www.athomemagazine.co.uk DECEMBER 2016 | 019

SCANDI STYLE

The Scandi trend has been lighting up interiors for a while now, and it’s a great look to bring to your

Christmas tree. Opt for a contemporary style by putting together ornaments with natural textures

of wood or bark, brightened up with a mix of copper and bright white. Traditional silhouettes and

geometric shapes will complete the look. For more ideas, visit johnlewis.com

and go to the Christmas Inspiration section.

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020 | DECEMBER 2016

Happ y Christmas

It has long been said that swapping your mid-morning pastry for a fruit and veg platter

is good for your health – but now it seems it can make you happier, too. A new study of 12,000 people by the University of Warwick found that the more fruit and veg eaten, the better your ‘life satisfaction’ scores. Participants in the study went from eating hardly any fruit or veg to eight portions a day and experienced an increase in life satisfaction – equivalent to moving from unemployment to getting a new job – far more quickly than they felt any improvements to their health. The scientists believe this is due to the increase of antioxidants in the blood. Second helping of sprouts, anyone?

of families around the UK will serve up a succulent roast turkey as the centrepiece of their festive meal, according to British Turkey stats.

of families around the UK will serve up a succulent roast turkey as the centrepiece of their festive meal, according to British Turkey stats.

76%Need a last-minute gift for someone? You can’t go wrong with tickets to see stand-up comedian Jack Whitehall. Guaranteed laughs all night! He will be performing in arenas across the country between 5 January and 28 February. Tickets start at £28.50 plus a £3 booking fee. Visit ticketmaster.co.uk for details.

What a laugh

VEGGIE HAPPY

TRÈS CHICFrench women are known for their smouldering looks (think Marion Cotillard, Vanessa Paradis and Juliette Binoche). But looking young may be down to more than just diligently applying an anti-ageing moisturiser.

Estelle Lefébure, 50 – actress, former supermodel and now a wellness sensation in France – divulges how her countrywomen really maintain their natural looks: it’s all to do with attitude.

Estelle’s own positive outlook is inspiring and she outlines a holistic and mindful philosophy in her new book: Mindful Beauty: How to Look and Feel Great in Every Season (£16.95, Flammarion, available January 2017).

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N O T E B O O K ▲

www.athomemagazine.co.uk DECEMBER 2016 | 021

COOL TREAT Who says that healthy foods have to taste bad? Professor Valerio Sanguigni, an Italian cardiologist and ice-cream enthusiast, has created a brand new gelato which has antioxidant properties that could make you live longer.

The secret recipe contains dark cocoa powder, hazelnut and green tea extracts. Tests on human subjects have shown an improvement in their physical performance and vascular health.

ROLL ON 2017 Guest ed Tess Daly reveals her to-do list for next year: ‘I am going to pontifi cate less and, instead, take action rather than just talk about it – so maybe my much longed-for holiday home in the south of France will become a reality! ‘Obtaining a new set of abs

would also make a welcome change. First, I need to get on board with the amount of work involved in the gym. New year, new me.’

Right behind you, Tess… that is, just as soon as these mince pies have been eaten!

3 OF THE BEST…PARTY SHOES

MELISSA SKINNY METALLIC SANDAL

£29, TOPSHOP

CELEBRATION CANDLE £55, WILNELIAFORSYTH.COM

NIKKI REAL SUEDE POINT COURT SHOE

£38, VERY.CO.UK

GLITTER COURT STILETTO £27.30,

MISS SELFRIDGE

Take the stress out of food preparation for your baby with this blender from Tommee Tippee. Jackie, from Wakefi eld, says: ‘I bought this as a gift for my daughter to help her make mealtimes for her baby less stressful, and she’s utterly delighted with it.’

TOMMEE TIPPEE BABY FOOD

STEAMER BLENDER £67.05,

AMAZON.CO.UK

SCENT-SATIONAL

To most people, a smell isn’t just a fragrance – it can bring on a fl ood of memories, infl uence your mood and even aff ect your work performance.

Uplift ing aromas on your list this season should include chamomile, long cherished for its soothing qualities, and rose, which has been proven to have a mood-lift ing eff ect.

This celebration candle is a perfect example as it includes hints of sandalwood, patchouli and rose. Simply light it and drift off . Bliss.

BLEND AND GO

To most people, a smell isn’t just a fragrance – it can bring on a fl ood of memories, infl uence your mood and even aff ect your work performance.

season should include chamomile, long cherished for its soothing qualities, and rose, which has been proven to have a mood-lift ing eff ect.

example as it includes hints of sandalwood, patchouli and rose. Simply light it and drift off . Bliss.

Call ing newmums

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▲ N O T E B O O K

Just Whistl es

59%

SAVESPEND or

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG SOIRÉE CLUTCH £189, MATCHES FASHION

SNAKEPRINT ENVELOPE CLUTCH £15, DOROTHY PERKINS

Wedd ing bell es It might be an odd time of year to be thinking about weddings, but if you’re one of the quarter of a million brides planning to wed next summer, you’ll probably already be scouting out the dress...

The good news is that another high-street fashion favourite, Whistles, is bringing out a debut wedding line from February 2017. The seven-piece collection is full of traditional gowns and more contemporary pieces such as jumpsuits.

Prices range from £499 to £699 – available online and in fl agship stores.

I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE… Don’t waste your time getting the home gleaming when entertaining – a survey by cleaning brand Vileda has discovered guests don’t notice. True, they check the mirrors – mainly to view their own appearance – the glasses – probably to ensure they’re still full – and, merrily, the festive decorations. But barely 25% noticed what the fl oors looked like. Seems any scrubbing can wait until next day!

Whistl es

I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE… Don’t waste your time getting the

TAKE A DIPWhen you’re hosting a party over Christmas, you could probably do with a few minutes alone in the kitchen for last-minute cooking. If so, keep your guests occupied elsewhere with a tasty dip or two. Sainsbury’s Classic Dip Selection has four fl avours for £2.40 – so your guests won’t even miss you!

scrubbing can wait until next day!

of UK adults would rather stay home on a cold winter’s evening, opting to snuggle up on the sofa rather than have a pint in the pub, according to Gocompare.com

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