From the Editor

‘No matter how DIFFERENT it feels to normal, I think it’s still CRUCIAL to seek out the glimmers of HOPE and JOY, to have some FUN’

In spite of my love of the latest advances in technology, I’m rather old-school in that I still write a journal. This time last year I remember opening my brand-new diary, its crisp blue pages blank and practically crackling with the potential of all the plans that lay ahead. The reality, as we all know, was somewhat different. The pages on the whole have stayed empty. With events and gatherings, both large and small, shelved or postponed, it’s been a year when very little has been followed by very little else.

However, during the season when festivities would usually be in full swing, no matter how different it feels to normal, I think it’s still crucial to seek out the glimmers of hope and joy, to have some fun, even if that is just cracking open the bubbles to celebrate saying a fond f*** off to 2020, the year that hardly happened.

For this reason, celebrations are very much front of mind in this issue. As it is due to hit newsstands just as England’s lockdown 2.0 comes to an end, we have little idea exactly what December is going to look like. But, in spite of the restrictions and regulations, whether you’ll be making merry within a social bubble, sticking to the ‘rule of six’ or having a party for just one or two, we want to show you how to make the most of it. This is where our special 17-page ‘Celebrate’ section comes into its own, showcasing everything from the best dining chairs and glassware to wonderful ways to set tables and top tipples and playlists to go with.

Other positives on these pages include our first column from new contributor, the always upbeat Laura Jackson (p23) and an exploration of why our senses and how we interact with them are more important than ever (p82). Plus, we reveal a brand-new interior design project bringing the ELLE Decoration look to life.

During this year my journal has taken on a new role. No longer a record of what has happened, my reactions and responses to external factors, instead, I have started to fill it with aspirations, dreams, positive projections into the future. You may think it foolish, cheesy perhaps, but it keeps my spirits up and helps me deal with the uncertainty. I hope you all find something equally diverting and can look forward to tackling the new year whatever it holds. Bring it on!

Ben Spriggs

Editor-in-Chief