WELCOME

Every year we have friends to stay during the festive season and we enjoy leisurely meals alongside plenty of country walks. Returning to a warm and welcoming home after a bracing stroll is one of my favourite winter moments, especially if the fires haven’t completely gone out and there is still some cake left to accompany a pot of tea. For guests this New Year’s Day, I’m going to prepare the delicious lunch menu on page 62, which offers a perfect selection of dishes to celebrate the arrival of 2017. Of course, we’ll also raise a glass to the year past, and I plan to invest in one of the pretty designs from the selection of stemware on page 31 for this part of proceedings. Elsewhere in this issue, our Highlands-inspired interiors story on page 54, with its emphasis on rustic weaves, cosseting shades and classic pattern, provides some great ideas for creating an inviting setting for guests. If you haven’t bought all your presents yet, why not consider a subscription to Homes & Gardens? Simply visit homesandgardenssubs.com/bbk6. DEBORAH BARKER, editor-in-chief