The lull between Christmas and New Year is the perfect time to slow down and keep things simple in the kitchen. These comforting, budget-friendly ideas make the most of what you already have at home.

Our books editor Zoe West’s favourite picks for the month

by Harriet Lane (£20, HB, Orion) What lies beneath the image we construct of ourselves? Ruth, newly divorced and drifting as her daughter leaves home, feels invisible – until Sookie, her dazzling form

Zoe West shares her favourite picks for the week

Hosting at Christmas and New Year doesn’t have to mean spending big on booze. With a few smart swaps and clever pours, you can keep everyone’s glasses full without breaking the bank. 1 GO OWN-BRAND Th

The remote Norwegian island of Myken has become home to a whisky distillery. Home to only 12 residents, Myken’s whisky production has led to a tourist boom, with 1,500 visitors setting down there last