Tips for the Festive Season
Published on 2nd December 2020
It’s that time of year again when thoughts turn to all things festive, not only glamorising yourself but also your home and garden. So where do you go to, to pick up a few tips, than to a magazine like Good Housekeeping. This magazine comes under the genre of home and garden.
Nigella is on the cover - festively attired in a red dress, that to me resembles a Christmas Cracker. This month’s issue kicks off with an interview with the cover girl herself. It is then followed up with an article celebrating inspiring men and women.
Continuing, with the Christmas theme we are provided with an entertainment guide for the season and numerous gift ideas to suit every budget.
There is a lot of emphasis on edible gifts and how to make the perfect packaging to gift wrap these delights. Lots of recipes that cater for vegans and gluten intolerant people. Treats like truffles, mini chocolate meringue kisses, lavender shortbread, and rocky roads are enough to tempt every palate.
Recipes for mulled gin, spiced blackberry gin, and white chocolate liqueur that are “made with love”.
One chapter of the magazine aptly titled Bookshelf lists the writer’s favourite ten literary gems in both fiction and non-fiction. She shares a brief summary of each book which is of great value to anyone looking for recommendations.
Likewise, two entertainment buffs round up the best film, TV shows, and musical treats to take us through this magical season or even to help us pass lockdown. Also, plenty of advice for TV picks if you care to follow it.
There is no shortage of foodie tips, with alternative recipes for a different centrepiece to your Christmas dinner. Tried and tested shop bought cakes, puddings and pies are rated in a test taste.
What better way to brighten up our lives during this lockdown than by glitzing up our homes with metallic wreaths and baubles resembling precious jewels. Pictures of these gems are liberally displayed throughout the magazine.
Good Housekeeping also touches on more serious topics like money saving advice and dealing with grief at Christmas. Also, although I think it might be a little irrelevant during a pandemic, is an article on white Christmas Breaks to destinations like Sweden, Iceland and Lapland... but there’s always next year.
Overall, I think this magazine succeeds in its recommendations for recipes, gift ideas and style but it is seriously lacking in dealing with more meaty subjects. But then again, maybe keeping it light for the season that’s in it is the way to go.
Christmas is forever not just one day
For looking, sharing giving and not to put away
Like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon the shelf
The good you do for others is the good you do yourself.
by Norman W Brooks
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