In the December issue of Homes & Gardens...

The packed December issue of Homes & Gardens is all about celebrating the dreaminess of the festive season – despite the differences we're going to notice in 2020. 

We feature Festive Folk in our decorating shoot, a celebration of characterful, handcrafted decorations. This issue also features wonderful real homes, with Sky McAlpine's beautiful home a highlight. Chef and cookbook author Clodagh McKenna brings us beautiful Christmas decorating ideas – plus, of course, her tasty twists on traditional Christmas dishes. We will be trying them all at home this festive season. There's a winter garden to enjoy, plus The 12 Days of Christmas, our amazing gift guide. You can see a teaser of all these features, below.

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From naive-style folk patterned stockings to natural foliage from the garden and vibrant baubles with simple patterns, our Festive Folk feature focusses on a simpler, prettier take on Christmas that's enduringly stylish.

We take a closer look at what everyone really wants for Christmas this year – from glamorous buys for the home, to the best design books, lockdown luxuries, creative courses, kits and subscriptions, and even look at a greener approach to Christmas with antique sources. Plus, there are the best Indie shops and ethical and eco gifts. Our Christmas wishlist is never-ending...

Leading cookery writer Sky McAlpine shows us around her beautiful home. There's much faded glamour, a grand piano, a wonderful yellow kitchen – and three Christmas trees... 

Letter from the editor

As my team and I ready this December issue to be sent to the printers, I am struck by how jolly it looks... it is an abundance of Christmas cheer.

This year we have focused on raising a smile and small ways to celebrate - from beautiful making ideas to decorating with fresh foliage and other festive schemes.

I adore cooker author Skye McAlpine's London home that's dressed up to impress (three trees!). Our gifting pages are also pretty special. In lieu of a straight product round-up, we decided to champion independent sources and vintage shops and suggest some experiential gifts. it's a fabulous mash-up of ideas and inspiration.

I'm also thrilled to shout about our website. The relaunched site is now a trove of buying guides, meaty expert advice and in-depth features, alongside a feast of gorgeous interiors and gardens.

With this new content strategy and creative refresh, also comes a new little sister – Homes & Gardens Country. This microsite will celebrate the art of rural living. Think barn conversion know-how to how to grow tomatoes. 

Finally, I want to salute the legend that was Sir Terence Conran. An icon who needs no intro, we share a little bit about what he meant to us. Our thoughts are with his family.

Sarah Spiteri, Editorial Director