Winter is the perfect season for cosying up your home with lashings of opulence.
Turn your home into the perfect retreat with rich, warm fabrics and accessories in abundance. Beds and sofas can be transformed for the colder months with cushions and throws in luxurious fabrics like fur, chenilles, wool and velvets.
Replace light summer voiles with thicker drapes, and opt for warm browns and deep reds for maximum warmth.
A few candles dotted here and there will create the perfect Christmas ambience.
**********
Candles create a warm ambience
Candles are the perfect way to light your home this Christmas, whether as a stunning centrepiece to your dining table, scattered along the mantelpiece in the living room or for a relaxing atmosphere in the bathroom. Homemaker takes a look at how to add that special touch to your home, while keeping candle safety in mind.
* Never place lit candles near furniture, foliage, soft furnishings and curtains. * Keep away from sources of heat such as TVs, HiFis etc, and away from draughts. * Never leave a burning candle unattended. * Don't move candles once lit - containers can get very hot when in use. * Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. * Keep candles well away from clothing and hair. * Place candles upright in holders that can't easily fall over. * Trim the candle wick to avoid smoky flame and carbon build-up. * Extinguish a candle properly when it has burned down to 3cm.
Fashion The summer holidays are in full swing and Gemma Yougman, and her boyfriend Thomas Martin, are looking for some stylish swimwear for their holidays. more
Gardening Albert Gowland, 85, had never had a garden of his own to tend until he moved from the Westgate Road area to Northfields Close, Newcastle, six years ago. more
Financial Services
Use our financial tools to compare thousands of UK products, find the best rates and in many cases buy online.
Fashion
Gardening