shine bright
I have a weakness for January issues. No matter how tumultuous the ‘outside’ world may be, they can provide a joyful way to escape. After all, celebration is what this time of year is about. And there’s no doubt about it, this month’s Livingetc is a celebration of both the now and the next.
Starting with the now... We’re showing sparkly Christmas decorating ideas, last-minute gifting inspiration (see page 30 for 50 gifts under £50) and houses dressed up to the nines. The pages are teeming with colour and confidence, because if you can’t go for it at this time of year, when can you? We also linked up with glam food writer and blogger Anna Barnett; she let us into her flat to show us how she brings in the New Year (page 68). Find the recipes for her canapés and cakes on Livingetc.com.
And as for the next? One of my favourite features is 2020 Vision, our forecast for future style, including latest looks and design names to know (page 13). News editor Maudie Manton has thrown out some seriously bright ideas. For her research she caught up with several industry luminaries, so we’ve included quotes from The Conran Shop’s creative director Stephen Briars, Gervasoni’s art director
Paola Navone and Linda Boronkay from Soho House, among others. At the back of the mag, this month’s meaty lifestyle section includes a bumper travel feature, spotlighting the hot hotels to hit (page 132). I’d like to draw the attention of all wanderlusters out there to The Caribou (thecaribou.com), a new website launched by our parent company TI Media. It’s all about luxury experiences, with informative reviews and on-trend destination guides. An unforgettable place that I travelled to in the past year is Belmond La Residencia in Mallorca. This beautiful bolthole is in the magical village of Deià, which nestles between the sea and the dramatic Tramuntana mountain range. It’s a magnet for creatives, including fashionista Matthew Williamson who has created a stunning suite.
For those more into hibernating than celebrating, hopefully there is something here for you too. More books than usual, more flicks than usual and some apps for the kids so you can enjoy that decadently long lunch. Then we have our wellbeing issue coming up in February. The entire magazine will be dedicated to ways to live life better, from lifestyle cheats to beautiful interior inspiration. Here’s to a great 2020!