For the third year in a row, Papier released its advent calendar. Known for its beautiful stationery, it’s no surprise that Papier’s stationery advent calendar is the prettiest festive calendar on the market – so imagine my excitement when I managed to get my hands on one of these.
I was already impressed with the designs of the calendars from the prior two years, which sold out by mid-October, but this year’s is by far the best advent calendar design Papier has come out with. The red box that unfolds by untying the bow was inspired by traditional panettone boxes this year.
Papier
Stationery Advent Calendar 2025
‘Our artists and designers spent a year researching and creating products exclusively for the calendar – each one uniquely designed and not available anywhere else,’ says Taymoor Atighetchi, founder of Papier. ‘This year’s design draws inspiration from vintage panettone boxes and the richness of Italian culture, with rich colours of red, gold and dusky pinks. It captures the festive spirit without leaning too Christmas-specific.’
Titled ‘24 Days of Desk Delights’, the calendar is filled with 24 pieces of beautiful stationery goodies, which includes everything from notebooks to thank you cards, bookmarks and more. But all of it comes at a price – a rather high one, as the calendar sells for £140. Aside from the calendar’s good looks, it was the price point that made me want to have a good look at it in person and really dive deep into its content to find out whether it’s worth it.
(Image credit: Papier)
The pros
It’s not just the design of the calendar’s exterior that’s pretty as a picture. Similarly to the Diptyque and Jo Malone advent calendars, the Papier calendar looks even better once you open it up as each day’s treat comes beautifully packaged in a differently patterned and shaped box.
And many of the gifts are both lovely and useful – the set of checked washi tapes which hide inside box no. 15 were among my favourites, as were the coloured pens from box no. 16. This calendar is perfect for anybody that loves beautiful stationery and good design, whether that’s you or one of your loved ones – because it also makes for a great gift.
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(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
The cons
The high price point is an obvious con. And as much as I’ve been singing the design’s praises, it being the main selling point too, I was a little bit disappointed about the structural integrity of the calendar.
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Upon opening it for the first time, the calendar came apart at the back (as shown in the picture below) where it was glued together. It goes without saying that my colleague and I, who were opening it, weren’t in any way overly forceful. Of course, it can be fixed by glueing it back together, but I don’t think you should have to do that when paying £140 for an advent calendar.
(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
The verdict
I do believe that £140 is quite steep. But it is designed and presented as more of a luxury advent calendar. Not to mention it’s still less than most beauty advent calendars on the market, including The White Company’s popular advent calendar which retails for £195. And that’s the advent calendar category that the brand quotes as its inspiration so in that sense, it only makes sense.
So if you are a fan of Papier and/or stationery in general (or know someone that is), then I feel comfortable recommending this calendar to you. It is truly the prettiest calendar I’ve seen all year, and yet, it’s not even the most expensive.
If you’re short on chores this weekend, experts have revealed one task that needs to be bumped to the top of your to-do list. You need to clear any debris from your outside drains.
You don’t need me to tell you that recently the weather has been pretty dire, which is why it is unsurprising that many of us have been looking for ways to stormproof our homes. With more wet and windy weather on the way next week, experts say you need to clear your drains right now.
Clearing your drains after a storm or bad weather is one of the most important things you should do if you want to floodproof your home. It will help prevent any blockages from forming and keep your drainage system working as it should. Here’s what you need to know.
Why you need to clear your drain now
‘After heavy rain or storms, drains can easily and quickly become blocked with leaves, mud and other debris that’s washed in. When this debris builds up, it restricts how easy water flows, and can even cause water to back up into your property or garden,’ says Laurence Barwick-Smith, wastewater and drainage specialist at KEE.
‘In some of the more severe cases, this can lead to flooding or structural damage to your home, but in minor cases, it can lead to standing water around the drains that takes a long time to go down or doesn’t go down at all. By clearing your drains after stormy weather, this helps prevent these issues, allowing for proper water flow that imposes no threat to your garden or home.’
(Image credit: Getty Images)
As a general rule of thumb, you should clear your outdoor drains of debris every few months. But during the winter months, it becomes more important to clear debris from your outdoor drains more regularly as the weather is worse than in summer. Because of this, it’s also a good idea to clear debris from your drains before a storm, or even just when bad weather rolls in.
‘Clearing drains ahead of bad weather is also a good idea as it can prevent flooding if your drains are blocked, as blocked drains will be unable to handle heavy rainfall and can cause water damage to your home,’ explains Jess Thomas, managing director of Drainage Central.
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‘Preventing flooding from occurring in the first place will also help you to avoid having to pay for costly repairs. Prior to a storm or bad weather, you should also inspect the gutters, drains and downpipes for any damage. Loose downpipes and gutters can be damaged and even removed by heavy winds, which can lead to displaced joints or cracking. Damaged areas like this can allow water to escape, or it can create a point where debris can become caught and cause a blockage.’
How to clear debris from your outdoor drains
An easy, cheap method you can use is washing-up liquid to clear your drains. It’s great for breaking down grease and grime in your drain that can quickly become blockages. However, for large pieces of debris, you can remove it by hand.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Always start by wearing gloves that go up to your elbows for safety. Then, start removing visible debris such as leaves, twigs, foliage, and sludge from the drain entrance. You can then use a drain rod or even a pressure washer to try and dislodge any further buildup that’s further down the pipe, if you find that water still isn’t running freely,’ says Laurence.
‘If you have particularly persistent blockages or constant slow draining water, it’s definitely best to call in a professional drainage engineer.’
Haiou
Elbow Length Drain Gloves,
You’ll want to get some elbow-length gloves to wear when clearing your drain to help keep you safe and clean.
Crystals
12 Pcs Drain Rods Set
A drain rod is a large, flexible pole that works by physically breaking up the blockage inside the drain, making it easier to get those hard to reach areas.
Kärcher
Kärcher K 4 Classic Pressure Washer
A pressure can help clear debris from your drain quickly and effienctly. They’re also worth investing in to clean patios, driveways, cars, bikes and garden tools.
Don’t put off this vital autumn job this weekend. Clearing your outdoor drains is not the most exciting or glamorous of tasks, but it is one you need to do now. You’ll thank yourself when the next batch of bad weather rolls in.
Loaf has just launched two new super-stylish sofa beds, and their flatpack builds are specifically designed to help those of us who struggle with awkward delivery access.
If you’re currently searching for the best sofa bed for your home, I think you’ll definitely want this multifunctional seating on your radar.
The two new sofa bed designs are based on two of Loaf’s most-loved sofas – the fantastically named Squishmeister and Squisharoo.
Loaf is known for its laidback designs, and when I was researching where to buy a sofa for Ideal Home’s best sofa guide, I found the brand does mean that quite literally.
Most Loaf sofas have *very* deep seats, which means your body lies back rather than sitting upright. In contrast, the Squishmeister and Squisharoo sofas feature slightly shallower seats and more supportive backrests. I found this a much more comfortable sitting experience: there’s still plenty of room to curl up, but it’s also much easier to sit more upright if you want to.
The other bonus for those of us who need to think more carefully about small living room ideas is that the Squishmeister and Squisharoo have smaller footprints and take up less floor space than most of Loaf’s range.
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The new Squishmeister and Squisharoo sofa beds are identical in design to these sofas, and their flatpack design is another nod towards those of us who aren’t blessed with wide hallways and commanding living rooms.
(Image credit: Loaf)
‘It’s all to do with access,’ explains Laura Burnett, category lead on made-to-order upholstery at Loaf. ‘We introduced our flat-pack sofa bed designs in response to real customer feedback about access challenges.’
‘Many homes, particularly in cities, are smaller apartments or have narrow hallways and tricky staircases – we wanted to ensure everyone could enjoy a seriously comfy sofa bed, no matter their space. The clever flat-pack design simply makes delivery smoother and stress-free.’
And, thankfully, the flat-packed designs don’t mean you’re left with any time-consuming DIY to do once the delivery team leaves.
‘Our Room-Ready Delivery Service means customers don’t need to worry about any fiddly assembly,’ says Laura. ‘Our two-person team sets it up in the room of your choice and takes away all the packaging, so you can just put your feet up.’
(Image credit: Loaf)
If you don’t need to take advantage of the flat-packed delivery, then both the Squishmeister and Squisharoo are available in non-flatpack options as well.
And whether you opt for flatpack or ready-built, both sofa beds feature sink-in cushions that make these two sofa beds that are *actually* comfortable enough for everyday use as a standard sofa.
Plus, both have 12cm deep pull-out mattresses hidden under those seat cushions. That makes them the thickest sofa bed mattresses on the market, and unlike standard foam options, the mattresses are handmade with proper pocket springs.
Shop flatpack sofa bed alternatives
Loaf’s Squishmeister and Squisharoo aren’t the only flat-packed sofa beds on the market – I’ve rounded up three alternative options below – but, in my opinion, they are two of the most comfortable *and* stylish options you could consider.
IKEA
TORNSBORG Sofa Bed
Think flatpack furniture, and IKEA is the brand that most probably springs into most of our minds. I’ve tested every sofa bed IKEA offers, and I think the IKEA TORNSBORG Sofa Bed is the best of the Swedish brand’s collection. But, unlike the Loaf Squishmeister and Squisharoo, this self-assembly sofa bed isn’t going to fool anyone into thinking it’s a standard sofa. And unless you pay extra for TaskRabbit to assemble it for you, you will need to spend a few hours scratching your head over the assembly instructions before you can sit (or sleep) on it. However, it is *very* affordable if you need a sofa bed that won’t break the bank.
Swyft
Model 08 Sofa Bed
Swyft’s sofa beds are all delivered flat-packed, and if you’re looking for a quick delivery sofa bed, most options can be delivered in as little as 24 hours (almost unheard of in the world of furniture where long lead times are the norm). Swyft’s flatpack designs are super easy to assemble, with no tools required, or you can pay extra for the delivery team to assemble for you. Plus, selected Swyft sofa beds have just launched in some super-pretty Morris & Co prints. However, there are fewer upholstery options overall than Loaf offers, and the seating is a firmer affair, which lacks Loaf’s sink-in comfort.
Darlings of Chelsea
Bromley Sofa Bed
Having tested all of Darlings of Chelsea’s sofa bed range, I found the Bromley sofa bed the most comfortable, and it’s one of the few of the brand’s sofa beds that comes with the option to have it delivered flat-packed and assembled by the delivery team in situ. Unlike the previous two options, which offer firmer seating, I also considered this sofa bed comfortable enough to use as everyday seating in the living room, and it’s available in over 175 upholstery options that will help it to blend into your living space rather than sticking out like a sore thumb. However, I do find Loaf’s sink-in sofa comfort is second to none.
In comparison, with prices starting at £3295,Loaf’s Squishmeister and Squisharoo sofa beds certainly aren’t cheap.
However, they do come made-to-order in over 140 upholstery options, and if you’re looking for a sofa bed that can take pride of place in your living room – rather than being hidden away in a home office – I think both the Squishmeister and Squisharoo are worth the investment.
We’re well and truly into autumn now, which means embracing all things cosy to get us through the longer evenings. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, one of those essentials for a snug night in will be hot chocolate.
I’ve previously tried Salter’s first hot chocolate maker, the original Chocolatier and found it to be great value for its price. The only real kicker with it was that the capacity wasn’t great compared to leading rival hot chocolate makers, which is the one big change with this new ‘to Share’ version. Here’s a first look at this decadent new product.
With half the capacity (240ml), the cheaper original Chocolatier is still a great buy for those on a budget.
Both of these hot chocolate makers have 4 different settings to make use of: hot froth with added foam (for cappuccinos, for example), hot froth with less foam (for lattes), hot chocolate mode and cold froth mode (for iced coffes, say).
When I tried out the original Chocolatier I found that it did a great job at whisking and heating up hot chocs, even when using vegan hot chocolate as opposed to milk.
Testing the original Chocolatier hot chocolate maker.
(Image credit: Future/Molly Cleary)
The big USP of both of the Chocolatiers by Salter is the considerably lower price tags compared to competitors, like the recently released all-new Velvetiser from Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) which we recently tried out.
(Image credit: Salter)
For under £40, the LED screen on the new Chocolatier to Share is a big draw, as well as the sleeker new look. As well as fulfilling all your hot chocolate needs, this product has appeal if you’re simply looking for a standalone milk frother with a jug design, especially with the hot and cold settings on offer. It’s the perfect companion to the one of the best coffee machines without a built in milk frother.
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So if you’re looking for a hot chocolate maker for hosting season or if you’re already on the hunt for Christmas gifts, the Chocolatier to Share certainly looks like it’ll be a crowd pleaser, especially for its price tag.
This month, social landlords will have to respond faster to tenants’ concerns of serious damp and mould, under new government legislation. Awaab’s Law is coming into effect this month and is expected to extend to all landlords as the law and other housing reforms are phased in in the coming weeks and months.
Getting rid of damp and mould can be both a recurrent and difficult problem to tackle, only made worse for tenants when landlords neglect to address or fix the problem (university landlord, I’m looking at you.)
When left untreated, damp and mould can have a serious impact on one’s health. In December 2020, two-year-old Awaab Ishak tragically died following prolonged exposure to damp and mould. Now Awaab’s Law is being introduced as part of measures to improve the safety and quality of social housing. This is everything you need to know.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab Ishak died from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his Rochdale home. His parents had repeatedly reported the problem to their housing association, but their landlord failed to act.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘The death of Awaab highlighted serious shortcomings in how some housing providers responded (or failed to respond) to reports of damp, mould and other hazards. It revealed systemic issues in social housing: delays in repair, poor record-keeping, inadequate ventilation/heating, and weak accountability,’ says Mark Dawson, who is a property expert and CEO of AST Assistance.
As a result, from 27 October this year, social landlords will be required to comply with stricter standards. Eventually, this will apply to all landlords.
‘Under Awaab’s Law, landlords must investigate emergency hazards within 24 hours of being notified. This includes issues such as damp, mould, gas leaks and structural issues. They will then have seven days to resolve the emergency hazards, unless exceptional circumstances apply,’ says Lara O’Donnell is a housing disrepair expert and Director of Litigation at CEL Solicitors.
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‘Strict timeframes for repairing significant issues such as fire risks, electrical faults, extreme cold or heat and hygiene problems will be introduced from 2026 onward. Landlords will need to keep detailed records of inspections, tenant communications and repair actions to show compliance.’
What rights do renters have?
Most people reading this will have some experience with damp, mould and condensation. After all, UK winters are famously cold and wet. In particular, older homes can have huge problems with damp. These new housing rules could give renters peace of mind that landlords will respond to their complaints promptly.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Through Awaab’s Law, tenants gain legal protection against prolonged exposure to health hazards in their home. They will have protection from retaliation, such as unfair eviction when reporting hazards,’ says Lara.
‘Their complaints will be met with clear timeframes for when their landlord must act and repair issues. They will still have the right to escalate complaints to the Housing Ombudsman Service if repairs are delayed or mishandled.
‘The law gives tenants the right to insist on safe living conditions and provides a way to hold landlords responsible if they don’t comply.’
What can you do if your home has damp and mould?
If you’re worried about damp and mould in your rented property, and feel like your landlord is not taking action, Lara has some advice.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Keep a paper trail of reports to your landlord safe. Log dates and times and record the disrepair with photos and videos, if possible,’ she says.
‘If the problem is impacting your health, keep a note of your symptoms and if you visit a doctor or hospital, maintain important records.
‘Send your landlord a request for a timeline for repairs based on Awaab’s Law deadlines. You can escalate your complaints to the Housing Ombudsman if your landlord fails to act.
‘Legal advice is available to support your complaints to your landlord and the Housing Ombudsman. This can put pressure on landlords to act quicker, and ensure you get the compensation and support you deserve.’
What do landlords need to know?
While the law applies to social landlords right now, it will extend to all landlords, so if you rent property, it’s important to get clued up on the new rules now.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Landlords may face financial penalties for failures to act. For example, sources for the private rented sector suggest fines of up to £7,000 for initial breaches and up to £40,000 in more serious cases,’ explains Mark.
‘Tenants can bring claims for disrepair or breach of duty. Awaab’s Law strengthens the tenant’s ability to challenge landlords who don’t respond to hazards in a timely manner (including via court applications for temporary accommodation).
‘If a landlord fails to deal with hazards, they may be prevented from serving valid eviction notices (such as a valid Section 21 Notice) or face challenges in possession proceedings.
‘Even where not formally penalised yet, landlords risk being added to “rogue landlord” registers, being subject to greater scrutiny, inspections, and having higher compliance costs.’
The best dehumidifier we’ve tested at Ideal Home, the MeacoDry Arete Two, is quiet, easy to use, works superbly and is very energy-efficient compared.
Dryzone dehumidifier
The Dryzone dehumidifier and air purifier is a compact two-in-one unit that tackles excess moisture while filtering out dust, allergens and pet dander.
Pro Breeze 1500ml Mini Dehumidifier
Small, affordable, super quiet, and with low running costs of just 1p per hour, this is a budget-friendly option for minor moisture problems.
Awaab’s Law is a significant step towards housing reform, giving more rights to renters. Because no one should have to live in a damp, mouldy property.
Do you hate cleaning? If finding the motivation and then keeping it going is something you struggle with, then the current viral trend of dopamine cleaning could be exactly the tonic you need to get up and start cleaning.
I’ve always felt slightly suspicious of people who earnestly say they love cleaning. I can think of lots of things I love, and cleaning doesn’t make the top ten. Of course, I enjoy a tidy home, and I have a cleaning schedule I follow religiously (out of obligation, of course).
When I’m cleaning, I’m cleaning for the reward of a peaceful, tidy home that smells good (thanks to the best cleaning products around). And that’s what dopamine cleaning is all about – reward. Using apps to earn points and rewards, social media has found a new way to clean.
What is dopamine cleaning?
Scrolling through TikTok and Instagram recently, I have seen countless videos of users using ‘cleaning apps’. By turning cleaning to-do lists into games, these cleaning apps are designed to make chores fun and rewards rather than, well, chores.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson)
‘People are realising that cleaning can actually feel good when it’s framed as progress instead of punishment. Content on apps such as TikTok, which is home to ‘cleantok’, tap into that dopamine hit we get from ticking things off a list – it’s gamifying the everyday, and right now, people really respond to that as it’s something achievable you go do at home for a bit of feel good,’ explains Luke Arnel-Cameron, founder of Yass Clean and popular Clean-toker on TikTok.
So-called ‘cleaning apps’ have risen in popularity alongside self-care and well-being apps, which help users track everything from their sleep to their mood and energy levels. Popular cleaning apps include Sweepy, which creates a cleaning schedule for users and even allows them to compete against family members and earn points for completed chores.
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter)
‘Apps like Sweepy or Tody break cleaning into manageable goals, rewarding you for ticking them off, which keeps motivation high. It helps you pause from the mindless, endless scrubbing and get a sense of satisfaction from the progress,’ says Henrique Conceicao, Area Manager, Total Clean.
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‘These tools help households stay organised, delegate tasks fairly, and keep everyone accountable, which can ease a lot of domestic tension. They also create regular cleaning habits that naturally improve hygiene and comfort.’
If you’re a person who struggles with decision fatigue or motivation when it comes to cleaning, these apps’ sole purpose is to make chores more manageable and even fun. You may go from hating having to clean your oven to racing to tick it off your list. It is important, however, not to rely solely on apps to complete chores.
‘The only downside is relying too much on the app for motivation. It’s a great kickstarter, but the goal should be to build lasting habits, so eventually, the satisfaction of a clean space becomes the reward itself,’ confirms Luke.
‘For a lot of people, getting started is the hardest part. When you add a little structure and instant reward, it turns cleaning from a chore into a challenge – and that shift makes all the difference,’ says Luke.
Whether you’re looking to motivate yourself or even other family members who may not be pulling their weight when it comes to cleaning, apps can introduce a fun and competitive edge. Would you be up for the challenge?
Get your cleaning caddy ready
Miniml
Miniml Eco Multi Surface Cleaner General Purpose Spray 5l Refill – Blood Orange
Miniml is excellent at producing eco-friendly cleaners that smell delicous.
Scrub Daddy
Scrub Daddy Power Paste Multi Purpose Cleaner
The Scrub Daddy Power Paste is a favourite of the Ideal Home team as it a game-changer when it comes to cleaning ovens, air fryers, shower screens and more.
Method
Method Floor Cleaner, Wild Rhubarb, 739 Ml
I am obsessed with this floor cleaner. All you need to do is squirt it directly on the floor and it’s ready to mop.
