Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom – October 2016

Getting ready for the holidays has always been a favourite time of year, and something which has been made all the more magical for me now I have my own house and family to organise. Whether it’s coming home to a twinkling tree to write Christmas lists in front of a festive movie favourite (‘Elf ’, everytime!) or spending the weekend baking and making with the kids, there’s always so much to do and plan. This year we’ve the added excitement – and disturbance – of home renovations, but I’m trying to remain zen about it and think of the time, in the not so far off future, when the house returns to normal again, and we can gather with friends and family to celebrate the festivities around our own Christmas table. This year we’ll be in Ireland where we are renting a holiday house, but I will definitely be incorporating some of the lovely cosy tips from our feature on festive entertaining in Set the Scene on page 74. Also, the idea of a guest room might seem like a pipe dream to us right now, but when it happens I know I’ll be clicking into some of the brilliant expert tips we’ve gathered in Home & Away on page 132. And while our extension is a shell and we plan in our kitchen, bathrooms and annexe, all the news I can get on underfloor heating and woodburners is welcome. You can turn to page 100 for all the latest in Winter Warmers.

This special seasonal issue is also full of brilliant ideas for shopping, decorating and gifting for the home and kitchen this season – see our Gift Guides on pages 68 and 96 – as well as lots of festive kitchen inspiration in our real-life homes on pages 24 through to 64. And for delicious recipe and meal planning ideas, as well as lots more inspiration on what to read, buy and do this winter, please take a read of our new-look Miele Magazine, Der Kern, which comes free with this issue.

Enjoy!