FROM THE EDITOR

How’s your Christmas looking compared to last year? Hopefully it’ll be filled with more parties, more familiar faces, more, well, getting out of the house. Possible turkey shortage aside, it’s safe to say that we’ll be making the most of it this year. That said, there’s still a bit of hesitancy about whether we’re ready, or willing, to fall back into pre-covid traditions. Is the stressful run-up to the big day worth it?

While last Christmas was a bit of a write-off, for those of us lucky to have suffered no loss or illness that year, the quiet reflectiveness of it all was, dare I say… quite nice. It may be that this year, we rethink what Christmas means to us, and try to combine the best bits of both kinds. Jennifer Morgan has dug deeper into the topic in her feature on Christmas traditions new and old (page 110). Spoiler alert: it seems most people feel the same as me, hoping for slightly more excitement, but perhaps a slower pace than before.

Whatever your plans, this issue is packed with ideas for prepping your home for the season, full of sociable family spaces and incredible decorative inspiration. Our trend focus this year is on a natural, woodland-inspired scheme – think foraged foliage and a pared-back palette that will help you feel calm amid the chaos. And, of course, the Real Homes gift guide is packed with ideas for foodies, gardeners and party animals alike.

If there’s still work to be done before you even start thinking about hanging baubles, we’re here to advise on last-minute projects. Our feature on open-plan living will help you create a layout that’s sociable and practical, while our guide to guest bedrooms is full of ideas to help you host, however big or small your available space. The Real Homes team has also been busy reviewing products for our annual awards on the best buys for your home, from kitchen gadgets to mattresses, so check it out.

I hope you enjoy this issue – and however your Christmas looks this year, here’s hoping we have a cheerier time than the last.