Wicked Satin Short Pj Set £69, www.peteralexander.co.uk
Christmas, my favourite time of year, I get so excited seeing all the beautiful, inspiring décor ideas,, from trees to garlands, stockings to wreaths it’s amazing how we can turn our homes into something so magical. You’ll find lots of ideas to inspire you in this issue including some of our favourite Christmas wreaths (page 48) and cushions (page 50).
The lead up to Christmas is my favourite time of year. Getting the decorations up, planning the presents and of course festive food and precious time with family and friends. We’ve got some delicious, easy recipes that you can throw together in a matter of minutes, turn to page 38 to give Nigella a run for her money!
Our gift inspiration is a plenty (page 23), but don’t forget about yourself in all the madness of the season, we want you to feel glam and gorgeous this month which is why we’ve chosen some of our favourite party outfits that’ll have you feeling a million dollars this Christmastime.
Although Christmas is a season of joy, connection, and celebration, for some it can also bring financial pressure, social overwhelm, family tensions, and a never-ending to-do list. If you’ve ever found yourself counting gifts instead of blessings or feeling more frazzled than festive you’re not alone, take a look at page 8 and how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you have a calmer Christmas.
It's not too late to plan a last minute festive break, whether it’s here in the UK or somewhere further afield, we’ve got it covered, turn to page 53 to see where your wanderlust takes you.
Finally, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and see you in 2026!
Love & Hugs
Jane x
Choo Embellished Bag,
Kitten Heel Boots, £66, River Island
A Calmer Christmas
How Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Can Help You Stress Less this Festive Season
For many, Christmas is a season of joy, connection, and celebration. But it can also bring financial pressure, social overwhelm, family tensions, and a never-ending to-do list. If you’ve ever found yourself counting gifts instead of blessings or feeling more frazzled than festive you’re not alone.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) offers a refreshing, neuroscience-based approach to managing seasonal stress. Rather than digging into problems, it focuses on building solutions, shifting perspective, and calming the brain’s stress response. Here’s how its principles can help you enjoy a calmer, more meaningful Christmas.
Focus on What’s Going Well (Even When It’s Busy)
When stress rises, the brain becomes wired to notice threats and problems. SFH encourages a switch in focus by asking solution-focused questions such as: “What’s been good this week?” or “What’s working right now?”
This simple redirection reduces anxiety, boosts serotonin, and helps the mind feel more resilient. During the festive season, try taking a moment each evening to reflect on three small things that went well. It could be as simple as a warm conversation, a quiet moment with a cup of tea, or finishing an item on your list.
Small wins shift the brain out of survival mode and that sets a calmer tone for everything else.
Visualise Your Ideal Christmas Hypnotherapy regularly uses guided imagery to help clients picture their preferred future.
Visualisation isn’t just ‘daydreaming’ the brain responds to imagined experiences as though they’re real, creating pathways that support calmer reactions and clearer decisions.
Ask yourself:
• What would a calm, enjoyable Christmas look like for me?
• How would I like to feel on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
• What would I be doing and what would I not be doing?
Spend a few minutes picturing this in detail. This creates a mental blueprint that helps guide your choices about commitments, boundaries, and priorities.
Breathe Your Way Out of Overwhelm
When Christmas crowds, planning, or family gatherings start to feel intense, the body often slips into fight-or-flight mode.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy uses trance relaxation to calm the nervous system, but you can recreate a mini version at home. A simple, soothing breathing technique is: Breathe in for 4, out for 6, and repeat for one minute.
Slowing the exhale activates the parasympathetic nervous system, your body’s natural brake pedal, helping your thoughts become clearer and your emotions more balanced.
Set Festive Boundaries (Gently)
SFH encourages clients to identify what they can control and take small, manageable steps. During Christmas, this might mean:
• Saying “yes” only to events that genuinely add joy
• Keeping gifting within a comfortable budget
• Scheduling downtime to recharge
• Simplifying traditions that feel more stressful than meaningful.
Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re guide rails that help you enjoy the season in a way that feels sustainable.
Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Rest often gets pushed aside in December, yet it’s one of the most powerful tools for emotional resilience. In hypnotherapy, the brain enters a deeply restorative, trance-like state that mimics REM sleep, the phase where the mind processes stress, repairs emotional strain, and restores balance.
Prioritising rest at home, whether that’s going to bed a little earlier, taking a quiet walk, or listening to a hypnotherapy relaxation track, helps keep stress levels manageable and your festive mood intact.
Christmas Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Peaceful
The beauty of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy lies in its simplicity: focus on what works, build on strengths, and calm the brain so you can feel more in control. The same approach can transform your festive season.
By staying solution-focused, setting gentle boundaries, and giving your mind space to breathe, you can create a Christmas that feels more joyful, more grounded, and much more yours. This Christmas, choose a present that truly lasts, your own peace of mind.
Reserve your 1:1 hypnotherapy session and let this be your calmest festive season yet.
Manifestation Meets Neuroscience: The RAS Connection
The reticular activating system, or RAS, is one of the most powerful yet unnoticed structures in the human brain. Although most people never think about it, they experience its influence constantly. Located within the brainstem, the RAS functions as a master filter for attention, sorting through the overwhelming amount of sensory information we receive every second. Its role is to decide what becomes part of our conscious awareness and what fades into the background. While this system evolved to help keep us alert and safe, its impact reaches far beyond basic survival. The RAS also shapes our beliefs, our focus, and the opportunities we notice. This makes it a key biological mechanism in the process many people describe as “manifestation.”
One of the simplest ways to understand the RAS is to consider how selective attention works. Imagine you’re in a busy, noisy room full of conversations, yet if someone across the room says your name, you immediately pick it up. Or think about buying a new car and suddenly noticing the same model everywhere. Those cars were always there; what changed was what your RAS identified as relevant. It constantly scans your environment, looking for information that matches whatever your brain has labelled as important. This is the same principle behind manifestation: your thoughts and intentions tell the RAS what to prioritise, and it adjusts your awareness accordingly.
Setting a clear intention is one of the ways we consciously direct the RAS. When you focus on a specific goal or desired outcome, you supply your brain with a target. The more clearly and consistently you define this target, the more the RAS filters information in alignment with it. This doesn’t magically create results, but it increases your ability to recognise the people, situations, and opportunities that support your intentions. What might once have gone unnoticed suddenly stands out because your brain has been primed to look for it.
Visualisation is one of the most powerful techniques for activating the RAS. When you vividly imagine a desired future, seeing it, feeling it, and rehearsing it mentally, your brain treats that vision as meaningful. This encourages the RAS to search for anything in your external world that can help you move toward it. Athletes use visualisation for this very reason: by imagining successful performance, they condition the
brain to recognise and perform the steps needed for success. In manifestation, the same process applies. Visualisation aligns your internal focus with external possibilities, making you more receptive to experiences that match your vision.
Affirmations also play a significant role in shaping how the RAS filters information. When you repeatedly affirm a belief or outcome, you teach your brain that this idea is important. Over time, the RAS highlights evidence that supports the belief. If you affirm confidence, capability, or worthiness, your brain becomes more attuned to situations that reinforce those qualities. Conversely, focusing on fear or doubt encourages the RAS to spotlight obstacles instead of opportunities. The system itself is neutral, it simply responds to the thoughts you feed it. This is why mindset work is such an essential part of manifestation.
The RAS also influences behaviour, not just perception. When your brain draws your attention to something aligned with your goals, you are more likely to take action. Noticing an opportunity naturally increases the chances of acting on it. This creates a powerful loop: your intentions shape your focus, your focus guides your actions, and your actions gradually shape your outcomes. Over time, this reinforces belief in your own potential, strengthening motivation and resilience.
Emotions further enhance the effect of the RAS. Strong positive feelings, such as passion, excitement, or purpose signal to your brain that something truly matters. This intensifies the RAS’s sensitivity to opportunities related to your goals. On the other hand, fear and stress shift the RAS toward threat detection, which can make you feel stuck or blocked. When your emotions, beliefs, and intentions align consistently, the RAS becomes a powerful ally.
Ultimately, the reticular activating system shows that manifestation is not magic but a focused mental process. By understanding how the RAS works and using it intentionally, you enhance your ability to recognise possibilities, take meaningful action, and create lasting change.
For more about living life to the full check out Make it Magnificent available on Amazon.
Glow Up
Beauty NEWS
Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush has launched two sheer, new colours, Cherry Flush and Dragon Fruit Flush (£22, www.cultbeauty.co.uk). This tinted cheek serum isn’t just about the colour, it’s 100% skincare-powered, delivering hydration, brightening, and plumping benefits while creating a natural, dewy flush.
Designed to be the final step in your skincare routine, Dewy Flush can be tapped onto bare skin or worn with natural, glowing makeup.
Accelerate your Serum
There’s a new serum on the block and it’s a must for your skincare regime! Medical-grade skincare brand ZO Skin Health have launched their new Peptide Facial Refining Concentrate www.facethefuture.co.uk).
A concentrated serum that targets visible expression and static wrinkles, while restoring the appearance of lost volume for smoother, fuller-looking skin. Powered by four cutting-edge peptide technologies, this innovative formula visibly smooths lines and wrinkles and improves the appearance of facial elasticity, volume, and lift - leading to a more structured appearance and refinedlooking facial geometry in just 12 weeks.
Recover, Renew & Radiate
As the festive season approaches, Elemental Herbology (www.elementalherbology.com), the British spa and skincare brand, has curated recovery-focused products designed to help skin and body bounce back from late nights, indulgent meals, and cold winter weather. Cell Plumping Facial (£55), restores radiance to dull, dehydrated skin. Vital Cleanse (£38), a brightening gel cleanser infused with vitamin C, papaya, and mandarin to sweep away impurities and revive tired skin. And Detox Bath & Body Oil (£33) Rebalance your body and mind post-party with a luxurious soak.
Hydrate & Shine
Weleda’s new Hydra Shine Haircare range is a complete and holistic routine designed to hydrate, smooth and add radiant shine to normal to dry hair.
The naturally powered trio – shampoo (£11.95), conditioner (£11.95) and finishing oil (£14.95) is powered by organic Alpine Flax from the Swiss Alps, which is naturally soothing, protective and strengthening. Paired with Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane, the Hydra Shine range is the perfect hit of hydration for the colder months.
Available from Holland & Barrett, Amazon and Weleda.co.uk.
FASHION
Smooth as Satin
Aeron Wrap Shirt, £345, Harrods
Belted Dress, £59.99, Mango
Black & White Dress, £55, Very
Bow Heels, £39.99, New Look
Green Blazer, £540, Alice+Olivia
Halter Top, £25.99, Zara
Maxi Dress, £145, Rewritten
Mini Dress, £29.99, Zara
Pink Blazer, £55, Very
Red Dress, £39.99, Zara
Ruffle Blouse, £89, Mint Velvet
Satin Maxi Slip Dress, £35.99, New Look
Trousers, £69.99, Zara
Whistles
The Velvet Edit
From runway to real life, velvet reigns supreme. Plush, powerful, and perfectly poised, it’s time to embrace it this festive season.
Zara
Bow Clutch. £23.99, New Look
Bow Dress, £32,99, New Look
Bow Top, £39, Monsoon
Embellished Trousers, £65, Monsoon
Fit & Flare Dress, ££29.99, New Look
Off The Shoulder Dress, £2,100, Harrods
Red Jumpsuit, £40, Matalan
Scrunchie, £12, www.sarahsaverysmith.com
Trim Top, £25, Very
Velvet Blazer, £40, Peacocks
Velvet Shorts, £35, Very
Velvet Slingbacks, £35.99, Zara
Wide Leg Trousers, £55, Monsoon
Sparkle in Sequins
Sequins are one of the top fashion items for the festive season, whether it’s all over or just an accessory you’ll certainly sparkle
Blazer Dress, £45, Matalan
Blue Sequin Dress, £24.99, TK Maxx
Burgundy Sequin Dress, £36, F&F
Gold Sequin Bag, £17.99, New Look
Green Sequin Skirt, £24.99, New Look
Midi Sequin Skirt, £39.99, New Look
Peacocks
Sequin Bandeau Dress, £80, Very
Sequin Bomber Jacket, £95, Oliver Bonas
Sequin Bow Jacket, £29.50, F&F
Sequin Bow Jacket, £75, Monsoon
Sequin Shirt, £38, Very
Silver Sequin Dress, £295, Marks & Spencer
A Touch of Class
Black, a wardrobe staple that always looks elegant and stylish and is just perfect for a festive party or two
Beaded Batwing Dress, £120, River Island
Diamante Dress, £37.99, New Look
Embellished Dress, £36, F&F
Embellished Dress, £60, Very
Embellished Dress, £196, Good American
Flowing Dress, £39.99, Zara
Keyhole Lace Dress, £25, Peacocks
Maxi Dress, £45, Very
Organza Dress, £35.99, New Look
Organza Puff Sleeve Dress, £46, Marks & Spencer
Ro&Zo
Strapless Dress, £34.99, New Look
Roland Mouret Lace Dress, £650, Harrods
Jingle All The Way
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a Christmas jumper or two, what one will you choose?
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£ £14, Primark
£175, Chinti & Parker
£66, River Island
£54, River Island
£54, Joules
£35, Next
£29.99, New Look
£22, Matalan
£14, Primark
£14, Primark
Christmas Gift Guide
We've rounded up some of our favourite gifts everyone will love
Green & Blacks Chocolate & Wine Hamper, £79, www.lookagain.co.uk
£84.95, www.montyandridge.co.uk
Elegance Sparkling Hamper, £49.99, Moonpig
The Grosvenor Hamper, £175, Harrods
The Night Before Christmas
Add a personalised gift from My 1st Years this Christmastime and watch your little ones face light up.
1. Baby Lilly Doll Set, £35
Blue Check Pyjamas, £33
Bluey Wooden Ice Cream Stand, £35
Christmas Tree Sweatshirt, £25
5. Doctors Kit, £35 6. Just bee Wooden Cutting Set, £25 7. Santa Ho Ho Ho Sweatshirt, £25
Vanity Play Set, £36
Wooden Kitchen & Washing Machine, £155
Food & Drink
FOODIE NEWS
A Taste of the Italian Riviera Inspired by its Ligurian home, Portofino Dry Gin (£43.17, Amazon) captures the essence of the coast: sunlit gardens, wild herbs carried on the sea breeze, evenings that slip easily into night - it’s a gin that tastes as beautiful as it looks.
A Magical London Christmas
Step through the doors of Royal Lancaster London this winter and you’ll find yourself in a world of twinkling fairy lights, crackling cheer and sugar-dusted indulgence, as you indulge in their Blooming British Festive Afternoon Tea, is the ultimate way to embrace the season.
Set against views of Hyde Park’s frosty treetops, the tea begins with delicate finger sandwiches and warm, fluffy scones before the magic truly unfolds, think miniature spiced gingerbread with clementine and cranberry gel, a snow-dusted Beehive mousse, and jewel-like pastries almost too pretty to eat.
Prices start from £59, www.royallancaster.com
Delicious New Designs
Royal Doulton has launched a new vibrant tableware collection in partnership with chef, presenter, and digital creator Tilly Ramsay. The Tilly Ramsay x Royal Doulton Collection (www.royaldoulton.com) blends playful, expressive design with practical everyday functionality. Inspired by Tilly’s bold, creative style, the range celebrates colour, connection, and the joy of shared meals, ideal for modern living and casual entertaining. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive weekend feast, the Tilly Ramsay collection encourages you to Mix. Match. Feast. Repeat. The pieces combine playful aesthetics with everyday functionality, making them as joyful to use as they are to gift or collect.
A
Winter Experience
For the first time, LOUIS XIII Cognac chooses the holiday season to celebrate its art of living with signature experiences at the prestigious Grantley Hall in Ripon, Yorkshire. This winter, until 6 January, the five-star hotel becomes the official UK destination for LOUIS XIII’s global winter celebrations, offering intimate, tailormade moments designed to capture the Maison’s timeless spirit. The collaboration marks a meeting of two icons, both committed to excellence, tradition, and the pursuit of mastery.
Bubble and Squeak with Turkey and Gravy
A bold twist on a timeless favourites, this recipes is designed to surprise, delight, and spark conversation at the table
Place the mashed potato in a large mixing bowl. Add the vegetables and mix until well combined. Divide the mixture into two equal portions. Heat the oil and butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Spread one portion of the bubble and squeak mixture evenly over the base of the pan to form a circle. Layer the sliced turkey on top, drizzle with the gravy, then cover with the remaining potato and vegetable mixture.
Cook over a low to medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the mixture (or turn in sections if easier) and cook for another 10 minutes, until golden and heated through.
Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot with extra gravy or a fresh side salad.
Recipe from: Nanna Tate & Stuart Garner
Brussel Sprout & Asparagus Carbonara
Just take some brussels and give your Christmas cooking a contemporary lift with this lighter, greener take on classic carbonara.
Ingredients
14oz uncooked spaghetti
2 cups thin asparagus, cut into thirds
1 cup Brussel sprouts, cut in half then sliced
1/4 cup onion, chopped
4 slices bacon
1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded
4 eggs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
Method
Boil the water to cook your pasta. Whilst the water is boiling, cook 4 pieces of bacon in a skillet on medium heat. Cook until crispy, turning when needed about 810 minutes. Then remove from pan and set aside. Once cooled, chop the bacon up.
When the water is boiling, salt the water and add the pasta. Leave your skillet on medium heat, add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus, brussels and onion. Brown veggies for 3 minutes, stirring them around.
Add 1/4 cup water, cook 5-6 minutes or until the water evaporates. Add garlic powder and chopped bacon. In a small bowl whisk together eggs, 1/2 cup of cheese, and black pepper.
Drain pasta and put it back into the pan. Add the egg mix to the pan and mix for approx 2 minutes. Add the eggs slowly and stir quickly so the eggs don’t scramble. They need to turn into a creamy delicious sauce. Add in the vegetable mixture and the rest of the cheese.
Serve with a little more parmesan cheese on top or chopped bacon!
Recipe from: www.cakestokale.com
Mulled Wine Cheesecakes
A perfect festive dessert that’s full of all your favourite seasonal flavours
Ingredients
2 packs Gingerbread men biscuits
½ cup butter melted
8oz white chocolate
2 x 8oz. packs cream cheese, room temperature
1 ½ cups icing sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
Zest from one orange
1 tbsp orange juice
2 cups thick cream
Mulled Fruit
2 x ½ cups mixed berries (blackberries raspberries, cherries)
¼ cup red wine or cranberry juice
2 x tbsp sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cardamom
¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
¼ tsp ginger
Pinch salt
Zest from one orange
Juice from one orange
Whipped Cream (optional)
Sugared Cranberries (optional)
Thyme or rosemary springs (optional)
Method
Add the Gingerbread Men biscuits to a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs. Pour into a bowl and add melted butter. Mix until combined. Set aside. Melt the white chocolate and set aside to cool. Add the cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla essence, orange zest, and orange juice to the bowl of a mixer. Beat on medium speed until smooth, scraping the bowl occasionally (approx. 3 minutes). Gradually add the cooled white chocolate and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the double cream to the same bowl and whip with the cream until stiff peaks form. Fold ⅓ of the cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten. Fold in the remaining cream until well combined.
To make the mulled wine fruit, add the fruit, wine or juice, spices, salt, orange zest, and orange juice to a small saucepan. Cover with a lid and cook on medium-low heat until the juices release from the fruit and begin to soften, about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the fruit. Remove from heat and let cool.
To assemble the cheesecakes, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the Gingerbread Men mixture into the bottom of a glass. Spoon or pipe cheesecake filling over the base. Chill in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight, covered loosely with cling film. When ready to serve, top with mulled fruit. Garnish with whipped cream, a whole gingerbread man and sugared cranberries.
Recipe from: www.bakedbree.com
Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rose
An elegant sparkling Prosecco Rosé with notes of fresh strawberries, raspberries and blossom. Brightly textured and crisp palate with a refreshing citrus finish.
£11.50
An elegant Prosecco, full of citrus and pear flavours with peach blossom aromas and a lingering finish. Serve chilled as an aperitivo with antipasti.
£8.25
Festive Fizz
It’s time to celebrate the festive season with a bottle or two of prosecco, whether it’s a festive get-together or Christmas day celebration, these bottles are sure to impress.
Pioneers of
wine,
wine estate have been producing awardwinning wines in the heart of Sussex since 1972. A sophisticated traditional method sparkling wine bursting with fresh citrus and hedgerow fruits. Fullbodied with flavours of sweet brioche and red apples.
£32.00
I Heart Prosecco
Perfect to celebrate any occasion big or small, this is the wine with a big heart, elegant and bubbly, with fruity flavours of sweet peach and apple.
£9.25
This light and refreshing Prosecco rosé is full of fresh ripe red berries and citrus fruit flavours with a delicate and elegant mousse. Serve chilled for a perfect celebratory drink, as an aperitif or with light desserts.
£8.25
Tesco Finest Prosecco Rose
Tesco Finest Prosecco
The Bolney Estate Classic Cuvee
English
Bolney
A Festive Wonderland at
1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen
Stepping into a festive wonderland at 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, perched above the buzz of Oxford Street on top of John Lewis, felt like slipping into a hidden winter sanctuary. The moment we arrived, the city’s sparkle melted into something softer, warmer, and more magical. The rooftop had transformed into a festive wonderland: fairy lights draped like frosted stars, soft lantern glow reflecting off igloos, cosy cabins and the comforting hum of the festive season drifting through the air.
Our private igloo was pure enchantment. Heated, softly lit, and wrapped in winter decor, it felt like stepping into a cosy alpine retreat. Blankets, twinkling lights, and the gentle patter of atmospheric music created an intimate, cocoon-like atmosphere, perfect for sinking into seasonal indulgence away from the crowds below.
We began with a generous spread of nibbles: plump Gordal olives, smoky padrón peppers, crunchy Maldon salt nuts, and irresistible Gouda and rosemary picos that paired beautifully with our Winter Aperol Spritz. Familiar citrus notes, but elevated with a whisper of rosemary, like the classic spritz had put on its festive best.
A warming parsnip soup shot arrived next, creamy, velvety, and full of winter comfort.
The sharing plates were where the feast truly came alive, Potato rösti with pine nut cream and truffled leek, crispy and indulgently aromatic. Samphire and kale fritters with date and tamarind chutney, light, sweet, tangy, and utterly moreish. Crispy fried chicken with fermented chilli and pickled radish a perfect blend of heat and crunch and Lamb skewers with jalapeño cream, shallot crumb and mixed cress, tender, rich, and full of depth.
For mains, my pan-fried sea bream was beautifully seasoned, with crisped skin and soft flakes nestled among marinated artichoke and aubergine, all brought together by a rich tomato and red pepper fondue. My guest’s rigatoni with pumpkin, sage and hazelnut dressing tasted like the very essence of winter. Perfection finished our experience with a classic sticky toffee pudding, warm, gooey, nostalgic, and everything a December dessert should be.
Every dish impressed, the service was warm and attentive, and the ambience, cosy, charming, and softly festive, making the entire experience feel truly special.
Whether you’re stopping by for a Christmas cocktail, sharing nibbles in the glow of an igloo, or settling in for a full festive feast, 1864’s Rooftop Bar & Kitchen is a magical must-visit this season.
For more information or to book, visit www.1864rooftop.co.uk
Deck the Halls
Whether it’s traditional or elegant, we’ve got Christmas decor for everyone
Nkuku
A WARM WELCOME
Bring some festive cheer to your doors with a luxury wreath
1. Blueberry & Cinnamon Wreath, £22, Habitat
2. Antique Brass Wreath, £45, www.nkuku.com
3. Faux Larix & Pine Wreath, £50, www.thesuffolknest.com
4. Lit Red Berry Wreath £149, www.potterybarn.co.uk
8. Pine & Red Berries Wreath, £54.99, www.giselagraham.co.uk
9. Green and Ribbon Wreath, £44.95, www.homeluxeco.com
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THESTOCKINGPERFECT
Adorn your mantelpiece with this season’s chicest Christmas stockings.
1. Doggy Stocking, £23, Sophie Allport
2. Alphabet Stocking, £20, www.johnlewis.com
3. Barbour Stocking, £34.95, www.barbour.com
4. Emboidered Stocking, £90, Harrods
5. Never Mind The Baubles Stocking, £38, Rockett St George
6. Swirl Stocking, £38, Yonder
7 Tree Stocking, £15, www.cotswoldco.com
8. Velvet & Silk Stocking, £65, Rebecca Udall
9. Velvet Green Stocking, £24, Idyll Home
10. Wool Stocking, £40, eee.nkuku.com
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Seasonal Style
Add an additional bit of festivity to your sofas and chairs with a Christmas cushion or two
1. Christmas Tree Cushion, £49, Rowen
2. Ho Ho Ho Cushion, £16.99, Dobbies
3. Forest Trees Cushion, £15, B&Q
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4. Velvet Christmas Tree Cushion, £35, The Wisteria Tree
5. Pine & Snowflake Cushion, £35, The Wisteria Tree
6. Joy Cushion, £14.99, Dobbies
7. Joy Cushion, £34, Walton & Co
8. Velour Cushin, £12, B&Q
9. Sausage Dog Cushion, £25, John Lewis
10. Teal Trees Cushion, £24.99, Homesense
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TRAVEL
Sensoria Dolomites
Rewild or Reconnect?
Two Very Different Ways to Fall for the Nordic North
Off The Map Travel, curators of some of the most exquisite and exhilarating bespoke itineraries to the Nordics, have a vast array of unique itineraries from private sea-safaris, fjord fishing, husky-sleds across frozen lakes to sleeping under glass in an aurora-view cabins, and meeting with indigenous Sami storytellers.
There are two kinds of travellers who venture to Swedish Lapland. Those who come to slow down, to listen to the silence of snow settling on pine branches, to rediscover stillness in a world that moves too fast, and those who come to wake up, seeking that bright, crystalline edge of adventure that only the far north can deliver. With their tailor-made itineraries, Off The Map Travel, the boutique curator of bespoke Arctic experiences, caters to both.
For the soulful seeker, Reconnect Under the Aurora is the antidote to modern life. Hidden beside a frozen lake, this four-night retreat invites guests to embrace serenity through yoga, forest-bathing and slow moments in the wild. Meals are shared around flickering fires, saunas steam beneath the stars, and each night the sky may reward you with the ethereal shimmer of the Northern Lights. It’s less a holiday, more a gentle reawakening, proof that stillness can be the ultimate luxury.
Then there’s Logger’s Lodge, the rugged counterpart for those drawn to movement, texture and thrill. Set deep in the forest, this handcrafted timber hideaway channels the warmth of log fires and the bite of Arctic air. Days are filled with snowmobiling across frozen lakes, husky sledding through frosted woods, and dining on reindeer and foraged mushrooms at the chef’s table. Nights are for stargazing from an outdoor hot tub or curling up by the hearth with a glass of wine and nowhere to be.
Whether you seek introspection or exhilaration, solitude or spark, Off The Map Travel can design a journey that feels entirely your own. Because in this part of the world, luxury isn’t about marble or gold, it’s about time, silence, and the incomparable thrill of feeling alive beneath a sky that never stops dancing.
BOOK IT
Reconnect Under the Aurora – Prices start from £7,499 for 4 nights.
Loggers Lodge Luxury Escape – Prices start from £5,300 for 3 nights.
For more information on these retreats or to curate a personal experience please visit www.offthemap.travel
Luxury White Elephant comes to Aspen
Known for its iconic properties on Nantucket and in Palm Beach, White Elephant Resorts is bringing its signature blend of service, style and hospitality to the American West. Debuting in February 2026, White Elephant Aspen will sit at the corner of Main Street and Garmisch Street in Aspen’s desirable West End neighbourhood.
For its 54-key hotel, White Elephant Resorts tapped Boston-based architectural firm EMBARC to reinterpret Aspen’s traditional Victorian aesthetic with a modern, Alpine-chic aesthetic. Featuring a warm palette of rust, ivory and charcoal, paired with smooth leathers, natural wood and stone. Playful brand touches such as a brass elephant trunk at the lobby desk and elephant-shaped door knockers add character and charm.
Guest rooms and suites continue this elevated yet cosy design approach. Many offer private terraces or balconies for enjoying the mountain air. Interiors combine porcelain tile flooring, natural woods, and tactile elements like horsehair details and stone mosaics. Hand-painted lamp shades, embossed leather headboards, resin tables and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures enhance the sense of craftsmanship. Nightly turndown service includes Colorado-made Pollinator Chocolate, and the hotel has collaborated with Petite Plume on custom silk sleepwear featuring a chalet-inspired print, available to purchase both on-site and online.
Among the top accommodations is the three-bedroom, 1,560square-foot Ajax Penthouse, featuring a real log fireplace, a chef’s kitchen, expansive living and dining spaces and a mountain-view terrace with fire pit. Additional options include the two-bedroom, 1,050-square-foot West End Suite, complete with fireplace and furnished terrace, and the 870-square-foot Highlands Suite, offering two king bedrooms, three bathrooms and a welcoming lounge.
Art is a central pillar of White Elephant Aspen. More than 125 original works, curated by long-time brand collaborator Emily Santangelo will be displayed throughout the property. The collection
includes landscapes by Alex Katz, paintings by Robert Peterson and special commissions by artists such as Orit Fuchs and the young British talent Doodle Boy.
Dining brings a familiar favourite with the celebrated LoLa 41° restaurant and a new speakeasy lounge. Known for global flavours inspired by the 41st parallel from Japan to Nantucket, the bistro will serve everything from inspired seafood and sushi to mountainready, après-ski bites. Breakfast will feature pastries by local favourite Open Sesame, while après-ski might include snowballshaped nigiri, frosted martinis and truffle fries dusted like fresh powder.
Guests will have effortless access to Aspen’s year-round attractions, from Michelin-starred dining and boutique shopping to outdoor adventure. Exclusive winter experiences range from before-hours ski runs and backcountry snowcat tours to winter fly fishing and snowmobiling to the Maroon Bells. Summer activities include mountaintop yoga, gondola picnics, mine tours and priority tee times at three local golf courses.
To help guests explore, White Elephant Aspen will extend its partnership with BMW, offering complimentary airport transfers and courtesy vehicles. Priority Bicycles and a ski shuttle will also be available. After a day outdoors, guests can unwind at the year-round heated pool, two hot tubs or outdoor fire pit, or take advantage of VIP access to Base State Longevity, a wellness studio offering IV drips, hyperbaric therapy, saunas and cold plunge. Pet-friendly rooms feature local treats from Barks Gourmet Deli and artisan bowls by ceramicist Less is More.
BOOK IT
Rates at White Elephant Aspen start at $1,995 per night for two people sharing on a room only basis. For more information, please visit www.whiteelephantaspen.com.
A New Luxury Shopping Experience in the Heart of Norfolk
The Harper, North Norfolk’s leading luxury country hotel, is delighted to announce an exclusive new partnership with the award-winning British lifestyle brand Fairfax & Favor, by launching a bespoke Shopping Package that celebrates Norfolk craftsmanship, style, and luxury living.
The new Harper Hotel x Fairfax & Favor Shopping Package invites guests to enjoy an indulgent overnight stay at The Harper Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, paired with a personal shopping experience at Fairfax & Favor’s flagship boutique in Holt, a haven for those who adore timeless design, exquisite leather craftsmanship and classic British heritage fashion.
Guests will be welcomed with a glass of champagne on arrival at The Harper, before settling into one of the hotel’s beautifully designed rooms, where understated luxury meets local charm. After a restful night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, guests can head to Holt for their exclusive shopping appointment, where Fairfax & Favor’s in-store stylists will curate a personalised session, offering expert advice and styling across the brand’s coveted range of exquisitely made boots, bags, and accessories. Guests will also leave with an exclusive complimentary gift bag from Fairfax & Favor, which includes a number of goodies, including a bespoke Fairfax & Favor Holt leather key ring.
The collaboration between The Harper and Fairfax & Favor marks a natural meeting of minds, two Norfolkborn brands with a shared passion for contemporary British design, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
The Harper x Fairfax & Favor Shopping Package is available to book now from £250 per night including:
• Overnight stay for two at The Harper on a B&B basis
• Welcome glass Champagne on arrival
• Personal shopping experience at Fairfax & Favor, Holt and complimentary goodie bag
• Use of The Harper’s spa facilities and bicycles (subject to availability)
• Daily, excluding 24th-27th December and 31st December 2nd January
Bookings can be made directly via www.theharper.co.uk
New Year’s Eve in The Capital
Park Plaza has hotels spread across the capital with the most exclusive view points in the city to watch the fireworks at midnight. Each hotel offers its own experience that turns New Year’s Eve into something a bit more special - from sushi and Champagne opposite Big Ben to skyline dinners with live music and late-night celebrations above the Thames.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Step into a night of elegance, indulgence, and celebration as you welcome 2026 with an experience like no other. Begin your evening with an array of freshly prepared sushi, followed by a decadent main course crafted by the chefs at Brasserie Joël.
As the evening unfolds, ascend to the exclusive Executive Lounge, where desserts and drinks await alongside breath-taking views of Big Ben. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere as the DJ provides the perfect soundtrack to your celebration.
And for the grand finale, make your way to the Presidential Balcony. With a glass of Champagne in hand, witness London’s worldfamous firework display from the most iconic vantage point in the city. It’s not just a celebration, it’s a memory in the making.
Park Plaza Riverbank
Celebrate the arrival of the New Year from one of London’s most spectacular vantage points, the 12th-floor Riverview Lounge at Park Plaza London Riverbank. With sweeping views of the River Thames, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Battersea Power Station, you won’t beat the view of London’s spectacular fireworks display.
Chino Latino’s pan-Asian tasting menu (wagyu nigiri, prawn tempura, Chilean seabass) served alongside skyline views and live music, a private dining experience all with the grandeur of London’s fantastic firework display as your backdrop, or an elegant Gala offering an evening of fine dining and live entertainment, are all hosted on the hotel’s 12th floor.
Park Plaza County Hall
60 rooms with a view offering a cosy front-row seat to the fireworks, just steps from the Southbank Centre Winter Market and festive lights
For those planning a quieter evening, Park Plaza’s rooms and suites offer luxury, comfort, and some of the most breath-taking city views - from signature suites to penthouses, the only decision you’ll have to make is “What experience will you choose?”
Celebrate the Season with Unforgettable Festive Experiences
The Evolv Collection is unwrapping an extraordinary festive season across its portfolio of celebrated restaurants and bars, transforming each venue with spectacular themed activations, premium drink partnerships, and unforgettable entertainment, from Alpine lodges to Dickensian taverns, classic glamour with live music to winter wonderlands. Whether planning a corporate celebration, a family Christmas Day feast, a bottomless brunch or festive cocktails with friends overlooking spectacular skyline views, The Evolv Collection's venues across London, provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable seasonal celebrations, accommodating everything from intimate gatherings to spectacular parties.
Coq d'Argent
Lodge d'Argent brings the charm of French Après Ski to Bank in partnership with Courvoisier. Enjoy the cosy atmosphere of a traditional French ski chalet complete with furry blankets, sharing plates, and Courvoisier cocktails.
Guests can relax on the rooftop terrace or hire one of two private chalets for up to eight people. Enjoy ‘Snowed in Sunday’s’ with the new Sunday roast experience.
14 Stories, London
Presents "Christmas Stories" in partnership with Johnnie Walker Ruby, creating unforgettable skyline celebrations. When guests order a Johnnie Walker Christmas cocktail, they will receive a pre-stamped postcard to write and send to a loved one, who can bring it back in the new year for a complimentary cocktail.
24 Stories features a snow installation at the entrance bar, between 5-9pm it will snow whilst guests enjoy ‘The £10 Chill’ cocktail and Christmas tunes.
100 Wardour Street
Presents "Sleigh the Night" in partnership with CÎROC, featuring bespoke cocktails for the ultimate Soho party experience.
Enjoy bottomless Festive Rhythm n Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December, live music lunches, Jukebox Brunch upstairs with DJ sets downstairs on weekends, and Rhythm n Band karaoke on Friday nights.
German Gymnasium
Showcases a stunning 20ft Christmas tree inside the iconic Grade II listed converted gymnasium. Outside, the Christmas terrace features Nutcrackers and authentic festive charm in King's Cross.
Celebrating German festive traditions with Monkey 47 cocktails, seasonal goose, and mulled wine.
Quaglino’s
Is the place to be for Christmas, descend into a Classic Christmas wonderland with live music seven nights a week. The first two weeks of December feature shared lunch experiences with live music (lunchtime only), alongside The Dalmore Christmas cocktails and whisky flights. After all, it wouldn't be Christmas without a visit to Quag's.
Angler
Angler Rooftop becomes a fairytale hideaway, with fire pits on tables, chalet-style charm, and warming hot chocolates. Add a Woodford Whisky twist for the perfect winter escape above the city.
Secret Garden
CÎROC takes over the Secret Garden for the Ice Garden experience. Guests can enjoy the thrill of the ice shot train, delivering chilled shots across the venue, alongside a bespoke cocktail menu inspired by the frosty theme.
The garden will be transformed with icicles and frozen florals cascading from the roof, creating a truly immersive winter wonderland. Open to the public and available for private hire.
Madison
Offering "Share the Magic" in partnership with Coca-Cola, bringing festive cheer with stunning views across the city. The terrace is decorated with festive displays overlooking St Paul's, featuring festive Coca-Cola serves.
From sparkling celebrations with friends to corporate parties, expect a lively atmosphere, stunning City backdrops and a menu filled with seasonal flavours including Giant Pretzels designed for sharing with warm truffle cheese dipping sauce.
Skylon
Presents festive showstopper cocktails at the destination at the top of London’s Royal Festival Hall, with floor-to-ceiling views of the Thames.
Perfect for any festive party.
Bluebird Chelsea
Offers classic Christmas elegance in the restaurant, while the Caféand courtyard transforms into the "Winter Lodge".
A complete Alpine experience with cheese boards and hot toddies in partnership with Singleton Whisky (takeaway options available too for King’s Road Christmas Shoppers). The restaurant has partnered with No.3 Gin and Fever-tree to offer Festive Cocktails and Tiny Tini’s.
La Pont de la Tour
Transform into a cosy alpine escape on the riverside with L'Après du Pont. Swap mountain views for iconic views of Tower Bridge.
Gather around fire pits on the terrace, warming up with cheese fondues, rich hot chocolates, and CÎROC Vodka cocktails.
Roll up, Roll up see Panto at The Circus
Pantomime legend Brian Conley will return as Billy Barnum to lead this year’s cast in the magical circus-themed Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Milton Keynes Theatre. He’s joined by Lucy Conley, who stars as Goldilocks along with renowned dame David Robbins as Dame Betty Barnum, panto villain Gary Milner as Baron Von Blackheart, magician Phil Hitchcock as The Magical Mysterioso, and (direct from Zippo’s Circus) The Timbuktu Tumblers.
For five weeks only, Milton Keynes Theatre will be transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible, and anything could (and will) happen. This festive extravaganza will be packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts, and awe-inspiring circus acts!
Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang…
Emma Sullivan, Theatre Director at Milton Keynes Theatre, said:
“Two years ago, audiences adored the on-stage chemistry and comedy banter between panto legend Brian Conley and his
daughter Lucy, so we are beyond thrilled to be once again welcoming back not one but two members of the Conley family for this year’s festive season!
David Robbins, Gary Milner, Phil Hitchcock, and the rest of this fantastic cast will ensure there is a perfect mix of speciality circus acts and traditional panto fun: all the ingredients we need for Goldilocks and the Three Bears to be the greatest panto on earth!”
The official charity partner for this year’s pantomime is the Milton Keynes Community Foundation (MKCF), which means that the generous donations made during the panto season will go directly into MKCF’s Community Fund, ensuring that local charities and community groups across Milton Keynes benefit through vital grant opportunities.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Saturday 6 December 2025 – Sunday 11 January 2026.
Roll up and be part of the circus – Book your tickets today.
Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes.
STARS
Manish Kumar Arora
(K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant) reveals what’s in store for you this month
Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December)
This is an expansive phase where you can gain greatly through being out there, keeping a clear and positive attitude and being ready to take the chances that come. New ideas, new working associations and new social directions are keys to the future. Opportunity comes through those you meet and you may expand your activities into new areas through such influence. You will have luck yourself so make the most of it and strike whilst the iron is hot.
Favourable Dates: 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26
Favourable Colours: Yellow & Green
Capricorn (22 December – 19 January)
This month is all about finding a balance that suits you. A busy, social time whirls around you, but you know you need private time to develop all your scintillating ideas and plans so your dreams and goals morph into something fresh and challenging. You should keep an eye on your pocket book though, because expenses at home may be more than you expect. A loan or help from an outside source is a possibility.
Favourable Dates: December 3, 8, 12, 17, 26, 30
Favourable Colours: White & Grey
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February)
You can make a new beginning, leaving old patterns behind. Work should be very fulfilling, and this is a good time to get some recognition there. Love and relationships are strong this month. A partner or love interest may take special notice again, and singles could meet someone new.
Favourable Dates: December 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 20
Favourable Colours: White & Purple
Pisces (19 February – 20 March)
You will find this to be an action-packed month and there will be celebrations and other adventures on your personal agenda during this fantastic month. Later you will find yourself faced with lots of work and with family responsibilities as well. However, work matters will be moving forward in pleasing ways, and you will have the chance to showcase just how creative you can be.
Favourable Dates: December 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, 27
Favourable Colours : Green & Yellow
Aries (21 March – 19 April)
You have focused interests and are naturally willing to work hard on something you believe in. Mid-month is when your instincts are most likely to be spot on, as you’re able to ignore the chaos around you and steer a steady course. This is a revealing time when communications and understanding with others will advance. You will be able to talk things through with partners or close associates and see them in a different light.
Favourable Dates: December 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24
Favourable Colours: Green & Blue
Taurus (20 April – 20 May)
You may be restless or frustrated with who you are or where you're going. If you sit down and conduct an inner review, you will discover the hidden thoughts or feelings at the bottom of all this. Standing up for your own ideals and dreams is important and strengthens your selfesteem. If you’ve been silent, or hesitated to rock the boat, you might be amazed by how good you feel when you speak up.
Favourable Dates: December 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21
Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow
Gemini (21 May – 20 June)
This is a good time for lots of travel and also for putting time into either working at home or home projects You crave financial security but would love to revel in edgy philosophies and experimental projects. You enjoy a secure relationship, but often tend to devote more energy to friendships. Friends and partners see you in a rosy glow and if you’re single you might even enjoy rekindling an old flame.
Favourable Dates: December 1, 8, 10, 17, 19, 28
Favourable Colours: White & Yellow
Cancer (21 June – 22 July)
You are on top of your game this month and positive connections with others can be made fairly easily. This is a period where both singles and those with partners can advance at speed or change with dramatic intensity. Money and relationships figure strongly. There may be beneficial news, important opportunity and romantic meetings all coming at you. Events cause you to focus more attention on a partner or on looking for one.
Favourable Dates: December 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 30
Favourable Colours: White & Red
Leo (23 July – 22 August)
This period signals a change in your world that will take time to register in your consciousness. The chameleon of karma will indeed come and go in your life as you begin to see the immutable laws of cause and effect working out. Familiar routines could be disrupted or subverted, but this should be a good thing since it opens up new doors, interests, and courses of action.
Favourable Dates: December 2, 9, 11, 18, 20, 27
Favourable Colours: Red & Blue
Virgo (23 August – 22 September)
You’re thinking about your values and polishing up your philosophy on life. Your charisma is boosted around the 10th and 15th, bringing flirtatious possibilities or a shedload of compliments. Friends and colleagues are in a supportive mood this month, and team efforts or shared projects can boost your creative energies. Just avoid secret deals, they’re likely to unravel and undermine your progress.
Favourable Dates: December 1, 9, 10, 18, 19, 27
Favourable Colours: White & Blue
Libra (23 September – 22 October)
You are due to gain recognition in your professional life, and sexual and romantic satisfaction will follow close behind. Your public image and professional affairs will demand extra time and responsibilities but the rewards that follow will be worth it. You're getting along well with your partner/mate, and in fact, they are a big help in the moment. Your psychic or spiritual perceptiveness will be an important part of your life during the last week.
Favourable Dates: December 6, 8, 17, 18, 24, 26
Favourable Colours: Red & Brown
Scorpio (23 October – 21 November)
This is wonderful time for your creativity, and you find yourself doing a lot of behind the scenes work. Money tends to fluctuate, so follow a budget. Overall though, the financial tendency should be towards increase. For those married or in a partnership, opportunity may add something to your lives or change the way you're headed. New goals and new interests can emerge through contact with new friends and interesting people.
Favourable Dates: December 1, 7, 10, 16, 19, 25
Favourable Colours: Yellow & White
manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com
Weekend Starts Here....
All That Glitters by Danielle Steel
From New York to London to St Tropez, All That Glitters is the story of a young woman finding her place in the world and learning the hardest lesson of all, who to trust.
Coco Martin, the adored only child of wealthy parents, has lived a charmed existence in their beautiful Manhattan home, spending her summers in a fabulous Hamptons house. Despite her privileged upbringing, Coco’s parents instilled in their daughter their own values of hard work, honesty and kindness.
But, just as she enters her twenties, Coco's world is devastated by the sudden death of her beloved parents. Now the heir to a considerable fortune, Coco must find her way in a world that no longer makes sense to her. The estate is protected by a trustee, a close friend of her mother and father – but is he the honourable man she believes him to be?
Beginning a new life in London, she falls in love with a charismatic, handsome, penniless aristocrat, who introduces her to a world of fabulous parties and extravagance. Coco’s oldest friend, Sam, fears that this whirlwind romance won’t last, but Coco is sure that she has finally found happiness.
Caught up in the mayhem of London's glamorous social scene, can Coco find a way to see things as they really are . . . ?
A Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk Is a fake boyfriend really just for Christmas?
One fake romance. One magical Christmas. One chance to fall in love.
Laura was all set for a quiet solo Christmas, just her, a bottle of wine, and flat-sitting for a stranger. But when the stranger’s parents mistake her for his mystery girlfriend, she’s swept off to the snowy Scottish Highlands with Callum and his whole family. Between the cosy sleeper train, charming pubs and breathtaking views, this could be the no-strings-attached Christmas of Laura’s dreams. But stranger Callum is hot, hilarious and their ‘fake’ chemistry is off the charts.
So is this just a Christmas fling? Or the start of something more?
All We Want for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley
At Ravendale Castle, nestled in the snowy heart of the Lake District, Lara is busy preparing for the Winter Spectacular, a glittering light trail that will fill the grounds with the magic of Christmas. It’s the perfect distraction from her recent heartbreak until Flynn, the ruggedly handsome technical manager, arrives and sparks start to fly.
Flynn is determined to prove he’s worth taking a chance on. But just as Lara begins to believe in love again, someone from Flynn’s past arrives at the castle, bringing a secret that could tear them apart. As Christmas draws closer, can Lara and Flynn take a leap of faith toward the happily ever after they’ve always wanted?
