Staying In

Style The Table For Christmas

For some, the star of the festive season is the Christmas tree. For others, it’s Christmas dinner. And for others, it’s what lies beneath and around and between the dishes: the Christmas tablescape. Think plates decorated with bows and holly, glittering gold placemats, candlesticks happily burning away in their jolly red holders, and a Nutcracker centrepiece that’s sure to delight guests of all ages. But where to start? ‘At Christmas, I like to begin with a story for the table,’ says Alice Naylor-Leyland, designer and founder of homeware label Mrs. Alice. ‘Perhaps a frosted woodland, a candlelit feast, or something playful and bright. Once I know the mood, I start layering, just like a winter wardrobe: cloth, chargers, napkins, candles, and then the finishing touches.’ For more top tips from home styling experts, see our handy guide here.

Going Out

Visit Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s Caviar Bar

Caviar bars are all the rage in London this season, and the most stylish spot for supping can currently be found in the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. The Enchanted Lotus Bar has been designed in collaboration with De Beers and the lotus flower-inspired intimate champagne and caviar bar is the perfect spot for the ultimate winter date night this season. Pull up a stool and enjoy champagnes from Ruinart to Dom Perignon, paired with mouth-watering King’s Caviar canapes. Once you’ve finished indulging, you can extend your experience with an exclusive ‘Jewel of the Season’ private appointment at De Beers’ Bond Street flagship, offering an insight into the craft, history and artistry behind De Beers’ iconic diamonds. Diamond-shopping after champagne? What can possibly go wrong?! mandarinoriental.com

Property Of The Day

Whether WH Smith was your go-to spot for stationery as a child or you still pop in before a plane journey to pick up a magazine, the retailer has long featured in the lives of Brits. And for any mega fans out there, this former milking parlour was built by the eponymous William Henry Smith. While the WHS initials are now less common on the high street, the original 1882 quarter of this Suffolk home retains inscriptions on the exterior wall and beams.

On the market for £1.85m. Find out more at search.savills.com

Little Luxury

The bag you’ll see the London set carrying next season? DeMellier’s latest drop, The Stockholm. A modern take on the classic bowling bag, the softly curved silhouette is cut from sustainably sourced LWG gold-rated Italian leather – and comes in both fine grain and suede. £450, demellierlondon.com

Competition Time

Thanks to a brand new prize draw from Raffle House, this £2.9m Cornwall dream home could be yours for as little as £10. Plus, enter now to be automatically entered in to the draw to win a £3m Buckinghamshire dream home.

Psssst…

The latest A-lister eyeing up the Cotswolds? None other than movie star Timothée Chalamet. ‘You drive through the British countryside – it's amazing – the air is so fresh here,’ he said during an appearance on Scott Mills’ Radio 2 show. ‘You know, I'll go to sleep watching little house tours of the Cotswolds.’

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Panic if you still have a present to post: Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guaranteed will ensure it gets there before Christmas (tomorrow is your final chance).