The View - Christmas 2018

DEC | ISSUE #18

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Cruze Vertical Blinds

Welcome & Decora News

21 Visual Impulse: Winter in the City

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New Products for 2019 Sunwood: Winter Wood Trends

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The BBSA Review

Introducing The New Fabric Box

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Winter Wonderlands

Bold Statements: Emerging Trends for 2019

35 A Different Type of Christmas Tree

37 Santa Fe Dakota

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43 Afternoon Tea Treats

A Cup of Tea for You & Me

45 A Merry Little Movie

IT HAS BEEN AN EXCITING SECOND HALF TO THE YEAR HERE AT DECORA AND WE CAN’T WAIT FOR YOU TO SEE WHAT WE HAVE BEEN GETTING UP TO. Decora attended the BBSA Show in October previewing several new products. The hard work of our team and your loyalty really made the show a success. We also came away with the award for the Best Stand and the Best Marketing Campaign. With over 3000 visitors, the 2018 show was our busiest yet! Thank you for joining us over three very busy but very enjoyable days.

With the new Fabric Box launching in January, Visual Impulse invites you to brighten up your window display this winter with our ‘Winter in the City Lights’ themed visual. Our fabrics are ready to take on the new year and it’ll soon be time to get creative and introduce our showstopping fabrics into your showroom. Other new products launching next year include the new Cruze Vertical Headrail and Cruze Motors, Unicolour and Unishade and a new Santa Fe range, Dakota.

As the cold weather sets in and we are on the countdown to Christmas, why not think a little differently this year by adding a twist to your Christmas tree. Ditch classic for contemporary this year or keep it simple and try out at fun new ways to decorate your Christmas tree.

Fancy a warm cosy catch up with friends this winter? Take a look at our selection of afternoon teas, filled with endless choice of miniature delights alongside a nice cuppa. We also have some savory and sweet recipes for you to try on the run up to the festive season.

We look at all those wonderful winter escapes that will want you exploring throughout the magical season. If you would rather stay close to home, we look at this year’s Christmas cinema releases or a night in with some festive Christmas favourites on Netflix. Whichever you decide, get the popcorn ready, as we have a mixture of both to choose from.

And lastly, we hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone here at Decora.

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AS 2018 DRAWS TO A CLOSE WE LOOK BACK AT SOME OF THIS YEAR’S SUCCESSES FOR DECORA!

DECORA NEWS

IT HAS BEEN AN AWARD FILLED YEAR, FROM LOCAL INDUSTRY AWARDS TO EUROPE WIDE RECOGNITION FOR CONTRIBUTION TO INNOVATION AND BUSINESS.

2018 started with the Lisburn and Castlereagh Business Awards where Decora came away with the Business Growth Award. With the publication of the Top 200 of the HSBC International League Table Decora where listed as well as being recognised within the fifth edition of the London Stock Exchange Group as one of the top 1000 fastest growing companies to inspire Britain.

The 1000 companies to Inspire Europe report which identifies the most dynamic and fastest-growing, highgrowth potential firms throughout Europe. In this, the third annual report Decora are proud to have been listed within the Manufacturing and Engineering section.

We picked up the Best Marketing Campaign and Best Stand at the BBSA Show 2018.

To top off this year’s success Decora was awarded the Best Marketing Campaign & Best Stand at the BBSA Show 2018. The 2018 show provided a platform for customers to preview the new collections.

Decora are proud to have been listed within the 1000 companies to Inspire Europe report

I N N OVAT I O N 2018 has been a year of product development and innovation within Decora, all of which were previewed at the BBSA Showcase.

The leading 2019 launches include the highly anticipated New Fabric Box Collection, the innovative Cruze Vertical system, the contemporary lines of Santa Fe’s Dakota Range and the ultimate home automation delivered through Cruze Motors. Read on for more information on these new collections.

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NEW PRODUCTS 2019

CRUZE VERTICAL The bold empathic lines of the Cruze Vertical headrail merge with soft contours to create an innovative newly shaped system. With enhanced light control and style, Cruze Vertical presents an unparalleled vertical system for design, functionality and efficiency in production.

S A N TA F E DA KOTA Launching in Quarter 1 2019, Santa Fe Shutter’s new collection, Dakota, introduces 9 colours which include 4 beautiful wood grained finishes giving a stunning tonal textured look. Dakota also presents a contemporary urban blade design providing optimum light control and insulation values.

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NEW PRODUCTS 2019

T H E FA B R I C B OX The Fabric Box comes to life with its new collection launching in February 2019. Presenting a range of botanical prints, sophisticated tones and innovative weaves. New colourways balance and enrich the fabrics structure and design with a mixture of lively brights and subtle pastels. On trend colours such as teal and chartreuse are prominent throughout the book alongside fabrics with beautiful metallic detail. The collection has been enhanced to give you a broader range of elegant textured fabrics and stunning new accessories, including the Sunwood bottom bar and a new selection of braids in a variety of neutral shades.

U N I C O LO U R / UNISHADE Unicolour’s enhanced colour palette offers greater choice in colour and in fabric widths with the introduction of a 3m wide width. To further enhance the contract plain FR collection is the launch of the Unishade blockout fabric. Matched to the unicolour in palette and in widths, Unishade completes Decora’s plain contract offering.

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Central to the development of the aesthetics of the system are the bold and empathic lines which give way to the gentle contours of the Cruze headrail. Drawing inspiration from window architecture, the soft curves of the headrail contrast with the sleek lines of the headrail, mirroring the linear vertical vane.

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A specified textured finish for both the headrail and components adds a softness to an otherwise streamlined minimal product.

The precisely engineered headrail encases the vertical components, creating the distinctive Cruze system appearance. The new traveller combines aesthetics and engineering to create a highly functional yet visually attractive vertical component. Core to the system design has been the ease of headrail production.

The newly designed traveller aids the speed of production while the reduced traveller width offers consumers

greater light control with a reduced stack back on open vertical blinds.

The overall aesthetics of the system are complimented with a choice of 3 operations, direct drive, a reduction geared system and wand control, for the ultimate Safe by Design solution.

The direct drive operation delivers a highly responsive, sleek vertical blind, while the reduction gear box offers ultimate in precision and control.

United, the new Cruze vertical system presents an unparalleled choice for function, aesthetics and production efficiency.

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The Control is in Your Hands

THE CRUZE ROLLER MOTOR CAN BE CONTROLLED BY A REMOTE OR THE CRUZE APP THE CRUZE APP DELIVERS A 2-WAY COMMUNICATION ULTIMATE BLIND CONTROL WHILE AT HOME OR AWAY

MOTORS

The Power of Innovation

The Cruze roller embedded battery motor provides a wire free solution to domestic roller motorisation.

WINTER WOODS

The Winter season brings an array of colours from the burnt orange blanket formed from fallen leaves, to the shimmering sunlit bronze of exposed trees, and the white glaze of the morning frost.

As nature bares plentiful textures, our homes invite warm woolen cushions and furry blankets to keep us cosy. Wooden logs are stacked beside the fire and the blinds are drawn closed as the Winter nightfall sets in. Lending itself to the popularity of Winter textures, the Sunwood collection interjects as a perfect home edition this season.

WINTER’S MAGICAL PALETTE

As frost covers the ground, the air fills with mist and icy droplets fall from the trees, the Winter season brings a sparkling scene of crisp whites. Merging beautifully with the skyline above, the Winter white palette combines with moody greys for a magical view to be admired.

Emulating Winter’s colour palette is the Sunwood essentials colours range; 8 matt shades flow luxuriously from pure white to warm creams, tranquil greys, dark anthracite and black. Adding the essence of the Winter glimmer, 2 gloss options glisten in white and cream, bringing an elegant touch to the collection.

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NATURE EXPOSED

Slowly falling from the trees, leaves shed from branches leaving textured wood grains bronzing in the Winter sun. Natural wood tones beautify our surroundings and inspire us to embrace woodland elements in our homes; from pine scented candles to rustic log coasters and dining rooms furnished with oak, wooden elements invite nature’s peace and tranquillity indoors. Adding a touch of authentic nature, the Sunwood collection of stains presents 5 shades inspired by organic tones.

Imitating textured grains, the soft grain collection also presents 4 natural tones combined with a subtle grain, adding depth to any interior.

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URBANISED NATURE

The new year calls for fresh beginnings with many re-vamping their dĂŠcor for a change of scenery within their home. Embracing all things new, opt for quirky tones and textures which add definition and create an edgy vibe; 3d wall tiles or weathered wood panelled walls; woolen place mats or felt covered plant pots; or metallic book shelves with leather brackets.

Adding an urban feel to the Sunwood collection, a selection of perfect grains displays a beautifully printed grain. Available in 5 colour options, each adds depth and a tonal textured finish.

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BBSA SHOW 2018

Thank You to all who attended the BBSA Show 2018!

We were blown away by your support at the BBSA Show. Firstly, we would like to thank you for your continued support over the years and for visiting the stand at this year’s show. It was a great opportunity to catch up with customers and introduce you to our new 2019 collections.

At the BBSA Show we were absolutely delighted to have won 'Best Stand Award' and 'Best Marketing Campaign'. The success of our stand would not have been possible without each and every member of Decora pulling together to achieve this. The award was

presented by Channel 4 Amazing Spaces Presenter, George Clarke and received by our Marketing Manager, Nichola McFall and Head of Design, Mark Canavan.

Each day of the show was a triumph from start to finish! Positive customer feedback on the new collections and the stand itself made all the hard work worthwhile. We also got the opportunity to showcase some of the Best NI produce including our locally brewed Gin from Jawbox Gin and Hilden Brewery Beers.

See our highlights

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With the dark nights now upon us, Visual Impulse brings you ‘Winter in the City Lights’, our Christmas window display, inspired by the bursts of light that shine bright and ignite our streets. As the sun goes down, we want to light up our window displays and draw attention to the collections on display!

For many retailers the Christmas window is the show stopper for the year! It is the opportunity to stand out from others on the high street and draw in consumers! For this edition of Visual Impulse we have taken inspiration from past and present windows, translating these creative, inspiring displays to suit the window blind trade.

Brown Thomas put on a spectacular display this year on Grafton Street to showcase their windows with their festive theme ‘It’s Showtime’. ‘This year, we drew inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood to create magical window displays full of drama, decadence and surprise.’

Selfridges – Oxford Street, turned up the volume this Christmas with a glam rock themed Christmas window, including a series of star appearances by Selfridges rock ‘n’ roll Santa! From Freddie Mercury to David Bowie, each of Selfridges bespoke Santas are inspired by rock ‘n’ roll royalty. The mannequins have been 3D-printed into some of the rock stars’ most iconic poses.

Winter in the City Lights draws inspiration from the sparkling lights of the top Christmas displays and adds a touch of our own personality.

Lighting up our window displays, drawing focus to our collections all while creating that winter atmosphere helps us to stand out from the crowd.

VI SUA L I MPU LSE

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WINTER IN THE CITY Our new fabrics Sio, Avoca and Shima all display contrasting shimmers of metallic colour, which are perfect for catching the light and the eyes of anyone walking by. Metallic patterns and colours are a popular theme throughout The Fabric Box and they are perfect for this time of year when the shimmer and glitter take centre stage. But whether you want to go for a traditional colour scheme of reds and golds or something more colourful, The Fabric Box has a range of designs, patterns and textures to get excited about when deciding on the scheme of your window or showroom.

We also look back at winter windows from years past. If you want to go for something a little brighter, why not follow in the footsteps of Harvey Nichols or House of Fraser, with flashing neon lights to really create a showstopping display.

DON’T FORGET TO LAYER, LAYER, LAYER.

Add multiple layers of fabrics at different heights to create depth and this will also show more of a variety. By incorporating light, your shop window may be the beacon of visibility amidst the duller shop windows on the same street.

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Have fun with lighting by using props such as light boxes and shaped lighting, hanging bulbs or fairy lights. Choose a range of patterned fabrics alongside plain fabrics.

Include vinyl’s and materials, stands and suspensions so customers eyes can gaze over your window for more than a couple of seconds.

You will find an endless amount of lighting options from your local store to online.

Lightforfun.co.uk is a quirky website that varies from neon signs to fairy lights. Ikea, Ebay and Cult Furniture are also useful online sites to get you started.

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Being strategic with lighting can pay dividends in helping you get your focal point right on and directing onlooker eyes to where you want them.

Consider lighting displays from the sides and front. This will bring out the 3D quality of the display and you can really have some fun when you have light coming at it from different angles.

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With the darker evenings upon us, we don’t want your window displays to be hidden away and that’s why lighting is a crucial element to play around with. Lighting can create moods, highlight certain products over others, and establish a dramatic setting for your store window display.

BE BOLD WITH COLOURS, SHAPES, AND PROPS.

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LIGHT UP YOUR DISPLAY

n, Go wi d odwin & Goo

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N E W C O L LE C TIO N P R E VIE W

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Muscari Ink

Fabricated with creative vision inspired by nature-esque

beauty, harmonious tones, eclectic palettes and sophisticated yarns, The Fabric Box transcends illuminating colour, distinctive design and lavish texture.

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Addict Soleil N E W C O L LE C TIO N P R E VIE W

CLASSIC FINESSE MEETS CONTEMPORARY EDGE Statement designs encapsulate a mix of timeless delicacy through to urban modernity and merge with classic and contemporary styling.

Inspired by linear structures, geometric patterns, metal structures and masculine overtones, The Fabric Box collection injects contemporary vibes with intrepid stripes, bricked designs, tonal metallics and moody tones.

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INSPIRED BY TRENDING TONES 150 shades of purely distinctive colour embrace The Fabric Box plains collection, with tones ranging from gentle neutrals to radiant dusky hues and pops of bright dramatic shades.

On trend colours such as deep teal, soft duck egg, vibrant chartreuse and moody navy have been introduced to emulate the colours which paint the scene to home interior fashions today.

These opulent shades extend as shimmering additions within the design collection and emulate luxury within the textures section.

Sio Marmo

CREATIVITY & STYLE MEETS FUNCTIONALITY Inspired by marbled textures, linear designs and metallic tones found in contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, The Fabric Box easicare collection lends itself to the functional needs of modern homes.

Injecting botanical elements, the collection also incorporates feminine florals and delicate tonal palettes to suit classical tastes. Enthusing those with a more daring taste, bold prints and vivid tones complete the collection with infused vibrancy.

Boheme Willow28

FLOURISHING WITH THE GRANDEUR OF NATURE Inspired by the natural world, The Fabric Box flourishes with gentle florals and softly chirping pastels and ignites with lush tropics, striking symmetry and a flair of bold colour. Feminine florals, powdery tones and intricate detailing combine with statement designs, eclectic palettes and metallic luminosity, inviting the outside in to your home through your own personal style.

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N E W C O L LE C TIO N P R E VIE W

SOPHISTICATED WEAVES COMBINE RICH DEFINITION

Soft and natural textures inspired by handcrafted quality transpires The Fabric Box collection of luxurious textures.

Subtle designs, delicate yarns, silky metallics, tonal weaves and richly defined woven textures integrate through voiles to jacquards and block out options. Truly emulating the soft cloth appearance, the intriguing variety of textures invite you to feel the refined detailing and opulent touch of each inspired fabric.

Lush Maya

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TRENDS

FOR 2019 AN D BEYOND

We are on the cusp of a new decade and with it we will have to adapt the way we live. There is no longer a choice, sustainability, less consumption and the need to conserve the worlds resources is a reality that will be addressed.

With a growing, ever conscious population, design trends are changing constantly, having a huge impact on how we dress our homes. Urban living spaces are becoming smaller and therefore space will be precious; as will time, so everything in the home has to work.

So, we will say good bye to houses that look like hotels and the Mid-Century Modern look will fade, a new style that 'is not the same as everyone else' will dominate. A curated eclectic mix of furnishings and accessories that make a personal statement about the inhabitants of the space.

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URBAN LIVING

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Home will be of vital importance as a cocoon from an uncertain world.

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More and more people now work from home. Our urban living spaces become smaller, furniture will become compact and multifunctional.

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Technology will monitor our homes, our health and our wellbeing.

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DIY, crafting and making will all continue to grow in popularity.

BOHO CHIC

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Layering highlights of pattern and colour on a plain background create interest and a unique look.

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Boho makes a resurgence with collectables, pattern and accessories but in a cleaner, fresher and younger way.

B OLD S TATEMENT S F OR 2019 AND BEYOND

The Fabric Box - Boheme Willow

\\ Unique pieces, bold patterns, floral fabrics and wallpapers will tell stories that will appeal to consumers.

The Fabric Box - Blythe Rosea

FLORAL

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TACTILE TEXTURES

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The touch of comfort will be ever more important; innovative finishes, interesting weave structures and the feel of luxury add a modern update to neutrals.

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The Mid-century modern look makes way for a much more individualist style. Mix it up with brave layers of different metals, patterns and fabrics in one space.

Santa Fe Dakota Carrara 33

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Light coloured venetians or wood flooring. Birch, beach and white reflect more light for fresh bright spaces.

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Bringing the outdoors in, greenery and florals will continue to be important, these have been reinterpreted in a new and modern way.

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Sustainability will grow in mainstream popularity.

Organically inspired trends will have longevity: think wood, glass and stone.

B OLD S TATEMENT S F OR 2019 AND BEYOND

Sunwood Revera

ORGANIC

LIVING

BLAC IS K BACK

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Greys and black are important in terms of colour palettes but there is a warmth to grey tones moving forward.

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Black spa style bathrooms, matt black accessories & rich dark jewel toned colours.

Key colou rs for 2019

LUSTRE

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Lacquer and high shine gives way to shimmer.

Accent walls are a thing of the past but wallpaper and strong colours will always be popular.

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WGSN (Worldwide Global Style Network) has predicted Neo Mint as the colour of 2020 they stated the colour 'An oxygenated fresh tone that aligns science and technology with nature'.

NEO MINT B OLD S TATEMENT S F OR 2019 AND BEYOND

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A tradition in the UK since the 1800s, Christmas trees decorate the home with greenery in anticipation for the Spring season ahead.

As the ‘Evergreen tradition’ is embraced year after year, retail stores overflow with colourful baubles and homes dazzle as twinkling lights liven the

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green addition in the home.

Joyous smiles beam as interiors are brightened with ornaments of choice and each home is given its own unique look for the Christmas season. This year, take the tradition to a new level and add your own bespoke Christmas tree creation.

" Use your crafty DIY skills to create a simple statement "

" Use planks of wood to create a rustic interpretation "

A shapely piece of art

Get creative and use different materials to form your very own version of a Christmas tree. Create the iconic shape by combining your wall space with items you love for a personal touch; use fabric to create your own tapestry tree; or use your crafty DIY skills to create a simple statement piece using items which spark your imagination. " Use items you love to create

A piece of rustic charm

the christmas tree illusion"

" Recycle old items for an environmentally friendly Christmas tree"

If you feel enchanted by rustic dĂŠcor then use your love of nature to form your own original wooden tree; combine branches or logs from the woodland floor with twinkling lights to enlighten with magical charm or use planks of wood to create a colourful interpretation.

Recycled

Reuse and renew! Recycle old items for an environmentally friendly Christmas tree. Use old lamp shades, spindles or tattered books to create pieces which are full of vintage character.

Savvy quirk

Alternative Christmas trees work wonders if you are limited with space in your home. Use your wall space to create the Christmas tree illusion; go completely quirky by colour blocking items within your home; or add that wow factor with a topsy turvy ceiling tree.

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E N G R A I N E D I N E V E R Y I N T E R I O R Interior trends through 2019 and beyond sees wood stripped back to its natural grained form. The concept of bringing nature into the home using wood creates a luxurious and homely feel, mimicking the effects of bringing the outdoors in.

Natural grained woods reflect natural light giving the illusion of more space.

Forecasted trends vary in colour nuances soft white grained Scandi; dark and bold woods epitomise the Luxe trend, whilst crafted interior themes highlight the grey toned woods, but together these trends boast neutral grained wood finishes.

Natures warmth, texture and beautifully imperfect grain enhances many interior themes.

Santa Fe Shutter’s new collection, Dakota, launching in Quarter 1, 2019 presents a uniquely beautiful wood grain in muted wood tones, each carefully handpicked to enhance a stunning tonal texture, drawing on natures raw beauty for effortless style.

Crafted using a bespoke Urban shutter blade, Dakota shutters offer a stunning flat blade finish with enhanced closure and superb light control. Blade control is effortless with a hidden rack and pinion control enclosed within the shutter stile, further enhancing each Dakota shutter’s aesthetics on either side of the shutter panel.

Dakota shutters will be available as full height, tier on tier and cafĂŠ style ensuring 90% of shutter applications can be satisfied.

The beautiful laminated finish of the 9 Dakota colours facilitates a consistent colour; a standard flat finish is available in a range of 5 contemporary colours, from white through to dark anthracite grey, a soft textured wood grain is available in white and grey and two natural wood look finishes the collection whilst emulating natures beauty.

Winter has officially arrived, and despite the long days and dark mornings there are a few things we cannot deny we love about this season. You won’t want to miss out on the wonderful Christmas Extravaganzas across the UK. Gather up your friends & family and take a trip to the enchanting displays to take you back to your childhood excitement this Christmas season.

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Hogwarts Under the Snow Magical Lantern Festival The Magical Lantern festival is a must see for all ages! Running from November 23rd to January 1st the magnificent light display will feature life size & larger than life displays.

Potter fans will now be able to experience the magic of Hogwarts at Winter. The wintry theme will take over Warner Bros Studios in Watford from 17 November 2018 to 27 January 2019 & will transform the studio’s most popular displays.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay Edinburgh's Hogmanay shows the world how to party with 3 days of spectacular events, great music and amazing crowds from every corner of the globe. Join thousands of marchers bearing firelit torches, enjoy birling to traditional Scottish music beneath the striking edifice of Edinburgh Castle, and watch top stars and incredible fireworks from Princes Street Gardens.

All Aboard the Santa Express Take the family on a magical journey on-board the 'Santa Express' to meet Father Christmas & explore his Dalegarth grotto at the the foothills of England's highest mountains, the Scafell range.

Elves take over Todd's Leap Hyde Park Wonderland Open from 22 November 2018 to 6 January 2019, this year looks even better for kids.

There’s Peter Pan On Ice, Backyard Cinema’s The Snowman Experience, Zippos Christmas Circus and more starting from as little as £5 with family deals from £20.

This Christmas, the elves will be taking over Todds Leap, in Dungannon, from the 1st December. Theres so much to do in this magical winter wonderland, like traveling through the magical tunnel, touring the elves workshop, helping the elves in Santas post office & of course, visiting Santa in his grotto.

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Afternoon Tea is appreciated by many. It brings us together as we catch up with friends over a warm pot of tea and a tiered selection of miniature treats, but most of all it's an avenue for chefs to express their creative flair and add twists to the indulgent tradition.

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In the early 1800’s only 2 meals where allowed in a day, breakfast and dinner. Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford found that this wasn’t enough and so enjoyed a cup of tea and a light snack in the afternoon to settle her hunger. She gradually started to invite friends around to join her and this, due to its popularity is why Afternoon Tea became a tradition and still is to this day.

So, gather your friends and enjoy an inventful afternoon tea at one of the following places. And don’t forget to check in, as they are definitely Instagram worthy!

The Shard, London Take a trip down memory lane with a Mary Poppins themed Afternoon Tea on the 31st floor of The Shard, available until April 2019. Guests will be taken on a playful journey with exciting nostalgic, creative sweets and succulent savouries.

Served on a custom-made tea stand with an umbrella on top and silver booted feet below, you will see original Mary Shepard illustrations of Mary Poppins and a menu that takes form as a gilt gold framed mirror.

Mary Poppins Afternoon Tea

Dalloway Terrace ‘London’s Most Instagrammable Restaurant’ Dalloway Terrace’s Honey Bee Afternoon Tea takes inspiration from the humble bee and their value to the environment.

Honey Bee Afternoon Tea

The sweet elements of the menu are based on four key habitats which are crucial to the continued existence of the honey bee.

Tipsy Tea

Art Tea

Festive Afternoon Teas

Babel, Belfast

The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

The Merchant Hotel, Belfast

Join Babel every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 – 4pm for spirited afternoons of savoury sandwiches, sweet treats & sensational cocktails.

The Merrion Hotel offers little pastries of Edible Art inspired by paintings from The Merrion’s’ Collection. Executive Chef Ed Cooney and Master Pastry Chef Paul Kelly originally created nine delectable pastries, almost too good to eat and the gracious surroundings of The Merrion’s Drawing Rooms are the perfect place to relax.

Enjoy a delightful seasonal twist on the traditional Afternoon Tea.

Enjoy all this while looking over the city of Belfast at Bullitt Hotel’s rooftop bar & garden.

The Merchant's three-tiered silver stand boasts finger sandwiches, scones and a delicious selection of seasonal cakes and pastries, including mince pies and Christmas cake accompanied by your choice of tea or coffee.

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We hate the idea of this classic tradition diminishing so we want you to put your apron on and get involved. Afternoon tea is considered a British tradition, and is widely celebrated on National afternoon tea week, at the beginning of August but can be celebrated all year round, with some seasonal inspirations.

This Christmas why not put the kettle on, get baking and invite your friends for some afternoon tea. Afternoon tea doesn’t have to mean cucumber sandwiches and standard sponge. Give your afternoon tea a modern twist on the classic 3 tier stand.

Chocolate Black Sesame Cookies Rich and chewy and studded with melty chocolate chips. A depth of nuttiness, a hint of salt, and notes of exotic sesame linger long after the cookie has disappeared.

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Ingredients

Method

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, black sesame powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside.

1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup dark 1/4 cup black sesame powder 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce 1 cup dark or semisweet chocolate chips black sesame seeds, for topping

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and sugars together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla, and soy sauce and mix until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add dry ingredients and mix on low speed until incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips.

Scoop 1 1/2 - inch balls of dough with a medium cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 tablespoons per cookie) and place on prepared cookie sheet, leaving at least 2 inches of space between cookies to allow for spreading. If desired, sprinkle cookies with a pinch of black sesame seeds just before baking. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until centers are just set. Remove from oven and let cool on pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool.

Shrimp Skagen

Cherry Ripe Bites

Sausage & Mango Pinwheels

This simple prawn starter is courtesy of executive chef Henrik Ritzén at Nordic restaurant Aquavit, London. If you can’t get fresh horseradish, use 1 tbsp of horseradish sauce instead.

These cherry chocolate bites taste exactly like the bars you get from the shops!

Made with only five ingredients, they contain no added sugar.

Just a fancier version of a sausage roll, with a sweet hint of Mango. Perfect finger-food for parties.

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Prawns 400g, cooked and peeled Mayonnaise 150g Dill 1 bunch, finely chopped, a few sprigs reserved, to serve Horseradish 1 tsp, grated Sourdough 4 slices, toasted Salmon roe to serve, (optional) Lemon 1, wedged

Chop half the prawns and put in a bowl with the remaining whole prawns. Add the mayo with the dill, horseradish and season.

Put in the fridge for 10-20 minutes before serving piled on toast with a few dollops of salmon roe, if you like, a couple of sprigs of dill, and a lemon wedge for squeezing.

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4 cups desiccated coconut 400g glace cherries 2 tbs cherry brandy 3 drops red liquid food colouring 400g sweetened condensed milk 375g dark chocolate 30g copha

Combine coconut, cherries, essence, food colouring and condensed milk in a bowl. Mix well.

Roll heaped teaspoons into balls and refrigerate until firm. Melt chocolate and copha together. Re-roll balls before dipping into chocolate. Dip in chocolate mix. Set aside to set. You can dip balls again for an extra thick chocolate layer.

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500g sausage mince 36 leaves baby spinach 185g mango chilli chutney 1 onion small finely diced 1 tsp Moroccan seasoning 1 pinch salt and pepper 3 sheets puff pastry 1 tbs milk

Combine onion, mango chutney, sausage mince, salt, pepper and Moroccan seasoning in a bowl.

Spread over pastry sheets.

Cover the meat with a layer of baby spinach leaves. Roll pastry from the edge. Run a pastry brush dipped in milk along the far edge to seal the pastry into a long sausage shape.

Slice into pieces & lay flat on a tray.

Bake at 180C for 12-15 minutes.

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Who will win this year’s battle for the top Christmas movie releases? Will it be one of the new Cinema releases or will Netflix come out on top?

Can the Cinema really be replaced with an “at home” movie? From their creation in the early 1900’s, Cinema theatres have been the stage to wow viewers with the latest stories, special effects and the full cinema experience. This trend has begun to change with the latest stats showing that young people are shunning the box office in favour of online viewing.

With video-on-demand companies such as Netflix offering a wide range of movie options as well as producing original films and series, there is less and less reason to leave the comfort of our homes!

So, can at home viewing really replace the whole “Cinema experience” this Christmas?

MARY POPPINS RETURNS Set in Depression-era London of the 1930s, Mary Poppins Returns sees Michael and Jane Banks now grown up.

Mary Poppins re-enters the lives of the Banks family and uses her unique magical skills to help the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives.

AQUAMAN Aquaman is the king of Atlantis, born half-human and half-Atlantean.

In this action packed film the surface world is constantly ravaging the sea and the undersea Atlanteans, who are ready to lash out in revolt.

THE PRINCESS SWITCH Vanessa Hudgens plays dual roles in this Christmassy take on the classic rags-to-riches role reversal story.

The Princess Switch comes to Netflix on November 16, 2018.

MOWGLI Lord of The Rings Star, Andy Serkis’ big-budget live-action take on Rudyard Kiplings classic, The Jungle Book, featuring the voice talents of Benedict Cumberbatch, Cate Blanchett & Christian Bale, comes to Netflix on Friday 7th December.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS