We all want to push the boat out at Christmas but not pay the price in the new year. Sarah Maber finds out how the experts bring luxury into their lives without breaking the bank
GREAT GIFT
SHINE ON
To add a festive upgrade to party make-up, try a shimmering eye shadow; the Boutique range from Sainsbury’s is affordable, fabulously pigmented and long-lasting.
Style your bedroom
Luxury to me means a freshly made bed, with soft 100% natural bed linen, subdued lighting and a cosy gown. This is especially important over Christmas, when Iife’s so busy! A ritual of making and ‘dressing’ the bed properly each morning with cushions, a throw and a blanket creates my own ‘hotel-at-home’ luxe environment.
GREAT GIFTS
LUXE UP CHRISTMASS LUNCH
A TINY POT OF TRUFFLE HONEY is a delicious addition to your Christmas cheeseboard. Or, if you’re making party canapés, drizzle onto a whole baked British Brie, and leave crusty bread and beautiful red chicory leaves out for your friends to dunk.
WE LIKE TO EAT LESS MEAT and more veg, so at Christmas we will have a roast hasselback squash in the starring role, studded with bay leaves and walnuts, with bunches of grapes that have been roasted alongside the squash.
TRY MULLED CIDER instead of mulled wine. Not only is this more cost-effective, but I also think it’s more delicious too, as it’s less sweet! Simmer cider and apple juice (and a big splash of brandy if you like) with ginger skin peelings, orange peelings, cinnamon sticks and cloves, then strain and serve with an orange slice in each cup.
PLUMP FOR POMEGRANATE
Ruby-red pomeg ranate seeds can zhoosh up anything. I love using them as a garnish on sprouts and canapés, and to add a little bling to my festive fizz.
GROW GREENERY
You don’t need a huge budget for a glorious greenery arrangement.
When you’re plantingng yourgarden, include plants such as eucalyptus and you will have an excellent supply of g reenery to fill vases at Christmas.
GREAT GIFT
GO FOR GLITZ
Spend a weekend going through your wardrobe and try on all your old favourites – you’ll discover treasures you haven’t worn in ages. Then invest in one luxury, accessory to liven things up for the party seas
