A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY
PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO, IDEAS TO TRY
200 The number of cultivated native holly varieties
MADE IN BRITAIN
SARAH RICKARD HANDMAKES WHITE EARTHENWARE ROBINS IN HER SUSSEX STUDIO, DECORATING THEM WITH SLIPS, OXIDES, WIRE LEGS AND A LOOP OF GROSGRAIN RIBBON. THESE DISTINCTIVE ORNAMENTS LOOK ESPECIALLY FESTIVE NESTLED IN A CHRISTMAS TREE OR DANGLING FROM A MANTELPIECE. ANGELS, WRENS, HARES AND HARVEST MOONS COMPLETE SARAH’S COLLECTION. £35; COUNTRYLIVINGSHOP.CO.UK
SENSE OF THE SEASON… FROST UNDERFOOT
On clear, crisp December nights, the soil hardens like iron as the mercury drops below zero and the moisture in the air is transformed to crystal, coating the ruts and ridges of footpaths. Clouds of warm vapour rise up from the ground, swirling around the boots of winter walkers as they crunch frost underfoot and create a crackling soundtrack.
BOOK WORM…
How We Fish: The Love, Life and Joy of the Riverbank by Paul Whitehouse and John Bailey
Are you a fan of BBC One’s perennially popular Gone Fishing? Join comedian Paul Whitehouse and fishing expert John Bailey in this brilliant celebration of all things angling. Expect scintillating stories and beautiful illustrations amid the recollections from the riverbank (HarperCollins, £22).
DON’T MISS...St Fagans Makers’ Market, Cardiff
Merry Christmas or Nadolig Llawen for the Welsh. If you’re after artisanal gifts, pop along to St Fagans festive Makers’ Market to find everything from bespoke jewellery to one-of-a-kind ceramics. Bringing the family? Schedule a stop at the open-air Museum of Welsh Life to learn about the history of Welsh winter celebrations, listen to Welsh carols and meet Siôn Corn, the country’s answer to Father Christmas. You can also
