Last Minute Presents, the Best Christmas Movie Houses, Bath Recipes for December Maladies and Loneliness at Christmas

Christmas film interiors, wearable party pieces, and bath recipes for every kind of December day

Twas the week before Christmas but if you're anything like me it doesn't feel nearly long enough. There are a few more presents to buy (let alone wrap), bucket list baking you'll probably never get around to and you're pretty much running solely on cocktail sausages and champagne while trying to avoid multiple plagues.

Regardless, the week before Christmas is one of the best of the year (the build-up is better than the big day if you ask me) and hopefully, this month's newsletter will keep you going right through to New Year's Eve and beyond. Lurex and rhinestones to see out the year in, the dream loungey set for that no man’s week between Christmas and New Year, the best Christmas movie houses for a dose of nostalgia and charm and dealing with loneliness and feeling down at this time of year...TLC for all essentially, because if that isn't what this time of year is about, I don't know what is.

1: china teapot - 2: night and day pouch - 3: wool sweater

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

Unexpected house guests or that awkward they’ve got you something and now you need to pretend you left your present at home…we all need last-minute present ideas. I love a bottle of something with an extra. A bottle of champagne with some vintage coupe glasses or a bottle of gin/something non-alcoholic like Botivo with some glass straws or stripy glass tumblers. A lovely ceramic mug or cups and saucer with some great coffee or hot chocolate (Knoops or Fortnums for something extra special). A good tin of olive oil always goes down well, especially one that looks nice out on the side, and good pots of mustard or quality apple cider vinegar for discerning cooks. A silk eye mask is one of those little luxuries that are always welcome, while a simple wool or cashmere beanie works for just about anyone. Wax Atelier candles wrapped in colourful tissue paper, lovely hand wash (Aesop, Bamford and Verden for me), a pair of linen napkins or a good book are also fail-safes (cookbook for the budding and established foodies/a booker prize nominee for the avid reader). I know candles get a bad rap but personally, I can’t get enough of them and feel like they are a really lovely present, especially if your recipient has just moved house or loves to cosy down (don’t we all).

THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS MOVIES FOR NOSTALGIC INTERIOR LOVERS

One of the things that makes a Christmas movie worth watching for me is the nostalgia of all the fictional homes that so often feature in them. I mean, can you beat the all-over red and green tartan splendour of the McCallister’s house in Home Alone or the beautifully cosy, homespun abode in Little Women? Of course, the cottage in The Holiday is much-loved but it’s actually Jude Law’s mill house with its paper chains and homemade paper snowflakes that really charms me. I have a real weakness for Christmas with the Kranks and The Family Stone too which some people love to hate (it’s not exactly feel-good for most of the movie) but it does Christmas, homely decor very nicely indeed so we’ll give it that. Ok, it’s not strictly a Christmas movie and never fails to make me sob, but Stepmom has one of the best houses full stop and it’s even better when decked out with a tree and a roaring fire. Plus, the riding in the snow scene….HEAVEN.

NOBODY PUTS BABY IN THE CORNER

Party wear. The phrase kind of makes me shudder, but I am very partial to wearing something frivolous at this time of year. Black silk and velvet pieces are a great base for pretty much everything at this time of year; a little black slip dress, a velvet 90s maxi skirt…Team these with something lurex or leather and you’re set. For me, my one rule with festive dressing tends to be as always going for opposites; pointy toes with baggy jeans or a biker jacket, chunky heels with a little slinky dress…you get the gist. For me, it keeps it all feeling like myself as well as a bit extra. This year, sheer is the thing which contrary to popular belief, isn’t actually scary at all. Buy a big pair of (non-sheer) black knickers or bikini bottoms and a very simple (non-sheer) black bra or bodysuit and suddenly sheer is oh-so-simple to pull off. I recently got this J.Crew skirt and promptly cut out the lining to make it totally sheer (I’d wear it with a simple black polo neck) and & Other Stories really surprised me with this backless, chocolatey slinky dress that’s special without being showy. As for actual sparkle, 16Arlington hands down makes the best sequinned and feathered pieces that genuinely feel cool rather costume; I bought this little mini skirt recently which is neither, but with sheer tights and platform heels, it’s ideal cocktail party fodder. Raey’s swinging, crystal-finged top is everything I dream of wearing for New Year’s Eve (just add 501s) and this little puffy bandeau top by Ganni is too sassy not to love. I love this acidic shade of apple green with black for something a bit different.