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8 ways to help children struggling during lockdown

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Childline has had thousands of calls from worried kids during the pandemic. Lisa Salmon talks with experts to find out how to help youngsters cope.

The pandemic has been tough for everyone – and that includes our children. Since it started last spring, Childline has heard from thousands of children worried about their own mental health and wellbeing, and feeling lonely.

It’s not hard to understand why – the change in daily routines, being isolated at home without seeing wider family and friends, and the removal of normal support networks outside the home has led to anxiety in young people – particularly those who were already trying to cope with other issues.

Childline counsellor Neil Homer says: “Last year was hugely testing and the challenges posed by the pandemic caused major disruption for many young people. Thousands reached out to Childline – sharing that they felt lonely and were struggling with their mental health, and telling us they felt isolated and scared.”

And Emma Thomas, chief executive of the children and young people’s mental health charity YoungMinds, says: “Sadly, the concerns Childline are hearing from children echo what young people have been telling us – they’ve struggled to cope with the changes and loss of coping mechanisms brought on by the pandemic, with many experiencing social isolation, anxiety, and fears around their future.

“The pandemic is deepening the crisis in young people’s mental health and there’s growing evidence suggesting the impact could be significant and long-term. Many lost access to mental health support during the first lockdown, while others chose not to look for help when the NHS was under so much pressure. With another lockdown, it’s likely more young people may struggle to cope.”

Here, Childline and YoungMinds outline how to help support children’s mental health and prevent feelings of isolation…

1. Know how to spot the signs

You can’t help your child if you haven’t realised they’ve got a problem, and Young Minds says there are many things to look out for. “If you notice your child is becoming withdrawn, that there’s been a change in sleeping or eating habits, if they seem to lack confidence or get upset, it might be a sign they’re struggling,” warns Thomas.

2. Talk to your child

If you spot signs your child might be struggling, it’s important to talk to them.“Keep talking and trying to communicate in any way you can – hugging, listening to them, texting them,” advises Thomas.

3. Expressing feelings doesn’t have to be face-to-face

Children might find it easier writing their thoughts down, so the whole family could do this and put them in a ‘feelings box’ and then talk about their good, sad or difficult feelings at the end of the day. For younger children, play can be a great way to help them talk about their worries or give them a good distraction when they’re upset, says Homer.

“An environment where children can share their feelings not only helps them manage their own wellbeing but also means they’re more likely to share when something’s really troubling them,” he points out. “Sudden changes in behaviour can be an indication something’s wrong, so take the time to listen and encourage them to think about the next steps they want to take.”

4. Create structure and routine

For many families, keeping a normal routine during the pandemic has been difficult, particularly during periods of home schooling. “It’s normal for a lack of structure to make children and young people feel anxious and upset,” explains Homer.

“Try introducing a rota or loose timetable that includes fun things you’re doing during the week. Structure can help children see what’s happening next in the day, look forward to the rest of the week and differentiate between weekdays and weekends. It also helps to create a feeling of stability, which can alleviate anxiety.”

5. Give children a sense of control through information

Uncertainty about the future can be stressful, but knowing we don’t always have all the answers is reassuring too, says Homer, who points out that online information tools can help children work through their worries.

He suggests parents look online with their children to find useful information and resources that help children feel they have control. Childline has advice on coronavirus on its website, and lots of tools to help alleviate anxiety.

6. Help your child manage stress

If children’s worries become unmanageable or feel out of control, they can lead to mental health difficulties or feelings of isolation. But before attempting to fix the problem, Childline advises parents to listen to what’s concerning their child and ask how they might like to tackle the problem.

“Unlike adults, children are unlikely to have coping strategies and helpful ways to manage stressful feelings, so as adults it’s important we guide and support them to do this,” says Homer. “Let them know difficult things are going to happen which can cause us to feel like we can’t cope and that’s OK, and it’s how we manage these feelings and move forwards that’s important.”

He says carving out time to relax is a great way to deal with stress, and outdoor physical activity can really help as well.

7. Limit screen time and mix up activities

As most socialising moves online, it’s important to have conversations on how an increase in screen-time can have an impact on everyone’s mental health and self-esteem, says Homer. Many young people on social media compare what they have or look like to their peers or celebrities, which has a negative impact on self-esteem and self-confidence.

“Remind them nobody’s perfect and we’re all different, special and unique in our own way,” advises Homer. “While the online world provides a great way to connect with friends and family, it’s important young people also engage in off-screen activities. This can increase a feeling of connection with others, which can help to limit isolation and loneliness.”

8. Help and support for parents & children

If things don’t improve, seek help, whether that’s through your child’s school, your GP or via a helpline like Childline on 0800 1111 or the YoungMinds helpline on 0808 802 5544.

If adults are worried about children they can get advice from NSPCC practitioners on 0808 800 5000 or [email protected]. There’s advice on the YoungMinds (youngminds.org.uk) or Childline (childline.org.uk) websites, or children can have a 1-2-1 chat on the Childline site, use its message boards, or visit its Calm Zone (childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone).

The NSPCC (nspcc.org.uk), which runs Childline, needs more volunteers to both help with its services like Childline, or take on a fundraising challenge. Find out more here nspcc.org.uk/support-us/events-fundraising/new-year-challenge .

For help with drug or alcohol addiction, a specialist help could be found at Rehab Recovery.

Why having good neighbours can save you money

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Good neighbours at McCarthy Holden estate agents

The importance of good neighbours came to the fore in 2020 and it is highlighted further, with this insight from the Press Associations finance correspondent Vicky Shay.

A priceless benefit

For many people, having friendly and helpful neighbours in their community is a priceless benefit. But according to a new report from Halifax, having good neighbours can translate to actual financial savings too.

Halifax estimates that those benefiting from neighbours’ acts of kindness save £165 per year typically.

From lending a lawnmower to picking up the shopping and looking after pets, it seems the benefits of having a good relationship with neighbours really can add up financially.

The survey of over 4,000 people found that the most common deeds performed by kind neighbours that save people money on their doorsteps include collecting groceries (12%), watering plants (10%) and looking after pets (8%).People said they receive some form of help from their neighbours three times a month typically, the bank’s ‘Community Counts’ report found.

On average, those who are getting neighbourly help receive 10 hours of support a month, with this increasing to 12 hours since the start of the pandemic. On average, the most time-consuming favour that people do for their neighbours is helping out with DIY, which typically takes 42 minutes.

Good neighbours at McCarthy Holden estate agents

The highest cash savings were found to come from neighbours looking after kids (with those benefiting make a saving £313 per year on average), helping out with cleaning (a typical £276 saving) and pet-sitting (saving £248 on average).

Saving money on taxis and public transport, nearly one in eight (12%) people surveyed have had a lift from a neighbour when they’ve needed one.

There are also benefits of convenience, as well as cash savings from having good neighbours.
More than half (52%) say their neighbours have taken in parcels for them when they’ve not been there to open the door, and more than a quarter (27%) get help with taking their bins out.

The types of tasks neighbours help out with have changed since the pandemic started, however. Halifax found people are now more likely to get support from neighbours picking up shopping, but less likely to need help watering plants, as more people have been staying at home – so can take care of these tasks themselves.

It’s likely that neighbours will increasingly help each other out in the future too.
A quarter (25%) of people surveyed say their relationship with their neighbours has improved since the Covid-19 crisis started. Only 3% said it had deteriorated.
A third (32%) would have found it harder to cope during the pandemic without their neighbours, rising to two-fifths (38%) of those aged 18-34.

Good neighbours would also be a strong factor for people in any future house moves, the research found. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of people say that if they were looking to buy a new home, having good neighbours and a strong community would be important, increasing to eight in 10 (81%) among people aged over-55.

To find your perfect new neighbour, why not start your property search here.

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6 interior trends set to be big in 2021

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Interior design trends mccarthy holden estate agents hampshire

After an unprecedented year, how will the pandemic have shaped interior trends to come?

Sam Wylie-Harris provides insight for McCarthy Holden into what we can expect to see more of in 2021.

There’s no doubt how we used our homes, and what we want from them, changed dramatically during 2020. According to home renovation and design platform Houzz.co.uk, this is already being reflected in popular search terms and design directions.

So, what can we expect to see more of in 2021? Houzz analysed their site data, browsed hundreds of home design photos, and interviewed professionals on Houzz Pro to reveal six key home design trends for the year to come.

Here’s a look, along with tips on how to make them work in your home…

The return of the all-white kitchen

Interior design trends mccarthy holden estate agents hampshire

This neutral, light-enhancing choice for the hardest-working room in the house is growing in popularity again, with searches for ‘white kitchen’ rising significantly during 2020. We’re also seeing many popular photos on Houzz that have white worktops and expect to see more in 2021, perhaps reflecting a pandemic-fuelled desire for clean-looking cook spaces.

“We’re seeing a resurgence of white kitchens but with people leaning towards matte designs rather than gloss, which was favoured a few years ago,” explains Josh Delane, director of kitchen designers, The Wood Works. “It pairs well with metallic accents like brass, bronze, copper and even matte black fixtures.”

In terms of worktops, Delane says: “Veined and marble effect quartz worktops are surging in popularity – a good alternative to real marble, which is porous and can be stained easily, making it challenging to maintain in a kitchen. White Corian is also a popular choice and nice on longer islands, as it can be cut and joined seamlessly.”

Nature-inspired interiors

The incorporation of nature into our interiors looks set to continue, with colour experts on Houzz predicting warm earth tones, such as burnt umber, terracotta and clay, and contrasting forest colours like sage, pine and turquoise will be strong choices for 2021. These colours are perfectly complemented by natural materials such as rattan, jute, wood and concrete, which have all featured heavily in the most-saved photos on Houzz lately.

If you’re wanting to embrace natural materials in your home, rattan is a good place to start and will continue to be big in 2021. Omar Bhatti, director of Space Shack, says: “It has a bohemian vibe, which you can mix with any interior. To avoid overkill, my top tip is to use it in moderation. I would suggest investing in a rattan accent chair or small planter baskets and see how you like this in your space.”

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Interior design trends mccarthy holden estate agents hampshire

Plants are another easy way to incorporate nature into interiors. Bhatti agrees: “You can never have enough plants. If I’m ever in doubt and need to fill an empty space or shelf, I always use plants. This is also a great way to bring the outdoors in and breathe some much-needed life into any space.

“I’m all about an oversized plant, this is a great way to bring some drama into any room. Banana plants and birds-of-paradise are good options.”

If you’re going to get the paint out, Bhatti suggests a palette of natural neutral tones. Beige and taupes are classic options that work in any space. “I recommend painting all your stark white walls in a light sand or beige tone, which will warm up the space, and you wouldn’t even need an undercoat,” he says.

Healthy homes

McCarthy Holden know from first hand experience that searches for ‘home gym’ and ‘garden gym’ have both risen dramatically during 2020 too. In 2021, we expect to see more exercise equipment that fits seamlessly into interiors, or furniture that doubles up.

Demand for home gym space rises at McCarthy Holden estate agents

“When thinking about portioning off a room in your home as your dedicated exercise space, it’s important to choose a room that has a fitting purpose, lighting and mood,” advises Joe Robertshaw, director of Place for Humans. “Being motivated to exercise at home also comes down to ease and accessibility, the more hurdles that stand between you and the exercise, the more likely it is to go undone.”

Multi-functional spaces

One thing 2020 really brought about was a need for rooms to be multi-functional. As a result, we’re starting to see professionals incorporate more hybrid designs, detachable units, and convertible pieces to create a home suited to the ‘new normal’.

One example, which saw a surprising rise in popularity as a search term, is ‘murphy bed’ (a pull-down design), suggesting a need for homeowners to hide away large pieces of furniture in bedrooms or spare rooms during the day, so they can double as offices while many of us work from home for the foreseeable future.

Building your own new home could be the ideal way to create your perfect spaces

“Given the current circumstances, our spare rooms have never been so important. Making spaces work for multiple occasions is critical to being able to utilise every centimetre of space in the home,” says Richard Hobden director of RHJB Architects. “A comparatively easy win is to replace the divan or fixed frame bed in the spare room with a simple folding bed. This can be a stand-alone piece of furniture or built into a storage wall, disguised as wardrobes. This will free up space elsewhere to create a multi-purpose study, home gym or playroom solution.”

Luxury vintage

Sustainability, climate change and the impact we have on our planet continue to be a big theme for 2021. Professionals on Houzz are reporting a growing interest in high-end, second-hand furniture, which aligns with the interest in sustainability we’ve seen.

second hand furniture for interiors

When buying second-hand furniture, try to see the item in person if you can (safely, of course). Buying online is very convenient but it’s much easier to hide any serious damage in a photograph than in person. “I like to be able to touch the item and check it’s in good condition, so I’m not too keen on buying from online resources, unless they have an option for you to view it first,” says Bhavin Taylor, director of Bhavin Taylor Design.

And make sure you know all of your measurements – an absolute must for multiple reasons. “There’s usually no returns policy when buying second-hand,” Taylor explains,. “If you buy a piece that’s the wrong size, it’s likely you’ll be stuck with it.” So remember to measure your doorways and other access points first. “There’s nothing worse than buying something and not being able to get it through the front door,” adds Taylor.

Outdoor entertainment spaces will reign

Unsurprisingly given all the pandemic restrictions, there’s been huge interest in outdoor spaces. Houzz’s pandemic survey back in July showed that, hands-down, the garden was the area most of us wanted to improve, with 30% of those surveyed wanting to make upgrades. Homeowners have increasingly been searching for ‘summerhouses’, ‘firepits’, ‘hot tubs’ and ‘outdoor kitchens, which have all risen in popularity as search terms. We expect to see more of these features in gardens in 2021.

With amazing outdoor entertainments facilities this home was snapped up in 2020.

And it’s not just for summer – professionals on Houzz Pro report an increase in demand for designs that will allow them to use the garden later into the evening and year. “Since lockdown, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in leads through Houzz for our garden design business,” says Paul Dracott of Paul Dracott Garden Design. “People have rediscovered the importance of outdoor space and how it can enrich modern life. The most popular requests are for outdoor eating and cooking areas, including pizza ovens, and also for firepits to extend the use of the garden into the evening.”

You can start your perfect property search here

McCarthy Holden COVID secure procedures – Updated 5th January 2021

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Following new government guidelines, the following is an updated procedure list of requirements that need to be complied to by all staff to ensure safety to both us and the public.

This is an overview of procedures that are required to be completed by all staff, owners and viewers and has been produced after a COVID secure risk assessment. If anyone would like a copy of our risk assessment please email: [email protected]

Offices:

No members of public in office

Key collection by staff working from home or tradesman to be done by prior notification and without entering office – keys prepared and cleaned in advance and on return

Offices cleaned and sanitised morning and evening – use alcohol spray and paper towels –

Hours to be 9am-6pm

Two staff members working in an office maximum

No office communal mugs/glasses/plates to be used

Bring in own bottled water / thermos etc

If possible, bring in own lunch or bring pre-packaged. No use of kitchen facilities ie microwave etc.

Front door to remain locked

Hands to be washed throughout the day and dried using paper towels which are then disposed of

Hands to be washed on re-entering office during the day

Empty bins daily into Biffa bin or official bin bags, tied securely

Viewings:

  • Virtual viewings must be attempted first
  • Viewers must be in the position to proceed
  • 1 or 2 viewers of the same household
  • No children in the property
  • No open house viewing arrangements
  • Identification for right to rent to be taken on viewing

Preparation for viewings –

  • All doors open and windows open for air flow
  • Wash hands with alcohol hand wash or soap and water before and after viewings
  • Vendors to vacate

Procedure during viewing –

  • Agent to use sanitiser alcohol spray on hands before entering the property and repeat at the end of the viewing. Washable/reusable face masks will be provided for each employee to use.
  • Agent unlock property and leave doors open
  • Viewers to wear face masks (please bring own) and use the provided alcohol spray before and after entering the property. If a face mask is forgotten agent with have spare disposable. No appointment without a mask/spray.
  • Viewers enter property on own if there is not enough space to maintain 2m at all times
  • No surfaces to be touched – if a surface is touched it will need to be sprayed and cleaned
  • At end of viewing, all parties need to spray hands with alcohol spray.
  • Once viewers left, agents shut up property and wipe external handles

After viewing –

  • Vendor should ensure surfaces are cleaned and towels disposed of or washed as appropriate.

Take-Ons:

  • Vendor to prepare house, turn on all lights, move anything out of sight, open all doors
  • Vendor vacates to garden
  • Agent to use hand sanitiser alcohol spray and mask and wash hands before and after appointment
  • Any questions/follow ups to be done by email
  • No surfaces to be touched
  • Once finished, spray and wash hands

Market appraisals:

  • Virtual valuations should be investigated first if vendor is able
  • Agent to use alcohol spray and mask and wash hands before and after appointment
  • Agent to complete tour on own if not enough space to maintain 2m
  • Doors to be opened in advance by vendor
  • Any discussions with vendor should be with 2m space – ie garden or large room
  • No paperwork/marketing material to be left – all emailed after

Moving Home In Hartley Wintney

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high street hartley wintney

Moving Up!

After 15 years at the 1 High Street Hartley Wintney, McCarthy Holden’s local branch is moving up to a prime position in the centre of Hartley Wintney village.

We will open our new Hartley Wintney branch in early 2021, after leaving our current branch in December. This move will mean we will have more people visiting our property showroom and best of all the vast spaces at the new premises will mean enhanced customer experiences, whether house hunting or selling / letting .

No running water, toilets, kitchen or electricity supply!

Because we are creating a new commercial unit from space which formed part of the And So To Bed showroom, it means there isn’t any running water, no toilets or kitchen and no electricity supply! Apart from these essentials the premises is perfect.

The scale of the work required to create an independent stand alone commercial unit means there is lots of work going on behind out temporary window displace and facia sign. Thanks to the efforts of local builders Perry Builders, progress is fast, but the weather is against us when it comes to exterior refurbishment and re-decoration.

The new address is 61 High Street, Hartley Wintney RG27 8NY. Our telephone number will stay the same.

We are very committed to a local shop front as part of our marketing mix and with an estimated 25% of sales still created by off street visitors, any agency relying on web only marketing is missing out.

We look forward to seeing customers visit in the new year and really look forward to normal accessibility once Covid is a thing of the past.

high street hartley wintney

Want to Make the Switch to an Electric Vehicle? Here’s what you Need to Know

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New announcements mean EVs will be an even more common sight on our roads, but what do you need to know about them? Jack Evans takes a look.

The announcement by Boris Johnson that sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be phased out by 2030 means electric vehicles are going to become a more important part of our driving lives very soon.

But even with this change, for many drivers, there remains a level of mystery surrounding all things electric.

Want to make the switch to an electric vehicle but unsure what it all really means? Here’s some of the key things you need to know about making the leap to an EV…

How much range do you need?

Range is a word with great importance in the EV world, as it’s what governs how far you’ll be able to travel in between trips to the plug. However, there’s no need to get worried about a car’s range if you think carefully about how far you travel.

If you’re someone who only does shorter trips around town and clocks up fewer than 100 miles a week for instance, then a car with a shorter range will suit you down the ground. However, If you’re a driver who travels further afield, then a car with a bigger battery might make more sense.

Don’t be scared of cars with shorter ranges though, as they’ll still offer more than most people do on average each week. Plus, cars with smaller batteries offer quicker charge times.

How do I add charge when I get home?

Home charging is one of the crucial aspects of owning and running an electric car. Being able to add energy to the vehicle while it’s at your home really does make things a lot more flexible – and cheaper too.

Whenever you buy a new car, there are incentives in place for charging at home. Government grants and even manufacturer schemes will make installing a home wallbox much cheaper. Yes, you can use a three-pin socket, but this isn’t as quick nor as safe as having a wallbox.

Will it actually be cheaper to buy and run an electric car?

Of course, the initial upfront cost for an EV is often more than an equivalent internal combustion-engine car. However, as the technology progresses, this is becoming less common. The new Renault Zoe, for instance, is priced from £26,495, which though still relatively expensive is more in line with the segment.

In the Prime Minister’s announcement, he also outlined up to £582 million in extra grants to help those buying zero or low-emissions vehicles to lower the cost.

It’s charging where the cost savings really come into play. As with petrol, the prices do vary between chargers, with some costing from around 25p/kWh up to around 35p/kWh. For around 100 miles of additional charge, you’ll be looking at about £6-7.

When it comes to charging at home, that really depends on your own energy tariff. Plenty of companies are now offering EV-friendly plans which take advantage of lower priced charging times, such as in the middle of the night. However, for an average EV with around 200 miles of range and a 60kWh battery, you’ll be looking at around £8.40 for a full charge. It represents good value compared with petrol and diesel.

Are there any other less obvious benefits?

Though the cost-saving benefits are quite easy to see, there are some other positives to owning an electric car. One of them is simply refinement; EVs are quiet and, therefore, relaxing to drive around in. You’ll notice quite the difference compared with a petrol or diesel car.

Another positive is performance. Even lower-powered EVs really zip away from the line, and they give acceleration that regular cars simply can’t hope to match.

But isn’t the UK lacking in charge points?

The number of charging stations in the UK has grown massively in recent years. According to ZapMap, there are 35,308 connectors across the country, made up of 20,217 charge points in 12,733 locations. There were 431 new connectors added to Zap Map’s database in the last 30 days, in fact.

In terms of how they’re spread out across the country, 26% are in central London alone, with 13.5% in the south east and 12.3% in Scotland. This figure is only set to rise too, as government funding looks to make fast chargers more widespread across the country.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister has stated in his 10-point plan that an extra £1.3 billion in investment will be rolled out in order to improve the country’s charging structure in order to make charging easier.

Doesn’t the energy for electric cars only come from fossil fuels anyway?

Of course, an electric vehicle is only as environmentally friendly as its energy source. However, many energy and charger unit suppliers are working to ensure that their energy comes from green suppliers. All of BP Chargemaster’s charging stations, for example, are certified as providing renewable energy while home energy providers like Octopus Energy provide power, which is completely green.

10 Ways to Have a Cheaper and Greener Christmas

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Vicky Shaw reveals how you can help your wallet and the planet when celebrating this year.

Overspending is a big concern for households as Christmas approaches.

This has been a huge year of change and, as part of that, people have been thinking about their impact on the planet.

So, if you’re looking to spend more mindfully this festive season, whether it’s for budgeting or environmental reasons – or a combination of both – here are some tips from Shaunagh Duncan, sustainability lead at green energy company Bulb…

1. Cut the waste

It’s common to overspend when buying ingredients for Christmas lunch, resulting in large amounts of waste.

If you follow a recipe, it might state how many people the dish serves and you can shop accordingly, so you’re less likely to overspend and create unnecessary waste – particularly if you’re cooking for a smaller group than usual.

For any food waste you do generate, try to make use of the food compost and green waste bins. You can even use some waste to grow your own plants – try planting an avocado stone or growing tomatoes from the seeds of supermarket veg.

2. Avoid plastic wrapping

Go for loose fruit and vegetables, which are often cheaper than packaged ones. Many high street and independent supermarkets also offer ‘wonky’ fruit and veg, which are cheaper than regular items, but just as delicious and nutritious.

3. Try buying local

This can be more cost effective and helps to support local businesses, while reducing transport emissions.

If your Christmas is going to be very different this year, you could also try eating something different.

By swapping red meat for more vegetarian recipes on Christmas Day, you could reduce your carbon footprint and also save money. Or if you can’t give up the turkey and pigs in blankets, try cutting down on red meat in the run-up to the big day instead.

4. Cover your pots with lids when cooking

And only boil the amount of water you actually need – these little hacks go a long way, and can help reduce your energy bills.

5. Rent a Christmas tree

Rather than buying a tree that could end up out with the bins in January, you could consider renting a Christmas tree. That way, you can enjoy it over the festive season, then the tree gets picked up after the holidays and returned to a farm.

If you have a garden, another option is to plant your Christmas tree in between seasons and use it again each Christmas – which will save you buying a tree every year.

6. Consider eco gift wrapping and e-cards

Reusing gift wrap from last Christmas can cut costs and waste. You can also get creative with your wrapping, using old magazines and spare fabric.

Try sending e-cards this year, too, or make your own using paper and materials lying around the house.

If you do opt for shop-bought wrapping paper or cards, then try to avoid ones with glitter made from plastic.

7. Use energy-saving Christmas lights

Energy-saving LED lights are available from many online stores or garden centres. You could also switch to solar-powered outdoor lights, which can be operated on a timer. If the average household replaced all of their bulbs with LEDs, they could potentially save £40 a year on bills.

8. Shop mindfully

Whether it’s online or in person, try to be mindful of how, when and where you shop. There’s often a pressure to buy gifts for people unnecessarily. Although this comes with good intentions, it can lead to overspending and more waste sent to landfill. You could also try to limit the number of different online deliveries to your home, to help reduce vehicle emissions and excess packaging. It could also save you from paying multiple delivery charges, which can all add up, too.

9. Give presents that last

Examples of thoughtful and long-lasting presents could include a houseplant or a memory photo album. Buying ‘gift experience’ vouchers to be used some time in the future could also help support local businesses at a time when they need it most.

10. Consider switching energy provider

At this time of year, households’ energy consumption is particularly high. So, you could switch to a cheaper tariff or provider. You could also consider a renewable energy supplier as a way of going green.

Touch of Luxe: 15 Gorgeous Home and Decor Gifts

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Sam Wylie-Harris seeks out stylish homewares and decadent decos to pop under the tree for your favourite natty nester this Christmas.

Home is where the heart is – and this year more than ever, they deserve to be shown some love.

Gorgeous gifts to put some razzle-dazzle into daily life will delight decor divas and house-proud types. We’ve scoured the shops for the best buys at a range of price points to bring a little wonder and festive flair.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a divine deco or gifting something swish to a loved one, all the gifts on this luxe list are bound to bring tidings of comfort and joy…

1. Anton Studio Designs Set of 2 Soho Wine Glasses and Champagne Flutes, £19.96 each (were £24.95), and Set of 2 Soho DOF Tumblers, £15.96 (were £19.95), available in Gold, Silver and Bronze, Not Just Jugs

We all love to drink with our eyes and this elegant, long-stemmed glitzy glassware with co-ordinating tumblers is tailor-made for champagne cocktails and party drinks.

2. Darling! Heart Espresso Cups Lavender/Rose Set of 2, £24, Bombay Duck

Love coffee? Give it your best shot with these cute espresso cups trimmed with gold.

3. Etched Palm Cheese Knives Set of Three, £27.50, Oliver Bonas

Think island time, long lazy lunches and a holiday cheese board… these decorative palm stainless steel cheese knives make the cut.

4. Leopard Vases – Wall Mounted, £34, and Standing Tall, £55, Audenza

We’re wild about these luxuriant leopard vases. Made from hand-painted stoneware and versatile enough to hold your best bouquet or faux foliage, think of the roars of delight when one of these is let loose.

5. Pineapple Ice Bucket, £37, Graham & Green

Counting down to Happy Hour, we’re going troppo over this quirky Tiki inspired ice bucket to glam up a drinks trolley or tray.

6. Argos Home 12 Piece Dinner Set – Floral, £38, Argos

These blousy blooms are so eye-catching, anyone who’s into tablescaping will be inspired.

7. Cuisinart Wine Opener, £45, Cuisinart

The supercar of bottle openers, this Cuisinart removes any cork at the touch of a button and comes with a foil cutter and vacuum sealer, so you have the option to save a top drop for the next day. Fully charged, it can open around 80 bottles within six to eight hours. Va-va-vino!

8. Orla Kiely Dachshund Shaped Vase, £50 (other various shapes from a selection), Amara

Anyone who’s into growing their own herbs or planting cuttings will appreciate this fun vase. Slim enough to sit on a window sill or desk, we love the happy-go-lucky colour too.

9. John Whaite Nested Bowls, £60, Fenella Smith

As any baker worth their pastry chef hat knows one bowl is never enough. This chic ceramic trio in sugar-pink is designed by presenter and former Bake Off winner John Whaite. Edged in foil, they should inspire the poshest pâtisserie.

10. 24 Carat Gold Black Luxury Candle Gift, £75, The Luxe Candle Company

Give the gift of gold, frankincense and myrrh… this exotic, spicy, woody scent promises a sense of luxurious wellbeing with base notes of musk and amber in the mix. Made from soy wax and topped with 24K gold leaf, it comes gorgeously gift-boxed with a velvet dust bag.

11. Icon Sabrina Spikey Faux Fur Throw – Wine, £79.99, Beanbag Bazaar

Majestic in magenta, not only will this fabulous faux fur throw not slip off the bed or sofa arm, it’s soft enough to snuggle into with a glass of mulled wine, sweetened by thoughts of the next mince pie.

12. The White Company Set of 2 Diffuser Oils & Electronic Diffuser, £80, The White Company

Why faff about scenting reeds when you can flick a switch and softly scent and surround in minutes? The diva of diffusers, simply add a couple of drops of relaxing oil and ta-da! Includes The White Company’s bestselling Sleep and Spa Restore.

13. Alabaster Marble Bookends, £80, The French Bedroom Company

You don’t need to be a bookworm to appreciate these solid-marble book-shaped bookends. Made from alabaster marble and polished by hand for a silky smooth finish, they’re worthy of a stylish shelfie and will frame everything beautifully.

14. Hare Lamp with Black Shade, £139.95, and Faux Fur Gold Stool, £129.95 (chair from a selection), Audenza

Top of our wish list, Santa Baby, slip a faux fur gold stool and lavish lamp under the tree, for me. A real statement hero piece, we’re just as smitten with the sumptuous stool as we are the handsome hare.

15. SMEG Lavazza A Modo Mio – Black, £199, Daniel Stores

Budding baristas will feel right at home with the latest model from Lavazza. The coffee giant has teamed up with SMEG to bring us this A-list domestic appliance, which channels iconic retro styling with Italian flair for true, authentic coffee. Bellissima!

3 Expert Tips to Help you Make the Most of your Pension

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New research suggests many of us now value our pensions more amid the coronavirus pandemic. Vicky Shaw finds out more.

The pandemic has made many of us value our pensions even more than usual – and this is particularly the case if you have a ‘gold-plated’ final salary pension – new research suggests.

Legal & General surveyed grandparents and parents across the UK to discover how the Covid-19 crisis had made them think differently about their personal finances.

A fifth (21%) of those with a defined benefit (DB) pension scheme say they value the security of their pension more due to the pandemic.

DB schemes promise savers a certain level of income in retirement, based on their salary, such as final salary pensions. They have become rarer, however, as they’re expensive to run. Many employers nowadays offer defined contribution (DC) pension schemes instead – where the retirement income you’ll get depends on factors such as how well investments perform.

The research found 15% of those with DC pensions now value their savings pots more.

Pension savers may gift more to loved ones

The findings also show that one in 10 (10%) with a DB pension say the security of their retirement income has made them more likely to gift or loan money to loved ones as part of their retirement plans. They’re twice as likely to do this as those with a DC pension, with just one in 20 (5%) saying this.

Laura Mason, chief executive officer, Legal & General Retirement Institutional (LGRI), which helps DB schemes to settle their pension obligations, says: “The events of this year have led to uncertainty for many and, understandably, more people are thinking about their pension income in retirement and how it will affect their loved ones.”

3 top tips for retirement savers

David Poulton, chief customer officer, LGRI, says: “It is worthwhile for those in, or approaching, retirement to consider these three tips to ensure they’re getting the most out of their DB pension scheme.”

Here’s what Legal & General suggests…

1. Check you’re aware of all of your pension schemes

Many people will have worked for several employers in their lifetime. Even if you only worked at a company for a few months, there’s a chance there was a pension. Schemes generally send annual updates in the post, but if you think you have ‘lost’ a pension, consider trying the Government’s Pension Tracing Service.

2. Find out if you still have money left

You may think that you’ve taken all of your money out – but you may not be receiving all of the benefits you’re entitled to – or you could still have money to draw down. Once you’ve tracked down all of your DB pension schemes, ensure you know what’s left in each and that you receive annual updates.

3. Beware of scams

Scammers will target pensions. This can happen over email, the phone, or through fraudulent websites. Be aware, be vigilant, and never be rushed into making a decision. For more guidance, go to the Action Fraud website (actionfraud.police.uk).

12 Boozy Gift Boxes to Delight the Wine or Spirit Lover in your Life

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Perfectly packed and guaranteed to go down a treat, Sam Wylie-Harris rustles up this year’s best boozy gift boxes.

If you really want to box clever this Christmas, chances are you’ll find everything you need in the wine and spirit department.

Well-wrapped and attractively styled, there’s a boozy gift box to suit all tastes.

Here’s our pick of the bunch…

1. The Wine Society The Bellini Case, £22.50, The Wine Society

A new kind of prosecco experience with all the trimmings, The Wine Society have struck gold with their Bellini gift box, which includes a 25cl bottle of Van Nahmen Rhubarb Nectar and Van Nahmen White Peach Nectar. Tart and sweet Italian style – saluti!

2. Nyetimber Classic Cuvée Multi-Vintage Gift Box, £36.99, Nyetimber

One of England’s finest sparkling wines, Nyetimber have gone to town with their London Christmas Scene limited-edition box, adorned with gold snowflakes and illustrations of iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, The Tower of London and London Eye – with some fabulous fizz inside.

3. The Kraken Black Spiced Rum Unknown Deep Limited Edition, £36.75, Amazon

It needs little introduction for dark rum fans – The Kraken is one of the most prized spiced rums out there. This new-look glossy black bottle, embossed with ancient gold currency, is the first in a special-edition series, themed around a mythical story of a deep-sea expedition to find the elusive beast. Plus, The Kraken are donating a £1 from every bottle sold to the marine conversation charity, Project Aware: Dive Against Debris.

4. House of Suntory Roku Japanese Gin Gift Box, £38.50, Harvey Nichols

Crafted from six Japanese botanicals (roku means six in Japanese), as well as traditional gin botanicals (juniper, lemon peel, coriander, etc), this fragrant gin is presented in a pretty cherry blossom gift box. Yuzu citrusy top notes, cherry blossom, spicy sansho pepper and green tea make themselves known in perfect harmony.

5. Retro Gin Fridge – That Boutique-y Gin Company, £39.90, The Whisky World

With old-school looks and styling inspired by the 1950s, and eight 5cl bottles to enjoy, this must be the cutest pressie to pop under the tree. Of course, it won’t freeze your ice trays or martini glass, but who wouldn’t want to chill out with a shot of Yuzu, Smoked Rosemary or Ginger Lime Gin come the big day?

6. Christmas Day Mixed Wine and Prosecco Gift Box, £39.99, Virgin Wines

The world of wine is so huge, where to start if you want to narrow it down to a tip-top trio? Virgin Wines have done the hard work for you here, with their German pinot noir from the famous Pfalz region, crowd-pleasing Aussie sauvignon blanc and super popular Senti prosecco – plus the added bonus of a personalised gift message.

7. St-Germain Winter Bloom Bauble & Spritz Kit, £40, Hedges and Flowers

Baubles in bloom… St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur have teamed up with Hedges and Flowers floral design studio to create this luxurious spritz kit, which includes a bottle of the famous French floral liqueur, glass carafe, two art deco gold rimmed glasses and four handmade glass baubles filled with dried flowers, finished with a velvet ribbon for hanging. Did someone say deck the halls with cocktails and curios? We’re in.

8. Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Champagne NV & 2 Branded Flutes Gift Box, £50, The Champagne Company

A chic carry case with all the trimmings, Laurent Perrier’s bag of tricks includes a bottle of their beautifully fresh and elegant La Cuvée Brut, with two tulip shaped glass flutes to enhance the steady stream of bubbles with all the bells and whistles.

9. Specially Yours Moët & Chandon Personalisable Gift Boxes: Imperial Brut Personalisable Metal Gift Box, £50, Rosé Imperial Personalisable Metal Gift Box, £59, Clos 19

Santa’s workshop has been busying itself with these personalized metal gift tins to ring out your message loud and clear. Dressed in winter white or rosy pink, Specially Yours celebrates the most wonderful time of the year to pop the corks!

10. Patrón Silver Tequila – Día De Muertos, £54.99, Getitinkd.com

Top of our tequila wish list, Patrón Silver are also encouraging us to explore personalised options courtesy of Inkd – and their whimsy limited-edition bottle inspired by Day of the Dead, the Mexican holiday which brings families together to celebrate life and death. Adorned with butterflies, marigolds and sugar skull, it’s a beautifully crafted little gem from Jalisco.

11. Berry Bros & Rudd Extra Ordinary Gift Set, £95, Berry Bros & Rudd

Sometimes, it’s all in the detail. This chic set stars two benchmark bottles from Bordeaux: Berry Bros & Rudd Extra Ordinary White and Extra Ordinary Claret. Plus Berry’s own label grand cru champagne, a champagne stopper and corkscrew, along with illustrated tote bag. One to delight wine enthusiasts and oenophiles.

12. Home of Bombay Hamper, £120, Bombay Sapphire

A gin palace to call their own, this hamper is no mere afterthought for the gin lover in your life. Nestled inside are five fabulous (70cl) expressions: Bombay Sapphire, Bombay Dry, Bombay Sapphire English Estate, Bombay East, and Bombay Bramble. Plus a long twisted bar spoon and jigger to put the jingle and joy into Christmas when they rustle up the first G&T.

16 of the Best Christmas Gifts for Gardeners

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From gorgeous garden wear and robust tools to heavenly houseplants, check out our gift guide for gardeners.

Whether the person you are buying for is new grower or an experienced green-fingered guru, there is a wealth of gifts out there that they will love this Christmas.

And as well as sorting your festive shopping for gardening friends or relatives, a scroll through our top 16 presents might just provide some inspiration for your own wish list.

Here’s our pick of the gifts for gardeners indoors and out.

1. Dexshell Fair Isle Waterproof Beanie (£25, aquaproofs.com)

This waterproof Fair Isle beanie is a must for gardeners who don’t let rain dampen their spirits or put paid to their efforts in the garden. It’ll keep gardeners warm and dry with its super-soft fleece lining and wind-and-rainproof membrane.

2. Personalised fork and trowel set (£25.87, Amazon)

You can personalise this traditional wooden-handled stainless steel fork and trowel set with own message or perhaps the recipient’s name. Each tool can have up to 30 characters.

3. A Christmas Cook’s Garden (£20, The Gluttonous Gardener, glut.co.uk)

This festive gift set gives you the ingredients you need to grow your own herbs, along with aromatic spices for mulled wine. The pack includes seeds for sage, rosemary and thyme, as well as cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise, along with growing instructions and recipes.

4. Upcycled vintage spoon garden plant markers (£15 for set of three, Amazon)

If you’re into vintage, you’ll love this set of three upcycled vintage teaspoon garden markers which can be personalised with the plant, vegetable or herb name of your choice. The spoons have been flattened and the words are hand-stamped onto them, so perfect for the gardener who has everything.

5. Caledonian Tiered Raised Bed (£121.99, forestgarden.co.uk)

Another space-saver for people who want to grow flowers, fruit and veg but don’t have enough room – the answer is to grow upwards. This planter can hold 250L of compost and the frame comes pre-notched so is quick and easy to assemble. Remember to line the trough with a permeable membrane if you are using it to grow food.

6. Barry’s Cactus Club subscription (£15 for a one-time gift; £42 for a 3 month subscription; £156 for 12 month subscription, barryscactusclub.com)

This is a brilliant idea for people who love these prickly plants and want to get a bit of a collection going, to put on their desk, or line up on shelves or windowsills. Each month the recipient will receive a surprise mini cactus or succulent and a specially designed ceramic pot that you won’t find anywhere else, plus in the first box you’ll get a few other goodies. Perfect for those who like low maintenance plants and fancy some new desk buddies.

7. Wildlife Letterbox Gift (£19.99, Suttons, suttons.co.uk)

Letterbox gift sets have now landed at Suttons for you to send to friends and relatives who aren’t going to be joining you during the festive season. You can choose from five different types – from chilli, herb, fragrant, vegetable and wildlife. The wildlife set comes with floral seed mixes, twine, mini secateurs, exfoliating soap and a pressed flower kit.

8. Veritable Classic Garden White Indoor cultivation garden (£137.10, Amazon)

This ingenious high-tech self-sufficient garden incorporates lighting with a colour spectrum adapted specifically for edible plants, enabling you to grow herbs all year round easily indoors. You don’t need any natural light, its clever automatic irrigation system will water plants for three to four weeks, and it comes with four seed kits so you can get growing straight away.

9. Iris & Lady Moore Charity Candle (£49, Jo Malone, jomalone.co.uk)

A gorgeous irises design adorns the casing of this deliciously scented charity candle, which has a burn time of around 45 hours. For each charity candle you buy, Jo Malone will make a donation equal to 75% of the price to charities which support people affected by mental health.

10. Cast iron boot brush and jack (£23.95, Harrod Horticultural, harrodhorticultural.com)

This is a must for those of us who struggle to remove their muddy boots at the end of the day and don’t know where to start when it comes to cleaning them. The tough brush bristles should remove a lot of the dirt, while the specially shaped jack will prise off the tightest boots.

11. House of Plants game (£14.99 Dobbies Garden Centres, in store only)

Who doesn’t love a Christmas game? And when it has a gardening theme even better for the green-fingered among us. The plant-themed card game is perfect for millennials and plant lovers as they build up their own urban jungles.

12. Priestlands Birch Scrub-Up and Celebrate gift set (£32.99, Suttons.co.uk)

After a long day of gardening, pamper yourself with these soaps, dry skin rescue oil and lip balm, and there’s even a spirit you can serve over ice – all derived from various parts of the birch tree.

13. Jane coin purse – Bumblebee Garden (£44.95, willbeesbespoke.com)

This beautiful new handmade range, The Bee Garden Collection, is a new collaboration between Will Bees Bespoke and former head of design at Liberty Art Fabrics, Emma Mawston, featuring designs inspired by the flora and bees native to Devon and Cornwall. Handmade in England, with free personalisation – you can have the purse embossed with initials – it also comes with a small pack of wildflower seeds to attract bees.

14. Trumpet peony plant support (from £34, Harrod Horticultural, harrodhorticultural.com)

There are some really stylish plant supports on the market – but some are less noticeable and let the plants do the talking and, if that’s your preference, this rust-coloured peony support fits the bill. Available in two heights and four diameters, it will keep your plants propped up without stealing their thunder.

15. Festive Kilner (from £7.50, Rosebud Preserves, rosebudpreserves.co.uk)

Festive mincemeat, chutney, marmalade and pickle all go down well at Christmas, but if your loved one fancies a go at making their own next year, these robust Kilner jars from Rosebud which come packed with flavoursome fare can be reused next year when gardening fans want to have a go at preserving their own harvests.

16. Personalised gardening calendar (£14.99, gettingpersonal.co.uk)

Planning for the next season is always high on the gardener’s list of to-dos, so let them see in the New Year with a personalised gardening calendar so they can pencil in those garden visits, plan their gardening schedule and admire their own name in a variety of garden settings with each calendar month.

Autumn-clean your Garden Tools and Buildings for a Head Start in Spring

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Tidy up your growing space to steal a march on spring, with tips from the RHS.

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, it may seem as though there’s not much left to do in the garden between now and next spring.

But there’s still time to join in the Royal Horticultural Society ‘Grow At Home This Autumn’ campaign, which aims to guide the thousands of gardeners who took up the hobby for the first time during the pandemic through this crucial time of the year.

The final week of the campaign is ‘Autumn Clean Week’ which, as RHS chief horticulturist Guy Barter explains, may not be the most glamorous of jobs but is vital to the health of plants and wildlife in the garden.

“Many people, including seasoned gardeners, don’t realise that an autumn clean and tidy-up in the garden is as important as a spring clean in your home,” says Barter. “By taking care of a few simple jobs now, you can give yourself a head-start for the next growing season, and ensure garden plants have the conditions they need to thrive throughout the winter.”

Barter shares the cleaning and tidying jobs you should be doing now…

Greenhouses and tools

“Get rid of spores and pest eggs by cleansing greenhouses with hot detergent and garden disinfectant, remembering to scrub over concrete floors and replace soiled gravel,” he advises.

Light levels are very low indeed in winter and grubby glass will exclude much light if not washed clean, not forgetting to remove moss and algae from beneath overlapping panes. Caulk any leaks with clear silicone mastic and replace any cracked panes at the same time.

“Compost any unwanted plant material and eradicate weeds, as weeds are reservoirs of pests and diseases,” he adds.

Stainless steel tools merely need a scrape clean, Barter explains, but those made of ordinary steel may rust unless cleaned well and oiled.

Lawnmowers and power tools may also rust in a damp shed unless exposed metal is oiled or paint retouched – you might as well sharpen them and change the oil now that there’s less to do in the garden.

Alternatively, take them to a garden machinery workshop for professional sharpening and servicing.

This is also a good time to clean and store plastic pots, seed trays and modules so they are ready for reuse next year.

Winter protection

“Unheated greenhouses are unlikely to exclude frost, so the tenderest plants, aeoniums and tradescantia, say, are best brought indoors to a suitable windowsill or ideally a conservatory,” he advises.

“Pruned and well-wrapped dahlias and canna will survive in a shed or even left in well-drained ground in milder regions, ideally under a 9cm layer of bark mulch.

“Abutilon, fuchsia and other tender shrubs can survive in a greenhouse or sheltered spot if protected by fleece, while hardy plants that don’t appreciate a rainy British winter, garden chrysanthemums for example, will survive well under a cloche.”

However, if you’re thinking about adding an extra layer of protection to your greenhouse, Barter warns: “Insulating greenhouses with bubble wrap cuts out much light and is best kept to the bare minimum – this also reduces plastic waste.”

Houseplants

With light levels much lower at this time of year, taking the time to clean accumulated dust from the leaves of houseplants will help them take up all the available light to stay healthy throughout the winter.

Barter suggests taking houseplants outside on a mild rainy day and letting the rain wash them clean, perhaps applying some ‘leaf shine’ when they return indoors.

“Go easy on watering through the winter and hold off on feeding and repotting until the sun comes up again in April,” Barter suggests. Plants that have been sheltering from scorching summer heat in north facing windowsills can return to their winter position in a south facing windowsill.

Consider a low energy LED growing light in dark homes with limited suitable windowsill space, to give your houseplants a boost during the winter.

Pick off any dead leaves now and take the opportunity to rub out pests, too. However, if your houseplants show symptoms of mealybug, this is virtually incurable and infested plants are best replaced.

For more tips, advice and videos to help you get involved with the RHS Grow At Home campaign, visit rhs.org.uk/growathome.

10 Ways to be More Ethical with your Money

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Keen to give your finances an ethical revamp? Vicky Shaw finds out how to get started.

The pandemic is prompting people to consider more ethical places to keep their money, according to research.

Triodos Bank found over a fifth (22%) of investors say they now feel motivated to explore investing in ethical funds, rising to 35% of under-35s.

Investing is just one of the ways you can use your hard-earned money to support good causes, as well as the environment. There could be plenty of other options for giving your finances an ethical makeover – and it may not be as hard as you think to get started.

Charlene Cranny, campaigns and communications director at Good Money Week (Oct 24-30), which aims to help grow and raise awareness of sustainable, responsible and ethical finance, says: “It’s easy to get bogged down with where to start when planning to give your finances a green overhaul, but there’s no need to be overwhelmed. There are so many easy ways to make greener, cleaner and kinder decisions with our money.

“People who are making steps to reduce their personal impact on the environment might already be reusing coffee cups, bags and bottles, cycling rather than driving, but might not have even thought about where their money is being invested, spent and banked, which can have a huge impact on the environment.”

Here are 10 suggestions from Good Money Week to give your finances an ethical overhaul…

1. Switch current account

Banks use the deposits in the accounts held with them to fund their other banking activities, from loans to investments. This means your money could be funding all sorts of projects that you don’t agree with. Thanks to the Current Account Switch Service, it’s easy to move to an ethical current account.

2. Change energy provider

The number of providers supplying renewable energy in the UK has increased in recent years – and did you know you can compare green energy suppliers? With the Big Clean Switch (bigcleanswitch.org), you can quickly search for planet-friendly gas and electricity suppliers.

3. Shop local

We should all be shopping mindfully and avoiding wasteful purchasing, but when you do need to shop, try going local. Plus, when you shop at the local butcher’s, baker’s, farm shop and greengrocer, a good bulk of the produce has had a relatively short ‘field to fork’ journey. As well as supporting local farmers, this means the food could be wrapped in less single-use plastic packaging.

4. Invest your pension ethically

Your pension can have a huge impact on people and the planet. Pension scheme Nest, for example, recently announced a new climate change policy. Ask your boss or your financial adviser about how ethical your provider is.

5. Move your savings

Although it may feel like sometimes the returns are very low, remember your savings are being put somewhere, working for a company or business somewhere else, so if you aren’t happy, make the move.

6. Consider investments

Abundance is an online platform which offers investments that create something good for the environment and society. Remember though that, as with other investment products, there are risks. Energy4all could also be a good place to start if you want to get involved in something at a local level.

7. Borrow rather than buy

Borrowing existing items, rather than buying new, is kinder to the planet. Some websites will also allow people to borrow items for a set period of time. And if you don’t want to borrow, there are also websites such as Freecycle, where you can get unwanted items for free.

8. Take part in Black Pound Day

Black Pound Day supports and raises awareness of businesses owned by black people. More than simply one day per year, Black Pound Day is a monthly campaign that encourages consumers to switch up their usual shopping destinations to local and online businesses.

9. Lend a small amount of money

If you are fortunate to be able to, you may want to consider lending a little money to someone in the developing world, who is trying to lift themselves out of poverty by running their own business. Lendwithcare.org allows people to lend relatively small sums to people and the money is later repaid. The website cautions though that due to the pandemic, there is a higher risk than normal that repayments will be late or deferred, and in some ‘rare cases’ loans may be written off.

10. Donate to foodbanks

If you are able, buying supplies for your local food bank can be a real help to people in need in your local area, or you could donate monthly through their website.

Kitchen Cool: 13 Ways to Serve up a Feast of Style

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Whether it’s a full-blown revamp or simple updates, Gabrielle Fagan stirs up some style solutions for the heart of the home.

Our kitchens are having to work harder than ever these days, as we’re spending more time in them – and we’re not just using them to cook up a storm.

That eating area now has to be able to perform as a family space, an entertaining zone, and maybe a home office for many of us too. So it needs to not only look the business, but to function well to facilitate our busy and multi-layered home lives.

Looking to give your kitchen an update? Follow our recipe for creating the perfect kitchen in your home, whatever your budget…

1. Island story

An island is still the most coveted design feature in a kitchen – and it’s easy to see why. It’s invaluable as a preparation area, and means you can flex your culinary skills without turning your back on the party.

“Kitchen islands and breakfast bars offer a versatile and adaptable space that can be used in so many ways,” says Joanne Emery, marketing manager at Burbidge.

“They can create zones in your area, giving the illusion of two separate functional rooms, whilst keeping the room clutter-free by providing additional storage. Consider incorporating open shelving for items you use frequently.”

2. Dark matters

Black is a design classic, whether for clothes or kitchen units, and paired with a metallic it’s a recipe for sophistication.

Choose handles, taps and kitchen accessories in brass, copper or bronze – the finishes which have taken over from last year’s polished chrome.

3. Cooking with colour

Our growing desire for colourful spaces is reflected in more vivid kitchen cabinetry and ‘colour pops’, which allow for a more playful, individual look.

If you’re worried you may tire of units or tiles in a vibrant shade, or they’ll look dated as fashions move on, simply shake up the space with colourful accessories instead.

Paintings, storage canisters, or worktop appliances in funky shades could be just the colour ‘pop’ you need, and they can be easily moved or updated in the future.

4. Double identity

There’s a real trend for kitchens to feel like extensions of living rooms now too. Our home-based lifestyle means we want spaces where it’s easy to cook for the family during the day, but have the ‘wow’ factor to transform into striking evening entertainment spaces at night, or just somewhere to relax and unwind.

Ensure your colour scheme in both areas – the kitchen and the lounge area – harmonises, which will make the space look bigger and blend together.

5. Savvy switch up

If a full-scale revamp is out of the question, don’t underestimate the power of replacing cabinet door fronts, which can transform your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a refit.

If you’re into DIY, repainting kitchen units is fairly straightforward – but ensure you prepare the surface well beforehand, by lightly sanding, cleaning with white spirit, and applying two coats of paint. B&Q has a good range of cabinet paint, including the GoodHome Durable Delaware Matt Cabinet & Wardrobe Paint, £20 for 0.75L.

For a final flourish, invest in new handles and light switches to give the room an extra lift.

6. Ace the space

If you haven’t got acres of space to work with, you need to make the most of ever corner. A cook’s trolley, a hanging rack for utensils, and ceiling-height cupboards can all be a boon – and the plus point is everything will be within easy each.

7. Pendant power

Move over spotlights and track lighting – pendant lights currently rule in kitchens. One statement light, or a group of three, will brilliantly define a selected space, such as a kitchen island or dining area.

8. Make a splash

Swapping a tiled splashback for a striking mural will take a kitchen from functional to fabulous.

“Murals never fail in adding impact and are brilliant for adding drama and depth, giving an illusion of looking out onto a different scene, view or landscape. They can have a magical effect on a room,” says Michael Ayerst, managing director of Surface View, who recreate images on made-to-measure wall murals, canvasses, blinds and ceramic tiles.

Gilded Paper Wallpaper Mural by Richard Hamilton Smith GS, from the Trunk Archive at Surface View, from £40 per square metre, Surfaceview.co.uk.

9. Modern mix

“The enduring trend for kitchens is about mixing it up, whether that’s with contrasting materials such as wood and metallics, or textured and smooth finishes,” says Gary Griffin, UK sales manager UK at Rational (rational.de/en).

“Cabinets incorporating the grain and beauty of timber are one of the keynote features of 2020. It’s hardly surprising, as natural materials such as wood suit both contemporary and classic homes and this is a great way to ensure that, no matter what your design choice, your home has a warm, relaxed feel.”

Whilst neutral palettes remain popular, Griffin notes there’s been a move towards the ‘dark side’, with bolder choices of black or grey units – but unlike their shiny predecessors of the Nineties, these now come in an understated matt finish.

Rational’s Uno handle-less kitchen combines an oiled cracked oak veneer with sleek matt black units in a Monolack, a new lacquered laminate finish. Features include a pull-out coffee machine module and a Passe-Partout internal storage system (from £12,000).

10. Take to the floor

A feature wall, a stunning chandelier, and a ‘look at me’ choice of flooring in a punchy shade could be the perfect ingredients for a glamorous space.

11. Love a larder

While the concept of a larder harks back to an era before refrigeration, they’re now the ultimate chic feature in today’s kitchens, and provide plenty of space for all those jars and ingredients that can clutter up the fridge or worktops.

Want to know the rest of the kit on the dream kitchen list? A range cooker, instant hot water taps, remote-control extraction units, and integrated recycling units.

12. Worktop wizardry

The worktop is the workhorse of any kitchen, and so it needs to be tough, practical and good-looking. View this feature as a way of demonstrating your taste and bringing individuality to the kitchen design.

As it will have a big visual impact, don’t leave your worktop choice ’til last – instead start with the surfaces and match other key pieces, like the cabinets, to them.

Decor tip: Veined marble is in vogue, as it’s more interesting than a plain top but won’t dominate. If you’re after a contrasting look, choose white marble and pick up on the veining colour for the paint shade on the cabinetry.

13. Rose-tinted touches

Pink is having a moment in kitchens. This soft shade can bring warmth to a cool space and works particularly well in an open-plan area, where you don’t want a harsh contrast between the living and cooking area.

5 Flowers to Plant Now that will Bloom in Winter

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These beautiful florals will brighten up the colder months, says Katie Wright.

With the introduction of new lockdown rules looking likely for many of us, and restrictions already in place for some, there are plenty of reasons to feel pessimistic about the months ahead – especially as we inch ever closer to the clocks going back and dreary, dark days become more frequent.

One way to cheer up the chillier months? Buying plants and sowing seeds now that will flower during winter. Whether you’re lucky enough to have a garden, or you’re restricted to pot plants on a windowsill, there are plenty of easy-to-grow options that will deliver an abundance of colour later down the line.

Here are five winter-flowering plants to sow now…

1. Winter flowering pansies

Flowering from autumn until mid-spring, winter flowering pansies are bright and hardy, making them ideal for beginners, and can be grown in flower beds or pots. Fill a window box with yellow, purple or pink pansies to enjoy a daily splash of colour throughout winter.

2. Cyclamen

With delicate flowers in shades of pink, red and white alongside dark green leaves, cyclamen are very pretty perennials and they’ll start to flower from early winter. In the garden, they’re ideal for positioning at the base of small trees and shrubs, but they can also be grown in pots – and make for a great display either side of your front door.

3. Crocuses

Perfect for planting in pots, crocus bulbs can be sown up until the end of November, and will bloom from February onwards, their purple, yellow or white petals poking up through the soil. Many consider them the first sign that spring is beginning to wake up the earth. Alternatively, plant them throughout your lawn to create a beautiful meadow towards the end of winter.

4. Winter clematis

There’s a clematis for every season: cirrhosa is a winter-flowering variety with cream and maroon speckled petals. The climbing plant is ideal for covering a shed wall or trellis, and will bloom from November to February.

5. Christmas rose

Dreaming of a white Christmas? We can’t promise a flurry of snowflakes, but with the Christmas rose or helleborus niger you can have snowy white flowers during the festive season – if you’re lucky. This hellebore variety usually flowers from January onwards, but can bloom as early as December.

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