Home/Women's Lifestyle/Good Housekeeping UK/December 2023/In This Issue
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023The magic starts here!There’s a saying that I’m sure you’ll be familiar with about how ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. I always think about this phrase and how apt it is when it comes to Good Housekeeping’s Christmas edition. The hard work, passion and creativity that goes into these pages is remarkable and my ‘village’ consists of the best team in the business – seasoned experts and brilliant journalists who spend months planning and crafting the features that you’re about to read.Indeed, our first meeting about Christmas is always in January, when we reflect on the festive season we’ve just experienced and any trends or changes we’ve spotted. We then meet regularly over the course of the year with increased intensity from June onwards – ironically, just as you start…2 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023CHRISTMAS DINNER SOSI’M NOT THE MOST CONFIDENT COOK, BUT I’VE FOUND MYSELF HOSTING CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR – HOW DO I MAKE IT AS STRESS-FREE AS POSSIBLE?If you plan ahead, Christmas needn’t be stressful. The first thing is writing everything down, which I do at the beginning of December – how many people are coming, how many meals you need to prepare and what they’re going to be. Then, make your list of everything you need to buy and do your shopping gradually, so you’re not spending all your money in one day. Make good use of your freezer, too. I always have a big lasagne in there just in case we have extra guests.I HAVE NEIGHBOURS ROUND FOR DRINKS AND NIBBLES – WHAT IS THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM-EFFORT CANAPÉ THAT WILL PLEASE EVERYONE?It…2 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Party poppersGRAPHIC GLAMOURBring a dash of daring to the classic party palette of black and gold with the high drama of disco brights, flamboyant textures, seductive sparkle and quirky motifs.TIPModernise a classic look with playful accessoriesPRETTY WOMANHit the dancefloor in blush pink, shimmery silver, pearls and champagne tones. Dreamy bows, frills and feathers will add a feminine flourish to your party wardrobe.TIPGlittery shoes that sparkle like disco balls will put you in the party mood the minute you slip them on…1 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Keep your marriage MERRY AND BRIGHTI’m not sure I believe in love at first sight, but there was definitely something about Simon from the moment we first met at boarding school, aged 15. I remember being struck by how good-looking he was. We soon developed a friendship and I discovered he was also annoyingly good at everything – an England hockey player, a gifted musician and an academic high-flyer. Like me, he was also a member of the Christian Union (CU). I was smitten.A few weeks into term, as we were walking back to the boarding house together after a CU meeting, Simon turned to me and said, ‘Hannah, I really like you. I’d love it if we could go out.’ We kissed the following day after orchestra practice – embarrassingly, I was still holding…9 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Sharing a message OF HOPEWhen you meet the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, you’re charmed by her humility. Despite being the third most senior bishop in the Church of England – behind the Archbishops of Canterbury and York – she sees herself as no more important than a local parish priest. Her modesty doesn’t disguise the fact that she has achieved incredible things in her life, all in service to others. However, there have been times when her position has elevated her and, last May, she had a role to play at the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. As Dean of His Majesty’s Chapels Royal, she gave the Gospel reading, becoming the first female bishop in history to be involved in a Coronation service.…5 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023SANTA baby2 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Gifts for GOURMETS2 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023…and YOUNG readersA GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!Sign a child up to Parrot Street’s subscription service and they’ll receive a monthly parcel with an age-appropriate book, book-club-style questions and an activities pack. Parrot Street Book Club, from £14 a month, three age groups available, parrotstreet.comGIVE THE GIFT OF BOOKSA £15 donation to the National Literacy Trust helps the charity ensure children growing up in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities have access to books and literacy support. To donate, visit literacytrust.org.uk/goodhousekeeping…2 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Festive FACE forwardA darkly delicious red lip, a haze of shimmer on the eye, luminous fluids that flash over a cheekbone… there’s always joy to be found in a makeup bag, but comfort? Yet here’s the thing: with the gap between colour and care becoming less of a gap and more of an overlap, that’s exactly what modern makeup proposes. Foundations are juicy with soothing ceramides; powders brim with moisture; even eyeshadows are loaded with hydrators and rejuvenating peptides. Call it hybrid beauty or call it the ‘skinification’ of makeup, it all adds up to a face that feels as good as it looks (and skin that might end Christmas looking better than it did at the start).‘When skin looks and feels alive, that’s when we feel really confident,’ says Sasha Plavsic…8 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Say bye to dryWinter can play havoc with our skin, but if there’s a time when that extra bit of TLC is required, it’s during menopause. Hormonal fluctuations – along with cold weather – can leave complexions dull with less bounce. To offset these drying effects, follow the lead of our beauty experts.Eve Cameron, Beauty Director‘Skin can become dry during menopause, and sensitivity can be an issue – especially in winter – so look for barrier-bolstering ingredients such as ceramides, essential fatty acids, ectoin and niacinamide. Superdrug B. Menopause Hydrating Cream has been formulated with this hard-working form of vitamin B3 to help improve hydration and brighten the skin. Diet is important too – lots of colourful vegetables, beans and oily fish have a positive impact on hormonally challenged skin; sugar, the opposite!’Fleur…2 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023A warm WELCOMEWarm and cosyStick to a sumptuous colour palette of berry reds, forest greens and rich creams to keep your Christmas scene harmonious, but don’t be afraid to play with pattern – the more stripes and florals there are, the merrier your room will be!GH TIPLIGHTS FANTASTICCreate a glow that will take you from day to night with warm fairy lights – use as many as you can, sprinkled through the tree, woven through garlands and draped around mirrors.Christmas cornerChoosing the area you want to place your tree in before you buy it will help you decide on the width as well as the height – and although a fuller fir will create a more majestic look, you can achieve it using extra lights and decorations placed deep into the branches,…11 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023BLUE PeriodRedecorating a space can be many things: creative, challenging and even fun. But while you’re poring over paint charts or selecting your soft furnishings, how much time are you dedicating to choosing your flooring? Whether you opt for versatile laminate or luxurious carpet, your floor can make a big difference to your home.Cool CARPETSFor rooms that demand cosiness and comfort, good quality carpets are essential. Get experimental with colour by considering jewel-toned royal blues and opulent ruby reds. For traditionalists, neutral shades such as classic greys, oats and creams will create a blank canvas to design a vision around. If you’re fearful of stains and spills, Carpetright’s Chartwell carpet is a durable option: the GHI-approved soft velvet pile is sumptuous underfoot and easy to clean. Alternatively, the Wentworth Twist carpet…2 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023GIVE the gift of CREATIVITY“Lovely recipes, great fashion for all ages, lots of nice craft ideas, free dressmaking patterns, different holiday destinations… all in a great magazine that’s good value for money”Prima subscriberEASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBEVisit hearstmagazines.co.uk/pr-magCall 01858 438419‡ and quote 1PR12516Scan the QR codeTERMS & CONDITIONS Subscription offers promoted are available to UK customers only. After your first six issues, your subscription will continue at £24.99 every six months, saving 44%. For UK subscription enquiries, please call 01858 438419.‡ Calls are charged at your standard network rate. Lines open weekdays, 8am-9.30pm; Saturdays, 8am-4pm. Please check with your network provider for more details. Subscriptions may not include promotional items packaged with the magazine. This offer closes on 19 December 2023. European pricing available at £62.99 for 12 issues. For our data policy, visit hearst.co.uk/privacy-notice…1 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023It’s not CHRISTMAS without…GH TIPS✶ Before use, wash the scallop shells in hot, soapy water. Then bubble in a pan of boiling water for 5min to sterilise.✶ Shells will need to sit level on the tray to prevent the sauce leaking. Use scrunched-up foil to help stabilise them, if needed.Jo Finney, consumer affairs director‘I grew up in France, where the big meal is on Christmas Eve (known as le réveillon de Noël). It nearly always featured seafood or fish as a starter, and my favourite was Coquilles St Jacques, which seemed so sophisticated to me as a child. I still love the combination of scallops, cream and wine. Best of all, it’s an impressive-looking dish that doesn’t involve too much work!’Coquilles St JacquesServed in their shells, these scallops make a stylish starter that’s…16 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023The books that CHANGED MY LIFEThe Irish author has written 14 novels for adults and six books for younger readers and been published in over 60 languages. His latest novel is Water. Here, he shares the books that have made him laugh, cry and think.THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME LAUGHThe Bee Sting by Paul Murray. Although more than just a comic novel, Murray’s tale of an Irish family coping with life in the post-economic crash era contains plenty of laughs, while delving into the complex lives of four people and their immediate social circle.THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME CRYSeventeen by Joe Gibson is a non-fiction book about the grooming and sexual abuse of a 17-year-old boy by his thirtysomething teacher. The control she maintains over him and the damage she inflicts on his…2 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023GH TRAVELHandpicked holidays and the latest news from deputy editor and travel expert Emma JusticeA CARIBBEAN CHRISTMASSwap turkey for freshly grilled seafood on the beach in Anguilla, culinary capital of the eastern Caribbean, where temperatures average 28°C during winter. As well as its flourishing food scene, the island has 33 beaches, ringed by tropical waters, and you can visit beautiful offshore cays including Prickly Pear and Sandy Island. Tropic Breeze (tropicbreeze.co.uk) offers seven nights in a Beach View apartment at Carimar Beach Club from £2,380pp, including return flights with British Airways to Antigua and newly increased local flights with Anguilla Air Services (anguillaairservices.com), travelling between December 2023 and March 2024. For more information, visit ivisitanguilla.com.HAVE A CAPITAL FESTIVE SEASONLondon is a magical place to go for a seasonal break. Play Monopoly…2 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023FANTASTIC OFFERS FOR YOU!20% off at Phase EightWE ARE DIZZY WITH DELIGHT OVER PHASE EIGHT’S LATEST PARTY COLLECTION, which has inspiration for every kind of festive invitation. Whether it’s a winter wedding, a candlelit supper with friends or an office celebration, get party-pretty in an exquisite glittering Phase Eight gown or showstopping separates, and finish your look with some outrageously glam accessories. Indulge in sequins and sparkle, plush faux furs, decadent velvets, modern metallics and cult classic leopard print. There’s no such thing as OTT at Christmas, because if you can’t indulge then, when can you? So why not buy a gift for yourself using our exclusive 20% discount?HOW TO CLAIM You can redeem your exclusive 20% discount online at phase-eight.com from 17 October until 7 December 2023. Simply type in code GHAW23…2 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Delve into SLOVENIA’S rich culture, beautiful natural scenery and unique cuisineVISIT THE GREEN HEART OF EUROPE ON THIS NEW TOURSlovenia has an impressive commitment to sustainable tourism and is regarded as one of the world’s most eco-friendly destinations. This six-day adventure will introduce you to the incredible scenery and flavours of its 12 different regions.Your journey starts in the capital, Ljubljana, where you can wander the cobbled streets. You’ll also visit the medieval town of Kamnik, the centre of the country’s craft beer production.As well as seeing enchanting towns and cities, you’ll travel deep into the lush countryside, learn about local herbs and try Slovenian herbal teas.You’ll take a scenic drive through Triglav National Park, where you’ll walk the Tolmin Gorges circuit, and continue on to Vipava Valley for a wine tasting.Reasons to bookSERENE LAKE BLEDSpend the morning at this…3 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Discover LAKE COMO, ST MORITZ and the BERNINA RAILWAYLake Como is one of the most picturesque Italian lakes, and this trip includes a seven-night stay in Colico, a stunning town on its shore. This relaxing tour offers time to unwind, admire peaceful scenery and explore charming Italian towns and villages.GH readers will enjoy three memorable excursions, including a private boat tour of beautiful Lake Como; a coach trip to Varenna, with its old fisherman’s houses, cobblestoned streets and some of the best views of Lake Como; and a journey through alpine mountain scenery on the Bernina Railway to chic St Moritz in Switzerland.THIS BESTSELLER INCLUDES THREE WONDERFUL EXCURSIONSReasons to bookSCENIC LAKE COMOLake Como is Italy’s third largest lake and one of Europe’s deepest, and you’ll see its highlights on a private boat tour.GLAMOROUS ST MORITZSynonymous with elegance and…3 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023TRIED, TESTED, TRUSTEDYour trust is important to us, which is why:every recipe is tested three times in the GHI kitchens. Every product test bearing the GHI logo is carried out to the strict standards laid down by the Good Housekeeping Institute, our leading research centre. Recommendations on our editorial pages are based on the impartial advice of our editors and expert contributors. All health articles are checked for accuracy by the Good Housekeeping Health Watch team of health professionals. All prices are correct at time of going to press.GET IN TOUCH WITH US!We aim to correct significant inaccuracies in the next available issue. Email us atgoodh.mail@hearst.co.uk…1 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023MAKE AN ENTRANCETOP MARKSIf you’re not into full-on razzle-dazzle, opt for statement silks and satins. The beauty of this silky blouse is that you can wear it every which way – paired with your beloved jeans, tailored trousers or a swishy skirt. The classic corsage is enjoying an almighty comeback. Boldly embrace the trend with Jovonna London’s romantic oversized floral flourish.COCKTAIL COLOURSQuality Street brights are set to be the biggest new festive trend. Boden’s frivolous stripey (and sparkly) frock is the perfect recipe for the ultimate modern evening dress. Finish with party platforms and a glorious technicolour tailored coat for a showstopping finale.VINTAGE GLAMOUR’Tis the season to go bold and beautiful, like an old-school Hollywood movie star. Swap sparkly sequins for metallic jacquards, which feel equal parts edgy and elegant. Decorative floral…3 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023TheWE’LL NEVER FORGETSOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR‘Cooking Christmas dinner brought out the control freak in me!’Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor remembers the first time she played host.I’m one of those people who adores Christmas. I think having everyone over and trying to create a version of Christmas in your own home is a really big deal – and I’ll never forget the year I did it for the first time.I was 26, my eldest son, Sonny, was only one and my husband, Richard, and I invited the whole family over for dinner. I went out and bought all the decorations that we still have now. My style is bright, exuberant and maximalist, so there was lots of colourful tinsel, streamers and fairy lights all chucked on the tree.I decided to do all the cooking myself – and…14 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023The joy of a CHRISTMAS QUIZ!I’ve always loved quizzes and games. I grew up in an intensely competitive family and I remember spending a lot of time playing chess and board games.At Christmas, the Monopoly board was permanently set out – the games would go on for days and days. My brother, Anton, was always the banker, although we had to make extra sets of paper money because our box had been picked up in a jumble sale and most of the Monopoly money was missing.By the time I was old enough to really get into playing games, my sister, Trixie (who is 10 years older than me), had pretty much left home, and with my mum working long hours, Anton (who is eight years older) was often left in charge of me. We were…5 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023‘Communication, communication, communication’✶ Ask them about their childhood Christmas memories. Is there something special they’d love to re-create together this year? Watching a favourite film or outdoor ice skating, perhaps? Rekindling those memories will bring you closer.✶ Get creative and craft a personalised advent calendar for them. Leading up to Christmas, surprise your partner with thoughtful gestures, from breakfast in bed to help with chores, or something more intimate.✶ While food is a wonderful way to bond during the holiday season, finances can become a source of conflict. Discuss meal plans with friends and family and consider a rotation system to share entertaining, so nobody gets stressed out.✶ Communication! This is particularly important in blended families or when co-parenting. A clear understanding of any changes to routines will help everyone feel more…1 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023FASHIONfavourites1 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Just for HIM1 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023CHILD’S play1 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023My life in beautyI have a very healthy relationship with my appearance. Looks, weight and diets weren’t discussed when I was growing up. Because of that, I’ve never struggled when it comes to body image. I’m thankful that my mum was so relaxed, and I hope I’m passing that on to my kids.I don’t think I’ll go down the filler route. I’m 52 and I know that wrinkles are a part of life. At the moment, I’m quite happy with both my face and my bum and that’s a good place to be.How you speak to yourself is as much a part of wellness as what you eat or whether you exercise. I went on a retreat with The Body Camp a few years ago and it was the first break I’d experienced…5 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Make it aChristmas you REMEMBER!I’m going to say three words to you now, but you must promise not to laugh or run away. Ready? Okay…Christmas. Without. Alcohol.Yes, I know. How can you possibly have a no-booze Nöel and still enjoy yourself? Why would you forego the Bucks Fizz at brunch? Or the Pinot with the turkey or a nice Chianti with your nut roast? Well, I had an alcohol-free Christmas in 2022. I loved it so much I’m doing it again this year. And I’m inviting you to join me. Go one better than Dry January and start a month early with Dry December!On 22 September last year, I turned 56. I celebrated quietly with my husband, sharing a bottle of Champagne and a delicious curry. Not a particularly momentous birthday except that, that…7 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Enjoy a GREENER CHRISTMASWE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU MAKE MORE SUSTAINABLE CHOICESConsumer affairs director Emilie Martin is on a mission to help you make greener decisions at home and when you shopAs the buzz of Christmas mounts and we throw ourselves into present buying, gift wrapping, food shopping and tree decorating, it can be easy for some of the greener habits we stick to during the rest of the year to fall by the wayside. But it is possible to enjoy all the magic of Christmas in a more environmentally sustainable way with these creative tips from the experts…CREATE A FORAGED WREATHGiving your home a festive makeover is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit – and for many of us, it’s one of the season’s highlights. If you hang a wreath…9 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023A stress-freeseasonal FEAST!Menu for 8PoinsettiaIndividual Grape, Thyme and Goat’s Cheese TartsCitrus-salt and Thyme Brined TurkeyVegan Crispy Polenta and RoastedSquash CakeCreamy Sprout GratinHedgehog Sage RoastiesRoasted Roots with Winter PestoRisotto Stuffed MushroomsParmesan Roast Cabbage WedgesStilton and Nut Stuffing LoafBoozy Fruit and Pork Stuffing ParcelsPomegranate Cranberry SauceVegetarian Get-ahead GravyOaty Bread Sauce with PangrattatoSticky Toffee Christmas Puddingwith Toffee SauceTHE CHRISTMAS COCKTAILPretty as a picture and just the right thing to start a celebratory meal.PoinsettiaThis elegant and festively flavoured tipple is as easy to make as it is to drink.Hands-on time 10min, plus chilling. Makes 8• 125ml orange liqueur, we used Cointreau• 600ml cranberry juice• 600ml Prosecco or Champagne, well chilledTO GARNISH, OPTIONAL• 8 small rosemary sprigs• Handful fresh cranberries1 In a medium jug, mix the orange liqueur and cranberry juice. Chill for at least 1hr (up…23 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Mary makes it easyMARY’S TIPDo not use a high cocoa-content chocolate here; about a 40% cocoa solid is ideal.Bûche de NoëlFrench for ‘yule log’, and the perfect Christmas treat, this bake has a whipped cream and brandy filling. If preferred, add sweetened chestnut purée to the brandy cream, instead of the hazelnuts.Hands-on time 40min, plus cooling and chilling. Cooking time about 30min. Serves 8-10FOR THE ROULADE• Butter, to grease• 180g pack Cadbury Bournville Classic, roughly chopped, see MARY’S TIP• 6 medium eggs, separated• 175g caster sugar• 10g cocoa powder, plus extra to dust• Icing sugar, to dustFOR THE GANACHE• 300ml double cream• 2 x 180g packs Cadbury Bournville Classic, roughly choppedFOR THE FILLING• 2tbsp brandy• 150ml double cream, lightly whipped to soft peaks• 55g chopped roasted hazelnuts1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan)…10 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023December’sGOOD LIFEFestive filmsWONKAThis prequel to Roald Dahl’s Charlie And The Chocolate Factory comes just in time for the festive season. Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet stars as the young Willy Wonka before he opens his factory. Watch out for Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa. In cinemas from 15 DecemberTABBY McTATIt wouldn’t be Christmas without an adaptation of a Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler story. The latest animated adventure follows the heartwarming friendship between a musical cat and a talented busker. Jodie Whittaker narrates, with Rob Brydon and Joanna Scanlan among the voice cast. BBC OneCANDY CANE LANEEddie Murphy’s Christmas comedy, which he produced and stars in, is here to spread some Christmas cheer. Chris (Murphy) is a man determined to win his neighbourhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest – but after unintentionally striking…4 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023‘It’s harder to WRITE ABOUT SEX… I’ve forgotten how to do it!’If you’re feeling a tiny bit blue, there’s nothing more cheering than a dose of serotonin from one of Jilly Cooper’s racy novels. And spending even a small amount of time with the writer has much the same effect.Now 86, Jilly looks a little frail, but her interest in people is unabated, with her leading the questions before I’ve even got started. ‘Are you a mummy?’ is her opening one, which immediately has us both talking about our families. She sounds a lot like her friend Queen Camilla, who she first met years ago, when she was still Mrs Parker Bowles.The imminent release of Jilly’s latest book, Tackle!, will be catnip for her readers as it marks the return of Rupert Campbell-Black, the racehorse-owner hero ‘and handsomest man in the…5 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023SNOWpatrolGO HUSKY SLEDDING IN SWEDENFor an authentic Nordic winter escape, head to Vemdalen, one of the resorts in Scandinavia most likely to have snow, and where you can enjoy husky sledding at the aptly named Howling Dog Farm. Owners Jenny and Johnny introduce the Alaskan husky dogs that lead visitors at speed through the snow, fleet of foot and full of energy. There’s a stop for coffee and cinnamon rolls in the wilderness, where Johnny cleverly carves a sofa out of snow and builds a fire far enough away to stop it from melting.As well as husky sledding, there’s snowmobiling across the tundra, aided by heated handlebars; ice fishing on the frozen Järpbäcksdammen; and cross-country skiing on established and well-maintained trails such as the two-mile circuit at Storhogna. You can…8 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Cruise the VENETIAN LAGOON in luxury with JAMES MARTINNow’s a great time to take a break from the countdown to Christmas (and the mince pies) and book a trip for 2024. I’m delighted to welcome back James Martin, who will be joining readers again next year, this time in Venice. Elsewhere, TV historian Dr Lucy Worsley swaps Sandringham for sphinxes on our new and exclusive Agatha Christie-inspired Nile cruise. For more inspiring expert-led getaways with garden designer Adam Frost, weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, classical singer Russell Watson and more, visit goodhousekeepingholidays.com.Gaby HuddartEDITOR-IN-CHIEFgaby.huddart@hearst.co.ukSPECIAL OFFERS FOR GH SUBSCRIBERSBEING A GH SUBSCRIBER NOW COMES WITH EVEN MORE BENEFITSOn every trip in this issue, GH subscribers will be entitled to at least one special added extra. You’ll find details on each page where you see the suitcase icon (above). To redeem, simply…6 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Learn how to make exquisite dishes at THE RAYMOND BLANC COOKERY SCHOOLLovers of fine food will feel at home at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Raymond Blanc’s Oxfordshire country manor. The two Michelin-starred chef has created a unique culinary experience, where menus change with the seasons and chefs create dishes with the finest ingredients from the gardens.You’ll receive a warm welcome at The Raymond Blanc Cookery School, from tutors who’ll teach you to create beautiful and imaginative dishes from Raymond Blanc’s extensive repertoire.In the evening, the choice is yours; treat yourself to room service, ask the concierge to recommend a charming local pub, book the seven-course dinner in Le Manoir’s two Michelin-starred restaurant for an additional £230pp or snuggle up by the fire in the lounge.Reasons to bookSTAY IN A UNIQUE ROOMEach of the 32 bedrooms has been decorated…3 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023A quick word from ourexperts at the GHIKEYGHI APPROVEDREADER RECOMMENDEDGETTING GREENERTHE HARVEYARCHarvey Water SoftenersTesters said this easy-to-use water softener made a huge difference. It has an app that allows you to track your salt usage.6 LUXURY MINCE PIESLidlThese pies have a thick but short pastry that is wonderfully crumbly and are filled with lots of light, plump vine fruits, offering great acidity.BELGIAN CHOCOLATE YULE LOGLidlThis has a cocoa-rich aroma with a buttery quality and lots of vanilla and bitterness from the dark chocolate.12-MONTH MATURED CHRISTMAS PUDDINGAsdaTopped with fruits and nuts, this pud has a wonderful caramelised flavour, with added depth from the cognac.RICH ICED FRUIT CAKEAldiThis fruit cake smells like Christmas; it’s richly spiced, with a treacle-like sweetness, strong alcoholic tang and great depth of flavour.WATER FILTERZeroWaterEasy to assemble with long-lasting filters, this advanced filtration system removes…3 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023‘There’s nothing MORE IMPORTANT than famillyThere are few people we trust more in the kitchen than Dame Mary Berry. So, when we heard that she was releasing a new cookbook and TV series designed to make our lives easier, we had to find out more.As she excitedly shows us an early copy of the book, Mary Makes It Easy, on the GH cover shoot, it’s clear that, at 88, she’s as excited about her work as ever. ‘It’s all to do with whether you feel you still have things in you – and I certainly do,’ she says when the subject of retirement comes up.Mary, who lives in Henleyon-Thames with her husband, Paul, shares her secrets to a joyful Christmas.Congratulations on your new book and TV series, Mary! How does it feel to still be…7 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023‘I need the bonkers JOY and the deep PEACE’Hello to you, my lovely reader chum. I’m feeling excitable as my much-loved Christmas season approach-eth. Excitement in my household leads to many things, such as disco dancing to classical carols (it’s quite the art) and ending words in-eth for no reason. We must get our joy where we can-eth.I’m also feeling pensive. Over the last few years, I’ve been reflecting on what Christmas really means to me. I believe having a value and intention for something makes that thing far more interesting, enjoyable and manageable. And, as I’ve mentioned in previous columns, I’m doing all I can not to get sucked in to the competitive, exhausting pace our culture deems necessary to be happy or successful. Christmas has to be about more than needlessly worrying over finding the right…4 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023CAROL’S INSIDER QUIZ-BUSTING TIPS• Keep a pen and paper handy to jot down elements of the question and any thoughts that might come to mind (the answer might appear more easily when you see the question in front of you).• The key to deciphering an anagram is to look for unusual letters – such as K or J – to see if they trigger a word linked to the clue. Writing the letters in a circle helps shake them up, too and allows you to see more possibilities than if the letters are ordered in a straight line.• When it comes to riddles, try to find patterns from previous questions, as these can help you work out the way the riddle-maker’s mind works.• If you don’t know an answer, leave it and move…1 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023The gift of festiveTOGETHERNESSI once opened the oven door on Boxing Day only to discover the day before’s parsnips still sitting on the middle shelf. An indispensible element of my Christmas Day menu, forgotten. And no one noticed – not even me. But the meal was still great, which made me think: what could be learned here?For many of us, treasured family traditions define the spirit of Christmas. Long after festive celebrations are over, they warm us through the dark days of winter like a cosy hug. But the season of comfort and joy brings with it a frenzy of planning and preparation – lists, messaging, negotiations, inflating the giant Santa for the front garden – the lion’s share of which usually falls on one pair of stressed-out shoulders. Christmas comes complete with…6 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Little donkeyA lot of people share my love for donkeys. So, it comes as no surprise, then, that The Donkey Sanctuary, in Devon, is so popular – even on Christmas Day. Every year, we open our doors on 25 December and invite everyone of all ages to come in. Families visit while walking off lunch, and some people who are grieving or feeling lonely stop by, in the knowledge that they’ll receive a warm welcome. I suppose it’s understandable that donkeys are really important during the festive period – they’re at the centre of the nativity story, so they’ve become one of the best-known symbols of Christmas.The magic begins a few weeks earlier in December, with our annual Carols by Candlelight concert at the sanctuary. Visitors will gather together to sing,…6 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023HOME comforts1 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023FOR BOOK lovers…1 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Getting GREENER1 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Thedoctor’s way toa SILENTNIGHTProblems sleeping? You’re in good company. About one in three adults have sleep problems – and with stress, uncertainty, disruption to routine and changes to diet and lifestyle all high on the list of sleep saboteurs, it’s not surprising that levels are higher than ever around the festive season.WHAT IS WRONG WITH TAKING A SLEEPING TABLET?If you’ve spoken to your GP in recent years about sleeping tablets, the likelihood is that they’ll have tried hard to dissuade you. Once hugely popular, safety concerns have had a dramatic impact on doctors’ current attitudes. And with stress and excitement among the biggest sleep-stealers, Christmas is a key time for me to receive requests from patients.In 1965, a benzodiazepine (related to diazepam or Valium) called Nitrazepam was licensed as a sleeping tablet. In…7 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Support for the sober curiousJust as the alcohol-free drinks industry is growing, so is the sober podcast world. Over the past 10 to 15 years, sober podcasts and Quit Lit (the cute name for books about stopping drinking) have become more and more popular. Here are some of my favourites:• THE SOBER DIARIES BY CLARE POOLEYFunny, moving and inspirational, The Sober Diaries charts the journey mother-of-three Clare made when she decided to stop drinking. Clare has been alcohol-free for eight years, so she knows well the joys of not drinking at Christmas: ‘I thought that Christmas would be the hardest time to be sober. In fact, it’s the easiest, because Christmas is about so much more than booze. Without alcohol, you rediscover the joy and magic of family and friends, giving and receiving, eating,…2 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023A pinch £7, of fairy dustTIPFor opulent boughs, opt for regal colours and shapesTIPA showstopper like this gilded carriage will add festive flair to any tree…1 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023The season of GOODWILLChristmas is traditionally the season of giving, with gifts to be bought for, and exchanged with, friends and family. It’s also a time of year when giving extends beyond those closest to us, as many of us give to charitable causes that support those for whom Christmas can be more challenging – and at this time of year, these charities most need our help.‘Support for charities in the winter months is crucial, as this is when many of them – especially homelessness charities, food banks and warm banks – find their services are in significantly high demand,’ says Mark Greer, managing director of Giving and Impact Services at the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).This winter, two years in to the cost-of-living crisis, demand for support from charities is likely to be…8 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023It’s PARTY TIMENORDICSwedish Meatballs with Lingonberry SauceIf you can’t get hold of lingonberry jam (we used Felix Rarorda Lingon from Ocado), swap for cranberry sauce instead.In a medium bowl, mix 500g pork mince, 50g dried breadcrumbs, 1 medium egg, ¼tsp freshly grated nutmeg, ½tsp ground allspice and plenty of seasoning. Divide and roll into 24 balls and arrange on a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Chill for 30min to firm up. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Brush balls with 1tbsp olive oil and cook for 20min, until golden and cooked through. Meanwhile, in a small serving bowl, mix 150g lingonberry jam (see intro) and 2tbsp just-boiled water. Serve the meatballs with cocktail sticks to skewer and the sauce alongside.Makes 24PER CANAPÉ 59cals, 5g protein, 3g fat (1g saturates),…17 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023A whiteChristmasGH TIPFor a truly Narnia-esque effect, you could add plastic woodland creatures to your snowy enchanted forest.Enchanted ForestThis look is much easier to achieve than you might think. Let your imagination flow with the decoration of the trees – we’ve kept them simple, but brightly coloured sugar sprinkles would also look jolly.Hands-on time 1½hr, plus overnight hardening and drying.FOR THE CAKE• 2-3tbsp apricot glaze or loose, sieved apricot jam• 20.5cm fruit cake, see this year’s GH recipe in our November issue or online at goodhousekeeping.com/uk/2023christmascake• Icing sugar, to dust• 500g natural or golden marzipan• 500g white sugarpaste• Brandy, gin, vodka or cooled boiled water, to brushFOR THE DECORATION• 300g royal icing sugar• Silver sugar sprinkles, optional• Edible silver metallic paint• Silver or white edible lustre spray, optionalYOU WILL ALSO NEED•…13 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Cook SMART1 PREPARE YOUR KITCHEN TOOLKITIt may sound obvious but ensuring you’ve got all the equipment you need ahead of hosting can save last-minute panic on the day. With everything you could possibly need to create a gourmet feast, including often overlooked essentials like peelers and chopping boards, the Go Cook range, exclusively for Tesco, is full of practical, stylish equipment that takes the stress out of cooking. Just don’t forget the tin foil!2 STOCKPILE YOUR YORKIESNext time you’re doing a Sunday roast for the immediate family, make a few extra Yorkshire puddings and freeze them. Then, when you’re catering for a big crowd, you can simply cook the puddings directly from frozen – shaving off additional prep and bother when you’d rather be entertaining. They can also become an unusual…2 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023This month’s 10 books to read right now!Book of the monthWATER by John BoyneAnother slice of emotional storytelling from the author of The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas. This is the first in a planned quartet of loosely linked novels and opens with a woman arriving on an island off the coast of Galway with a new name and newly shorn hair. As the story progresses, it becomes clear she is fleeing a scandal involving her ex-husband and dealing with guilt about her complicity.Gripping readTHE FUTUREby Naomi AldermanI raced through this dystopian thriller from the author of The Power. As the world comes to an end, three all-powerful CEOs who run huge tech platforms (think Facebook and Amazon) are preparing for the end of days by setting up elaborate bunkers to escape to. What they don’t realise…3 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Once upon a Christmas storyWe were absolutely delighted to be inundated with hundreds of entries for our children’s Christmas story competition, which we launched in the August issue of Good Housekeeping. The stories we received were funny, moving, festive, brilliantly imaginative and entertaining. It was a hard task for our panel of judges – which included National Literacy Trust chief executive Jonathan Douglas and TV presenter Angellica Bell – to choose their favourites, but we eventually narrowed it down to these four fantastic tales. ‘Stories are part of the magic of Christmas. It was inspiring to read the hundreds of stories of humour, hope and humanity written by young writers whose imaginations were fired by the festive season,’ says Jonathan. Congratulations to Thomas, Sophia, Isabella and Eleanor, who’ve each won £100 of book tokens!GIVE…10 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Give your greymatter a workoutSudokuFill in the blank squares with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1 to 9.HEAD SCRATCHERMIND BENDERSOLUTIONS ON PAGE 224Killer SudokuNormal Sudoku rules apply, plus the digits in each inner shape (marked by a dotted line) must add up to the number in the top corner of the shape.CodewordIn this finished crossword, each letter of the alphabet appears as a code number. Replacing the decoded numbers 5, 13 and 20 with their letters in the grid will help you guess the identity of the other letters.Jumbo CrosswordACROSS1 Proclamations (6)5 Unit of astronomical length (6)8 Abundantly supplied (7)11 Commotion (3)12 Arrange into groups (6)13 Apparently (9)14 Head covering (4)15 Ignored data (anag) (11)19 Normally; usually (9)20 People…3 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Discover the wonders of EGYPT and the NILE with Lucy WorsleyMEET YOUR EXPERT…Author, TV presenter and curator Lucy Worsley OBE is one of Britain’s leading historians. She has written a number of books, including a biography of Agatha Christie, and has presented history shows for the BBC, including Lucy Worsley On The Mystery Queen, which followed in the footsteps of Christie in Egypt.Egypt is home to some of the most astonishing architectural wonders ever to have existed, from the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Valley of the Kings.On this unmissable trip, you’ll have the opportunity to tour many of Egypt’s fascinating sights in the company of Agatha Christie expert Lucy Worsley, who’ll share her knowledge of the famous author on several excursions.The adventure begins and ends in Cairo, where you’ll visit The Egyptian Museum and view its unrivalled collection…4 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023Uncover the treasures of JORDAN and visit magical PETRATRAVEL IN A MIXED OR ALL-FEMALE GROUPJust a five-hour flight from the UK, Jordan is the ideal destination for an unforgettable adventure. It’s steeped in ancient history and has some of the Middle East’s most famous attractions. Travelling when the weather will be pleasantly warm, we have two extra-special trips for you to choose from, both starting in Amman, one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. You’ll visit breathtaking Petra, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and thought to date back to 600 BCE. Here you’ll see the Nabataean architecture by night and day with an illuminating guided tour.You’ll visit Wadi Rum, a desert with a lunar-like landscape and dramatic sandstone formations. Here you’ll take a 4x4 desert tour and stay in a traditional Bedouin desert…3 min
Good Housekeeping UK|December 2023My simple pleasuresDouglas lives in Glasgow with his wife, Tena, and their daughter, Anja, who is seven.GETTING OUT ON MY BIKECycling is like therapy for me because you forget anything that might be troubling you and just concentrate on your surroundings, and the sound of your breathing. When I was doing Shetland, I used to take my bike up there during filming and cycle all across the beautiful countryside.FRANK SINATRA’S CHRISTMAS ALBUMWhen I was a boy, it wasn’t Christmas until The Sinatra Christmas Album had been played. I remember walking into the living room and seeing the tree with the lights all flickering, and putting on the album. Every time I hear the songs, I’m transported back to then.EATING BAKALARMy wife is Croatian, so we usually spend Christmas with her family there,…3 min
