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Not just any old hotel will do… We’re thinking of fabulous fine-dining feasts in 16th century manors, romantic country retreats with crackling fires as a backdrop, contemporary coastal adult-only escapes that are pet-friendly too, and family fun like gingerbread decorating and Santa’s Grottos in luxurious surroundings. See our news section for more exciting product launches and events alerts And for the ultra-exclusive Christmas breaks, there’s pampering in high-end spa hotels and culinary delights with festive cooking classes....

Yes, it’s time to rewrite all old-fashioned conceptions about gingham because this century-old design is currently enjoying a renaissance – meaning it is one of the trendiest patterns to bring into your home right now. Though, before you revive a dated piece from the depth of your attic, we’ve noted five interior design tips from design experts who share their styling advice – and this old-school print is not what it used to be....

See our news section for more expert interiors tips, product launches, and luxury travel and property updates The Grade II listed home offers a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial Georgian property set back from the road behind a carriage driveway, providing parking for several cars. The house offers a self-contained annex with kitchenette, bathroom and open plan living room/bedroom. It’sdecadent but also informal, and has been designed with modern family life in mind....

And, as with all cleaning tasks, being sure about the steps necessary will save time and effort. The good news is that the best blenders often feature some components that can go into the dishwasher to make life easier. But even if yours includes parts you can clean this way, it’s still essential to be sure of the steps of this vital kitchen cleaning job. Our guide has all the details you need on how to clean a blender so you can continue turning out delicious soups, smoothies, and more, and make quick work of a range of kitchen tasks....

SAD can cause irritability, lethargy and lack of interest in everyday activities, and as a lot of us are confined to a more limited space than in usual life it’s vital to check up on your own mental health and give yourself the best shot at health and happiness. We’ve rounded up some tips and tricks to help you create a productive and harmonizing home office space in order to ward off the winter blues....

With many different varieties of basil, you could choose a few different types to grow as part of your herb garden ideas. If you know how to grow basil at home, this crucial ingredient will always be there to add to your culinary creations – from salads and sandwiches, to many Italian dishes or Thai recipes. Basil is an excellent choice if you’re growing herbs indoors in a sunny spot, but you can also grow basil outdoors in a pot on the patio as a herb planter idea, where you can enjoy its lovely aroma as you brush past it, or among the vegetables in a vegetable patch....

If you’re worried about how to grow broccoli, don’t be – it is one of the easiest crops. And depending on what type of broccoli you sow, you can look forward to a healthy harvest from spring to early winter, which makes it a must-have when you’re looking at your seasonal planting and kitchen garden ideas. This is a crop that needs to be planted in open ground; they have a long tap root, which means they don’t do well in anything but the largest pots....

There are two main types of fennel – the traditional herb variety, with feathery green or bronze foliage that is harvested as needed, and the closely related bulb (Florence) fennel, which is harvested in its entirety. Both are worth including in your list of kitchen garden ideas as they will enhance so many dishes, from fish and vegetables to curries, soups and sauces. ‘Fennel is considered both a vegetable and a herb....

According to Marie Kondo, you determine how your feel about an item if you select a piece individually and quietly ask yourself if it sparks joy. The feeling of joy is personal, so there is no generic answer that works for everybody. However, she explains the feelings as ‘a little thrill, as if the cells in your body are slowly rising.’ This is the book storage idea your home has been waiting for, but what does it involve?...

‘Throw pillows are a great interior accessory which can be used to brighten up any room in the house,’ says Emma Sims Hilditch of interior design agency Sims-Hilditch (opens in new tab). Below, Emma explains how she approaches this essential finishing touch in her clients’ homes. How to mix and match pillows on a sofa These practical tips won’t just tell you how to mix and match pillows on a sofa – many of them are the first steps in building a successful color scheme, too....

See: How to refinish hardwood floors to give them a new lease of life ‘Beautiful vintage and antique furniture was made to last, so it is well worth going to the time and trouble of making a few running repairs – you won’t find that wonderful patina of age listed in the contents of a flat-pack,’ says independent restoration expert Helaine Clare. Do, however, consider the age and quality of the piece before restoring it....

The Queen’s passing saw a shift in the family member’s titles, responsibilities, and royal residences. So after a year of significant change, it is only inevitable to wonder how their Christmas will compare to previous years. Many families learn that the first holiday after a death is the hardest, which is likely to be the case for the royals, who will no doubt remember the late Queen during their festivities....

See: Country decorating ideas – ways to bring stunning rustic style to your home Today, May 6th, the British-based manufacturers announced their partnership with H&G’s sister publication Country Homes & Interiors to create their elegant collection – Modern Country Colors (opens in new tab). Their rustic interpretation of this season’s most sought-after colors will set the tone for our homes this season, and beyond. The collection, which is available to buy from today, is formed of 12 shades that pay homage to the rustic aesthetic of country life, including Peaseblossom, Baked Tile, Dried Petals, Sponge Cake, and Summer Frock....

‘The sheep have two acres but I sometimes let them graze in the piazza and they like to stampede into the house,’ she says. The ‘piazza’ the model and actress-turned-farmer refers to is the grassy square at the center of her three-barn dwelling in Bellport, Long Island, which she restored alongside her great friend, the architect Pietro Cicognani, and which she recently revealed to H&G. Isabella’s home is among 18 of Pietro’s projects – some of the world’s best homes – featured in his new book, Pietro Cicognani Architecture and Design (opens in new tab)....

One of the most popular cookware brands, our favorite Le Creuset buys offers some of the very best products on the market. From the best cast iron cookware to coffee cups and kettles, their signature collection of bright-colored finishes and expertly crafted designs make them one of the most sought-after brands to use and display in the kitchen proudly. Whether you already have an extensive collection of Le Creuset and are looking for a great deal on a new piece, or have waited for the Le Creuset Cyber Monday deals to purchase your first product, we have curated a list of the best discounts available....

Featured in Apfel’s curations will be Lowe’s first-ever Centennial Color Palette, which stares back at quintessential hues from each decade to inspire consumers to use the colors in new and modern ways. Whether your taste gravitates towards the vibrant blues and reds of the 1920s or the relaxed earth tones of the 1970s, this palette will highlight fresh ways to incorporate legendary color into home design. Beyond giving each color new life, Apfel also curated her palette for additional inspiration....

The celebrated personality has returned with a new show, Martha Gets Down and Dirty (opens in new tab), in which she shares the secrets of her 150-acre New York farm. In the first episode, Martha explores the art of growing tomatoes, including a simple yet thoroughly effective tip that will elevate your crop. Martha Stewart’s eco container tip When growing tomatoes, Martha suggests using dissolvable/biodegradable containers to improve the plant’s chance of survival, as these containers are likely to maintain their shape....

Taking the stress out of the myriad small decisions, it offers simple, pre-finished doors and door sets with the luxury of choice and bespoke options all in once place. See: These are the only interior trend predictions you need to know for next season Offering a stylish choice of nine distinctive door styles and a select range of colours, finishes and ironmongery, each door is made to order and finished in the brand’s factory, cutting carpentry costs - and a lot headaches - in the process....

See: How to create an outdoor bathroom for a truly decadent summer This year, more than ever, it’s vital to look after all aspects of our health and taking time to relax and unwind is paramount in feeling our best. Create areas of calm in your home, helping you to feel ready to face the day. To give us some inspiration, the design experts at Denby (opens in new tab) and Heal’s (opens in new tab) have shared some simple steps to enhance harmony and boost happiness in the home as well as encouraging mindful moments with loved ones....

There are only three days left until the end of June, the month which gardeners, including Monty, instantly associate with roses. The bloom is June’s birth flower, after all. However, with the conclusion of the month comes the end of the rose shrubs flowering season, so we need to follow Monty’s invaluable pruning advice at the earliest opportunity if we want our rose garden ideas to fulfill their potential. Earlier in the year, Monty shared how to plant roses; in this month’s blog (opens in new tab), Monty shares his tips – including how to accentuate this flowering season by deadheading your rose shrub for the remainder of the month....