For those who love something a bit sweet, this is the holy grail holiday grazing board for you. Full of festive nibbles and buffet snacks you can peck at all day, it’s the best way to bring people together – and it looks the part, too.

The explosion of colour lends itself particularly well to the holiday season, so when you’re layering your snacks, be sure to have fun with it! Create height with pillar candles and tapered dinner candles and use fresh foliage or seasonal flowers for visual variety and texture.

Who needs to spend hours with table decorations when you’ve got this edible centrepiece? Tuck in!

For more tips and tricks on how to style your grazing board, check out our ultimate cheese board and Easter sharing board blog posts!

We’re prescribing wellness and recuperation for one and all! Yes, self-care is sometimes the boring stuff like making your bed and doing the washing up after eating, but it can equally be the frilly things like face masks, bubble baths and lavender-scented sheets that make life feel that little bit kinder and soft around the edges.

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First of all, how are you and how are you coping in 2020?

I’m actually coping pretty well. 2020 has been a year of trials, tribulations and triumphs!

Talk us through what your day looks like as a fashion and wellness coach?

Every day is different as there are lots of different aspects to what I do now, but I could be doing online wardrobe detox’s and empowering sessions online with clients through my website karenwilliamstylist.com. Shopping for clients, or styling up and making fashion edits for brands and magazines.

What did your career progression look like?

I started off doing work experience at all the big fashion magazines. I progressed to a fashion and beauty editor in print but always dabbled in tv. I then went on to be a freelance fashion stylist styling celebs and working for brands. 

What’s the best think about styling celebrities?

I don’t think of celebrities as celebrities anymore. I see everyone as people. We all have blood running through our veins and all breath air. This year has proved that.

Can you tell us all about how your TV show 100% Hotter came to be?

I got an email one Monday evening whilst cooking spaghetti bolognese for my twins from a production company asking me to come in for a screen test. I went for the screen test on the Wednesday and by the Friday I was filming. We filmed 60 odd shows – I learnt so much about myself and the people in general that I was making over.

What are your top rules for finding your style?

I would say go with what you love and wear your clothes with confidence. Own your style and it will all fall in to place one way or another – as long as you’re happy!

What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?

My biggest achievement to date is my twin boys, they are incredible and a blessing.

What are you currently working on?

I’m very busy at the moment, living, working and building my KW brand, It’s all about helping you and me to be as fabulous as we can be, doing it in our own way, no matter what your story is #findyourfabulous

Who are some of your favourite fashion follows online?

I’d have to say Topshop. The Editor in Chief of Marie-Claire told me if you crack it with Topshop you’ve made it haha! Mum, I’ve made it!

What do you always carry with you?

I always have my phone – obviously, my bank card, keys and now my Dior face mask.

What does your perfect weekend look like?

Well, my perfect lockdown weekend would be chilling out with the fam, working out, meditating and making Eastern Standard cocktails. Out of lockdown would be pretty much the same but with cinema, restaurants and dancing thrown in.

If you could only eat one meal again what would it be?

Oh it would have to be some sort of Caribbean dish – it’s my favourite.

If you could give one positive message to our followers what would it be?

Don’t overthink stuff – don’t let anyone derail you and it’s never too late to start. Just start – live your best life – you are worthy 🙏🏽

Follow Karen on Instagram here!

Once you’ve tried this tear ‘n’ share Christmas tree bread, no other bread will do. It seems tree-shaped pizza is the only kind that matters.

This simple garlic dough ball recipe is the ultimate Christmas crowd-pleaser and takes just 40 minutes to make, so you can be back playing Charades in no time.

Each bite is like a little parcel of Yuletide jubilation for your mouth, stuffed with oozy mozzarella and brushed with a melted butter, garlic, basil and parsley glaze and dusted with sharp, nutty parmesan.

Let the butter dribble down your chin and let the parsley wedge itself between your teeth for days – this is the top-tier holiday appetizer you need in your life.

SERVES 6-8

PREP: 45 MINS COOK: 20 MINS

EASY

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients

• 400g pizza dough
• Mozzarella
• Parsley
• 100g butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• Basil
• 100g parmesan
• 1 egg
• Passata for dipping

1. Preheat oven to 230°C. Line a large baking sheet with baking paper.
2. Cut your mozzarella into 1” pieces and set aside.
3. Finely chop your parsley and basil and set aside.
4. Crush your garlic and set aside.
5. On a floured surface, divide your pizza dough into two pieces.
6. Stretch and roll each piece of dough into a long rectangle, then cut dough into 2” squares. You’ll need to work out how many pieces you’ll need to make your tree, we went for 33.
7. Wrap a dough square around each piece of mozzarella, forming a tightly sealed ball.
8. Place balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree make sure they’re touching.
9. Beat your egg and brush the egg wash on the dough balls.
10. Melt your butter in a small bowl and add your finely chopped herbs and crushed garlic, brush this on to the dough balls.
11. Grate your parmesan and sprinkle this on to your dough balls.
12.   Bake until golden, 15 – 20 minutes.
13. Serve straight from the over with warm passata for dipping!

Ho ho ho, is anyone else feeling SO READY FOR CHRISTMAS RN?! Team Zoella are a pretty festive bunch, and this week’s edit is one for any of you also feeling all the Christmas love at the moment, because it truly is the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas jumpers may at first appear a novelty item you could go without, but there is a lot of joy to be found in excess amounts of glitter, festive slogans and green and red colour palettes. Kitsch or classic depending on what floats your boat, these fun and flirty additions to your wardrobe are sure to add a smile to your face and some festive joy to your heart to help combat the chill of December days.

And although they might get a short window of wear per year, there’s no doubt you’ll bring them out season after season and continue to reap the rewards of a 10/10 piece of knitwear to add to your collection.

Let us know which Xmas jumper you’ll be wearing this season!

Charlotte

If there’s ever a time for novelty fun, it’s now! I actually only own one Christmas jumper which gets brought out once a year, but 2020 feels like the time to really grow this collection and cheer up the month of December. I’ve gone for a mix of fun and cheesy designs as well as some classic knitwear which gives me all the Chalet Girl vibes. Can’t wait to put one on and decorate my flat top to bottom!

*Skinny Dip, Christmas Cherub Sweatshirt, £25 

*New Look, Blue Christmas Pudding Bobble Jumper, £17.24 

*Banana Republic, Fair Isle Mock-Neck Sweater, £95 

Zalando, BDG Urban Outfitters YOKED RAGLAN – Cardigan, £49.99 

Holly

I reckon tackier the better when it comes to Christmas Jumpers. If you’re going to buy something you can only wear once a year, might as well make the most of it. And what can I say 100% I’ll be doing every festive season? Watching Strictly! So this jumper actually couldn’t be better. Then throw in a few extras just to make sure I have a new one for every occasion.

Not just, Keep Dancing: Strictly Knitted Christmas Jumper, £34.99 

*Disney, Disney Store Donald Duck Holiday Cheer Light-Up Christmas Jumper For Adults, £32 

*New Look, Black Christmas Pudding Print Sweatshirt, £17.99 

Danielle

I’ve got quite a few cheesy Christmas jumpers so I’ve picked some that I’d actually enjoy wearing, which are a little ‘chicer’ as it were. First, from Monki love the jersey sweatshirt vibe with a tiny nod to Christmas in the form of a snowman. LOVE this All Saints number and it’s perfectly festive without being garish. Lastly, I’m enjoying these post-war 40s knits that keep making an appearance, not that Christmassy but they are slightly Fairisle style which works!

*Monki, Christmas sweater, £20 

*AllSaints, STAR JUMPER, £74

*H&M, Jacquard-knit jumper, £24.99 

 

Lareese

Knitwear is my favourite thing to buy – I live in jumpers, cardigans and layers so you bet I’m going to be climbing into a kitsch knit or two this Christmas. The roomier the better because I’m not holding back on the mine pie merriment this year. I’ve gone for a mix of stylish and novelty but the David Attenborough one has my HEART.

Notjust, Attenbrrr: David Attenborough Knitted Christmas Jumper, £34.99 

*New Look, Black Sequin Flamingo Lights Christmas Jumper, £22.99 

*New Look, White Sequin Bow Brushed Knit Christmas Jumper, £25.99 

Darcey

I love me a Christmas jumper and especially a novelty one! I am obsessed with the dancing Santa crewneck from New Girl, I mean who doesn’t want a Santa pole dancing on their jumper for Christmas? I have also found a very cute Snoopy knit from M&S, couldn’t resist it! I’ve also included a classic, more chic Christmas jumper, with the fair isle style. Probably more wearable, but as we are spending more time at home go as crazy as you want I think!

*Marks and Spencer, Supersoft Snoopy™ Crew Neck Jumper, £25 

*Marks and Spencer, Fair Isle Funnel Neck Relaxed Jumper, £29.50 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN Curve Christmas oversized jumper with multi slogan in black, £30 

*ASOS, New Girl Order Curve oversized sweatshirt with dancing santa xmas graphic, £30 

Maddie

I’m here to represent all the mums to be who have a bump to think about when picking their Christmas jumpers this year. Just because we may feel like a Christmas pudding or a stuffed turkey doesn’t mean we have to look like one (although that sort of sounds amazing!) Here are some of the nicest knits I’ve found!

*Jo Jo Maman Bebe, RED ROBIN CASHMERE MIX FAIR ISLE MATERNITY JUMPER, £35 

Not On The High Street, ‘Best Gift Ever’ Mum To Be Christmas Jumper Sweatshirt, £33 

*New Look, Maternity Black Christmas Pudding Logo Top, £15.99 

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For our penultimate book club pick of the year, we read The Magpie Society: One For Sorrow, the first instalment in the murder mystery series co-written by Amy McCulloch and Zoella founder, Zoe Sugg.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, Pretty Little Liars and Broadchurch, consider The Magpie Society your new literary obsession.

Illumen Hall is a boarding school of tradition and achievement.

But tragedy strikes when the body of a student is discovered on the beach – and on her back is an elaborate tattoo of a magpie.

For new student Audrey, it is just another strange and unsettling thing about her new surroundings, along with the secrets the school seems to hide and its weird obsession with magpies. For her roommate Ivy, the death of her friend Lola is just one thing she desperately wants to get past – and having a new student asking questions and cluttering up her personal space is not helping a bit.

But the two girls are forced into an unlikely alliance when a mysterious podcast airs, with one sinister headline:

I KNOW WHO KILLED LOLA. AND ONE OF YOU IS NEXT.

Find out how the team got on with the first nail-biting page turner of the series!

Lareese

I love a good whodunnit mystery and The Magpie Society certainly delivered the goods – even if the cliffhanger was beautifully frustrating.

The podcast dialogue was brilliantly crafted (all the Riverdale vibes) and the transition between Audrey and Ivy’s dual narration is seamless. You would never know it was written by two different authors, which blows my mind. It’s utterly masterful.

As well as the two protagonists, I also LOVED the secondary characters, particularly Clover and Araminta.

I know how much both authors poured their heart and soul into this book, and to finally get to read it was a real 2020 highlight. Tension, atmosphere, secret-society intrigue, teenage angst – One For Sorrow has it in spades. I can’t wait for the next instalment!

Would you read again? Oh, in a freaking heartbeat!
Recommend: 5/5 (OBVS!)

Maddie

I was always going to love this book given how involved I’ve been in the behind the scenes, watching Zoe and Amy work so hard on this idea for years has been so exciting to be a part of and I’m thrilled so many people are loving it. That all being said, the early days brainstorms when the possibility of the Magpie Society was just an idea did not prepare me for the level of depth and story that Zoe and Amy have delved into to make it such an exciting page-turner. I love the characters so much and flip flop between who my favourites are constantly throughout the book. There is so much mystery that you only really just scratch the surface of before the haunting final scene which leaves you on a knife-edge wondering what happens next! Like everyone else who has read it, I CANNOT wait for the next book, I need to know what happens and who or what the Magpie Society is all about…

5/5 without a doubt

Holly

Young adult fiction is my favourite genre and one half of Magpie Society is written by one of my best friends so obviously I’m biased but I LOVED it! It’s written from 2 different character perspectives, Ivy and Audrey who are completely different personalities but both so relatable. This made it super easy to imagine being at Illumen Hall and I got so invested in the story instantly.
I loved that there were plot twists/you find stuff out all throughout the book, rather than leaving it to the last few chapters. It meant I was constantly wanting to read to see if anything would happen in the next chapter. The chapters are short and sweet which kept me up every night ‘just one more chapter’…
I cannot WAIT for the next book! I hope in the next book we get to know a bit more about the extra characters like Teddy, Harriet etc. Also, I know it’s necessary when its the first book in a series but how annoying to leave it on that much of a cliffhanger!

Would you recommend?

Obviously 100% yes

Charlotte

WELL THIS IS EXCITING! After seeing Zoe and Amy work on this project for such a long time I honestly couldn’t wait to get my teeth into this and delve into the world of Illumen Hall for myself! I used to love reading books set in boarding schools when I was younger (and weirdly enough actually begged my parents to let me go to one, ha!) and the nostalgia of that backdrop instantly flooded back to me. Despite what might feel like a setting that has been popular in the world of fiction, there was something about Illumen Hall that felt eerie and unpredictable from the start. The perfect balance of sinister yet subtle makes for a page turning read, as you desperately make your way through its chapters following the twists and turns attentively. Each character was memorable and offered a different perspective to the story, and the alternating protagonists dynamic is something I’ve come to love within multiple books I’ve read this year! I’m not usually one for scary reading or watching, but I think I might be converted! Also: THAT CLIFFHANGER. I NEED MORE!

The Magpie Society was the PERFECT lockdown read for me, keeping me gripped and away from the temptation of endless TikTok scrolling. I feel so attached to the characters and their story, and honestly cannot wait for the next instalment!

5/5
Would you recommend? YES X100.

Danielle

This book has basically everything I look for when picking out a read. YA, female friendship, secret societies, murder mystery, a boarding school, and even romance sprinkled in! After seeing how hard Amy and Zoe worked on this I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth and even found myself delaying picking it up because I didn’t want to finish it (am I the only person who does this?!) But finish it I did and all I want to do now is read the next one. I LOVED the back and forth between the character perspectives as it really helped the book keep pace, so much of it was unpredictable and kept me guessing, there’s so much I could say but I don’t want to give it away…

5/5
Would you recommend? Absolutely I’ve already lent out my copy to my sister!

Darcey

Well blooming heck! That was absolutely brilliant. After seeing how hard Zoe and Amy have worked on this book I couldn’t wait to finally read it myself! I quite literally inhaled this book within a matter of days, every chapter just made me want to dive straight into the next. I usually don’t go for a YA read but I loved every minute of The Magpie Society and think I need to start picking up more YA reads in the future!

I loved how we got to go back and forth between Ivy and Audrey, I adored their friendship and seeing both of their perspectives throughout. They both worked seamlessly together and you would never know that they were written by two different authors, that in itself is bloody brilliant. The ending was a reallllll cliffhanger and makes me super excited for the next instalment! I can’t wait to find out more about The Magpie Society.

5/5
Would you recommend? Absolutely!

And just like that, it’s the final countdown of 2020 and what a wild rotation round the sun it has been, lads.

Since everything else has gone tits up this year, the pressure of cooking the perfect Christmas dinner and buying presents is off. We’ll be overjoyed with a plate of flaccid parsnips, a sack of oranges and a Christmas cracker sewing kit if it means we get to be with our families and friends.

Bring on the delirious merriment! Here’s 20 things to do in December.

1. Stare into the abyss. We made it, guys!

2. Contemplate getting your presents sorted out nice and early…

3. But then get pleasantly distracted by Vernon Kay

4. Turn up fashionably late to the Zoom Christmas party, despite there being absolutely zero traffic in the hallway

5. Mourn all the merriment we should be having IRL – carol singers spluttering their forced joy over an actual AUDIENCE, gate crashing someone else’s office party, begging the ice rink steward to let you use a penguin, the list goes on

6. Get sucked into buying a supermarket Poinsettia. Must we be so weak for tacky botanicals every year?

7. Down your advent calendar in one go…

8. Safe in the knowledge that there’s absolutely nothing 2020 can do about it. Regret can’t sit with us!

9. Pretend to enjoy a mince pie. Lies taste a lot like old mulled fruit

10. Well-up at all the Christmas ads with their emotive pandemic messages. Who needs onions when you have Kevin the carrot?

11. Build up the courage to check your bank balance. Ghosting Monzo until further notice…

12. Start decanting various crisps into bowls and presenting them on your coffee table for no apparent reason

13. Light so many cinnamon scented candles that you’re approximately 2 flames away from holding a seance

14. Tell the kids The Elf On The Shelf is on furlough this year. Have a year off!

15. Watch all the trite Hallmark-esque movies Netflix has to offer – striving for that PB in movie marathoning

16. Silently judge any relative who doesn’t take the ritual of wearing paper crowns seriously. There’s always one.

17. Mentally prepare yourself for your love life to be the go-to topic of table-side small talk. The number of current boyfriends? Still going strong at zero, now would you just MOVE ON Auntie Jean

18. Have the best nap of your life. Monopoly feuds and gluttony = exhausting

19. Make a vow to eat nothing else for the rest of the festive season whilst removing the plastic seal from another tin of Quality Street

20. Sob uncontrollably at the Queen’s speech. Liz KNOWS.

Our priorities might have changed in 2020, but the joy of finding the perfect gift for a loved one is a part of Christmas that continues to feel special no matter the circumstances. Gift giving is serious business, but don’t worry, we’ve done all the hard work for you! From the office secret Santa to your very picky Auntie, the best friend who already has everything to your mum who deserves the biggest of treats, this budget to boujie gift guide has a little bit of everything to inspire you for Christmas 2020 and beyond!

The love and appreciation for even the smallest moments of joy means present shopping has a more sentimental feel this year, leaving us seeking out the items that make each day a little easier or happier. Say goodbye to the generic bubble bath and jumpers you’re not sure they’ll ever wear and hello to what might seem simpler, but more meaningful gifts you know will guarantee a smile. Happiness is free, but a little retail therapy along the way never hurt anyone, and does the novelty of Christmas ever wear off? We think not!

Up to £10

Up to £20

Up to £50

Up to £100

The month-long streaming of Christmas songs has begun, and we will not hear a word against it. Not this year, satan.

Whether you need a suitable soundtrack for decorating the spruce, you’re driving home for Christmas or you’re just pouring yourself that third glass of Baileys you swore blind you wouldn’t touch, this is the playlist you need on repeat.

Whamageddon players – cover your ears, everyone else – get snapping your fingers like you’re Michael Buble & step into Christmas.

Here’s our 12 Days Of Christmas Songs countdown to December playlist!

Don’t forget, you can still use our daily song prompts template to create your own collaborative party playlist to see you through December. Share it with your family and friends and tag us in your Stories so we can see what Christmas bops you’re moving & grooving to!

First of all, how are you and how are you coping in 2020?

I’m great thank you! I’ve been lucky to be travelling for work lately. Overall I’ve been Ok this year. I’ve realised that there’s a lot I can’t control and I’ve made peace with that. Everything I can control I’m focusing on and I feel great about that! 

Talk us through your modelling career and journey online?

My modelling career has been really exciting! It started when I was 19 after I left a band that I was in full time from 16 – 19. It was hard work at first I was working part-time as an estate agent whilst trying to work as a model. I think all good things take time and I have to do a lot of unpaid shoots, knock on a lot of doors and keep believing in myself. All of a sudden I booked a job with Adidas which really elevated my career and pushed me in the right direction! From there I started to work with some incredible brands, feature in music videos with some pretty big artists and was able to leave my part-time job and model full time. My online career started to build as my modelling picked up, I was getting some great exposure from some amazing brands and was featuring in a lot of online publications where people started to recognise me and follow me to see what I’m up to! Then I took the leap of faith and went on TV which really accelerated my growth on social media!

What inspired you to start your fitness account @empowerbyeyal?

I’ve always loved fitness and I’ve always posted fitness content but I wanted to create a platform that was fully focused on fitness and allowed people to go there for fitness tips, motivation and advice. I want to empower people with the knowledge and understanding that I have learnt over the years and felt empower was the perfect place to do that. It’s still a work in progress but something I really love and enjoy!

A lot of people may know you from The Celebrity X Factor, have you always been into singing?

Ah good old X-Factor! It’s a weird one! I’ve always loved performing and as I mentioned from 16 – 19 I joined a pop group and we were signed to an independent record label. I think I loved performing more than signing but I’ve always believed in doing things that make you feel uncomfortable and allow you to step outside of your comfort zone and X factor was exactly that for me. An incredible experience and opportunity to get back on stage. I think it’s safe to say my singing career has been put to bed for the foreseeable future :p

We’ve seen you’ve uploaded more on YouTube recently, is this becoming more of a focus for you? 

YouTube is a total passion project for my girlfriend and me. We absolutely love being able to be completely genuine with the camera and have complete control over the edit. We live a pretty exciting life someone’s and wanted to show people what we get up to an and uncensored version of who we really are! Our YouTube is growing nicely and we’re really enjoying the process 🙂 

You’re no stranger to travel, what is your favourite destination to visit and why? 

For me, it’s got to be Cape Town in South Africa. I spent 3 months there 2 years in a row for modelling and there was so much self-discovery and freedom. It’s moulded me into who I am today and I have incredibly fond memories of Cape Town. It’s beautiful, you have the sea & mountains side by side and the people are amazing. It’s a little piece of paradise!

What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?

My biggest achievement to date… I always find this question hard! For me, it’s the journey that life has taken me on so far. Getting to this point in my life and having the most incredible family and friends around me. I’ve had incredible work achievements that have blown my mind and I can’t believe even happened so overall I’m just proud of all my achievements and my journey to this point. 

What are you currently working on?

Top secret info! I’m working on a project around sustainability & travel. I’m a big lover of nature and our world and believe we can all lead a more sustainable & conscious life whilst still enjoying the world and travelling. I can’t say too much more than that right now but watch this space. 

What do you always carry with you?

My film camera. I shoot 35mm film and have a page called @eyalsfilm – again it’s a huge passion project for me and I absolutely love the creative freedom and outlet it has become for me 

What does your perfect weekend look like?

My perfect weekend is probably a staycation with my girlfriend & dog. In the middle of nowhere switching off from the work. Or a weekend surrounded by family and friends. Laughing and living in the present moment. 

If you could only eat one meal again what would it be? 

Oh gosh! That’s a hard one. I love Japanese food!! It would probably be chicken gyoza haha 

If you could give one positive message to our followers what would it be? 

Trust the universe and never stop believing in yourself. Your greatest power is you and your individuality and as soon as you let go of the things you can’t control and focus all your energy on the things you can control life will become incredibly beautiful. Peace & Love.