BEST OF THE REST
AMAZING SPACES: NORTHERN LIGHTS ADVENTURE
CHANNEL 4, 9PM
WHAT a sweet gig this is for George Clarke as, with the help of his buddy and master-craftsman Will Hardie, he sets off to explore the very best of the hidden architectural gems that Finland has to offer.
It’s a delightfully festive special episode, as they visit an iconic Finnish lodge on the edge of a frozen lake, travel on a sled pulled by huskies way up north to visit a caravan on skis, see the city built underneath Helsinki, check out a forest village made up of dozens of tree houses and discover a mini city of igloos.
Finland is a true winter wonderland, home to more than 187,000 frozen lakes, and with crisp white snow that’s as twinkly as George’s eyes.
As the pair travel north and head into the Arctic Circle, they have everything crossed that they’ll manage to catch a glimpse of the elusive and magical Northern Lights.
KIRSTIE’S HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
CHANNEL 4, 8PM
SHE’S been busy crafting away at Christmas HQ every teatime for the past three weeks, but now Kirstie Allsopp is bringing her festive fun and sparkle to primetime for this brand new episode.
A fan of everything homemade, she’s invited some of the country’s best crafters to help inspire us to have a go ourselves.
Can’t quite see me spending several days cutting out paper patterns to make a nine foot Christmas tree, but kudos to whoever has the time, patience, inclination and talent to do that themselves.
There will be all sorts of ideas to help transform our homes into winter wonderlands – from tree decorations to table centrepieces and from home furnishings to gifts – as well as delicious food and boozy treats, like handmade cheese, candied pecans and fruity cocktails.
And even if you have no intention of making anything yourself, it’s a delightfully festive hour of telly.