THE ART OF FESTIVE PLANNING Mrs M’s ideas for

The art of

FESTIVE PLANNING

Passionate about quintessential English customs, our incognito columnist reminds us to do the best things in life in the most elegant fashion, always with a twinkle in her eye

BELOW The perfect Christmas lunch does not miraculously emerge but needs significant thought and planning, I tell Mr M who, while oblivious, would be horrified to receive one without all the trimmings. D uring this year’s long hot summer, it was almost impossible to imagine the crisp, cold days between Christmas and New Year. But, as I am fond of telling Mr M, one must plan if one is to have a nice time, and so it was that I forced myself to make arrangements.

Mr M is one of those men who believe in spontaneity. The more sensible among us realised quite young that just as the Tooth Fairy and Father Christmas are the products of organised parents, so spontaneity is the product of an organised wife.

Last Christmas then, during a conversation about car ownership in cities, Mr M announced to friends – with some smugness – that he had never taken an Uber. I almost choked on my champagne.

“Where,” I asked him incredulously, “do you think those cars miraculously appear from when we have been in Paris or Amsterdam? Did you think it was some friendly local who happened to be passing?”

“Why…” and I admit my voice did take on something of a squeak as I said this, “did you imagine I told you being nice to the driver was important for our rating?” (I was not going to allow him to do anything to dent my five stars.)

I digress, but I will tell you that Mr M had the good grace to look a little sheepish as he changed the subject to the nice bottle of port he had held back for us to enjoy after dinner. Rather like planning a journey, then, one must think carefully of the days between Christmas and New Year. If not, they will be spent doing nothing but eating cheese and drinking far too much wine. Regular readers will know how much I love the festive season. The decorating, planning, present buying, and cooking are among my favourite things to do. So, it stands to reason that once the last plate is dried and the silver has been put away until the next celebration, I can find myself feeling a little lacklustre. It is why I feel it is important to spend the days before New Year in a manner that lifts one’s spirits.

I usually plan a spa day. It is remarkable how quiet even the best establishments can be at this time of year. I suppose it is because most people feel a duty to be at home with the family. Piffle and nonsense! Ever since the children were tiny, I have taken a day out to do lovely things for myself.

I get my hair highlighted, a manicure and pedicure and a deliciously relaxing massage. After all, it is I who has done most of the work to make Christmas a delight for everyone and it is Mr M who has done most of the eating. With this in mind, I think I deserve a little time to myself.

In fairness, Mr M has never grumbled, but I would often come home to find the children either covered in mud or watching something hugely unsuitable on the television. The youngest has never quite recovered from watching a film I believe was called Snakes on a Plane, but at least he can now, many years later, board a flight without checking every overhead locker.

Walking, too, is an important part of the in-between days. Each year I try to find somewhere new to take the dogs. I see it as part of their Christmas treat, along with roast goose and lots of yummy potatoes. Mr M sees allowing them on the sofa as one of his festive traditions, something we will clearly always disagree on.

Beaches are the perfect place to blow away the sleepiness of the Christmas holidays. We wrap up 

warm and take flasks of hot soup and freshly baked bread wrapped in a tea towel to keep it warm. There is something about the elemental nature of the waves lapping against the shore that puts life into perspective. It feels like a good time to re-evaluate things and set goals for the coming year.

Historic houses with gorgeous parks and woodland are another favourite walking choice. One can imagine going back in time and living in one of these extraordinary homes at their height. Mr M generally spoils it all by trying to tot up the heating bill and wondering how much a new roof would cost. Since moving out of the big house, he has been a little smug about quite how much more frugal we are being.

I think a lot about how these days are a great preparation for the year ahead. Next year I shall commit to journaling each day and also keeping the clutter down. I also plan to exercise at least three days a week. Mr M says he will be committing to cutting out sherry. (I am sure I do not need to point out that sherry is his least favourite tipple. It reminds me of the year he gave up cabbage for Lent.)

I am also going to make sure I express my artistic side. I shall begin a new project in the run-up to New Year’s Eve and am determined to create some beautiful pieces for the spots in the house that are currently looking a little empty.

I have always wanted to take up pottery, so that is top of my list of things to try, along with watercolour painting and upholstery. Mr M says he feels tired just thinking about it and would like to take up power napping. His success in this area is assured. n

ABOVE I am determined to try my hand at pottery in 2023, and look forward to presenting the results to Mr M.

DELIGHT IN THE DETAILS

If ever there is a time to buy oneself a present, one that enables organisation and sparks creativity should be a guilt-free purchase

PHOTOGRAPH P111 (GARLAND) © LE PANDA/SHUTTERSTOCK; (DINNER) DARIA USTIUGOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK; P112 (POTTERY) STARODUBTSEV NIKITA/SHUTTERSTOCK ARTISTIC ENDEAVOURS I have been researching books that might help me kick-start my creative projects and have found one that has left me rather excited. The Nature of Creativity: A Mindful Approach to Making Art and Craft, by renowned textile artist and embroiderer Jane E Hall. As we become increasingly aware of the power of nature to lift our spirits, so, too, are we becoming more conscious of the role mindfulness can play in sparking our creativity. So says the author, who brings these ideas together in this gorgeous book by explaining how spending time in nature helps us to engage the senses and rediscover the playfulness of childhood, before presenting 10 creative ideas inspired by nature. This charming collection of art- and craft-based ideas and projects is just the thing for those at any stage of a creative journey. Published by Merrell, the book costs £25.

STATELY EXCURSIONS Planning trips is such a wonderful use of time during the quiet days between Christmas and New Year. Whether it is things to do during this period or making plans for visits and trips later in the year, it is marvellous to know that there will be something to look forward to. Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey is filmed (see above), is one place I have always longed to visit. Do take a look at the website as it has information on upcoming events, as well as a marvellous blog, a hugely popular podcast, recipes and an online shop. So, even if you have to wait a while before you can actually get there, you can experience much of life there virtually. highclerecastle.co.uk

PLOTTING DATES A diary is such an important thing to own. A proper paper diary in which to jot down one’s thoughts and feelings alongside reminders to de-flea the cat is a real joy. I adore Smythson notebooks and stationery, so have asked Mr M if he might buy me the wonderful Soho Diary for Christmas. It is the perfect size as it will happily fit into one’s bag, but also large enough to write long lists or even one’s most interesting thoughts. Made from Smythson’s signature Panama leather, it has a handy pocket and is available in a host of colours. My favourite is this Nile Blue. It costs £180. smythson.com