IN THIS ISSUE

December is upon us, and the festive season is getting into full swing. And who do we have sprinkling seasonal glitz and helping us get the party started? None other than gorgeous supermodel Heidi Klum with a Santa’s sack full of fabulous festive gear designed by Herself ( page 42). Before your heart sinks, thinking, ‘Here we go, another expensive fashion collection’, this one is a snip, and you can snap it up while stocking up on sausage rolls and Christmas cheer at Lidl. Yes, you heard that right: the cut-price German-owned supermarket. Full disclosure: I’m a Lidl fan. When I looked at my receipt after my first visit and realised how much I’d saved I became an instant devotee. You’ll find me at the front of the queue for a sequin dress when the collection goes on sale this week. Years ago, when I was a junior reporter on a national newspaper, I was sent to interview Cressida Bell. Vivacious, swishy-haired Cressida – then in her early 20s – had brought out a range of brightly coloured patterned scarves, generously sized so you could wear them as wraps. A direct descendant of the Bloomsbury Group, she had clearly inherited the creative brilliance of her grandmother Vanessa Bell. Since then, she set up her own studio, designing ranges for household-name stores as well her own lines of rugs, shawls, lampshades and even cakes. I was sorry when I heard that Cressida had been affected by the devastating flood that hit her neighbourhood of London a year ago, and hoped none of her beautiful designs had been ruined. On page 36 she describes the horror of that winter’s night, and how she has slowly put back together her beloved home of 40 years. Finally, if you’re thinking your Christmas decorations could do with a seasonal spruce-up, turn to page 58 for our selection of baubles and wreaths that are eye-catching, modern and fun.