What to do in december

CREATE…a Christmas scene

There is nothing nicer than taking a walk on a crisp winter’s evening and snatching a quick gaze into homes that have been furnished with a fabulously large fir tree almost touching the ceiling, covered with baubles and twinkling lights and taking pride of place in the front window. A large part of the fun of Christmas is choosing a tree and enjoying the ritual of decorating it from head to foot with baubles, bells, ribbons and strings of fairy lights. It is hugely reminiscent of Victorian times and often a tree is the scene that fronts Christmas cards as the ultimate symbol of festive gatherings and winter warmth. Many English homes have a large bay window that acts as the perfect framework, so be inspired by Victorian nostalgia and deck the tree with a cornucopia of colour, vintage charm and festive sparkle. For a look that is full of flamboyance, source velvet ribbons with which to suspend baubles from the branches, as well as to add the finishing touches to presents wrapped in pretty paper and popped under the tree.

SERVE UP… a tray of classic cocktails and mocktails with a seasonal twist

Experiment with citrus and herby flavour combinations, using lemon, lime or clementine alongside rosemary or thyme, to add extra flavour to all sorts of festive favourites and non-alcoholic alternatives. Rosemary and thyme form the base of many classic cocktails, as well as herb-infused syrups, and work particularly well with gin, vodka and whisky-based drinks. They always spruce up the flavour of alcohol-free cordials too. Of course, Christmas would not be the same without the popping of a cork and a champagne toast – why not put a herby twist on a classic champagne cocktail such as the French 75, by adding a dash of homemade rosemary-infused syrup along with the lemon juice, or serve up a classic martini with a winter aromatic at its base as a sophis