Journal Volume 2. by Life Of Riley

volume 2

Journal

Autumn 2021 Listen to our playlist on Spotify previous page The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. Photograph © Matt Pringle.

Welcome

I am so happy to bring you the second issue of Life of Riley’s quarterly journal. As the days become cooler our thoughts are turning to festive preparations – and in this issue we bring you a bumper gift guide, plus ideas for beautiful wrapping (something we take very seriously here). We look at gorgeous Christmas wreaths (hint: not just for front doors) and offer advice on getting your home ready for guests. Our cocktail recipes will come in handy when entertaining, too. You may wish to wrap up and venture out to some gorgeous autumnal gardens – our top ten are truly special – or perhaps stay indoors and lose yourself in one of our recommended new books. Enjoy!

Sarah Kocher The Journal was written by Katherine Sorrell. See more of her work at katherinesorrell.com.

Life of Riley Journal

Autumn 2021

Contents

6 Autumn Glory

Ten gorgeous gardens to visit around the UK.

A Warm Welcome for Festive Guests

Useful tips on preparing your home for visitors.

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A Traditional Wreath

We look at the seasonal decoration and its fascinating origins.

Christmas Gift Guide

Our suggestions for perfect presents: for men, women and couples, plus ideas for wrapping.

My Favourite Recipe

50 Meet the Maker Diane Chappalley

Mix up some celebratory South American Cocktails.

The artist tells us about her background and inspirations.

Irresistible New Books

Novels and non-fiction to enjoy by the fire.

A Brief History of Gin

How the juniper-flavoured spirit went from herbal treatment to trendy tipple.

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Autumn Glory 6

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Summer may be over, but these ten gardens around the UK are full of seasonal delights LIFE OF RILEY

previous page Gorgeous autumn colour at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, which were designed specifically to be enjoyed in all seasons. Photograph © Rachel Chappell.

right Delicately colourful, an Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’ (Tortuosum Form), on Petry’s Path at Trebah. below The paths at West Lodge Park run through conifers, oaks, maples and mountain ash.

1 Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Romsey, Hampshire Specialising in horticulture, conservation, education and recreation, these award-winning gardens cover 180 acres and boast splendid displays of seasonal planting. In the autumn many trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials continue to flower, with 8

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cotoneasters, crab apples, hawthorns, hollies and Sorbus, among others, starting to form ornamental fruits. Acer Valley, full of Japanese and other maples, is a particular spectacle of oranges and reds. Situated in the grounds are a gift shop and a flagship garden centre. An open-air sculpture exhibition runs until 9 January 2022.

2 West Lodge Park

Hadley Wood, Hertfordshire The 35-acre Beale Arboretum at this country house hotel consists of more than 800 species of tree, including spectacular conifers, the national collections of Hornbeams and Taxodiums, the new Catalpa collection, magnolia and holly beds, and the glorious maple

glade. Open for the NGS on 24 October, and by arrangement April – October.

3 Trebah

Mawnan Smith, Cornwall This Cornish valley garden is a subtropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop, consisting of 26 acres that include a secluded beach and more LIFE OF RILEY

than four miles of footpaths. In autumn, Hydrangea Valley (planted in the 1950s) casts clouds of china blue and soft white across Mallard Pond, while in winter spectacular champion trees dominate the landscape, and plants from the southern hemisphere start to flower.

4 Bodnant

Tal-y-Cafn, Conwy This world-famous hillside garden has the stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Snowdonia. Offering year-round colour, the garden drops top A view of the Pin Mill and Canal Terrace at Bodnant Garden. Photograph © National Trust Images/John Miller.

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above A group of Cappadocian Maples beside the lake at Mount Stewart. Photograph © National Trust Images/ Alex Ramsay.

opposite The garden in October at Stourhead, looking across the lake to the 18th century Pantheon. Photograph © National Trust Images/ Arnhel de Serra.

overleaf Westonbirt offers an incredible landscape of scarlet, orange and gold in the autumn. Photograph Paul Groom.

from manicured lawns and flower-filled terraces, through wildflower meadows and shrub borders, and into riverside dells. The autumnal displays of crimson, amber and gold are dazzling, with many trees and specimens from around the world at their finest. Look out for the blue seed pods of Decaisnea fargesii (Dead Man’s Fingers), the giant ‘raspberries’ of Cornus kousa and the pink and orange hooded berries of Euonymus europaeus, and enjoy the burnt-sugar scent given off by the Katsura trees as their leaves turn.

5 Mount Stewart

Newtownards, County Down Celebrated for their unrivalled plant collection and original features, worldrenowned gardens surround this neoclassical house. There are more than 70 acres to explore, which reward the

visitor even in the depths of winter – thanks to the area’s mild climate which favours unusual and tender plants, and the deliberate choice of colourful and exotic species. Follow the Red Trail for a walk which loops through farms and woodlands, passing water features, the ruins of a folly and beautiful views over Strangford Lough, or the Lake Walk to see the fiery autumnal palette of the garden reflected in the lake.

6 Stourhead

near Mere, Wiltshire Stourhead is both a Palladian house and world-famous landscape garden. The centrepiece of the garden is a magnificent lake that reflects classical temples, mystical grottoes and rare and exotic trees – all the more stunning when autumn brings a vivid display of colours. LIFE OF RILEY

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above An almost perfect reflection of autumn colour in the Middle Lake at Sheffield Park. Photograph © National Trust Images/ Andrew Butler. right Visit Crarae in autumn to take in the riot of colours among its huge variety of trees. opposite The kaleidoscope of autumn colours at The Dingle Garden is breath-taking.

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7 Westonbirt

Tetbury, Gloucestershire Westonbirt Arboretum holds the national collection for maples, and it follows that autumn visits are truly breath-taking simply for their glorious colours alone. The Acer Glade in the Old Arboretum and Maple Loop in Silk Wood are musts. However, with 2,500 species from around the globe, there is much more to see here, and not only are there seasonal fruits, hips and berries in profusion, but the diversity and vibrancy of leaf colours to be found are unsurpassed in Britain.

8 Sheffield Park

Uckfield, East Sussex Formed through centuries of landscape design, the Grade I-listed garden at Sheffield Park is a horticultural work of art. Four lakes form its heart, with

paths circulating through the glades and wooded areas surrounding them. The garden is internationally renowned for its autumn colour, with its vast collection of trees and large shrubs planted to create vistas that enhance the feeling of scale and grandeur, including Nyssa, Acer and Taxodiums, with reflections in the lakes adding to the splendour.

9 Crarae

near Inveraray, Argyll and Bute Created in 1912 by Lady Grace Campbell, the aunt of intrepid plant hunter Reginald Farrer, Crarae is dramatically set in a deep, wooded glen on the shores of Loch Fyne, and is Britain’s finest example of a Himalayanstyle garden. Its centrepiece is the Crarae Burn, sitting among a woody paradise of rocky gorges, tumbling waterfalls and thickets of maple, birch and evergreens. Displays are impressive year round, but in autumn the varied collection of trees shows off an impressive range of colours.

10 The Dingle Garden

Welshpool, Powys This internationally acclaimed RHS partner garden sits within the rolling hills of mid Wales. The secluded garden is especially well known for its colourthemed and unusual planting, which includes lakeside, lawned and mixedbed areas that showcase a wide and unusual range of herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs for year-round interest. The famous adjoining nursery sells a vast range of plants, including many rare and specimen species. The garden is open for the NGS on 16 October.  LIFE OF RILEY

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A Traditional Wreath Hanging a festive wreath is a sure sign that Christmas is coming. Welcoming and attractive, they also have a long and fascinating history

Christmas wreath always makes an attractive complement to your decorative scheme. Gone are the days, however, when a wreath consisted of a bit of trailing ivy and some laurel or holly, with maybe a few berries scattered on top. A quick glance in the shops reveals that an endless variety of styles is available, traditional and modern, encompassing everything from simple greenery to iridescent baubles, and all sorts in between. Your wreath might be made of peacock feathers, LED lights, metallic leaves or gingerbread men, or it could be the simplest of evergreens, laurel or fresh, seasonal flowers. While some of us buy a fresh foliage wreath every year, or make our own, others bring out a favourite artificial wreath from a box in the attic. The making, buying or ritual unpacking of a wreath is, of course, just one element. Another part of the enjoyment is in deciding where to place it. opposite Evergreens, baubles and a traditional ribbon. Photograph Roger Bradshaw/Unsplash.

A wreath on the front door is perhaps the most obvious and convenient location, and signals to anyone approaching your home that you’ve entered into the festive spirit. But there are other options, too: in a window or on an exterior wall, above the mantelpiece or at the bottom of a staircase. Alternatively, wreaths with candles make beautiful centrepieces when laid on a dining table, complementing your table decorations. The custom of making wreaths goes all the way back to around the eighth century BC. In ancient Greece, athletes and prized poets and orators were awarded a wreath made of laurel, pine, olive, celery or palm, and lovers hung wreaths on their beloved’s doorways as a sign of affection. Greek mythology has it that Apollo crowned himself with a wreath of laurel after his unsuccessful pursuit of Daphne (who turned herself into a laurel tree), and laurel wreaths came to have great significance in Ancient Rome. They marked out victorious soldiers and were worn by emperors as a symbol of their importance and godly status. LIFE OF RILEY

above A delicate and subtle faux wreath on a wire hoop. Exquisite Nordic wreath, £24, Nordic House.

above right A tasty alternative to a floral wreath, perfect for a family get-together. Christmas wreath DIY kit, £38, Biscuiteers.

opposite Why not try making your own, unique wreath? Photograph Hillary Ungson/Unsplash.

Embellished with gold and jewels, these eventually became what we now know call a crown. Even today, Italian students wear a laurel wreath when they graduate from university (a degree is called a laurea in Italian). Meanwhile, in pre-Christian Germany and Scandinavia, wreaths were employed for a different purpose: sun worship. In the long, dark days of winter people prayed for the coming of the warmth and sunlight of spring. To give extra power to their prayers, they used a wreath, 18

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hung from the roof or placed on an altar or a table. The wreath was woven with evergreens, a symbol of everlasting life, and decorated with candles, which represented the light of the sun. As Christianity spread through Europe, the pagan evergreen wreath was reinterpreted accordingly. Its circular shape, it was taught, stood for God’s eternity, the immortality of the soul and the everlasting life found in Christ. Evergreens, as before, symbolised eternal life, while holly leaves represented Jesus’ crown of thorns, and the red berries the blood that they drew. The word ‘wreath’ is derived from an Old English word ‘writha’, which literally means ‘that which is wound around’, and is related to our word ‘writhe’. It was only in the 16th century that ‘wreath’ began to refer specifically to a decorative circle of flowers or leaves. At around the same time, the concept of using a

How to Make a Christmas Wreath You will need: ❆ Either a wreath frame and plenty of sphagnum moss, or a pre-made ring, or a simple hoop made from sturdy wire or bundles of twiggy growth from your garden bound firmly with garden twine or florist’s wire ❆ Green twine ❆ Scissors ❆ Evergreen foliage – two or three different textures and colours ❆ Secateurs to cut the foliage ❆ Embellishments of your choice ❆ Florist’s wire and wire cutters 1 If using a wreath frame and moss, use the green twine to secure bundles of moss evenly around the frame, winding the twine tautly around and around. Finish this stage by making a hoop of twine from which to hang the wreath. 2 Cut the evergreen foliage into lengths that will cover the base, and sort into small bundles. 3 Bind the first bundle of foliage to the base by winding twine tightly around the bottom of the bundle. Position the

horizontal wreath at the time of advent was begun by German Lutherans, but it was another three centuries until the modern advent wreath was invented, in 1839, by a German theologian and

next bundle so it slightly overlaps the first, secure with twine, and keep going until the base is covered. Tuck the last bundle under the first one to finish. 4 To add your embellishments, push a loop of florist’s wire around each one and through the base, then tuck it back again to hide the ends. You might want to cover the whole wreath, or position the ornaments at the top or bottom only. Keep a moss-based wreath moist – it should last four or five weeks outside, or a week or two indoors.

teacher called Johann Hinrich Wichern. Having been asked every day by the children at his mission school how long it was until Christmas, Wichern took an old cartwheel and stuck into it 20 small LIFE OF RILEY

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previous page left Modern geometry. Photograph Georgia de Lotz/Unsplash. previous page right Green and gold. Photograph Jez Timms/Unsplash. right Hand-prepared seasonal flowers. Copper, plum and gold wreath, £120, The Real Flower Company.

above Add a touch of glamour with a metallic wreath. Champagne Gold fern wreath, £46, Nordic House. above right Warm and glowing. Photograph: Vika Fleisher/Unsplash. opposite A traditional look for the front door. Classic half wreath, £20, Habitat.

red and four large white candles, then lit one small candle each weekday and Saturday, and one large candle every Sunday, until Christmas arrived. Local churches copied his idea, and gradually the use of an advent wreath, generally nowadays with just four candles (three purple and one pink), became a custom both in churches and people’s homes. Naturally enough, the Victorians wholeheartedly embraced the notion of 22

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Christmas wreaths. At the beginning of the 19th century Christmas was barely celebrated at all in England, with no specific holidays from work, and modest gift-giving taking place at new year. However, thanks to advancements in technology, industry and infrastructure (as well as the publication of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in 1843, which helped to initiate the modern ‘spirit of Christmas’), the Christmas season soon became a significant part of our annual calendar.

The Victorians revived the tradition of carol singing, invented the Christmas card and the Christmas cracker, and fell in love with decorated pine trees – a custom imported by Prince Albert from his native Germany in 1841. Moreover, Victorian households took the old idea of decorating our homes with evergreens and made it much more elaborate, introducing ivy ribbons, tree ornaments, mistletoe balls and, of course, decorative wreaths, made from evergreen foliage,

fruit and pine cones. The Christmas wreath had well and truly arrived. Whatever their style and wherever you display them, today’s Christmas wreaths may have religious significance for their households, or may simply be a beautiful accessory, adding colour and impact as both a welcoming entrance and a finishing touch – either way, they are a wonderful symbol of festivity and an essential for the Christmas season.  LIFE OF RILEY

A Warm Welcome for Festive Guests Are you ready for visitors this Christmas? Avoid last-minute panics and make sure that everyone feels completely at home by planning all the details well in advance

t is such a pleasure to welcome guests into our homes again. Enjoyable though it is, however, hosting can also be hard work – and the best way to reduce your stress while ensuring that everyone feels welcome, comfortable and relaxed is, of course, to do as much as possible in advance. Whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend with friends, start thinking about your entertaining commitments in good time: plan what’s needed, write a list, buy the relevant supplies, book any necessary tradespeople and, little by little, you will be well prepared and in a position to fully enjoy each and every special occasion. Your first task is to check your guest bedroom. Is it full of the general bits and bobs that inevitably accumulate over time? This is a good opportunity to have a clear-out and to sell, give or tidy away as much as possible. Create enough space in wardrobes and drawers for

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guests to unpack their clothes – or at least store your belongings neatly and leave a few hangers on a hook on the back of the door. In general, is the room too hot or too cold? Address issues such as windows that are stuck or radiators that don’t work – air the room well if it is seldom used, turn radiators on and, if necessary, plug in a small standalone heater, which may be a welcome boost during a cold December evening. Another task, while surveying the room, is to draw the curtains during daylight hours to see whether they will adequately block early-morning light. Do they meet in the middle and hang properly without flapping? Given enough planning time, you may even wish to

opposite Forward planning makes entertaining so much more enjoyable. Kraken Images/Unsplash.

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upgrade your spare-room window treatments by adding blackout lining for curtains, or fitting blackout blinds. While it goes without saying that the guest room should be sparklingly clean and as clutter-free as possible, there are some further elements that will really enhance it overall. First, test out the bed. How is the mattress? If it has seen better days, adding a topper will 26

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opposite above A comfortable sofa bed with a pocketsprung mattress. Wantage three-seater sofa bed, £2,576, Darlings of Chelsea.

left above Pringle wall light, £65; with 16cm Empire shade, £27; and Larger Palmer table lamp with 30cm tall tapered shade, £48; all Pooky.

opposite below Guests will appreciate a beautifully scented room. Scented candles, £38 each, Life of Riley.

left below Offer plenty of fresh towels. Waffle hand and bath towels in a range of colours, from £6 each, Dunelm.

phones, and where they will put down a book or a pair of glasses last thing at night. Bedside tables are indispensable – but if you don’t have them then a folding tray table, a small chair, a stool or just an upturned crate covered with some pretty fabric would all be fine.

definitely help. Now is also the time to wash duvets and pillows or have them dry cleaned, and to ensure that you have the necessary changes of bed linen and plenty of clean, fluffy towels at the ready. Putting yourself in your guests’ shoes will reveal the best ways of improving their comfort. Consider, for example, where they will store their luggage, how they will dry their hair or charge their

Reading lamps that can easily be switched on and off from the bed, a waste bin, a glass for water, an extension lead or adaptor plug, and a reasonably sized mirror are all very useful, while some additional pillows and a warm blanket or two will always be welcome, as would a dressing gown – especially if the room doesn’t boast an ensuite bathroom. Though not essential, soft rugs beside the bed and some pretty prints on the walls are a lovely enhancement, and if you leave out a card with the name of your router and Wi-Fi code it would undoubtedly be greatly appreciated. Finishing touches could include a small clock, a hot water bottle, a lavender pillow spray, a selection of books or recent magazines, and a sprig of fresh flowers. LIFE OF RILEY

If you do not have a spare bedroom, or there aren’t enough bedrooms to go round, no problem: utilise the living room instead. A good-quality sofa bed is the ideal solution, but a day bed, futon, bedin-a-box or even an airbed will all do, provided there is enough space to set 28

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them up without colliding with other items of furniture. If your living room is acting as a temporary bedroom, clear away as much as possible so your guests have room to put down their luggage, and place a small lamp on a side table near the head of their ‘bed’,

plus a spare throw or blanket nearby. A box, bag or basket into which they can stow bedding during the day will also help keep things tidy. They will probably have to live out of their suitcase, but an over-door hook with a couple of coat hangers will help them keep their best

above Even a guest bedroom deserves quality linens. 200 thread count Christmas dogs bedding set, £48, Sophie Allport.

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clothing crease-free. Lastly, pop a note on the outside of the door to make sure they are not interrupted before they have got dressed in the morning. When hosting festive meals for more people than usual, extendable dining tables come into their own, together with folding chairs or stools that you can bring out as extra seating. Check that you have plenty of crockery, glassware, cutlery and serving dishes (no one want to have to wash up every few minutes). Setting up a beautiful festive table display should be a pleasure rather than a chore, so it is best to do this with plenty of time to spare, and lay the dining table well in advance so that you are not preoccupied when guests arrive. When entertaining in the living room, larger parties will probably involve more standing and chatting than sitting down, but it is still a good idea to arrange the seating into convivial groupings, and to provide enough sofas and armchairs for older or infirm guests, as well as plenty of side tables for drinks – with coasters to protect precious surfaces.

opposite A prettily laid table, with a cohesive colour scheme, enhances the dining experience. White linen tablecloth, from £110; Pearl tableware, from £10; natural rattan harvest basket, from £150; all Layered Lounge.

above right Extra room for shoes and coats is always useful when lots of visitors are expected. Aden hallway tallboy, £120, Habitat. right Waxed canvas and leather weekend bag, £159; waxed canvas tote bag, £49; both Life of Riley.

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above A folding tray-table can do the honours as a handy place for mixing or serving drinks. Leather butler tray, £620; leather ice bucket, £185; both Life of Riley. opposite right Celebration time! A smart cooler is just the ticket when serving bubbly to party guests. Nickel champagne cooler, £149, Life of Riley.

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opposite left For opening bottles, measuring spirits, scooping ice and trimming garnishes, all in a handsome leather storage pot. Leather bar tool collection, £259, Life of Riley.

Think about lighting, too. The most inviting atmosphere is often achieved with side lights on tables in the corners of the room rather than a single central pendant, while a dimmer switch can change a bright glare into a subtle glow. In a shared bathroom, remove or hide away as much of your clutter as possible: the aim is for the room to be pristine, functional and good-looking. Where will guests put down their washbag when they unpack? Is there enough room for toiletries by the sink or, if not, where

will they go? Sometimes a tiny folding table, a towel ladder or a lean-too shelf makes an essential addition when extra people are using the bathroom. After your guests arrive, take the time to explain any quirks of the plumbing, as well as the availability of hot water and what times of day are best to shower or bathe. Finally, give some thought to the outside of the house. A well-lit number or sign will help guests who haven’t visited before find your home easily. Make sure that paths, too, are clearly illuminated and neither muddy nor slippery. By this stage, hopefully, there should not be too much left to do. Clear a few hooks to hang extra coats in the hall, have a vase or two ready in case you are presented with flowers, light the fires, put on some background music and set out a few reed diffusers or scented candles. With such care and forethought, your guests are bound to be delighted with their welcome – and will soon be back to visit again. 

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Christmas Gift Guide 1

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Gifts for Women Our inspiring selection of beautiful, pampering, cosy, practical and downright delectable festive treats

1 Ethically crafted and deep pile. Isabella sheepskin rug/throw, £55, Surrey Style. 2 Gorgeously soft and comforting. Faux fur long hot water bottle, £44, Camperdown Lane. 3 Help for a good night’s sleep. Mulberry silk eye mask, £32, Chalk Pink Linen Co. 4 Classic and classy (expected in stores from November). Suedestitch detail leather gloves, £39.50, Oliver Bonas. 5 Handbag, cross body or clutch. Cowhide bag, £99, Zulucow. 6 Made from the offcuts of Rolls Royce car interiors! Sheepskin slippers, £48, The Small Home. LIFE OF RILEY

7 8

7 Filled with subtle dried-lavender flowers. Yoga rug mat, £195, Holistic Silk. 8 Lavishly large and soft. Volcanic merino wool blanket scarf, £60, the British Blanket Company. 9 A stocking full of gift-wrapped homeware and wellbeing products. Luxury hamper for her, £99, Kinfolk. 10 Tiger wash bag WWF collaboration, £20, Accessorize. 11 Just right for daily use. Leather personalised small jewellery box, £89, Life of Riley. 12 Soothing and nourishing hand-made sugar hand scrub. Rose and patchouli, £16, Tam Mason.

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15 16 18

13 For gardening enthusiasts. Waxed canvas gardening bag, £79, Life of Riley. 14 Wrap up for winter. Cashmere wrist warmers, £42; beanie, £45; Cove Cashmere. 15 Personalised large circle necklace, £105, Soremi. 16 Festive sparkles. Ortigia Hoops, £150, Auree Jewellery. 17 Strikingly organic. Strata stack rings, £355, Emily Nixon. 18 Scented candle and matches gift set, £60, Life of Riley. 19 To uplift, balance and relax. Mini bath oils, £27, GAIA Skincare. 20 Hand-thrown porcelain star tea light holders, £59, Life of Riley. LIFE OF RILEY

Gifts for Men Hard to buy for a father, partner or other man in your life? Look no further than our choice of special ideas

1 Made from finely woven cotton cambric for softness and an even grain. San Cristobal shirt, £75, Indigo Island. 2 A one-piece tool to trim, weed and snip. Secateur multi tool, £24.95, Annabel James. 3 A multicolour, multi-hole belt for exactly the right size. Billybelt elasticated belt, £35, Men @ 107. 4 Reusable style for hot drinks, with a silicon lid. Edo stoneware travel mug, £12.95 each, Rose & Grey. 5 A glass-lidded case for fragile or small items. Leather collectors display box, £245, Life of Riley.

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6 For the oven or the BBQ. Waxed canvas and leather apron, £99, Life of Riley. 7 Personalised Adventurer’s sundial and compass, £65, Treat Republic. 8 Hand-blown and engraved crystal liqueur glass, £69 for a set of six, The Vintage List. 9 Bear Essentials elm wood watch, £79.99, Suusco. 10 Swirled glass paperweight, £35, OKA UK. 11 Booming Bob’s Argan Moisture & Fresh Orange beard oil, £16.99, The Kind Store. 12 A treat to use. Leather backgammon set, £399, Life of Riley. 13 Canvas and leather laptop bag, £99, Life of Riley. LIFE OF RILEY

14 Includes a funnel and four metal cups. Leather hip flask gift set, £99, Life of Riley. 15 Best-selling leather stud box with a pair of luxurious Peper Harow socks. Socks in a personalised keepsake box, £75, Life of Riley. 16 Soft and warm, with a blanket-stitch edge. Reversible merino wool scarf, £45, Tori Murphy. 17 A heavyweight robe with fold-back cuffs and patch pockets. Venezia dressing gown, £149.99, Bown of London. 18 Add a trad touch to a formal outfit. Barbour tartan handkerchief box set, £30, Farrar Tanner.

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19 Ideal gifts for country-sport lovers, who will recognise the distinctive feathers. Individually hand-crafted cock pheasant photo frames, from £75, Winfield Digby. 20 These sterling silver cufflinks feature a relief monogram and can be personalised with a secret message on the reverse. Entwined monogram cufflinks, from £85, Sally Clay Jewellery. 21 From wine to gin to whisky – everything he’ll need to enjoy the festive season. The Ultimate Drink Cabinet Collection Hamper, £225, Cartwright & Butler. LIFE OF RILEY

Gifts for Couples For parents, siblings or other relatives, or perhaps a thank-you to friends whom you are visiting this festive season

1 The ultimate luxury for an al fresco meal. Leather picnic trunk, £795, Life of Riley. 2 An ambient light while diffusing essential oils. Gingko smart diffuser lamp, £45, Men @ 107. 3 Pure new wool backed with waterproof canvas. Picnic blanket, £100, The British Blanket Company. 4 Hand-crafted from marble. Kalik candleholder gift set, £150, Soho Home. 5 Museum-quality, fine-art reproduction prints, from £25 each, Musée Home. 6 A newly extended range of classic crockery. Adder Green collection, from £15, Cornishware.

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7 A wooden chopping board and four leather-handled cheese knives. Cheese knife and board set, £169, Life of Riley. 8 A gorgeously glittering gift. The sparkling Christmas hamper, £26.95, Funky Hampers. 9 An array of decadent treats. The Classic Christmas Luxe, £36.50, Hotel Chocolat. 10 Practical and beautiful. Leather stick holder £169, Life of Riley. 11 Seven great varieties of 200g truckles. Cheese rainbow, £29.99, Mouse House Cheese. 12 Spice up a festive meal. Christmas chilli gift set, £9, National Trust. LIFE OF RILEY

Wrapping it Up The thoughtful presentation of a Christmas gift, large or small, tells the recipient just how much you care

Set aside time to enjoy the process of gift wrapping and, with a little preparation, it is possible to achieve impressive results. Start by choosing paper gift wrap over metallic or foil, which cannot be recycled. Other interesting, and environmentally friendly, alternatives include fabric, brown paper or even newsprint. It is also worth replacing conventional sticky tape (a single-use plastic) with string, biodegradable paper tape or decorative Japanese washi tape.

above left A goodlooking tag is the finishing touch for perfect presentation. Velvet gift tag set, £10.50 for a set of 14, Nordic House.

above middle The zero-waste alternative to wrapping paper. Organic cotton reusable fabric gift wrap, £11 each, Wearth London.

above right Smart festive wrapping from Life of Riley, with papers by British specialists Cambridge Imprint, tied with a luxury grosgrain ribbon.

right Pop small gifts into a classic stocking such as this Holly and Berry Christmas stocking, £17.50, Sophie Allport.

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For awkwardly shaped items, gift boxes save time and effort, and help create a professional, symmetrical look with crisply turned corners. Sacks are great for larger presents, while gift bags, of course, are perfect for festive bottles of wine and spirits. With the basics done, it is time to add co-ordinating ribbons, tags and festive charms. A wide ribbon could be layered with a contrasting slim one, or perhaps

use two colours, or contrasting textures. Tie some bows in the centre and others to the side, leaving a few plain bands without a bow. For an understated, natural look, tie with raffia or jute string. Finish with a gift tag and a pretty charm: perhaps a tiny pine cone, an evergreen sprig from the garden, a small bauble or a slice of dried orange.  above Add a delicate charm to embellish a special present. Porcelain North Star ornaments, £18 for a set of three, Nordic House.

right A selection of co-ordinating gift wrap and decorations from the ‘Kindred’ trend at George Home.

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My Favourite Recipe Life of Riley’s Josie Foxwell celebrates the festive season by mixing up some special drinks. Salud!

“T

hese recipes bring back special memories of an amazing holiday backpacking around South America with friends. We still meet up, play card games and drink cocktails like we did on our travels. I had my first Pisco Sour in a bar in Aguas Calientes, where we reflected on how our friendship had brought us to this point in time. The next day we trekked up Machu Picchu – which was such an adventure and a surprisingly spiritual experience. This recipe is now my go-to party piece. It’s delicious, and incredibly easy to make. Then there’s hot chocolate, which always reminds me of our time in Ecuador. A boat trip through the beautiful Amazon rainforest took us to a cocoa plantation, where we were shown how the fruit is picked and turned into chocolate. I brought home some bars of chocolate infused with cloves and cinnamon, and started to make hot chocolate in an attempt to recreate the delicious drink we had in South America. I tend to offer this instead of

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a dessert – it’s a great way to end a night with friends. Finally, a Michelada is, essentially, a Mexican Bloody Mary, using Mexican beer instead of vodka. I was sceptical when I was offered it in Columbia, but it was much needed after a scary experience involving our bus being stopped and searched by armed guerillas. Now I absolutely love it, and always order one when I see it on the menu. If you don’t include the tomato juice the drink becomes more of a Mexican shandy: a good starting point if you’re unsure of the tomato/beer combination.”

Michelada 1 tsp salt 1 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp chilli flakes 1 tsp black pepper One lime ¼ pint tomato juice mixed with a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce (optional) 3–4 splashes of Tabasco sauce Modelo (or other Mexican beer)

Sprinkle the salt, chilli powder, chilli flakes and black pepper onto a plate. Take a long glass and rub a slice of lime around the rim, then press the rim into the seasoning on the plate. Squeeze the remaining lime into the glass. If desired, pour in the tomato juice/Worcestershire sauce mix. Add the Tabasco, and fill to the top with Modelo. Add ice if desired. Serves 1

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Pisco Sour Plenty of ice 2 shots Pisco (South American brandy) 1 shot lime juice ½ shot sugar syrup 1 egg white Angostura Bitters (optional)

Pre-chill an old-fashioned glass (short tumbler) by filling it with ice. Pour the Pisco, lime juice, sugar syrup and egg white into a cocktail shaker and shake for long enough to mix the ingredients. Add ice and shake again to chill and dilute, until the shaker is cold to the touch. Remove the ice from the glass, and pour in the cocktail, adding Angostura Bitters as a garnish if desired. Serves 1

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South American Hot Chocolate 250g dark chocolate 1 pint of milk Dash of vanilla extract Pinch of salt Five cloves Stick of cinnamon 1 whole chilli pepper Pinch of grated nutmeg Brown sugar (a teaspoon or to taste) 1 shot Pisco (optional)

Melt the chocolate with a dash of milk in a pan. Once fully melted, whisk in the remaining milk, vanilla extract and salt. Add the cloves, cinnamon, chilli and nutmeg. Bring almost to a boil, then take off the heat and leave to sit for ten minutes. Remove the cloves, cinnamon stick and chilli. Stir in brown sugar to taste then, if desired, add a shot of Pisco. Serve in mugs. Serves 4

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Meet the Maker Diane Chappalley Behind the scenes with Diane Chappalley, a London-based artist whose ethereal oil paintings aim to articulate our fragility and that of the world we inhabit 50

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Have you always been creative? Recently, I rediscovered a folder with drawings I made when I was about three years old. They were curious depictions of ‘things inside other things’: animals like ducks, and organic forms with foetuses inside them. I also drew a lot of churches that represented my mother. I have a recollection from when I was about seven or eight of drawing a naked woman lying down. As soon as I finished it I felt embarrassed, and I destroyed it before anyone could see it. I learned very early on how revealing art can be and the power that it has – it can say more than you know.

What was your training?

My art education in Switzerland started with a foundation year at the University of Art in Bern. After that I moved to London to join the BA course at the City & Guilds of London Art School, and then pursued my studies with a

Masters degree at the Slade School of Fine Art. I graduated in 2017.

When did you set up professionally?

After leaving the Slade, I spent two months in Hong Kong for an artist residency. When I returned to London, I got my first studio in Dalston. I have been making and exhibiting ever since.

What have been the highs and lows of working as an artist? The highs are the magic of making, the discovery of imagery, metaphors and materials and, simultaneously, of selfdiscovery; this constant search for my own visual language. It is also those moments when you feel invincible because you have this unkillable desire to create. On the other hand, there is a vulnerability attached to being an artist. It can be emotionally and physically tiring to be involved in

opposite Diane Chappalley in her studio, with her large-scale work ‘Behind Closed Doors’. Photograph Agenda Brown, Visual Marvelry. left ‘The Rose & the Snake’, 170 x 220 cm, oil on flax, 2021.

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this process. You need to have a real drive, because nobody else will ever tell you to wake up and do the work.

How would you describe your ‘style’?

I work predominantly with oil painting, and recently started exploring ceramic. My work articulates inner and outer worlds as psychological landscapes or metaphorical sceneries, based on memories and sensory experiences. My paintings are set in a space between realities. The differentiation between earth, water, and sky becomes unclear, evoking a dream-like sense of the disassociation that often manifests after trauma. The scenery is pending, the flowers are in their state of becoming, we 52

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are in a fog, a veil of anxiety, an uneasy silence. It is an attempt to articulate and confront our fragility and that of the world we inhabit. Although my work is representational and symbolic, the narrative is suggested but never resolved. What interests me is what is underneath: the untold stories, the emotions that one can experience in response to the work.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by imagery in literature, music and film that strikes my attention and reflects my experience. I am also interested in the work of artists Niki de Saint Phalle and Charlotte Salomon. My current research and work focuses on the social issue of trauma due to sexual assault. In a recent exhibition

Where do you work?

My studio is at the Barbican Arts Group Trust in Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow. There are 28 artists in the complex, working in a broad range of media. There is a project space downstairs, with a program of exhibitions and artists in residence. The area is creative and dynamic! We are neighbours with Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, London’s only craft jeans maker, and Blackhorse Workshop, a wood and metal workshop for creatives and designers. Across the road from the studio there is a little caravan coffee place run by Farouk, my go-to for a break and a friendly chat.

What is a typical working day for you?

opposite ‘I saw me seeing myself’, 130 x 170 cm, oil on, flax, 2021.

above ‘Stone Flowers’, 15 x 14 x 12cm, glazed ceramic, 2021.

top The Auguries exhibition at informality gallery, Henley on Thames, 2021. Sculpture by Anna Reading; painting and ceramic by Diane Chappalley.

the symbolism of birds was at the core of the work. For me, birds are a symbol of domination and power; the bird is a metaphor for an abusive father, as in French singer/songwriter Barbara’s famous song L’aigle noir, or can be a feared predator, as depicted in Du Maurier’s short story The Birds.

I go to my studio every day, and always have more than one work on the go, as I think in terms of a cohesive ‘body of work’. In the late afternoon, I usually go to Turning Earth in Leyton, an open-access members’ studio, where I work on my ceramics.

What are you working on at present?

I am making a new series of paintings and ceramics that explore my current research about the silence around sexual assault. My ceramic pieces are in-between creatures and flowers, like anthropomorphic bodies. They are sexual to me, both male and female; a blend of a sexual act within one form. I call them ‘Stone Flowers’ because they feel like they have been captured in time, like the residents of Pompeii that remained immortalised. LIFE OF RILEY

above ‘Saint.e Sébastien.ne & the medicinal flowers’, 170 x 220 cm, oil on flax, 2020. left ‘Ou peut-être une nuit’, 170 x 220 cm, oil on flax, 2021. opposite ‘Saint.e Sébastien.ne, the Lilies & the Snake’, 70 x 60cm, oil on flax, 2020.

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What’s next for you?

Throughout October I am exhibiting a painting and a series of ceramic sculptures as part of a group exhibition in Lisbon. I am very excited to be showing there! So far, I have had the chance to

exhibit in Switzerland and Ireland, and to do artist residencies in Hong Kong and in Provence. And soon I am doing an artist residency in Torino. This is something I truly love about my work – it can take you around the world.  LIFE OF RILEY

Irresistible New Books, from Fiction to Food A carefully chosen book makes a wonderful gift – though you may want to dip into one or two of these new titles yourself 56

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Taste: My Life Through Food Stanley Tucci

Silverview John Le Carré

The Hollywood star and food obsessive takes us on a gastronomic journey through good times and bad, with anecdotes covering five-star meals, burnt dishes and falling in love over dinner. Full of humour, nostalgia and Tucci’s unique charm.

When a letter turns up at the door of a spy chief in London warning him of a dangerous leak, the investigations lead him to a quiet town by the sea… The last complete masterwork from the late John le Carré is fraught and authentic, a search for the soul of the modern secret intelligence service.

Apples Never Fall Liane Moriarty From the author of Nine Perfect Strangers and Big Little Lies comes a superbly crafted tale (not surprisingly also optioned for TV) that combines family drama and psychological suspense. Tense, twisty and witty, this is one that you’ll find extremely hard to put down.

Fry’s Ties Stephen Fry Sorting through his wardrobes during lockdown, the writer, actor, comedian and broadcaster posted a photo of a green silk necktie with a brief text on its design and history. #fryties was born, and has now become an insightful book which, alongside anecdotes and reminiscences, takes a fascinating look at the social and cultural history of neckwear.

opposite Photograph Aga Putra/Unsplash LIFE OF RILEY

The Almanac Lia Leendertz

Anatomy of a Nation Dominic Selwood

Both useful and inspirational, Leendertz’s annual almanac is an institution. As well as core seasonal information, such as sun rises and sun sets, moon phases and tide times, this edition – beautifully illustrated by Harry Brockway – focuses on folk celebrations, looking at the ways in which people gather together and commemorate the passing of time. Perfect for browsing.

In a ground-breaking new take on British identity, historian and barrister Dominic Selwood explores more than 950,000 years of British history by examining 50 documents (some wellknown, but most not) that tell the story of what makes Britain unique. From Hitler’s kill list of prominent Britons to the Sex Pistols’ graphic art, they reveal a fresh insight into our nation’s psyche.

Calm Sally Denning

Cold Justice Ant Middleton

If you would like help in creating a restful, restorative interior that gives you a sense of wellbeing, look no further. After examining the essential foundations of harmonious textiles, patterns, lighting and decorative elements, Denning then explores a range of real-life homes, from city and country houses to new builds, apartments and beach properties.

Mallory, an ex-Special Forces hero, made a fatal decision with terrible consequences. Will he find revenge or redemption? The highly anticipated first novel from the best-selling nonfiction author and extreme adventurer is a white-knuckle action thriller, described as ‘so real it hurts’.

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Grow & Gather Grace Alexander

Mixed in Minutes Dan Whiteside

Not your usual gardening book. In Grow & Gather flower-field gardener and clinical psychologist Grace Alexander guides you in the art of meaningful, engaged and intentional gardening. Follow the annual cycle of growing cut flowers, with simple projects that show you how to plant and nurture various flowers, and that demonstrate the importance of texture, colour and shape when arranging them.

From cocktail-making hacks to recommendations for garnishes and creative twists, this easy-to-use guide shows you how to create 50 classic and contemporary cocktails, without the need for specialist equipment or tricky techniques.

Spring Light: The Anglepoise® Story Jonathan Glancey This illuminating book shines a light on the fascinating design history of the classic Anglepoise lamp, from its beginnings in 1932 when vehicle suspension engineer George Carwardine designed the groundbreaking articulated mechanism, to collaborations with famous designers and appearances in the movies. .

The Storyteller: Tales of Life & Music Dave Grohl Award-winning musician and director Dave Grohl made his debut with Nirvana on 1991’s generationdefining Nevermind, and is now an elder statesmen of alternative rock. In this long-awaited autobiography he recounts wild times, emotional times, funny times and incredible times, including the formation of Foo Fighters and guesting with Bowie, Queen, McCartney and more.

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A Brief History of Gin The unique mix of alcohol, juniper berries and botanicals creates a delicious drink with a fascinating history

ombining alcohol with juniper for medicinal purposes goes back thousands of years, from treating chest ailments in first-century Greece to combating the Black Death in the 14th century. Gin as such is credited as having been invented in the Netherlands in the late 1500s, and its name comes from the French for juniper, genièvre, which became genever in Dutch, and was then abbreviated simply to ‘gin’. By the early 1600s, crude juniper-flavoured spirits were available in England, notably cited by Samuel Pepys for curing his constipation. Gin became a fashionable tipple among the English aristocracy after William of Orange succeeded to the throne in 1689. Thanks to changes in laws and taxes, its popularity then spread to the poorest of society as cheap, readily available – and lethally intoxicating.

opposite Ice and a slice. Photograph Jez Timms/Unsplash.

During the ‘Gin Craze’ of the early 18th century the abuse of gin was so dire that Parliament passed numerous acts to try to prevent it. Often adulterated with turpentine and sulphuric acid, gin was blamed for murder, child neglect and insanity. It wasn’t until the harvest failure of 1757 forced higher prices that sobriety returned. The introduction of a new type of still around 1830 brought purer spirits, and gin regained its good name. Lavishly decorated ‘Gin palaces’ soon abounded: more than 5,000 in London alone by the late 1840s. And when Schweppes launched their carbonated quinine water in 1870 it wasn’t long before the ladies and gentlemen of the Raj began to enjoy a classic gin and tonic. A new era of gin enjoyment had begun – and is still very much in evidence to this day. Ice and a slice, anyone? 

above Barwell large cut crystal decanter, £135, Soho Home. LIFE OF RILEY