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All Features
The South Wales Magazine


How to create a viral-worthy tablescape for Christmas
Styling the table is a joyous way to elevate your festive fare, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Laying the table to an art form to showcase your festive flair (B&M Home/PA) Celebrating the holiday season and rallying your friends for aperitifs, followed by a jubilant lunch or dinner, calls for a seating plan – and your cue to dial up the drama with the art of tablescaping. “When it comes to Christmas entertaining, the table is so much more than just a place to eat… it’s where memories


10 ways to delight with shimmery decos and festive touches
From glitzy baubles and beautiful bows to snowflakes sparkling with seasonal joy. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Make it a magical Christmas with this joyous collection of decorations (Rockett St George/PA) With the festive fervour gathering momentum and Christmas decor stealing the limelight, now’s the time to focus on those finishing touches. Especially if you’re inspired by the celebratory Chrimbo light switch-on events, can’t wait to put the tree up, or looking for that something l


Get creative with garden-inspired home-made Christmas gifts
Chutneys, scented pouches and decorations can all be sourced from your plot. Home-made gifts have more meaning behind them (Alamy/PA) Home-made gifts spell love, effort and thought – and it’s easy to extend that to garden-inspired festive presents. Whether you create a beautifully scented herb drawer pouch or a jar of delicious home-made chutney or jam, it will mean more to the recipient than something you’ve bought in haste from a retailer. “There’s so much to be gained from


12 cleaning hacks for a sparkling Christmas
From gleaming cutlery to fresh-smelling garlands, these quick wins from the Queen of Clean are a lifesaver. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Sparkle, shine and save time with these savvy shortcuts (Alamy/PA) Can you feel it? The Christmas lights are on, window displays have been given the wow factor, and magical displays are drawing us closer to the big day – with feel-good festive fixes topping the to-do list. Especially if you’re setting the stage for holiday hosting, decking the halls


10 stylish gift suggestions for interior enthusiasts
From chic abodes to cottagecore, these decorative items will elevate the everyday, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Christmas is the perfect time to tuck a home gift under the tree (Alamy/PA) Some of the best buys are for sprucing up your space, and gifting is the perfect opportunity to style up the season with something for the home. Especially if you’re not sure what to buy a loved one; but you’re confident a interiors-based gift will give great aesthetic pleasure if it channels comf


5 trending festive themes for Christmas decor
From ‘nonna holiday’ to nutcrackercore and gothmas, here’s what’s shaping the holiday season. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Deck the halls and showcase your festive flair with these seasonal schemes (Meri Meri/PA) One of the wonders of Christmas is putting up the decorations… and foraging for those sentimental trinkets, glitzy trimmings, garlands and twinkling lights galore. But what if you’re rethinking your Christmas aesthetic; fancy a shift in style and theme, and have your heart s


Festive kitchen makeover ideas to get ‘Christmas ready’
It’s not too soon to start thinking about entertaining on the big day, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Kit out your kitchen with these quickie makeovers and festive finishing touches (Alamy/PA) With the festive season fast approaching, it’s time to get your skates on if a stylish kitchen refresh is on the cards. Especially if you’re hosting, and entertaining family and friends over the holidays – with a focus on seating everyone comfortably and choosing decor as twinkly as the tree. N


9 ways to deck out your haunted house
After-dark decor to crown fright night celebrations and spooky soirées. By Sam Wylie-Harris. These Halloween-themed decorations and homewares look spooktacular (Matalan/PA) It’s one of the most anticipated dates in the fancy dress diary, and if you’re into dressing up, Halloween celebrations (October 31) are a real scream. And for a dose of devilish decorative drama, a flurry of eerie furnishings, thrilling tablescapes and themed feature walls make frighteningly good backdrop


Dress your front door with a warm autumn display
Wreaths, pots and pumpkins can make a difference. Celebrate autumn with festive decor (British Garden Centres/PA) If your front door area looks lacklustre, it’s time to warm it up with some welcoming autumn colours in rich burnt oranges, deep red accents, soft seedheads and textured foliage. “The trick is choosing plants that provide colour, texture and structure, all while celebrating the richness of the season,” says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Cent


9 autumnal homewares to celebrate the season
From gallery walls geared to the countryside, to snuggly soft furnishings, it’s all about feel-good vibes, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Cosy finds for the cooler months (Direct.asda/PA) With a nip in the air, dappled sunlight, and leaves starting to turn a brilliant burnt orange, crimson and gold, it’s Mother Nature’s way of telling us it’s time to cosy up. And what better way to start prepping your space for pumpkin spice lattes on the sofa, autumnal tablescapes and comfort food t


How to replicate a hotel bedroom at home
These easy upgrades can channel a five-star vibe, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Relaxation is the order of the day (Barker And Stonehouse/PA) There’s something special about a luxurious hotel bedroom… fresh bed linen, stylish decorative accents, a calming atmosphere, and peace of mind knowing every detail has been carefully considered. So is it any wonder we dream of the same sense of indulgence and comforting aesthetic at home? With thoughts turning to a fantasy turn-down service…


9 ways to introduce Dulux 2026 Colours of the Year – Rhythm of Blues
This trio of jazzy blues will add depth and drama to your dcor, says Sam Wylie-Harris. This trio of jazzy blues will add depth and drama...


Latest in lounging and super-stylish seating
Elevate your living room with cosy, cocooning furnishings, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Make an impact with the latest designs and trends in...


The rise of soft elegance and how to update your bathroom scheme
Create the most calming layout with these expert styling tips. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Choose features that ensure your bathroom will become...


9 must-have brilliant blue homewares and decor
From cobalt to sky blue, bring in a breath of fresh air with these stylish updates, says Sam Wylie-Harris. These cool hues pair well with...


How to style the silver trend and make the most of metallics
Time to get your shine on, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Silver elevates seating and soft furnishings (DFS/PA) When it comes to precious metals,...


Style Meets Warmth: Discover Affordable Designer Radiators for Every Home
Looking to upgrade your home's heating without compromising on style? At Radiator Village, you’ll find a curated collection of designer...


Up to 50% Off Royal Doulton tablewear summer sale plus exclusive promo code offer
Refresh your tableware and home with elegant designs from Royal Doulton’s Summer Sale. With up to 50% off selected collections, it’s the...


9 ways to spin stripes, checks and spots in the home
Time to pattern play and pick ’n’ mix, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Patterns can help elevate the everyday (Pooky Lighting/PA) If you’re a fan...


Kitchen remodel: How to plan your layout like a pro
Kitchen know-how for upgrading your space to make it more sassy and functional. By Sam Wylie-Harris. This open-plan shaker-style kitchen...
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