wintry, this
red-wine infusedpie has a filling of
hearty mushroom bourguignon with
a crisp, golden filo pastry topping.
Many brands of shop-bought filo use
vegetable oil instead of dairy butter,
making it accidentally vegan.
Senes 4
2 TBSP SUNFLOWER OIL
300G CHESTNUT MUSHROOMS,
BRUSHED CLEAN AND HALVED
PINCH OF SMOKED PAPRIKA
6 SHALLOTS, HALVED
2 CARROTS, PEELED AND THINLY SLICED
INTO HALF ROUNDS
2 GARLIC CLOVES, CRUSHED
2 TSP PLAIN FLOUR
300ML GOOD VEGAN RED WINE
200ML HOT VEGETABLE STOCK
1TBSP TOMATO purEe
2 SPRIGS OF FRESH THYME
1	SPRIG OF FRESH ROSEMARY
2	BAY LEAVES
6 SHEETS OF SHOP-BOUGHT VEGAN
FILO PASTRY
SEA SALT AND BLACK PEPPER
1	Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a pan
over a medium heat, then add the
mushrooms and smoked paprika. Cook
for 5 minutes until fragrant. Tip the
mushrooms onto a plate and set aside.
2	Return the pan to the heat and add
the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add
the shallots and carrots, and soften for
4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for
a further minute. Sprinkle in the flour
and stir to coat all of the vegetables.
5 Pour in the wine and stock, then stir
in the tomato puree. Add the thyme,
rosemaiy and bay leaves, then bring to
the boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes
until the sauce has thickened.
4	Once the sauce has thickened, remove
and discard the thyme, rosemaiy and
bay leaves and allow the sauce to cool
for a few minutes, then stir in the
mushrooms. Season with a pinch of salt
and pepper, then pour into a large pie
dish and allow to cool further whileyou
preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan),
gas mark 6.
5	Tear the filo pastiy into strips and
scrunch them over the top of the
bourguignon, randomly and roughly,
until the top is covered.
6	Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes
until the topping is crisp and golden. ►
94 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk
Beneath its golden filo
crust, this rich and delicious
pie is a meat-free take on
the classic dish
KC’V<'< x



ROASTED HASSELBACK
PARSNIPS WITH APPLES
These parsnips have the ideal
balance ofcrispy, roasted skin and
a tender texture within. Parsnips
can often become dry and somewhat
chewy when roasted, but slicing into
the vegetable allows the hot air to
circulate and the cooking oil to
make its way right into the centre.
Hasselback parsnips also look
fabulous for the festive season. The
sweet and distinctive flavour of
apples becomes intensified when
roasted, providing the perfect
accompaniment to the parsnips.
Serves 4
6 PARSNIPS, PEELED AND HALVED
LENGTHWAYS
2 APPLES, SLICED INTO ROUNDS, PIPS
AND TOUGH OUTER STALK DISCARDED
1	TBSP SUNFLOWER OIL
GENEROUS PINCH OF DRIED SAGE
SEA SALT AND BLACK PEPPER
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan),
gas mark 4.
2	Lay the half parsnips on a flat
surface and use a sharp knife to score
into them, without slicing all of the
way through, leaving 2mm between
each score.
5 Place the hasselback parsnips onto
a large roasting tray, leaving some
space between each one. Lay the apple
slices in between.
4 Brush the sunflower oil over the
parsnips and apples using a pastiy
brush, then drizzle the excess into the
roasting tray Sprinkle over the pinch
ofdried sage.
5 Roast in the oven for 45-50 minutes
until the parsnips are golden brown
and softened. Season with a pinch of
salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Й
Parsnips are easier to hasselback
slice’ than potatoes, due to their
shape and softer texture. To avoid
slicing all the way through, lay the
handles of two wooden spoons
either side of the parsnip, then slice
until the knife meets the handles.
CHARRED CABBAGE WEDGES WITH CHILLI,
TOMATOES AND OLIVES
Reimagine the humble cabbage! Roast wedges of cabbage until lightly
charred, for extra flavour and an unexpected wow factor. Spoon over
tomatoes, olives andparsley for an Italian twist that everyone will love.
Serves 4
1	SAVOY CABBAGE, CUT INTO
QUARTERS, THEN EACH QUARTER
HALVED AGAIN (8 WEDGES IN TOTAL)
2	TBSP OLIVE OIL
GENEROUS PINCH OF CHILLI FLAKES
250G CHERRY TOMATOES, CHILLED,
ROUGHLY DICED
GENEROUS HANDFUL OF FLAT-LEAF
PARSLEY
100G PITTED BLACK OLIVES, SLICED
INTO ROUNDS
SEA SALT AND BLACK PEPPER
1	Preheat the oven to 200°C (180° C fan),
gas mark 6.
2	Place the cabbage wedges on a large
roasting tray (or two smaller roasting
trays) and brush all over with olive oil.
Sprinkle over the chilli flakes.
5 Roast in the oven for 15 minutes,
then carefully turn over each wedge,
and return to the oven for a further
15-20 minutes until softened and
slightly charred in places.
4 Meanwhile, combine the tomatoes,
parsley, black olives and a generous
pinch of sea salt in a bowl.
5 Remove the wedges from the oven
and place on a serving plate. Season
with black pepper, then spoon over
the tomato mix and serve while the
cabbage is hot.
be made up to a day advance and kept
in the fridge until ready to serve. ►
countryliving.com/uk
TEN-MINUTE FIGGY PUDDING
If you ve missed Stir-up Sunday, or need to prepare a pudding in a hurry, this
speedy take on a traditional Christmas pudding is easy, fast and delicious.
The pudding is cooked in the microwave, so there’s no need to steam it for
hours. You can also cook it the day before and simply reheat it when needed.
Serves4-6
Suitable for freezing
100ML SOYA MILK
1	TSP CIDER VINEGAR
100G VEGAN BUTTER
100G SOFT DARK BROWN SUGAR
100G SELF-RAISING FLOUR
2	TSP GROUND ALLSPICE
1	TSP GRATED NUTMEG
2	TBSP MAPLE SYRUP
1 ROUNDED TBSP SHOP-BOUGHT
CRANBERRY SAUCE
1 APPLE, GRATED
100G DRIED FIGS, ROUGHLY CHOPPED
100G RAISINS
100G SULTANAS
1	Pour the soya milk into ajug and stir
in the cider vinegar. Allow to curdle for
a few minutes to form a buttermilk.
2	Meanwhile, add the butterand sugar
to a bowl and whisk until light and fluffy.
5 Fold in the flour, allspice, nutmeg,
maple syrup and cranberiy sauce.
Pour in the buttermilk mixture and
stir to combine.
4	Fold in the apple, figs, raisins and
sultanas until fully coated in the mix.
5	Pour the mix into a 1.2-litre pudding
basin or heatproof bowl and cover
the top loosely with baking parchment.
Cook in a 900W microwave for
10 minutes, then allow to stand for
10-12 minutes.
6	Carefully tip out onto a plate. Serve
with vegan brandy butter or vegan
cream, or ladle over flaming brandy.
CHOCOLATE ORANGE
MILLIONAIRE'S
SHORTBREAD
Its not a celebration without a
square (or two) of millionaires
shortbread, and this festive edition
has the nostalgic Christmas flavours
of chocolate and orange. These
squares will last for up to a week
when stored in a sealed container.
Makes about 15
FOR THE BISCUIT BASE
250G PLAIN FLOUR
PINCH OF SEA SALT
200G VEGAN BUTTER, CHILLED
100G CASTER SUGAR
FOR THE CARAMEL SAUCE
1 X 370G CAN VEGAN CONDENSED MILK
1	TBSP VEGAN BUTTER
2	TBSP SOFT LIGHT BROWN SUGAR
1	TSP VANILLA EXTRACT
FOR THE CHOCOLATE TOPPING
200G VEGAN DARK CHOCOLATE,
BROKEN INTO EVEN PIECES
FINELY GRATED ZEST OF 1 UNWAXED
ORANGE
1 Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan),
gas mark 3 and line a 20 x 30cm baking
tin with baking parchment.
2	Combine the flour and salt in a large
bowl. Break up the vegan butter and
rub it into the flour until it resembles
breadcrumbs, then stir in the sugar
until fully combined.
3	Press the mixture into the lined
baking tray, smoothing it with the back
of a spoon. Bake in the oven for 40-45
minutes, then allow to cool fully.
4	To make the caramel sauce, add the
vegan condensed milk, vegan butter,
sugar and vanilla extract to a pan over
a low heat. Gradually bring to a
simmer, then remove from heat and
use a balloon whisk to beat mixture for
5-6 minutes until thickened. Allow to
cool fora few minutes, then pour and
smooth over the biscuit base. Allow to
cool completely.
5	Bring a pan of water to the boil over a
medium heat and set a heatproof bowl
over the top, making sure the base does
not touch the water beneath. Add the
chocolate and allow it to melt hilly then
remove from the heat and stir in the
orange zest. Pour over the caramel and
allow to cool and set completely, before
slicing into squares.
98 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
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This is an edited
extract from Easy Vegan
Christmas by Katy
Beskow (Quadrille, £22)
Decadent and
moreish - we
/ defy you to
L resilb v
FOOD & DRINK
MERRY
\l YKERS
Elevateyour celebrations with elegant savoury
and sweet nibbles - plus classy cocktails -
from Masterchef finalist Giovanna Ryan.
They’re simple to make but will impress
evenyour most discerning guests
PHOTOGRAPHS BY LAURA EDWARDS FOOD STYLING BY JOSS HERD
PROP STYLING BY TABITHA HAWKINS DIRECTION BY SARAH KEADY
LEMON BOMBOLONI
These small Italian doughnuts are very similar to our much-loved sugary treats, but have
lemon in the dough and are filled with a sharp lemon curd to contrast with the sweetness.
Don't worry about making them all even and a perfect shape - mine never are. If you'd like
larger doughnuts, size up the balls of dough to 6Og.
Preparation 40 minutes, plus proving
Makes 30 small bomboloni
600G STRONG WHITE BREAD FLOUR
40G CASTER SUGAR, PLUS EXTRA FOR COATING
1 TSP SALT
20G DRIED YEAST
290ML LUKEWARM WHOLE MILK
3 EGGS, LIGHTLY BEATEN
60G BUTTER, SOFTENED
VEGETABLE OR SUNFLOWER OIL, FOR FRYING
AROUND 200G LEMON CURD (OPTIONAL)
SLIVERS OF LEMON ZEST (OPTIONAL)
1	Place the flour, sugar, salt andyeast in the
bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook
attachment and mix well. Add the milk and the
eggs, then mix slowly until the dough starts to
come together. Mixon a medium speed until the
mixture comes away from the sides of the bowl.
You will probably have to stop and scrape down
the sides eveiy so often.
2	Add the softened butter and mix again at
medium high speed untilyou have a smooth
and shiny dough.
3	Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover
and leave to rise at room temperature until
doubled in size.
4	Take 30g pieces (around the size of a golf
ball) of dough and roll into tight balls. Place
on a piece of oiled baking paper whileyou
shape the remaining dough.
5	Ifyou have a deep fat fryer, heat the oil to
170°C, otherwise heat the oil in a deep, heavy-
based pan. It needs to be deep enough that
the bomboloni won’t touch the bottom when
frying. The oil is hot enough when a cube of
bread dropped into it turns golden brown.
6	Fry the bomboloni in small batches until
golden brown. You'll have to flip them over
halfway th rough and they do have a tendency
to flip themselves back, butyou can just hold
them down with a spoon if this happens.
Take the cooked bomboloni out with a slotted
spoon and place on a tray lined with kitchen
paper. Repeat with the remaining dough.
7	If eating within the next few hours, toss the
fried bomboloni in a bowl of caster sugar to
coat and pipe in lemon curd then garnish with
lemon zest, if using. The bomboloni will keep,
uncoated and unfilled, for 24 hours. ►
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 101

FOOD & DRINK
"PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD AVOID RAW BEEF AND RAW EGGS
CRAB CROUSTADES
Simple but impressive and utterly delicious, the crab is the star in
these delicate bite-sized pastry cups and needslittie embellishment
Save precious time by using ready-made crous fades.
Preparation 15 minutes
Makes 24 croustades
150G BROWN CRAB MEAT
100G MAYONNAISE
1 TBSP MILD CURRY POWDER
JUICE OF 1 LEMON
200G WHITE CRABMEAT
1 TBSP VERY FINELY CHOPPED
CHIVES OR DILL, OR BOTH, PLUS
EXTRA TO GARNISH
VERY FINELY CHOPPED RED CHILLI,
TO TASTE (OPTIONAL)
LARGE PINCH OF SALT
24 READY-MADE CROUSTADES
SLIVERS OF LEMON ZEST
I Mix together the brown crab,
mayonnaise, curry powder and
half the lemon juice. Set aside
until ready to serve.
2 Stir together the white crab
meat, herbs, chilli (ifusing) and
the remaining lemon juice.
Season with salt, taste and add
more if needed. Set aside until
ready to serve.
5 To assemble, place a large
teaspoon of the brown crab mix at
the bottom of each croustade, then
top with a teaspoon of the white
crab. Garnish with extra chopped
herbs and the lemon zest.
BEEF TARTARE
CROSTINI
While the tartare must be
prepared just before serving
as it contains raw beef*, you can
make the toasts in advance and
store in an airtight container to
keep them crisp.
Preparation 30 minutes, plus
cooling
Serves 10
% BROWN SOURDOUGH LOAF
200G GOOD QUALITY BEEF FILLET
2 TBSP CAPERS, FINELY CHOPPED
6-8 CORNICHONS, FINELY CHOPPED
SMALL HANDFUL OF TARRAGON OR
PARSLEY, FINELY CHOPPED
1	TBSP DIJON MUSTARD
1	EGG YOLK*
OLIVE OIL, TO SERVE
MICRO LEAVES, TO GARNISH
1 Preheat the oven to 160°C
(140°C fan), gas mark 3. Slice the
sourdough as thinly as possible,
then cut each slice into quarters.
Place on a baking tray (you may
need two to fit them all on) and
bake in the oven for 20 minutes,
turning halfway, until crisp all the
way through. Leave to cool.
2	Meanwhile, cut the beef fillet into
tiny, diced pieces. Mix well with the
remaining ingredients and heap on
top of the crostini. Drizzle with a
little good quality olive oil and
micro leaves before serving. ►
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 103
Zingy pineapple and chilli
combine for an alcohol-free
FOOD & DRINK
PINEAPPLE AND LIME SODA
A 'soft 'drink that doesn'tpull itspunches will be welcome for those
who are not drinking alcohol. If people would rather have a less
spicy version, use just one chilli.
Preparation 10 minutes
Serves 8
6 LIMES, JUICED, PLUS 2 EXTRA
LIMES, QUARTERED
400G TIN PINEAPPLE CHUNKS OR
SLICES, CUT INTO SMALLER
CHUNKS, IN JUICE
2 LARGE, LONG RED CHILLIES,
SLICED AND SEEDS REMOVED
400ML EXTRA PINEAPPLE JUICE
SODA WATER TO TOP UP
CHILLI FLAKES, SALT AND LIME
SLICES, TO SERVE
1	Add the lime juice plus the
lime quarters to a largejug along
with the tinned pineapple and its
juice, the chillies and the extra
pineapple juice. Add ice and top
up with soda water.
2	To serve, mix the chilli flakes and
salt together on a plate. Squeeze a
slice of lime around the rim of a
tumbler then press the rim into the
salt and chilli mix before filling
with the pineapple soda.
SPICED CHERRY
SPRITZ
Amaro is a slightly bitter Italian
herbal liqueur that is usually
enjoyed as a digestif but gives
a sophisticated flavour to a
cocktail. If you can't find cherry
soda, cherry cola works well.
Preparation 5 minutes
Serves 1
50MLAMARO
100ML PROSECCO OR OTHER
SPARKLING WINE
CHERRY SODA
FRESH OR MARASCHINO CHERRY,
TO GARNISH (OPTIONAL)
1	Pour the Amaro and prosecco into
a short glass filled with ice and stir.
2	Top up with cherry soda and
garnish with a cheriy if 'you wish.
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 105
FOOD & DRINK
GIFTS
FROM
Tl IF
HEART
Give friends and family
homemade gourmet treats
inspired by the rich and
varied flavours of Italy
RECIPES BY GIOVANNA RYAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY LAURA EDWARDS
PROP STYLING BY TABITHA HAWKINS FOOD STYLING BY JOSS HERD DIRECTION BY SARAH KEADY
GIARDINIERA PICKLES
1 have such strong memories ofthese Italian garden pickles being a staple in my
grandparents'kitchen. My nonna had a prolific vegetable garden and she pickled any
surplus in big Kilnerjars. Use whatever vegetables you have if they can be eaten raw. You
can tailor the pickling liquid to anyone's taste - to make it sweeter or to include different
spices, such as fennel, coriander seeds or cloves.
Preparation 30 minutes, plus sterilising
Makes enough for a 1-litre Kilner jar
500G VEGETABLES (A MIXTURE OF CARROTS,
CUCUMBERS, FENNEL, ONIONS, CAULIFLOWER,
CHILLIES AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU LIKE)
3 BAY LEAVES
HANDFUL OF FENNEL OR DILL FRONDS
500ML WHITE WINE VINEGAR
4 TBSP CASTER SUGAR
1 TBSP SALT
1 TBSP MIXED PEPPERCORNS, OR ANY OTHER
PEPPERCORNS YOU HAVE
1 TSP MUSTARD SEEDS
1	Sterilise a 1-litre jar, including its lid and seal,
in the dishwasher on a hot wash or in the oven.
Leave it to diy and cool upside down on a clean
tea towel.
2	Slice the carrots and cucumbers into thick
rounds (ideally, use small pickling cucumbers,
or halve a large cucumber lengthwise before
slicing). Thinly slice the fennel and onions, cut
the cauliflower into small florets and slice the
chillies into thick rounds. Test their heat before
adding to the mixture, otherwiseyou’re in
danger of making an inedible hot pickle!
5 Put the vegetables, bay leaves and fennel or
dill fronds in the sterilised jar. I think mixing
rather than layering them is best, asyou’ll then
have different options whenyou open it.
4 Heat the remaining ingredients in a saucepan
until just boiling and all the sugar has dissolved.
Pour the liquid over the vegetables and seal the
jar. Ifthe liquid doesn't quite coverthem, top up
with water and give the jar a gentle shake to
distribute it.
5 The pickles will keep for three months or more
unopened ifyou have adequately sterilised the
jar. They’re great served as part of an antipasti,
with cheese, charcuterie or in salads.
106 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
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Full of sensational sweet and
savoury flavours, these pickles
are perfect with cheese and ham
Mostar da is an unusual preserve from Lombardy. Fruits are candied in sugar and stored in
a wine and mustard mixture. My parents have a huge pear tree in their garden, so I made
this last year to help with the glut.
Preparation 25 minutes, plus soaking
Makes 1 large jar
AROUND 1KG PEARS
AROUND 500G CASTER SUGAR
100ML WHITE WINE
4 TBSP MUSTARD POWDER
1 TBSP BLACK MUSTARD SEEDS
JUICE OF 1 LEMON
1 Peel the pears and cut into quarters or, ifveiy
large, eighths. Weigh the cut fruit and place in
a large bowl. Add half the weight of the pears in
caster sugar and mix to coat them in the sugar.
Place in the fridge, stirring eveiy few hours until
the sugar has mostly dissolved. This takes a
while, depending on the moisture in the pears.
Mine took 24 hours.
2 Remove the pears from the bowl and place in
a large, sterilised jar. Pour the remaining syrup
into a saucepan, along with the white wine,
mustard powder, mustard seeds and lemon
juice. Bring to the boil, then pour into the jar
over the pears. Seal and keep in the fridge for
at least a week before serving. ►
ITALIAN SPICE MIX
I make an Italian fried
chicken with this seasoning.
Its so versatile - playaround
with different herbs and
spices to make it unique.
Preparation 5-10 minutes
Makes 1 small jar
2 TBSP MIXED PEPPERCORNS
2 TBSP FENNEL SEEDS
2 TBSP DRIED ROSEMARY
2 TBSP DRIED PARSLEY
1 TSP CHILLI FLAKES
1 TBSP FLAKED SALT
1	Blitz the peppercorns and
fennel seeds in a spice grinder
or pound with a pestle and
mortar until roughly ground.
2	Add the restofthe ingredients
and shake in ajar to combine. ►
These Puglian snacks are addictive. They're traditionally flavoured with fennel seeds but
you could also use dried rosemary, chilli flakes or a mix of these. Why not make another
batch for yourselfand serve them with party drinks?
Preparation 55 minutes, plus proving
Cooking 30 minutes
Makes around 50
350G PLAIN FLOUR
11/2TSP FINE SALT
50ML OLIVE OIL
130ML WHITE WINE
2 TSP FENNEL SEEDS, DRIED ROSEMARY OR
CHILLI FLAKES
FLAKED SEA SALT, FOR SPRINKLING
1 Mix the Hour and salt in a mixing bowl. In a jug,
mix the olive oil and white wine together. Slowly
pour the oil and wine mixture into the flour,
stirring to combine asyou go. Add the fennel
seeds, dried rosemary or chilli flakes, mix well
and bring together into a dough. Knead for
around 10 minutes until you have a pliable
dough that springs back when poked. You could
also do this in a stand mixer with a dough hook.
2 Leave the dough to rest for around 30 minutes
in the bowl, covered with a clean tea towel.
5 To shape, take a cherry-sized piece of dough
and roll out into a sausage shape around 10cm
long. Do this on a clean, dry surface - don’t be
tempted to add any flour as the olive oil in the
dough will stop it from sticking. Take the ends
of the sausage and bring together to form a
loop, with the ends overlapping slightly. Lightly
pinch the top to seal and place on baking paper
whileyou shape the rest of the dough.
4 Preheat oven to 180°C (160° C fan), gas mark 4
and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
5 Bring a large saucepan ofwater to the boil.
Add 10-15 taralli to the water at a time and boil
for 2-3 minutes until they rise to the surface.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the
baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining taralli.
Sprinkle with a little sea salt.
6 Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, turning
halfway, until golden brown. They will be a little
soft on the inside but will harden as they cool.

AwantW
Why not make a mini-hamper of this
spice mix with some really good olive
oil and I >a Is; i mic vinegar? :: ;	>

PANFORTE
This traditional Tuscan sort-of-cake
is a dense (hence the (forte) round of
dried fruit and nuts held together
with a honey and sugar concoction.
Use the best fruit and nuts you can
find - the plain candied peel in my
Chocolate-Dipped Candied Peel
recipe isperfect for this. A 15cm cake
tin is great as its the ideal gifting
size. If you don't have a small one,
the recipe scales up very easily.
Preparation 45 minutes
Cooking about 40 minutes
Makes 1 cake (15cm)
260G MIXED NUTS (I USE ALMONDS,
WALNUTS AND HAZELNUTS - MORE
ALMONDS THAN THE OTHERS IS BEST)
75G DRIED FIGS
120G CANDIED PEEL
120G PLAIN FLOUR
1	TBSP COCOA POWDER
120G SUGAR
120G HONEY
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (16’0° C fan),
gas mark 4. Place the nuts on a baking
sheet and roast for 15 minutes until
lightly toasted. Turn the oven down
to 160°C (140°C fan), gas mark 3.
2	Meanwhile, roughly chop the figs
and candied peel.
5	Grease a 15cm round cake tin and line
with baking paper.
4	Blitz half the nuts in a food processor
until finely chopped but not powdered.
Roughly chop the rest of the nuts.
5	Mix the flour and cocoa powder in a
large bowl. Add the chopped peel and
all of the nuts. Mix well to combine.
6	In a heavy-based saucepan, heat the
sugar and honey together over a
medium heat until boiling. Continue
to boil until the sugar reaches ‘soft ball’
stage - when a small amount dropped
into cold water can be squished into a
soft ball. This is a temperature of 115°C
on a sugar thermometer.
7	Carefully add the hot sugar and honey
to the fruit and nuts. Mix well.
8	While still wann, press the mixture
into the lined tin and, using wet hands,
flatten out the top so it’s level.
9	Bake for35-40 minutes. The edges
should be firm, but the centre should
still be soft. It will firm up as it cools. It
will keep for a month, wrapped tightly
in baking paper, and is best eaten at
least a week after baking.
CHOCOLATE-DIPPED CANDIED PEEL
Thick,jewel-like hoynemade candiedpeel makes a sensational gift, either
half-dipped in chocolate or left naked. Buy thick-peeled Italian citrus fruit,
such as oranges and lemons. Grapefruit and bergamot also work well.
Preparation 45 minutes
Cooking 1-2 hours
Makes approximately 40 pieces
4 CITRUS FRUITS (A MIXTURE OF
LEMONS, ORANGES AND GRAPEFRUIT)
1 LITRE WATER
700G CASTER SUGAR
GRANULATED SUGAR, FOR COATING
(OPTIONAL)
200G DARK CHOCOLATE, ROUGHLY
CHOPPED, FOR DIPPING (OPTIONAL)
1	Cut the fruit into quarters or eighths,
depending on size. Carefully separate
the flesh from the peel. You can leave
the white pith on as it will lose its
bitterness in the cooking process and
makes for a nice, thick final product.
2	Bring a large pan of water to the boil
and add the peel. Bring back to the boil,
holding the peel under the water with a
large spoon. Drain into a colander and
rinse, then repeat the process. This
blanching takes some of the bitterness
out of the peel. Place the citrus peel on
a clean tea towel to diy.
5 To make the sugar syrup, cut out a
circle of baking paper just smaller than
a large pan, so it will fit inside. Add the
water and caster sugar to the pan and
heat to dissolve sugar. Bring to the boil;
add the peel. Turn down to a medium
simmer and place the circle of baking
paper over the liquid to keep the peel
under the syrup. Simmer until the peel
is soft and translucent, and the liquid
is syrupy. This can take 1-2 hours.
4 Using tongs, carefully transfer the
cooked peel to a cooling rack and leave
to diy overnight. You can dip each piece
in granulated sugar, if using, to coat.
5 Ifdippingin chocolate, melt chocolate
in a heatproof bowl over a pan of slowly
simmering water. Half-dip the peel in
the chocolate one piece at a time, then
transfer to a rack to diy.
6 Chocolate-dipped candied peel will
keep for a few weeks in an airtight
container. After a couple of days, the
chocolate may develop white streaks.
You can avoid this by tempering the
chocolate before dipping but, really,
who has the time? They’ll be just as
delicious as they are. ►
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 111
READY-TO-DRINK
NEGRONI
This bitter Italian aperitif is best
served on the rocks, with a twist
oforange peel
Preparation 10 minutes, plus
sterilising
Serves 4
100MLGIN
100ML RED VERMOUTH
100ML CAMPARI
2 STRIPS OF ORANGE PEEL
1	Sterilise a small bottle, including its
lid or seal, in the oven or dishwasher
on a hot wash. Leave it to diy and cool
upside down on a clean tea towel.
2	Combine all the ingredients in a jug,
pour into the sterilised bottle and seal.
Negroni’s
bright ruby
colour makes
it a beautiful
addition to a
gift box
CHOCOLATE AND
HAZELNUT SPREAD
When I visited Alba in Piedmont
a few years ago, the first thing I
noticed was the most incredible scent
of roasting hazelnuts. The region is
also renowned for its chocolate and
hazelnut spread, which is a world
awayfrom the stuff you find in the
shops. If you can get Piedmont
hazelnuts, they will make a real
difference, but they are expensive
and supermarket nuts will be fine.
This makes quite a dark chocolate
spread, so for a slightly less intense
option, use less cocoa powder.
Preparation 50 minutes
Makes 2 small jars
200G BLANCHED HAZELNUTS
180G ICING SUGAR
22OG DARK CHOCOLATE, ROUGHLY
CHOPPED
300ML DOUBLE CREAM
50G COCOA POWDER
2 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT
/2 TSP SALT
1 If the hazelnuts aren’t roasted, preheat
oven to 180°C (160°C fan), gas mark 4,
spread the nuts out on a baking sheet
and roast for 15 minutes. They don’t
need to be veiy browned, it’s just to
bring the oil out of them. Leave to cool.
2 Place the hazelnuts and icing sugar
in a food processor or blenderand
blend until you have a thick paste. This
can take a while andyou might need
to scrape down the sides to incorporate
everything. It should end up with the
consistency of thick nut butter. Leave
in the blender.
5 Place the chopped chocolate in a large
heatproof bowl. Heat the cream with
the cocoa powder, vanilla and salt in a
saucepan until just about to boil, then
pour over the chocolate. Whisk to
combine. Ifthe mixture looks like it’s
starting to split, don’t woriy, just stop
whisking. It will be fixed in the next step.
4 Pour the chocolate mixture into the
blender with the nut butter and blend
briefly, just for as long as it takes to
fully combine.
5 Pour the mixture into sterilised
jars (see pickles recipe on p!06 for
sterilising instructions), seal and leave
to cool completely Because it contains
cream, it needs to be stored in the
fridge, but remove to soften slightly
before using. Use within two weeks.
112 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023

COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS TABLE
Hosted by Becky Wilkinson and Marcus Bean (below), the
NEW Country Living Christmas Table offers visitors the opportunity
to learn, make and taste in interactive 30-minute sessions on
everything from cocktails and canapes to edible gifting.
SUBSCRIBER'S LOUNGE
Open exclusively for subscribers to Country Living, this is the
perfect spot to relax and unwind between browsing the festive
stalls and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere. Here, you'll get
the chance to meet members of the Country Living team.
(X \TRY IJMM»]
FESTIVE BAR
Our bar is the perfect place to relax with friends and family during a
day of Christmas shopping. We offer a warm, inviting atmosphere
with comfortable seating, soft lighting and plenty of seasonal cheer.
GREAT TASTE MARKET
Featuring award-winning food and drink producers, the
Great Taste Market at the Country Living Christmas Fair provides
your chance to taste and buy directly from the artisans.
COUNTRY LIVING
CHRISTMAS


The Con ntry Living Christmas Fairs are whcrcyoull find the best of British craft and
artisan design, all brought together under one roof.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant and colourful marketplace that brings the pages of Country Living magazine
to life. Shop everything from unique, handmade gifts to beautiful decorations and delicious food and drink.
With hundreds of artisans showcasing their products,you’re sure to find something for everyone onyour
Christmas gift list. Plus, enjoy live demonstrations, crafting workshops and talks from experts in their
field. Join us thisyear at one ofour UK Fairs for the chance to makeyour Christmas truly special.
LONDON 8-11 NOVEMBER I GLASGOW 16-19 NOVEMBER I HARROGATE 30 NOVEMBER-3 DECEMBER

HOMES
EASY DOES IT
A simple colour scheme and lots of planning
make light work of a big family Christmas for
The White Company founder Chrissie Rucker
WORDS BY CAROLYN BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRIS EVERARD STYLING BY ELKIE BROWN
THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT Chrissie and her daughters vie with each other to produce beautifully wrapped gifts;
scented candles set the scene OPPOSITE Beautiful frosted wreaths welcome guests
116 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk

LEFT Beginning
preparations a month
before Christmas means
Chrissie is free to savour
every moment of the
holiday OPPOSITE Fresh
flowers and foliage from
the garden are added to
the faux greenery just
before the big day
Chrissie Rucker OBE,
who founded The White
Company in 1994, lives in
a five-bedroom house in
London with her husband
Nick Wheeler, who started
shirtmakers Charles Tyrwhitt.
The place is fu l l of happy
memories as it’s been their
home - where they raised their four children, Tom, Ella,
India and Bea - for more than 25years. Every Christmas,
the family makes more memories. ‘We host up to 24 people,’
says Chrissie. ‘Usually my husband’s brother and sisters,
plus their families, and my sister, her family and my father.
It’s a special time and I love spending it with the people I love.’
Planning is key. “A friend once said she had everything
wrapped up by the end of November. I thought she was mad,
but now I would recommend this to everyone. Getyour gifts
done and sorted, then concentrate on everything else in
December,” she says. “Ch ristmas takes a lot of work, so the
earlieryou prepare, the more timeyou have to enjoy it. In
November we create a wrapping station at home and each
weekend my wrapping elves (the girls) and I have a bit of fun
seeing who can create the most beautifully wrapped gift. It
often turns into rather a competition. We have rolls of wrap
and ribbon plus tags and toppers at the ready, and we try
not to repeat any combinations.
“We also make our Christmas cake and pudding early,
and make mince pies and freeze them. I try to cook and
freeze as much as possible in advance.”
The earlier she prepares, the more time that Chrissie
has to spend with her family and friends: “I love to spend a
day with my children and godchildren, for instance - we ►
118 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
HOMES
countrylwing.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 119

HOMES
go to the theatre, ice skating or secret cinema.”
She also recommends decorating the house in phases,
and starts hers in the first weekend of December: “That’s
when the Christmas candles come out - our children
know that Christmas is coming when they smell The
White Company Winter scent. 1 like to create a festive
atmosphere from outside too, with storm lanterns on
the windowsills and a wreath on the front door.”
The tree goes up two weeks before Christmas and
Chrissies motto is ‘keep it simple’: “I use lots of white
faiiy lights - a trick I learned is to zigzag a set up each
side of the tree. I like large, matt-white glass baubles
and fluted glass ornaments, and I never use more than
four styles. I’ve been collecting Christmas decs since I
got married. 1 hoard everything.”
Even the table is laid a few days in advance. “1 love an
elegant table set with white linen, my best glasses and
fresh foliage, which I’ll lay on the napkins and down the
centre of the table,” says Chrissie. “1 place candlesticks
at different heights and use beaded placemats; they
look good on white linen or bare wood.”
The finishing touches are addedjust before the big
day: “I layer fresh greeneiy into the faux garlands on the
mantelpiece -1 literally poke them in then add storm
km terns or tall glass candlesticks to protect the foliage
from the flames. 1 also love Christmas roses, ranunculus
and early hyacinths.”
A TIME FOR TRADITIONS
On Christmas Eve, the family begins to arrive around
teatime and Ch rissie serves everyone tea and Christmas
cake. In the early evening, they’ll all go to church, sing
carols and come home to enjoy a relaxed supper in the
kitchen. “I set a rustic, casual table and I always try ►
OPPOSITE Pre-lunch drinks
are prepared in the kitchen
THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT On
Christmas Eve, if the weather
permits, Chrissie serves
drinks and nibbles outside
countryliving.corn/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 121
THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT Glass baubles and candles are clear or white to create simple, uncluttered decorations
OPPOSITE White linen and beaded placemats make an elegant contrast with the natural wood of the table
“I can still remember the exciting feeling of
the stocking at the end of my bed”
to serve drinks outside first if the weather allows. I love
to dress our outdoor space with sheepskin, throws, fairy
lights and more storm lanterns, and we’ll light the log
burner. But we try not to have a late night, and the last
thing 1 do before retiring is assemble the stockings and
arrange them by the fire.”
Ch ristmas day begins with dog-walking and the
opening of those stockings. They are a special part of the
Christmas rituals for Chrissie and she still gives them to
her children - “They are always excited to open them!”
- but they have become more food-orientated as the
children have grown older. However, inspired by her
own childhood, she also adds a Teriy’s Chocolate
Orange, peanut butter M&M’s - and toothpaste!
Happy family reminiscences are a great source of
inspiration for her.“I would pretend to be asleep when my
stocking was delivered,” she says, “and I can still remember
the exciting feeling of the stocking at the end of my bed. I
also have great memories of playing silly games with my
family. My most memorable gift was a Jack Russell puppy
my granny gave me -1 have had Jack Russells ever since.”
After a ‘helpyourself breakfast Nick goes to church
and Chrissie stays home to cook. She’s used to cooking
for lots of people but if guests offer to help, she always
says “Yes, please!” A traditional turkey will be on the menu,
as well as a vegan option for the girls. She recommends
thinking of the turkey as a veiy large chicken, to take the
pressure off, makes a list of jobs and adds: “Cheat where
you can - no one will notice!
“Our son Tom is barman for the day, my niece brings
choc brownies and mince pies, someone else brings
pudding, cheese and gin, and my brother brings
homemade damson and sloe gin, which we mix with
Champagne or Prosecco. Later well open gifts by the
tree before a late lunch. After that, we play games and
watch a festive movie. Supper is usually leftovers -
salads, cheese and Christmas cake.”
Then, when eveiyone’s had their fill of festivities, they
can retire to the elegant bedrooms Chrissie has prepared
with robes, towels and scented candles, and wait to see
what she has planned for Boxing Day.
To see the full range of The White Company products, go to
thewhitecompany.com.
FLORIST: FLOWER & PRESS
122 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk

MOUNTAIN
REINDEER
Synonymous with Santa, these
magnificent creatures have been
re-introduced to Scotland
WORDS BY LAURAN ELSDEN
•л
A shaggy reindeer crunching
through freshly fallen snow is
not a sightyou would expect to
see in the British countiyside.
But the Cairngorms National
Park, a mountainous stretch
of land in the eastern Highlands, became home
to Britain’s only free-ranging herd back in 1952
when Mikel Utsi and his wife Dr Ethel Lindgren
brought eight Swedish mountain reindeer here.
Now 150-strong, the herd has more than 10,000
acres of mountainside on which to graze. Several
evolutionaiy enhancements make them perfect
for an extreme environment, including fur that
traps air for insulation, and hair-covered hooves
to give traction in icy conditions. Find out more
at caimgormreindeer.co.uk.
*


1^4 *GC»6nTRY LINING ^HRISTMAS 2023
OUTDOORS
DECORATE

e
Less is definitely more in this
pared-back aesthetic that
inspired by the natural world
PHOTOGRAPHS BY WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
WORDS BY ROBYN ALEXANDER/BUREAUX STYLING BY SHELLEY STREET/BUREAUX
CIRCLE
Notjust for the outside - wreaths look
beautiful hung on interior doors too.
And as they wont have to contend with
the weather, they can be made with
delicate fronds ofdriedflowers.
countryliving.com/uk
2023 127
fyou have space, a slim tree in
hall provides a welcoming sight
vests. Their presents can be placed
under it, ready to take away
at the end of the day.
DECORATE
Adorn chair backs with graceful
rings of pretty foliage
~~	-	-"Фае-.-	'4.	Гт». _
countrylwing.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 129
DECORATE
‘NEVER LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS
130 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk

WORDS BY RUTH CHANDLER
SCENTS
OFTHB
SEASON
Aromas and memories are intertwined,
and evocative fragrances can lift your
celebrations to the next level. Michelle
Feeney, founder of Floral Street, and her
‘nose’ Jerome Epinette, showyou how
I
PERFECT PICK-ME-UPS
ne time ofyear that s especially
associated with gorgeous aromas must be Christmas: the
ginger, cinnamon and clove of mince pies, the hr from the
tree, the Christingles, the mulled wine, the roasting bird,
the roaring fire... These festive smells sing with joy and
celebration - but sometimesyou might want other scents
around you to perkyou up or helpyou wind down.
Certain scents for the home could help you prepare
for the festive period. “There are always tasks to be
completed, but they can be made more pleasant with
the right fragrance,” says Michelle Feeney, the founder
of Floral Street, a modem British fragrance company
with strong eco-credentials. “Scents with uplifting
notes, including lemon or orange, can energise us,”
adds Jerome Epinette, the ‘nose for the Floral Street
range, “as can lemongrass, clary sage and rosemary.”
Michelle likes to use a citrus-based scent around
her house to kickstart her morning or revive her when
her energy levels are flagging. Don’t be put offby terms
such as top notes and base notes, she adds. “It’s just
another way of talking about ingredients.” Top notes
are the scentsyou smell immediately but which then
recede. Base notes are the richer scents that linger.
NOW RELAX...
To helpyou unwind after a hectic day of cooking, cleaning
or wrapping presents, Michelle recommends a ‘deeper,
darker' fragrance such as those with indulgent, sweet
and gourmand elements - food-based ingredients that
you feelyou can almost taste as well as smell, such as
coffee, saffron and nutty aromas.
“There has been a huge movement towards gourmand
fragrances recently,” she explains. “They really smell
good enough to eat, their ingredients evoking feelings
of comfort and joy. For instance, the serene Sweet
Almond Blossom home scent that we’ve crafted in
collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in
Amsterdam isdefinitelyyour cosy up in front of
the festive fireplace’aroma.”
“Quite a few of the essential oils can help induce
feelings of relaxation too, especially notes of lavender,
ylangylang, sage, basil and vanilla,” Jerome adds.
“Star anise also works well. Woods and resins - such
as eucalyptus, frankincense, sandalwood, palo santo,
patchouli and cedarwood - are thought to have relaxing
properties, too.” A good example of this is Floral Street’s
Fireplace candle, a blend ofjuniper and birch leafwith
a touch of raspberry, which evokes ‘winter evening
warmth’, aids relaxation and takes Michelle back to the
fireside of her own childhood Christmases.
Michelle also believes in the value of simple rituals
such as lighting a candle. “It’s a little like whenyou’re
doing that in church,” she says. “It creates a moment for
you. You have to pause whatever elseyou’re doing and ►
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 133
ARTISANS & PRODUCERS
Since I first smelt gardenias, I’ve been
captivated by the power of scent”
that can be veiy healthy at this busy time ofyear.”
On Christmas Day, Michelle recommends using
subtle fragrances that bring out the best of the
natural aromas aroundyou: “We have a pine forest
by our house in Worcestershire and collect cones
there throughout theyear. I cut greeneiy to bring
into the house and then enhance and complement
it with warm fragrances.” Woody nutty, deeper
aromas capture the best of winter’s outdoor scents.
SCENT AND EMOTION
We have strong emotional reactions to scent, adds
Jerome, so it’s important to strike the right note.
“The parts of the brain where smell, emotions and
memories are processed are all intertwined,” he says.
“This means that smell is the sense most strongly
linked to emotion and memory so it often induces
nostalgia or specific memories and feelings.” Echoing
this, Michelle advises followingyourown preferences
for fragrance: “Since the age of three, when I first
smelt the gardenias in my great grandmother’s
cottage in Ireland, I’ve been captivated by the power
of scent and how it links toyour personality”
One warm, welcoming and widely liked aroma is
vanilla. You could use a fragrance based on this in
the hall and main entertaining space, whether
that’s the kitchen or living room. But beware of too
many scented candles or reeds in a diffuser in an
area where food will be served, as it could overwhelm
the smell of the food and also affect its taste.
SCENT STORY
After a career with major beauty brands in the UK and USA,
Michelle moved back to London and founded Floral Street.
She sources ingredients sustainably to produce vegan and
cruelty-free perfumes packed in fully recyclable and
biodegradable pulp boxes. Also, she says, "I'm against the use
of sexuality to sell scents - it's degrading and old fashioned."
SCENTSCAPING
Michelle also suggests using different fragrances
according to the time of day, whoyou are with and
what you are doing. In the morning, for example, she ш
likes to have an invigorating smell; in the evening, g
she prefers a cosier, richer scent. You could even	§
change the fragrancesyou use throughout the day	t
or put different ones around the house - a techn ique g
called ‘scentscaping’.	|
Of course,you might just want to keep things	5
simple and choose a light scent throughoutyour
house that makesyou think of home or evokes the
sense of a wintry forest. After all,you don’t want to
feelyou must resort to using relaxing scents just	g
to helpyou unwind from making decisions about
your home fragrance...	g
FOR MORE INFORMATION on Floral Street's range of
fragrances for you and your home, and to buy online, <
go to floralstreet.com. Country Living readers are offered g
a discount of 20% on all single full-size products by 5
quoting CL2320.	J
134 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk
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INTERIORS
ARTISANS & PRODUCERS



- n her home in Deal, Kent, block printer and designer
Trudi Savin is standing on tiptoe to reach the upper
branches of a spruce. The tree is decorated with
vintage baubles and fairy lights, as well as gilded
Christmas crackers and origami stars, finished with a
—L flourish of ribbon orgold, that Trudi has made herself
“My ethos is craft-based, design-led,” she says. “I’m not drawn
to machine-made things -1 can’t see the beauty in them.”
Today all is quiet, but tomorrow Trudi will welcome guests
to a festive block-printing workshop at her studio near the
beach and right opposite Deal Castle. “People feel proud to
take something home they’ve created themselves,” she says,
“a unique piece they can decorate withyear afteryear.”
Growing up, Trudi would wander the aisles of Paperchase
and Liberty, transfixed by the shelves of stationeiy. “I’ve long
had an obsession with good-quality paper. I know it might
sound odd, but I love the smell and feel of it,” she says. As
an adult, she took up haberdashery, sewing wedding
dresses when her daughter Daisy was small. An invitation
to the wedding of a film director friend, however, made her
consider craft as a career. “I’ve always believed handmade
is superior to shop-bought,” she says. “So 1 decided to make
my own gift.” Trudi filled a hamper with luxury food, each
item in a decorative drawstring bag. “The bride was delighted,
and loved the idea of re-using the bags,” she adds.
REPEAT PROCESS
Soon afterwards, Trudi was recommended to Angel Hughes,
the owner of interiors emporium Tobias and the Angel in
Barnes, south-west London. “Angel had just acquired 3,000
traditional wooden hand blocks and had no idea howto use
them,” Trudi recalls. “She asked me to help and we started
practising.” Over the next 12years, Trudi worked at Tobias
and the Angel, making textiles and teaching block-printing
workshops: “I was hooked from the start. It’s a veiy basic
technique, but what starts as one simple shape can quickly
transform when repeated, mirrored or printed diagonally,
Trudi's home, decked out in
rich colours for Christmas,
is a fine advertisement for
her own work - from pretty
crackers to inventive
decorations and cards.
Even her paint brushes
have a festive appearance
140 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countrylwing.com/uk
ARTISANS & PRODUCERS
“I’ve long had an obsession with good-
quality paper. I love the smell and feel of it”
soyou can take something blank and make it beautiful.”
Although block-printing is thought to have originated in
third-centuiy China, many of today’s most recognisable
geometric, botanical and paisley designs were created by
Indian artisans from the 1300s. “Some of the authentic
wooden blocksyou see are hundreds ofyears old,” Trudi says.
“You can never quite predict how they 11 transfer onto surfaces,
but anticipation and experimentation is part of the fun.”
PASSION FOR PRINT
Trudi and fellow stationeiy enthusiast Sophie Morton, who
also worked at Tobias and the Angel, set up Yateley Papers
in 2015, using their own hand-carved blocks to embellish
eveiything from pencil pots to greetings cards. Sophie left
the business to focus on her family, but Trudi has continued
to produce stylish home accessories and pass on her passion
for printing. “You don’t need any real experience to give it a
go. 1 think people are genuinely surprised when they stand
back and see what they’ve made -1 love being a part of that.”
Tomorrow’s session will start early, with pupils practising
on paper before attempting anything more arduous. “I have
to rein eveiyone in a little to begin with - when they see the
choice of blocks, it can all get a bit ‘kid in a candy shop’,”
Trudi says. “But after lunch it’s another stoiy - people are
so immersed in what they’re doing,you could hear a pin
drop.” Attendees can make eveiything from printed linen
napkins to gilt gift wrap. “Christmas can be a time of huge
waste, but after my classes every last scrap of paper is cut
up, folded or used to cover a book or diaiy,” she says.
Most crafters tire creative types keen to tiy out traditional
techniques, but there have been exceptions: “1 once had
pharmaceutical employees on a teambuilding exercise. They’d
been given the task of decorating a journal reflecting their
role within the team. It was quite bizarre and veiy chaotic,
but eveiyone seemed to have a good time. The workshops
make a great group activity and I can also tailor them.”
Trudi has “countless” wooden printing blocks acqui red from
auctions and antiques shops, but is keen to make her own,
too - each takes 12 to 14 hours to carve. “I never know where
inspiration will come from. It’s usually travel, nature or the
seasons, but it can come from anywhere and eveiything.”
The tree is now nearly complete but there’s still more for
Trudi to decorate with Daisy. “There’s a lot of gold in our
house at Christmas, and a beautiful fairy from Tobias and
the Angel for the top of the tree,” Trudi says. “My style may be
a bit over the top for some, but in my opinion, when it comes
to Christmas, there’s no such thing as too much.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION on Trudi's block-printing workshops,
silk scarf and lampshade classes, and to buy her printed stationery
and homeware, visit yateleypapers.co.uk.
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 141
CRAFT
LOOKS
Let the humble pine cone play a multitude of roles, from
support act to centre stage, with our conifer crafts
WORDS AND PRODUCTION BY ALAINA BINKS
IN THE EK WE
A piece of card with a decoratively cut
aperture and cone* tied in place within
it makes a unique gift tag. Draw and cut
out a shape - this scallop edge pleasingly
mimics the shape of the cone - and write a
short ‘to’ and ‘from’ on the reverse. Secure
ribbon to the base of the cone with florist’s
wire and then tie to the card.
Florist's wire, £1/25g, hobbycraft.co.uk.
Gingham ribbon, £2.7O/3m, janemeans.com
CENTRE OF VTTENTION
To make this pretty arrangement,you’ll
need candles1 of different heights and a
low dish or tray. Secure the candles with
candle grips, Bin Tack or a glue gun. Build
up a layer of cones* and add fresh hellebore
flowers just beforeyour guests arrive,
keeping them clear of the candle flames.
You could also use small potted hellebores
or cyclamens, depending on how bigyour
arrangement is.
Charles Farris Candle Grips, £3/25,
johnlewis.com
‘ONLY COLLECT SMALL AMOUNTS OF FALLEN CONES FROM THE WILD AND NEVER TAKE FROM PRIVATE LAND WITHOUT THE
LANDOWNER'S PERMISSION. ’NEVER LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS
142 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk
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SW COXES
Draw and cut out a flat, symmetrical
pine cone template from stiff card
and use this to cut out shapes in
several layers of newspaper. Layer the
newspaper pine cones on top of one
another and sew down the centre with a
heavy-duty sewing machine, or by hand
with a thick needle and thread - use an
awl to make holes if necessaty Fold the
layers to fan them out. These look good
runni ng down the middle of a dining
table as a wintiy centrepiece.
Beading awl tool, £4.80,
hobbycraft.co.uk
CRAFT
DARLING BUDS
Topped with posies of cypress and
dried rosebuds, these cones* make
sweet decorations and are perfect for
a winter wedding. Make the posy (you
may need to glue the rosebuds onto the
greenery) and tie to the top of the cone
with red velvet ribbon. Hang on the
backs of chairs or use to decorate the
table or place settings.
Dried rosebuds, from £5.99/100g,
daisyshop.co.uk. Velvet ribbon,
£7.99/9m, floristrywarehouse.com
‘ONLY COLLECT SMALL AMOUNTS OF FALLEN CONES FROM THE WILD AND
NEVER TAKE FROM PRIVATE LAND WITHOUT THE LANDOWNER'S PERMISSION

STARBl RST
This long-lasting ‘wreath’ can stay on
display allyear round. Cut a circle of card
as a base and use a glue gun to secure each
cone* in place on the card. Work from the
outside in, overlapping the cones and
moving towards the middle in a loose spiral.
Finish with a smaller cone at the centre.
Long fir cones, £7.95/20, bakerross.co.uk
LARCH LOOP
A circlet of larch cones* glued together
turns into a rustic decoration whenyou
add a length of ribbon to hang it from the
tree. You could also use this to decorate
presents and napkins on a dressed table.
Larch cones, £2.47/12, bambinoplanet.co.uk
CRAFT
Pine cones and candles go
together like holly and ivy - the
perfect Christmas companions
‘ONLY COLLECT SMALL AMOUNTS OF FALLEN CONES FROM THE WILD AND NEVER TAKE FROM PRIVATE LAND WITHOUT THE LANDOWNER'S PERMISSION.
*NEVER LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES UNATTENDED OR WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALUN CALLENDER; EWA/CAROLINE BURECK;
HOUSE OF PICTURES/KIRA BRANDT; LIVING4MEDIA/COLIN COOK; NARRATIVES/LIVING4MEDIA/RICHARD GADSBY; LIVING4MEDIA/SEASONS AGENCY
LIGHT WDSII \DE
Add country charm to a hurricane lamp
by surrounding a pillar candle1 with
pine cones*. Finish with a length of
gingham ribbon for festive colour. As
the candle begins to bum down, either
replace it or remove some of the cones,
to prevent them catching fire.
Hurricane candle holder, from £10,
johnlewis.com. Gingham ribbon,
£2.7O/3m, janemeans.com
GATHER GARLANDS
Nestle cones*, baubles and berries into
cut fi r or spruce - or secure them with
wire - for a relaxed garland thatyou can
tailor to the length of a shelf, mantel or
windowsill. Wire the branches together
if they move out of place or spring back
from whereyou would like them to sit.
Gold artificial berries, £6.95/100,
bakerross.co.uk
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 147
WORDS BY LAURAN ELSDEN
frA •:
HIGHLAND
GOW
These bovine beauties are gentle
and sociable but also perfectly adapted
to the rigours of highland life
JF "Л he oldest registered cattle breed
'	’in the world originated in the
Scottish Highlands and Islands,
1	where they served as a ‘house cow’
forcenturies. Fanners from all
________over Britain would descend on
the markets of Falkirk, Crieffand Carlisle to
purchase these ‘Scots runts’ (so called for their
comparatively small size), with thousands of
guineas changing hands for good examples.
Famed for a wavy coat ofginger, black, brown
or brindle and long, curved horns, these cows
may look formidable but have a friendly, curious
character. Whileyou’re most likely to spot them
in the wilds of Scotland, they thrive south of the
border, too - eveiywhere from the South Downs
to the fens of East Anglia. Find out more at
highlandcattlesociety.com.

OUTDOORS
[CEAND
XRTIFICE
WORDS BY PAULA McWATERS
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MIMI CONNOLLY
Г ”Г‘
The low sun sets copper beech and
hornbeams aflame in a frosty garden
r - full of playful and dramatic flourishes



OUTDOORS
PREVIOUS PAGES In the
herb/cottage garden,
plants including Verbena
bonariensis and fennel are
left for winter structure
OPPOSITE The hornbeam
walk, with its lollipop-
clipped Carpinus betulus,
seems to glow with inner
light; frost shimmers on
umbellifer, physalis,
Hydrangea quercifolia,
Erysimum and a head
of Aphrodite
THIS PAGE The sun
rises through Juniperus
scopulorum 'Skyrocket'
in a feature added in 2001
- with the 'Toune Priory'
cloisters in the background
hen winter sunlight is peeping
through the bare hornbeam hedges, and
skeletal stems and desiccated seed heads are
sugar-dusted with hoar frost, Maggie McGrath
will be out with her camera, capturing the
spectacle. Both she and her husband Anthony
derive pleasure from their Sussex garden eveiy
day oftheyear - which is just as well because a
garden as densely planted as theirs demands
attention allyear round.
“It’s crazy to have a high-maintenance garden
this size,” Anthony says, “but it’s wonderful to
live in - and to share with visitors - so that’s
what keeps us doing it.” The two of them make
a great team: Anthony is ‘big picture’ and chief
propagator, and has charge of the herb/cottage
garden and the aromatic garden they call
Chequers because it has a giant chessboard at
its heart. Maggie is all about ‘detail and colour’,
masterminding the extensive borders, the rose
garden and the endless deadheading. “We’re
fortunate to have had able assistance, too,
particularly from gardener Roy Black, plus
Amelia and Justyn,” she says.
The McGraths have a mischievous, playful
side to them that comes out in the visitors’
signage they have put around Toune Priory
the full-size Romanesque church ‘ruin’ they
have created in hornbeam, complete with
buttresses, processional walkway, cloisters and
what else but a ‘RamblingRector’ rose. The signs
are deliberately misleading (“Not untruthful!”
Anthony assures) to give the impression that
the hedge outline just might mark the site of
an ancient edifice. In fact, it has stood here for
only 20years, and is the result of a madcap idea
they had while on holiday to create something
monumental that would fill the extra section
of land they had recently purchased from the
neighbouring farm.
SENSE OF PLACE
They are nothing if not ambitious. The nave
of the priory created with more than 1,000
horn beam whips (one-year-old saplings),
which they planted in 2001, is as long as that
of Chichester Cathedral, and the hedges now
reach some 4.2 metres high. It has great presence
and recently set the scene for their daughter’s
wedding. “You need these quiet, calm areas to
balance the busy ones,” Maggie says, gesturing
towards the Long Borde rand the Rose Garden,
both densely packed with plants.
Sissinghurst provided inspiration for the
McGraths when they embarked on planning
the garden. “I loved reading Harold Nicolson’s ►
countrylivbig.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 153
OUTDOORS
THIS PAGE Perennials are
left standing over winter
to protect their roots from
the cold and to make the
most of their seed heads
- which look delightful
when silvered by frost
OPPOSITE In 2005-6 an
area was cleared and
replanted. The new design
features three topiary
yews inspired by the
sculptures of Henry
Moore, arranged as if in
conversation. The grass
around them is Miscanthus
sinensis 'Adagio'
diaries,” Anthony explains, “and as 1 used to
commute to London during the week, I
identified with him in the way that he would
return to his bolthole at the weekend and
design a new area of garden.”
All their projects have been sketched out on
paper first - they divided up the open lawns
with lines of hedging, creating a series of distinct
areas. One of the first to go in was the hornbeam
walk of 16 lollipop-pruned trees in two rows,
flanked by copper beech hedging.
DOWN TO EARTH
The perennial plants and grasses in the garden
are all left to stand overwinter, both to provide
cover for wildlife and to protect the plants’ roots.
Eveiything that can be is shredded and goes to
make compost, which is spread back on the
borders as mulch after it has rotted down. “The
house is built on sandstone and in some areas of
the garden we found we had only about 8cm of
soil, so we have had to do a lot of improving over
theyears,” Maggie says. “We are more or less
organic now,” Anthony adds.
Although the garden reaches a crescendo in
summer - the herb/cottage garden and the
herbaceous borders are packed with plants so
that not a square of soil remains to be seen - it is
the structural elements that give Town Place
such great form in winter. A striking feature is
an area where three topiaiyyew shapes, inspired
by the sculptures of Hemy Moore, appear to be
in conversation with each other.
Anthony is always looking to add height to the
garden but got more than he bargained for with
the two lines of Juniper ‘Skyrocket that mark
what is known as the processional way leading
to the prioiy. “We were told they would reach
two and a half metres, but in 22years they have
zoomed up to six metres and show no sign of
stopping. They are shallow-rooted, so we feared
the wind might take them, but they’re so flexible
that they bend with the force,” Maggie says.
After 30-plusyears of gardening at Town
Place, Anthony and Maggie are at that stage
where they are “going round again”, reworking
areas that need refreshing. Hundreds of plants
are grown from seed and cuttings, so come the
spring the couple find themselves beetling
around the garden looking for places to squeeze
in more. It might be high maintenance but
they’re not giving up on it any timeyet.
TOWN PLACE, Scaynes Hill, East Sussex, is open for
the National Garden Scheme and by arrangement to
groups in June and July each year. See ngs.org.uk or
townplacegarden.org.uk for details.
154 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk
'V '
s Henry Moore
opiury provides striking solid


HOMES
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WORDS BY CAROLINE ATKINS PHOTQGRAPHS BY BRENT DARBY
PRODUCTION BY BEN KENDRICK
156 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
OPPOSITE Tiny white lights
adorn the front of the house,
giving a hint of the festivities
within THIS PAGE The deep
blue kitchen walls provide a
dramatic backdrop for Chris's
sumptuous floral displays
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 157
Some houses really come
into their own at Christmas.
This is one of them. Home
for the past 21 years to
Chris Sharpies and Jon
Moore, the handsome 1822
building in the vil lage of
Compton near Guildford, Surrey, and the rich colours of its
furnishings, are the perfect backdrop for holly an dean dielight.
Chris is a freelance florist and head gardener at the nearby
Watts Galleiy, Jon is an executive creative director in design
and advertising. When they bought the house, says Chris,
“We loved it as it was and knew we would leave it 90 per cent
unchanged.” Chris was particularly excited by the fact that it
had been home to the Jekyll family’s nanny in the early1900s,
so Gertrude Jelyll herself may have spent time in the garden.
For all its grand appearance, this is not a large house. But
there’s no wasted space, with rooms that flow hospitably into
one another, takingyou in a circle from the dining room to the
kitchen (the dividing wall between them now removed) and
back to the drawing room. The sense ofwelcome that starts
with the holly wreath Chris fashioned for the front door is ►
158 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk


HOMES
reinforced by comfortable furnishings, dark wooden
floorboards, blue and white china and creative paintwork.
In the deep blue dining room an oak re fectoiy table,
surrounded by Arts and Grafts chairs from a local
antiques shop, is “just made for Christmas,” Chris says.
“It’s long but narrow enough for people to sit opposite
each othercomfortably without taking up the whole
room.” He has dressed it with a dramatic arrangement
of blue and purple anemones, orange ranunculus and
flame-hued roses. “You don’t have to go for red just
because it’s Christmas,” he says. The eclectic mix of tin,
bronze and tarnished silver includes candlesticks
holding slim rolled beeswax tapers: “They’re Greek
church candles - we have dozens of them, brought
back from trips to the Greek islands.”
If the flowers are Chris’s area of expertise, the kitchen
becomes Jon’s domain for Christmas Day The dining
room flowers don’t leave much room for serving dishes,
so a buffet-style lunch is served from the kitchen.
The Christmas tree (always a locally grown one to
support an important rural business) stands next door ►
OPPOSITE Gifts wrapped
in beautiful paper from
the Watts Gallery gift shop
(wattsgallery.org.uk) are
enticingly piled up on the
sofa, beneath an eclectic
collection of art, which
includes Jon's own work
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE
FROM TOP Chris brings in
greenery to decorate the
house; bathed in winter light,
the stairwell is hung with
architectural drawings; velvety
anemones on the dining table,
illuminated by beeswax tapers
countrylwing.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 161
in the drawing room window. Its decorations - collected
over the years and all with their own stories - gleam
against the deep pink of the picture-lined walls. The
individual trimmings include one native American
decoration, another from Lyons, and a classic gold
bauble decoupaged by Chris with cut-out images from
the pages of Country Living. Slim garlands of tiny-leaved
butcher’s broom swagged across the mantelpieces add
more greeneiy, wound with white lights and hung with
old chandelier droplets bought from French and Italian
street markets.
Chris and Jon have a strong sense of tradition and
collecting but also wide-ranging tastes. As Chris says,
“We’re not tiying to reconstruct a Jane Austen set.”
Nevertheless, Christmas is a traditional affair in this
house, starting with Midnight Mass at the beautiful
Norman church just down the road.
There will usually be half a dozen adults in the house
on the day, with presents left until the afternoon and
opened ceremonially, one at a time, to make the process
last longer. There will be smoked salmon and mince pies,
and board games around the fire. And the last of the low
winter sun will enrich the colours and textures before an
even ing of candlel it compan ion sh ip.
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE
FROM RIGHT More presents
are transformed into tantalising
parcels in the bedroom;
Staffordshire pottery figurines
on the mantelpiece
OPPOSITE No room is left
untouched by Christmas -
there are even candles and
holly in the bathroom
162 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.coni/uk

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ARTISANS к PRODUCERS
INSPIRATION
At Turvey Abbey in
Bedfordshire, Benedictine

THIS PAGE Participants in the iconography courses are drawn not only to the beautiful,
vivid colours of the art, but also to the mindful nature of the work in the peaceful
surroundings of Turvey Abbey, home to a small Benedictine community
OPPOSITE Sister Esther (left) and Sister Benedict enjoy a moment of study and reflection
ARTISANS & PRODUCERS
ARTISANS & PRODUCERS
Г"1 here is a hushed silence in the lofty
' studio at Turvey Abbey in Bedfordshi re.
Outside, the trees are bare and there is
a sharp nip in the air. But inside, under
the watchful eye of their teacher Sister
—L	Esther, students pore over paintings
aglowwith fieiy colours. They are creating icons, an
ancient art form valued as an aid to prayer and reflection.
But this course, one of several held across the country, is
open to anyone - with or without a faith.
Sister Esther, a nun at the Priory of Our Lady of Peace,
the Benedictine community that lives at this 17th-century
abbey, has been creating icons for more than 20years.
She knew she wanted to be a nun in her teens, joining the
order at just 21. But it was a visit to the Byzantine chapel
at the Order’s Mother House in Belgium that drew her to
icons. “1 had a tingling sensation in my hands,” she says.
“I felt called to paint them.”
‘Writing icons’, as the skill is known, involves exacting
techniques. “To master the art,you have to draw, draw,
draw,” she says. “You need to study the Roman alphabet
[the Latin source of our alphabet] and learn calligraphy.”
Afteryears of training, Sister Esther has created dozens
of icons, and many hang at the Abbey. She is particularly
fond of drawing St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of
the environment, because of his connection to nature.
SOUNDS OF SILENCE
Over a week-long course, not only will students produce
a precious work of art, but they will also enjoy respite
from the hurly-burly oftheir secular lives. Many
comment on how much they appreciate the stillness
of the work, which is in contrast to their often hectic
home lives. As one artist says: “It’s a pause, a chance
to be mindful. But I also feel connected to something
in flnite, drawing on a reservoir of wisdom and energy.
Painting in silence is comforting.”
To create an icon, students first cover a piece of
hardwood with muslin and several coats ofgesso, a white
paint made from glue and chalk. When this hardens,
they sand it repeatedly, so it resembles marble. Then
they outline their design on paper before tracing it onto
the board. Next comes gilding, after which the gold leaf
is polished to a mirror-like surface with a burnisher.
Once it’s diy students colour in their designs using egg
tempera, which they mix themselves from eggyolk,
water, clear alcohol and natural pigments. Colours have
symbolism. Blue is given to the Virgin Maiy,yellow
indicates light and purity, red is the colour of martyrs,
charity and thejqyoflife, while white and gold symbolise
the brightness of day. It’s fine to make mistakes as a
beginner, says Sister Esther. “It all requires patience.”
She is now president of the British Association of
Iconographers, which she co-founded in 1999, but her life
could have been veiy different. After leaving school at 16,
she trained as a nursely nurse, before working as a nanny
and in HR. “I had a boyfriend,” she says. “I could easily
have married, but I wanted to tiy this way of life first.”
There were once 20 nuns in the community, but it’s now
made up ofjust seven, ranging in age from their mid-
fifties to their early eighties. As Sister 7оё, the Prioress,
notes, “The vow to live with the same women in the same
building, for the rest ofyour life, is not eveiyone’s
preference.” But while the community may be small, the
art of icon writing is alive and well, thanks to the efforts
ofSister Esther. It is, she says, open to all. “Some of my
best students have not been Catholic. One was Buddhist.
Eveiyone can appreciate the beauty of the icons.”
TO FIND an iconography course near you, visit the British
Association of Iconographers at bai.org.uk.

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FIND OUT ABOUT ALL OF THIS AND
MORE AT COUNTRYLIVING.COM/UK
CHRISTMAS FAIRS
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 171
Christmas that we all find so magical?
Is it spending quality time with family
and friends? Could it be tucking into
delicious food and drink? Maybe it’s all
those hours spent craftingyour own
decorations to makeyour home extra
special? Or the gifts, beautifully wrapped
and sitting under the tree? Thisyear,
why not pop along to one of the Countiy
Living Christmas Fairs and experience
all this and more under one roof?
At thisyear’s Fairs - London
(8-11 Nov), Glasgow (16-19 Nov) and
Harrogate (30 Nov-3 Dec) - the variety of
goodies on otter will be better than ever,
with hundreds of handpicked artisans
selling eveiything from artworks and
homeware to clothing, accessories,
jewelleiy, fragrance, children’s toys
and much, much more. There are even
ideas for the furry friend inyour life!
Pause for a face-to-face chat with these
talented makers, and discover the
intriguing stories behind their brands
and how they turned their hobbies into
thriving businesses. We’ve showcased
a few of them here (top right), but ifyou
can’t wait for the Fairs and want to get a
headstart onyour Christmas shopping,
turn the page for a taster of the
wonderful array of fabulous gifts on
otter at the Countiy Living Marketplace.
Book tickets for our Fairs now at
country livingfair.com
CALLING ALL CRAFTERS
The Countiy Living Fairs are so much
more than a great Christmas shopping
day out. As well as finding perfect gifts
foreveiyone onyour list,you can take
part in craft workshops too. Whether
you’re an experienced maker or an
enthusiastic beginner,you can learn
how to create needle-felted baubles,
reindeer bunting, Christmas table
decorations and more, and leave with
not only newskills, but something truly
handmade to keep foryears to come.
Tickets for these workshops can be
booked in advance, so don’t miss out.
Book now at country livingfair.com/
crafting-workshops
FOODIE HEAVEN
Brand new for 2023 is the Countiy
Living Christmas Table, a fun and
informative space whereyou can learn
how to create delicious cocktails and
canapes, and upyour hosting game with
top tablescapingtips. Chefs Marcus Bean
and Becky Wilkinson will be joined by
a host of guests for live cookeiy demos
and tailored tasting sessions, so book
your space at this exclusive table now.
You’ll also find our dedicated Countiy
Living Foodhall, a magical food and
drink emporium packed with delicious
festive treats, including a wide range of
tasty and sustainable vegetarian and
vegan alternatives. Hereyou’ll discover
unique products, have a chance to talk
to the experts and pick up fabulous
recipe ideas to impressyour guests and
makeyour Christmas extra special.
Book у our foodie experiences now at
country livingfair.com/country -living-
christmas-table
PICTURE THIS!
Not only canyou do allyour Ch ristmas
shopping, butyou can also experience
a virtual journey to some of the world’s
most beautiful, fascinating destinations
in The Countiy Living Iconic Images
Galleiy, in partnership with Viking
172 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk
CHRISTMAS FAIRS
THE CHEESE
CONNECTION
“Myfamily didn't
eat much cheese,"
says co-founder
Luke, “so at
Christmas Id
have my own - Bath Blue is
a favourite - andsomeport,
andfeel very smug!Blue is
a good choice at Christmas
because it has a deep,
'winter'flavour!'
Exhibiting at London, Glasgow
and Harrogate - artisan cheeses
Exhibiting at London - organic
chocolate and truffles
SALCOMBE DAIRY
“We have a huge
familyand
Ch ristmas is
magical,”says
co-founder
Lucia. “Candles on the tree,
ivy and berries decorating
ourfarmhouse, andmuch
feasting. Its also very busy in
our chocolate factory, with
our elves making sure all the
orders areposted on time ”
HILARY
STRICKLAND ART
“Ilove seeing
all my friends
and family at
Christmas, ’’says
Hilary. “Wego
for long walks with the
dog and gather holly to
decorate the house. We
always go carol-singing too
- it’s guaranteed to make
you feel Christmassy.”
Exhibiting at Harrogate - linens,
homeware, prints and cards
Turn the page to whet your appetite with great
gift ideas from the Country Living Marketplace
Cruises. Take time out to meander
through an amazing collection of travel
photography from Viking as well as
stunning images from Country Living
magazine - the Gallery is a must-visit
attraction duringyour time at the Fairs.
AND RELAX...
When it’s time to take a break from
all that shopping, just head over to the
Festive Bar. With its warm, inviting
atmosphere, comfortable seating and
soft lighting, it’s the perfect place to
unwind with a glass of fizz, a mulled
wine or a cocktail.
Also new for2023 is the Country
Living Subscriber’s Lounge, a special
space at the fair that’s open exclusively
for subscribers to our magazine. It will
host special events such as tasting
sessions and demonstrations, and give
you an opportunity to meet members
of the Country Livingteaxn.
As Country Living Editor-in-Chief
Louise Pearce says: “The Country
Living Christmas Fair marks the start
of my festive season. It’s the perfect
excuse for a day out with familyand
friends and a really fun wcy to begin
your Christmas shopping -1 always find
inspiration for those hard-to-buy-for
people here. Thisyear’s Fairs are better
than ever, with lots of new workshops,
expert demonstrations and fabulous
artisans selling individual, handcrafted
wares. Hope to seeyou there!”
TIC KETS!
Don't miss your chance to win the
ultimate festive experience with
a VIP visit to one of the Country
Living Christmas Fairs for you
and a friend! Lucky winners will
enjoy fast-track entry to the fair
of their choice:
□ London, 8-11 November;
□	Glasgow, 16-19 November;
□	Harrogate 30 November-
3 December
Inside you can shop, indulge in
unlimited bubbles, and unwind in
a special VIP lounge retreat. Enter
now for this unmissable chance to
elevate your Christmas and
embrace the
festive spirit in
unparalleled
style! Just scan
the QR code
(right) to enter.
Ts & Cs apply.
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 173
174 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk
ARTISAN GIFT GUIDE
Stoneware clay dishes, £24
each, Adorn Ceramics
Ruby ring in sterling silver
and 9ct yellow gold, £65,
Lucy With Diamonds
Oxley tealight block,
£14, Hyrst
A Beautiful
Bee Tin of Gin,
£35/50cl, Gin
in a Tin
Terracotta
tealight holders
in frosted glaze,
£14 each, Adorn
Ceramics
Chocolate five-bar
gift box, £27.50,
Salcombe Dairy
Tartan dress lead
in Scott Green
£35, Doggy Boho
Wall-hung
ceramic
angels, £125
each, Sarah
Rickard Art
MERRY "
CHRISTMAS
Traditional Christmas tea,
£13.99, Babingtons
BABINGl
EST. 18
TEA IS ALWAYS
A GOOD IDEA
PHOTOGRAPH BY ADAMS & MACK
Gwels Ha Gwyns bangle
in ethical or recycled
gold, from £290,
Francesca Stella Jewellery
Flights of Fancy velvet
washbag, £32,
Eliza Nellie Ltd
AT CHRISTMAS
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 175
Bergamot & Blood Orange
sugar hand scrub gift set,
£18.50, Tam Mason Skincare
Country pheasant
recycled doormat,
£49.95, Ocean Mats
Angelic
Schnauzer
decoration,
£35, Sarah
Rickard Art
Vitus hare door knocker
in aged brass, £159.99,
Full moon ceramic
decoration, £30,
Sarah Rickard Art
Painted oak door
wedges, £9 each,
The Little Oak
Company
Abu Dhabi
eau de parfum
£7O/3Oml,
Gallivant
Perfumes
Sycamore
food board,
£48, Hyrst
Artichoke
etched enamel
mug, £16,
Lino Lord
Porcelain Christmas
envelope decoration, from
£8, Amanda Mercer Ceramic
Design & Loveliness
Linocut hand-
printed bauble,
£12, Buttons, Beads
and Blanket Stitch
Linen tea towels with
garden design, £18 each,
Helen Round
Secret
bath bomb (with
hidden message
inside), £6.90, The
Eden Collections
Hand-printed PJ shorts,
£45, Nologo-Chic
Adams & Mack
176 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
ARTISAN GIFT GUIDE
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 177
г
г
Poppy dog print
Tencel pyjamas,
£90, Tessie Clothing
Cilindri stud earrings in ethic
or recycled gold, from £144
Francesca Stella Jewellery
Make-your-own
willow deer kit,
£57, Rachel
Harwood
Willow
Stoneware
clay bowl
in Coastal
glaze, £28,
Adorn
Ceramics
Floral fabric
wrap set, £14,
Floradore
Painted oak
bird box, £30,
The Little Oak
Company
Gold-plated stars
bracelet, £30,
Zamsoe
Antique copper
photo frame,
from £27,
Mytri Designs
Festive cards, £3.40 each;
hand-finished gift tags, £4.45/4,
Nicky Baker - the Wight Pencil
Mother Shipton
and Black Medick
silk embroidery
kit, from £80,
Victoria
Matthewson
Embroidery
Reed diffuser in Awaken,
£25, Made Kind
HERBS
Lavender and chamomile eye pillow in Liberty
London Strawberry Thief J print, £26, Holme & Moss
Herbs seed box with gloves, claws and
markers, £12.99, Garden Pack
AWAK6N
178 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
ARTISAN GIFT GUIDE
Let sleeping dogs lie
)7 on this cosy comfy
and oh-so-cute bed
Corduroy dog bed,
from £105, sizzle & Bo°
countryliving.coTn/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 179
PTARMIGAN
Adept at camouflage, this member
of the grouse family even has winter
feathers on its feet, like snow shoes
WORDS BY SARAH OPENSHAW
Д ound in the Scottish Highlands,
' ptarmigans are home-loving birds,
J	living close to their breeding sites in
i	the mountains. Only severe weather
will persuade them down from the
_____ heights to the edge of the forests.
Their name derives from the Scottish Gaelic
word ‘tarmachan’, which means croaker,
because of the male’s rasping, rattling ciy. But
while they may not be musical, these birds have
an elegant method of camouflage. Their white
plumage disguises them in the winter snow, but
then they moult in the summer to become
brown, grey and black - making them hard to
spot against the rocky slopes on which they live.
Find out more at the British Trust for
Ornithology (bto.org).
PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES
180 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk

OUTDOORS
CAROU^LS
Why not pair one of the quirkier Christmas markets with
another fun local activity for a day out to remember?
WORDS BY SARAH OPENSHAW
GLAMIS CASTLE
CHRISTMAS MARKET
24 26 NOVEMBER
Shop like royalty in the courtyard of the castle that
was the beloved childhood home of Queen Elizabeth
The Queen Mother. As well as masses of local art and
crafts, there 11 be live music to entertain, lots of food
and drink (including a gin bar) and, for the children,
activities including story-telling and face-painting.
glamis-castle.co.uk	д
While you’re there
ExploTethe histoiy of Scottish bothies - small cottages originally
used by labourers but now offering shelter for walkers - housed in
The Gin Bothy, a group of old farm buildings in Glamis village. You
can also enjoyafternoon teas, gin tastings, a larder shop of local
produce and homewares, and traditional folk music evenings.
ginbotky.co.uk
182 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryliving.com/uk
'iw
While you’re there
Feel like blowing away the cobwebs?
Following disused railway lines, the
Camel Trail cycle path hugs the banks
of the River Camel then runs through
ancient woodland, and is level pretty
much all the way. Winter is a great time
to do it because once the trees lose their
leavesyou get wonderful views of the
estuaiy You can hire bicycles at various
points, stop for tea along the way, and
ride it in sections if the full 35 miles or
so from Padstow to Wenford Bridge and
back doesn’t appeal.
comwall.gov.uk/cameltrail ►
PADSTOW
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
7-10 DECEMBER
It will come as no surprise that this particular
comer of Cornwall has a food-oriented festival,
with plenty of gourmet street eats, cookery
demonstrations (30-plus chefs are currently on
the list) and take-away opportunities. But there
will be local arts, crafts and homewares too. The
action takes place along the town’s waterfront,
where lights will sparkle across the harbour,
making it all even more picturesque than usual.
padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 183
OUTDOORS
PORTMEIRION FOOD
AND GRAFT FAIR
1-5 DECEMBER
With a strict policy that everything is handmade in Wales, this
is a wonderfill showcase of local talent. Stalls are set up in the
extraordinaiy Italianate village built by architect Clough
Williams-Ellis, so while shoppingyou can admire the Baroque
architecture, explore the gardens and admire the views of the
Dwyiyd estuary. Then pause for food from one of the many stalls,
or listen to music from folk singers to brass bands.
portmeirion. wales
Whileyou’re there
Take a ride on the nearby Ffestiniog Railway - the world’s
oldest narrow-gauge train line. There are several routes
to choose from, including the three-hour Mountain
Spirit service that runs the length of the railway from
Porthmadog on the coast, through fields, woods and
tunnels as it climbs into the mountains. You’ll get
fabulous views along the way and time to catch your
breath at the top before the return journey.
festrail.co.uk
184 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countryiiviug.com/uk
STRATFORD ON
AVON VICTORIAN
CHRISTMAS
MARKET
7-10 DECEMBER
Wander the streets of Shakespeare’s home
town asyou visit more than 300 stalls with
sellers dressed in Victorian and other
costumes, offering crafts, homewares, food
and drink. A funfair includes a Victorian
carousel; stilt walkers and chimney sweeps
amble through the crowd; and there'll be
choirs and bands too. Stay till after dark to
see the streets light up - or maybe catch a
play at one of the three Royal Shakespeare
Company’s theatres.
stratford.gov.uk
While you’re there
The Mechanical Art and Design Museum
in Stratford - the UK’s only permanent
venue for mechanical art, particularly
kinetics and automata - mixes science,
fantasy and imagination in a display of
work by artists and inventors from all
over the world. Rolling ball sculptures,
mobiles and light art are just a few of the
fascinating pieces, with plenty of buttons
for visitors to press.
themadniuseum.co.uk ►
OPPOSITE The Italian-
styled village of
Portmeirion makes a
stunning backdrop to a
fair full of Welsh goodies;
the Ffestiniog Railway
runs through spectacular
scenery THIS PAGE, FROM
TOP Street entertainers
with lofty ambitions in
Stratford on Avon; sweet
treats await at the fair;
everything runs like
clockwork at the
Mechanical Art and
Design Museum
countrylwmg.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 185
ELY CATHEDRAL
CHRISTMAS GIFT
& FOOD FAIR
16-18 NOVEMBER
Local artisans will be selling jewelleiy
homewares, go unnet meats and
cheeses, olives and preserves in and
around the cathedral of Ely. Ifyou can
tearyourselfaway from the array of gifts
on otter, as well as the glorious medieval
building to admire, there’s a stained
glass museum in the cathedral, showing
8OOyears of this ancient art.
elycathedral.org/events/christmas-
fair-2O23
THIS PAGE, FROM TOP
Enjoying a Victorian-style
carousel in Ely; the
cathedral dominates
the landscape; floating
down The Backs (literally,
the back of the colleges)
of Cambridge in a punt
OPPOSITE Frome's
picturesque streets are
packed with fabulous
finds at Christmas; snow
settles on Frome's church
of St John the Baptist;
Tyntesfield puts on a
festive display
Whileyou’re there
Once the summer tourists have gone home, the waterways
of Cambridge provide a tranquil route around the city.
Not confident ofyour punting skills? You can take a
shared, guided tour or have a chauffeured private punt
and enjoy gliding along whileyou drink in the views of
the famous colleges. There are even trips whereyou’U be
accompanied by a church choir singing carols.
traditionalpuntingcompany.com
186 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
countyliving.com/uk
OUTDOORS
THE FROME
INDEPENDENT
5 DECEMBER
The charming Somerset town ofFrome
has been voted one of Britain’s coolest
places - and its award-winning monthly
street market is very much part of the
attraction. It celebrates individual
businesses, from seasoned traders to
start-ups who sell out of a suitcase, and
is always a major draw for visitors. But
when Christmas approaches it pulls out
all the stops as the ultimate gift-shopping
opportunity, taking over several streets.
Then there are all Frome’s independent
shops to explore too...
thefromeindependent.org.uk
While you’re there
Rescued and restored by the National
Trust in 2002, after being left open to
the elements following unrepaired
WWII bomb damage, Tyntesfield, a
glorious Victorian Gothic Revival house,
is crammed with fascinating objects.
From 2 December to 4 Januaiy it will be
decorated just as if it were still a grand
private home. There will also be festive
workshops such as wreath-making and
lino printing (2-15 December; do book in
advance) and an opportunity to stock
up on gifts in the shop.
na tionaltrust.org.uk/visit,/bath-bristol/
ty ntesfield/christmas-at-ty ntesfield ►
countryliving.com/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 187
DICKENS OF
A CHRISTMAS
AT OLNEY
5 DECEMBER
This Buckinghamshire town has one of the widest
high streets in the countiy, and eachyear as
Christmas approaches it’s transformed
into a slice of Victorian England. Stall
holders will be dressed in Dickensian
costume - along with many of the
locals too - and street organs, singers
and the Olney Brass Band keep the
festive spirit going. Take time
to admire the town’s pretty
honey-coloured stone
terraces, explore the alleys
and walkways, and maybe
visit the Cowper and
Newton Museum,
celebrating the life of the
local men who were
co-authors of the hymn
Amazing Grace.
olney towncouncil.gov.uk/event/
dickens-qf-a-christmas
While you're there
Visit the historic buildings of
Bletchley Park where the Allied
code-breakers - most famous
being Alan Turing (left) - worked
during World War 11. Their efforts
reportedly shortened the war by
two to fouryears, and also resulted
in the first programmable digital
electronic computer.
bletchleypark.org.uk
CHARTERHOUSE LONDON
21 NOVEMBER
Most of the buildings of the Charterhouse, a former Carthusian
monasteiy near the Barbican, date from the Tudor period, including
the impressive Great Chamber. It is an extraordinarily peaceful place,
in marked contrast to the nearby bustling Farringdon. But its acres of
wood panelling and huge oil paintings become a suitable backdrop to a
wonderful Christmas fair, where candlelit rooms are filled with exquisite
crafts, beautiful vintage items and mouthwatering foodie gifts.
thecharterhouse.org
DATES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS BUT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE
CHECK BEFORE TRAVELLING. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAMY; В BAKERY; ©NATIONAL TRUST
IMAGES/TREVOR RAY HART/ALANA WRIGHT; JAMES RAM; ADAM SHORE/KIELDER OBSERVATORY
While you’re there
14 NOVEMBER 51 DECEMBER
Want to see London’s Christmas lights but don’t want
to fight along the pavements crowded with throngs of
shoppers? Fond of patisserie? Then climb aboard
a proper old London double-decker and be served
a savouiy and sweet afternoon tea from Brigit’s Bakeiy
whileyou’re chauffeured around the sights.
b-bakery.com
188 COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023
OUTDOORS
HEXHAM CHRISTMAS
MARKET AND ABBEY FAIR
9 DECEMBER
With an 800year-old marketplace, this Northumberland town
knows how to put on a splendid Christmas fair, nestled around
Hexham Abbey. The Abbey, with its origins in the seventh centuiy,
dominates the town and rightly sits at the heart of the activities,
but there’s plenty more to see in this Northumbrian idyll with
buildings from the medieval to Georgian to art deco periods.
visitnorthumberland.co?n
Whileyou’re there
With little light pollution, Northumberland has pristine dark
skies, so a clear frosty night is the perfect time to wrap up and go
star-gazing. Kielder Observatoiy is open almost eveiy night of
theyear for expe rt guidance, tours and talks (booking essential).
kietderobservato7y.org
LEEK TWILIGHT MARKET
8 DECEMBER
William Morris came to Leek to study dyeing and printing
in the 1870s. With his mantra thatyou should have nothing
inyour house thatyou do not know to be useful, or believe
to be beautiful, he would probably have enjoyed a browse
through the vintage, craft and collectors market held in
the town eveiy Saturday. For one night at Christmas, there’s
a Friday evening market too, with gift stalls, street food
and drink, music and, of course, Santa for the little ones.
enjoystaffbrdshire.co77i/whats-on/leeks-tu}ilight-
marketpl99584>l
While you "re there
Take a stroll, a ramble withyour binoculars ora serious
hike around the Roaches. Whateveryoui abilities and
interests,you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views on
this curving ridge of land with its strange rock formations,
that’s also famous for its wildlife. Don’t miss the Don
Whillans Memorial Hut, a stone cottage wedged into the
hillside and, ifyou’re energetic, Lud’s Church, a chasm
created by a massive landslip and now covered in moss.
localwalks.(x>.uk/peak-district-walks-blog/the-7x>aches-wcdk
countryliving.cotn/uk
COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS 2023 189
COUNTRY LIVING
HOLIDAYS
COUNTRY LIVING
HOLIDAYS
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On a Country Living
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world. With accommo
fascinating excursions taken care of,
you'll be all set to explore and relax in the
company of new friends. Whether you
fancy gazing at dazzling starry skies with
an astronomer, sleeping in a hotel made of
ice or journeying through epic mountain
vistas, read on for this special selection.
For latest availability and offers on our full
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MICHAEL PORTILLO
Enjoy a no-fly trip to Switzerland and admire
scenery by rail with the journalist and presenter
OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Michael Portillo
is a journalist,
broadcaster and
former politician
who has hosted
documentaries
about railway travel,
including one where
he travelled through
Switzerland by rail.
Switzerland has beauty to
discover around every corner,
from Lake Geneva to the
Bernina mountains and the
Matterhorn, one of the Alps'
most instantly recognisable peaks.
Discover the Matterhorn and Swiss
Alps for yourself on this fully escorted
tour by first-class rail. You will travel
from the picture-perfect shores of
ф TS TOURS
OUR TRAVEL PARTNER TS TOURS LTD specialises in bespoke and expert-led tours,
and acts as agent for Fred.\ Holidays Rail Journeys.
Lake Geneva deep into Switzerland's
mountainous heart.
Joining you on an excursion and
hosting a talk and Q&A session will be
Michael Portillo, who's presented series
on railways and has travelled extensively
on the Swiss rail network.
You'll ride first-class on board some
of Europe's most renowned railways,
staying in four-star hotels with excellent
facilities as you travel.
You'll have a first-class ticket for the
Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz
and admire the scenery over a three-
course lunch on 'the slowest express
train in the world'. You'll also travel to
and from Tirano on the Bernina Railway,
taking you along the highest railway
crossing in the Alps, from where you
can soak up lake and mountain views.
There is a return trip on the
Gornergrat Railway, too, treating you
to views of the Matterhorn.
DISCOVER MORE exceptional tours and cruises
♦Take trips on
the Gornergrat
Railway, Glacier
Express and
Bernina Express.
♦Enjoy a scenic rail
journey through
the Rhine Gorge.
ALSO INCLUDED
Selected overseas
transfers, city
taxes and services
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 Arrive in Geneva DAY 2 Zermatt
DAY 3 Zermatt and the Matterhorn
from the Gornergrat Railway
DAY 4 Glacier Express DAY 5 Bernina
Express DAY 6 St Moritz to the Rhine
Valley DAY 7 Return to London
YOU'LL GET THE CHANCE TO.
♦Travel by
first-class rail
from the UK and
throughout your
no-fly holiday**.
♦Spend six nights
in four-star hotel
accommodation
on a half-board
basis.
♦Experience a talk,
Q&A session and
ENJOY THREE
GREAT RAILWAY
JOURNEYS ON
ONE TRIP
Try traditional
Swiss cuisine
Start your adventure
on the shores of
Lake Geneva
excursion with
Michael Portillo.
of a tour manager
throughout.
REASONS TO BOOK
MEET MICHAEL PORTILLO
Michael will join you for part of the
trip, giving a talk and a Q&A session
that will draw on his knowledge of rail
travel, and he will accompany you on
the Glacier Express.
SLEEK FOUR-STAR HOTELS
Stay at Hotel San Gian, with its luxurious
rooms and modern spa, and family-run
Le Mirabeau Hotel & Spa, with views of
the Matterhorn and great dining options.
TRAVEL BY FIRST-CLASS RAIL
See Switzerland's natural beauty
courtesy of the Swiss rail network,
which is known for its comfort and
efficiency. Travel first class throughout,
including your journey from the UK
(excluding regional trains).
GLACIER EXPRESS
Watch as the drama of the mountains
unfolds aboard the Glacier Express - one
of the most extraordinary train journeys
in the world. Experience a scenic stretch
of the route from Zermatt to St Moritz
and enjoy a three-course meal.
BERNINA EXPRESS
Hop aboard the Bernina Express and
wind up to the highest train station
on the line, Ospizio Bernina, where you'll
be met by snow-clad peaks and lakes.
Admire views of the glacier at Alp Grum.
THE MATTERHORN
A return trip on the Gornergrat Railway
will allow you to enjoy jaw-dropping
views of the Matterhorn and understand
why this astounding peak is one of the
world's most iconic mountains.
THE PRICE
THE DATES
TO BOOK Я
CL GLACIER
PORTILLO XMAS23
TO BOOK ONLINE |
countryliving.com/uk/xmasalps
‘Price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to
availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be
subject to change. Single supplement £1,100. Deposit £200pp. Local
charges such as tourist tax may apply. “First-class rail travel excludes
the Gornergrat. This trip is not suitable for those with mobility issues.
This trip includes destinations at high altitude and so is not suitable
for those with breathing difficulties or a heart condition. In the case
of unforeseen circumstances, experts) may be substituted, and any
expert-led events may be subject to change. Experts) will not join
you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance
is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This
holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used
may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and
subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded)
and Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd T/A Fred.\ Holidays.
to beautiful locations at countrylivinghoHdays.com
EXCLUSIVE TOUR
churches,
including Como's
Renaissance
cathedral.
♦Explore your
surroundings
on Lake Orta,
including the
town of Orta San
Giulio and San
Giulio Island.
♦Spend a day in
stylish Milan, the
home of fashion
and design.
ALSO INCLUDED
YOU'LL GET THE CHANCE TO.
♦Enjoy a peaceful
and restorative
seven-night
lakeside retreat.
♦Stay in a stylish
four-star hotel
with lakeside
restaurant and
outdoor pool
on a half-board
basis with
breakfast and
dinner each day.
♦Take a stroll along
the promenade
in the charming
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 Train to Lake Orta
DAY 2 Lake Orta DAY 3 Lake Maggiore
& Locarno DAY 4 Lake Como & Lugano
DAY 5 Lake Orta DAY 6 Milan
DAY 7 Lake Orta DAY Return to the UK
LIVE LA
DOLCE VITA
ON THIS
NO-FLY TOUR
[ - Sip a coffee within
sight of Milan's Duoitml
Wonder at the Villa
Taranto botanical
gardens (above)
and Lake Orta
COUNTRY LIVING
HOLIDAYS
GARD
of NORTHERN ITALY
Visit charming Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake
Lugano, enjoy botanical gardens and take in bustling
' Milan, all from your base on tranquil Lake Orta
town of Stress.
Return Eurostar
Beautiful gardens and a lakeside
paradise await on this eight-
day, no-fly northern Italy and
Switzerland trip. You'll travel by
train through France and Italy
before arriving at magical Lake Orta.
From these glorious surroundings,
you'll move on to Lake Maggiore, taking
in the villas and gardens of Stresa.
Other highlights include trips to
Locarno in Switzerland and Lake Como
to enjoy views across the water as you
explore the picture-perfect villages,
villas and parks of Como and Tremezzo.
You'll also discover Lake Lugano and
its city of beautiful squares, arcaded
walkways and subtropical gardens.
You'll then return to Lake Orta, where
you'll have some days to relax, visit San
Giulio Island and take a day trip to Milan.
ф TS TOURS
OUR TRAVEL PARTNER TS TOURS LTD specialises in bespoke and expert-led tours
and acts as agent for Leger Holidays Ltd.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
BEAUTIFUL LAKES AND GARDENS
Picturesque towns next to blue
waters make for a restorative break.
The Villa Taranto botanical gardens
are a highlight, with colourful plants
and water features.
DISCOVER MILAN
Climb the Duomo, stroll along Via
Monte Napoleone, marvel at the Galleria
Vittorio Emanuele II and explore the
elegant neighbourhood of Brera.
LAKESIDE HOTEL
Hotel Giardinetto sits on the shores of
Lake Orta. There's a sundeck, private
beach restaurant and outdoor pool.
NO-FLY HOLIDAY
Travelling by Eurostar to Paris, you will
avoid the hassle of flying and reduce
the carbon footprint of your holiday.
♦Admire the
stunning Villa
Taranto botanical
gardens.
♦Visit Locarno
and Lugano.
♦See beautiful
from London to
Paris, return TGV
from Paris to
Stresa and the
services of an
experienced
tour manager.
THE PRICE
THE DATES
TO BOOK Я
CL ITALY XMAS23
TO BOOK ONLINE I
countryliving.com/uk/xmasitaly
‘From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room,
based on 7 October 2024 departure, subject to availability. Price
and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change.
Single supplement from £245pp for a standard room. Deposit
£350. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Please note
a good degree of mobility is required to get the most out of the
holiday. Travel insurance is not included, and should be taken
out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual
tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected
brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions
of Leger Holidays Limited and Leger Air Holidays Limited and TS
Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded).
DISCOVER MORE exceptional tours and cruises
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 Bucharest DAY 2 Bucharest
DAY 3 Brasov (in Transylvania)
DAY 4 Hotel of Ice (in Transylvania)
DAY 5 Bucharest (through Transylvania
via Dracula's Castle) DAY 6 Departure
Tour Bran
TRAVEL BACK ’
IN TIME TO A LAND 
OF FOLK TALES
to the legend
of Dracula'
COUNTRY LIVING
HOLIDAYS
Enjoy an unforgettable stay at Transylvania's
Hotel of Ice and absorb some of Romania's
most picturesque medieval towns
PHOTOGRAPHS BY GETTY IMAGES; SHUTTERSTOCK
he legend of Dracula is just
one of many stories you'll
hear on this incredible six-day
adventure in Transylvania,
one of Romania's most
exciting destinations.
As well as staying in the Hotel of
Ice for one night, you'll spend three
nights in a boutique hotel in the capital,
Bucharest, and one in Brasov, home
of Dracula.
In Bucharest, you'll be located in the
city's old town, the Lipscani district.
From here, you can wander through the
city's medieval heart and visit sites such
as Revolution Square and the Palace of
the Parliament.
After exploring beautiful Bucharest,
you'll be whisked away into the heart
of mountainous Transylvania. You can
enjoy a stroll around Brasov's charming
streets, spotting its Saxon walls and
Gothic-style Black Church before
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OUR TRAVEL PARTNER TS TOURS LTD is the UK's leading specialist in creating
bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts.
stopping to warm up in one of its
bohemian cafes. You'll then head up
into the rugged mountains on the
Balea Lake cable car to check in at the
magical Hotel of Ice. This special hotel
is built every year entirely of snow and
ice blocks extracted from a glacial lake
in the Fagaras Mountains.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
SLEEP IN THE HOTEL OF ICE
Redesigned each winter, every single
room is different and boasts snow
sculptures based on a yearly theme.
VISIT DRACULAS CASTLE
Perched high on a tall and ominous
mountain, with narrow corridors
and hidden staircases, Bran Castle
is certainly fitting as home to the
legend of Dracula.
EXPLORE BRASOV
The old town's cobbled streets and the
mountain air create a fairy-tale setting.
YOU'LL GET THE CHANCE TO...
♦Spend three
nights in a
boutique hotel in
Bucharest, one
night in Brasov
and one night at
the Hotel of Ice.
♦Enjoy a welcome
drink on arrival
and breakfast
every day.
♦Explore the
mountainous
Transylvania.
♦Visit Bran Castle
and Peles Castle.
♦Fly return from
UK to Romania.
ALSO INCLUDED
All transfers,
including airport
transfers, bilingual
guide, Balea Lake
cable car pass.
THE PRICE
THE DATES
TO BOOK К
CL ICE HOTEL XMAS23
countryliving.
com/uk/xmasice
climatecare.org
‘From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room,
subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of
print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £180.
Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply.
Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at
time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour
experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected
brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking
conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded).
to beautiful locations at countrylivingholidays.com
cover
incredible scerii
OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Julian Branscombe joined
I the Isles of Scilly Wildlife
| Trust as chief executive in
' 2021. He has also worked at
! Nottinghamshire Wildlife
I Trust, the RSPB, Penwith
Landscape Partnership,
I Gwent Wildlife Trust and for
THE HIGHLIGHTS
MEET JULIAN BRANSCOMBE
On one day, you'll be joined by the head
of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, who
will deliver a talk to explain the trust's
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 Arrive St Mary's DAY 2 Tresco
DAY 3 St Agnes DAY 4 St Martin's
DAY 5 Bryher DAY 6 Departure
YOU'LL GET THE CHANCE TO...
EXPERIENCE
THE UK'S
SUB-TROPICAL
ISLANDS ON THIS
BESTSELLING
TOUR
SIVE-JOUR
\a ulukiuuo uMKULNo r;/ me
WHSLES OF SCILLY
Explore the rugged landscapes and unspoilt
natural beauty of the islands, with their fascinating
flora, fauna and stunning bi
COUNTRY LIVING
HOLIDAYS
an ecological consultancy, sharing his
work and give you an insight into the
expertise on countryside access, wildlife,
archaeology and sustainable farming.
On the tranquil Isles of
Scilly, 28 miles from the
Cornish coast, you'll find
that life passes by at a
peaceful pace. These isles
are famous for their stunning scenery,
botanic gardens and powder-soft
beaches. On this six-day trip, you'll
discover why so many people consider
the Isles of Scilly to be the UK's most
native wildlife.
GLORIOUS GARDENS
Discover sub-tropical Tresco Abbey
Garden, the world-renowned home to
plants from Brazil, New Zealand,
Myanmar and South Africa.
FULL DAY ON BRYHER
Step back in time on the smallest of
the inhabited islands. Its rugged west
coast and sandy eastern beaches are
a joy to explore.
WONDERFUL WILDLIFE
You'll be delighted by the wildlife to be
♦Spend five
nights at The
Atlantic Inn in
St Mary's with
breakfast and
dinner included.
♦Goon a wildlife
cruise to spot Trust.
some of the isles'
unique birds and
sealife.
•Dineon the
freshest local
seafood.
•Visit St Martin's
Vineyard, a
unique coastal
winery.
•Take a guided
tour of sub-
tropical Tresco
with, have dinner
with and hear
a talk by Julian
Branscombe,
chief executive
of the Isles of
Scilly Wildlife
♦Enjoy lunch at
a local pub in
St Agnes.
ALSO INCLUDED
Return ferry
from Penzance
to St Mary's,
island boat
transfers, all
entrance fees, a
guided walking
tour of St Agnes
and services of
idyllic archipelago.
You'll visit many unforgettable
locations, including Tresco Abbey
Garden, described as 'Kew without the
glass', the rugged coastlines of Bryher
and the quaint harbours of St Martin's.
spotted on the isles, with many species
not seen anywhere else in the UK.
CHARMING ACCOMMODATION
The Atlantic, in St Mary's, has unrivalled
harbour views. You'll stay in one of the
21 bright, individually decorated rooms.
Abbey Garden.
♦Spend a day
THE PRICE
THE DATES
a tour manager
throughout.
TO BOOK
CLSCILLIESXMAS23
TO BOOK ONLINE
countryliving.com/uk/
xmasscillies
‘From price is per person, based on two people sharing a
double room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct
at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement
for double room £195. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as
tourist tax may apply. Not suitable for those with mobility
issues. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may
be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to
change. Experts) will not join you for your full trip duration unless
otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be
ф TS TOURS
TRAVEL PARTNER TS TOURS LTD is the UK's leading specialist in creating
bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts.
taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your
actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other
selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking
conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL Limited).
PHOTOGRAPHS BY GETTY IMAGES; SHUTTERSTOCK
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EXCLUSIVE TOUR
JAz/zv/r// STARRY SKIES
with astronomer
RICHARD DARN
See dazzling constellations, planets.and galaxies above the Northumberland •
. • ’ Dark Sky Park and stay at.the greenest hotel-in the county
SPECIALLY
CREATED FOR
CL READERS
Visit two observatories
including Kielder
orthumberland's countryside
is a beautiful tapestry of
heather-clad moors and rolling
hills, but to see one of its best
attractions, you'll have to look
up at the spectacular show in the skies.
The county has extremely low levels of
- light pollution; meaning it has the most
pristine dark skieb in England and the
largest area of protected night sky in
'Europe. This makes it one of the best
places inthe country to go stargazing.
On this trip, you'll join up to 25
like-minded guests to experience.
’ spine-tingling moments in the company
of e'xpert astronomer Richard Darn.
There are visits to two observatories
to look forward to, where you can access
telescopes and binoculars as well as/
OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Richard Darn is an expert
astronomer who helped
Northumberland become
England's first International
Dark Sky Park in 2013, having
also assisted in the launch
of Kielder Observatory five
years earlier.
TS TOURS
OUR TRAVEL PARTNER TS TOURS LTD is the UK's leading specialist in creating
bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts.
Eat delicious locally
M sourced food
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY1 Arrival and Battlesteads
Observatory DAY 2 Kielder
Observatory DAY 3 Departure
You'll have time to explore
the famous World Heritage .
Site, Hadrian's Wall 1

marvel at .amazing constel lations visible
.to the naked eye. At the observatories
there wiU be illuminating talks,
workshops and demonstrations with
professionals to teach you more about
the beauty of the skies above.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
LEARN FROM AN ASTRONOMER
*You'il be joined by expert local
astronomer Richard Darn, Richard
‘ will accompany you at both of the
observatories/sharing his knowledge as
you explore and giving informative talks.
HAVE A SUSTAINABLE STAY
You'll stay at Battlesteads, nestled in
. the picturesque village of Wark. This
pub, hotel and restaurant serves locally
sourced produce, and is one Qf only
two across the county to hold a Gold
Award from the Green Tourism Business
Scheme. You'll also have time to explore
nearby Hexham, the pretty market town
that's also home to the beautiful Sele
Park and the stunning grounds of
Hexham House. '
VISIT HADRIAN'S WALL
Explore the largest Roman archaeological
feature in Britain and one of the country's
iconic historic attractions-.
YOU'LL GET THE CHANCE TO...
♦Spend two
nights at
Battlesteads
with breakfast.
♦Enjoy a locally
sourced dinner
on the first night.
♦Make private
visits to Kielder
and Battlesteads
Observatories
with astronomer
Richard Darn.
♦Get entrance
toany of the
sites along
Hadrian's Wall.
♦Visitthe Firstand
Last Brewery.
♦Benefit from
the company
of an expert
tour guide
throughout.
CL STARS XMAS23
countryliving.com/uk/
xmasskies
‘From price is per person, subject to availability. Price and itinerary
correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single
supplement £130pp. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax
may apply. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. In the case of
unforeseen circumstances, experts) may be substituted, and any
expert-led events may be subject to change. Travel insurance is not
included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used
may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be
sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject
to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded).
beautiful locations at countrylivingholidays.com
• д. COUNTRY LIVING
Christmas