Wintry nights are made for this: a fire-warmed, blanket-snugly, cosy-up under the stars, whether you go solo or invite your nearest and dearest to join you as you enjoy the crisp cool beauty of your garden. Let’s be honest, it’s pretty chilly in December, so check ahead for a dry night then make a few plans to ensure you and/or your guests will be warm and merry, and relax – being outside boosts your energy and mood, whatever the time of year. Here are our 10 best buys to help you do just that…
Fir real!
wetreekings.com
Up the festive feel in your cosy winter wonderland with a pot-grown Christmas tree that you never have to take down. On the twelfth night, keep it where it is or plant in the ground to enjoy year-round.
Festive feast
www.cuckooland.com
Whether you want to toast marshmallows, roast chestnuts or whip up a batch of pigs in blankets, you can do it all fast and fuss-free on the smokeless tabletop Lotus Grill BBQ. It’s ready to cook 3-4 mins from lighting thanks to an adjustable fan that blows air onto the charcoal to create rapid high heat. Top Dia35cm.
Sugar and spice…
www.sainsburys.co.uk
…and all things nice make up this Belvoir Farm Festive Edition Mulled Winter Cordial. A fruity blend of cranberry, blackcurrant and orange juices with warming extracts of cinnamon and nutmeg, dilute 1:10 with just-boiled water and, if you like, add rum or vodka for a cheeky hot toddy.
Warmest wishes
www.newlook.com
Microwaveable and scented with lavender, you’ll never want to take these slippers off! Simply heat them up before you head outdoors and your toes will stay nice and toasty, and your senses soothed. Warmies Grey Lavender Scented Microwaveable Slipper Booties, one size, also in Cream.
Merry & bright
www.newlook.com
We wouldn’t drink our hot chocolate or mulled wine from anything else! This Pink Snuggle Season Mug with keep-the-heat-in Screw Lid is perfect for garden sipping, and avoids any spills from kitchen to patio.
Cushion crush
www.gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk
Hug it, sit on it, rest your back on it or pop chilly hands in the side pockets – this battery-powered Heated Outdoor Scatter Cushion will keep you alfresco-sy! With three heat settings up to 45°C, it’s made of super-tough weather- and stain-resistant quick-drying olefin fabric that’s solution-dyed without the use of harmful chemicals. W45cm, charger included.
Fire cracker!
www.manomano.co.uk
Just the sight of flickering flames can make us feel comfortable and warm and this fireplace lantern is just the right size to pop on a patio table for instant joy. Simulation Flame Fireplace with USB cable, L20cm x H18.5cm.
Snug as a bug
www.glow.co.uk
This Boho Spice Outdoor Rug will stop the ground-chill rising, while its fiery colours add visual warmth. Fully waterproof, it’s made from polypropylene but woven like a fabric rug. 120cm x 180cm.
Game plan
The Hygge Game Cozy Conversation in Pleasant Company Card Game contains 110 cards with more than 300 thought-provoking questions designed to spark meaningful conversation and create the right atmosphere for a hygge evening – hygge being a Danish word for enjoying the good things in life. Dish out the blankets and get set for a fun evening of story sharing and discussion.
Let it snow
www.notcutts.co.uk
Get winter wonderland feels with this Premier Decorations 18cm Snowfall Projector. It can be wall-mounted or staked in the ground and comes with a 7m cable.
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