Editor’s Letter

Decorating the house for Christmas is not just a highlight of the festive period, but of the whole year. For our family, the process feels like a sacred ritual – we each have our own cherished ornaments to hang on the tree; my husband will put up all the lights and I’ll make a fresh wreath for the front door. We used to be quite strict about not decorating too early, but like many people last year we were so eager to surround ourselves with festive cheer that we embraced the spirit of the season the moment December arrived. As lockdown made it such a low-key affair, I am hopeful that this year we will all be able to spend quality time with friends and family, and celebrate properly. So, to help you make this Christmas your most magical yet, this special issue is packed with ideas and inspiration. I always look forward to seeing the beautiful readers’ homes in the December issue (from page 40), as they are so wonderfully dressed for the occasion. It makes me smile how often our featured homeowners set Christmas as their deadline for finishing a renovating or decorating project. I’ve certainly put that pressure on myself in years past, as imagining welcoming guests into your finished home can be a huge motivating factor. It can even influence the overall design, as having enough space to host extended family and friends on special occasions needs to be carefully planned out. As the engine room for cooking up a fabulous feast, the kitchen in particular is at the heart of celebrations, so from page 117 we look at how to create the perfect space, from quick and easy festive frills to major changes to consider in 2022. Elsewhere, we reveal our favourite Yuletide looks (page 30), and style editor Pippa Blenkinsop serves up A Very Vintage Christmas (page 22), which sums up how the season can feel at once nostalgic, stylish and in tune with nature. Plus, let us inspire you to create your own wreath using flowers and foraged foliage (page 142).

Finally, this month don’t miss the chance to subscribe to Period Living for just £35.99, and receive a free Sophie Allport bundle worth £45.49

(page 50). It’s the perfect treat for you or gift for someone special.

Wishing you a very merry Christmas from the whole team!