Staying In

Read Olga Ravn’s The Wax Child

On the hunt for your next big read? If a wintery witchy tale is up your street, we’d recommend Olga Ravn’s latest novel. The Wax Child fictionalises the true story of how an unmarried, penniless and childless noblewoman called Christenze Kruckow was put on trial as a witch in 17th-century Denmark – narrated by the traditional wax doll she made and carries with her like a live baby. When Christenze is accused of causing the multiple miscarriages of her mistress, she finds refuge among a group of women in another town, with whom she shares gossip, work and stories. Is this really a coven of witches, or are they the victims of misogyny, suspicion, and the king’s attempt to divide and rule? C&TH’s Belinda Bamber sits down with the author to talk witchcraft, historical novels and gender politics.

Going Out

Visit The Grey Goose Chip Shop

If you bypassed the ‘New York Happy Meal’ trend this year, party season is the perfect time for a speed date with a difference. ‘Let’s grab a drink before Christmas’ is the perfect plan… until you have to squeeze them all in; which is why we’ll be back-to-back-ing as many catch-ups as possible in Soho at the Grey Goose Chip Shop. It’s a two-night martini and French frites pop-up, British chippie meets chic French bistro for an after-hours tipple. Your truffle-infused Dirty Martini or salty Tartar-tini comes with a serving of satisfyingly stodgy French frites topped with gruyère and smoked ham – a necessary side to stop you going sideways. Ask for Gigi on arrival to receive a secret, off-menu bite, on-the-house for those in the know. 4-5 December, 6pm-midnight, 59 Greek Street, London, W1D 3DZ 

Property Of The Day

This historic property in Covent Garden’s Goodwin Court is said to have inspired Ollivander’s wand shop in Harry Potter. Standing at 325 years old, the home has been sensitively restored over the years with many original features (including one of London’s last gas lamps) still intact. 

On the market for £2m. Find out more at uniqueproperty.co.uk

Little Luxury

Cult New York candle and fragrance brand Nette has launched exclusively at Space NK across the UK. Our top pick is this fruity and floral Pear Jam Eau de Parfum (£97).

Competition Time

Win a festive two-night stay at The Westin London City in London, complete with breakfast, dinner, cocktails and spa access. Enter here

Psssst…

It’s official: The Traitors is returning to our screens on New Year’s Day. Here’s everything we know so far.

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Forget your vitamin D this winter. Sunlight in the UK isn’t strong enough for our skin to produce vitamin D during the colder months, so nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert recommends a daily supplement of 10mg per day for bone, muscle and immune health (see more winter wellness swaps here).