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Sorry traditional wreaths, this is the £20 M&S alternative stylish people are choosing instead

Sorry traditional wreaths, this is the £20 M&S alternative stylish people are choosing instead

by | Oct 31, 2026 | Design Inspiration




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If you don’t want the drama of a full wreath, but still want a piece of traditional decor to place on your door, you’ll be pleased to learn that M&S is offering a stylish alternative. I’m talking about their Red Berry Half Moon Wreath (£20).

When it comes to sourcing anything festive, from the best artificial Christmas trees to the biggest Christmas trends of the year, M&S is somewhere I frequently recommend to my friends and family due to their stylish designs coupled with somewhat affordable price tags.

Already this year, we’ve seen the traditional wreath swapped for more contemporary styles, and this M&S wreath is a happy medium. If you’re looking for something stylish, not showy for your front door, here’s why it’s a great option.

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M&S has been seriously delivering on festive decor. Period. From their sweeping disco-inspired tinsel tree skirt to their luxury XL bows, we have been spoiled for choice, and it’s not even November yet.

Having said that, Christmas decorations are selling fast this year, so now is the time to start investing if you have a particular vision in mind. The Red Berry Half Moon Wreath is already labelled as ‘in demand’ on the website.

I’m not at all surprised either. Set along a ‘half moon’ bough, the decorative piece offers a gentle curve instead of a full-blown wreath. The faux foliage is surprisingly lifelike considering the price tag, and the pops of red berries nestled among pinecones and green foliage gives it a striking look.

Red Berry Half Moon Wreath hanging on door.

(Image credit: M&S)

It has a length of 71 cm, so it is suitable for most doors; however, I wouldn’t limit its use here. I’d say this half-moon wreath would look lovely hanging above a fireplace for a cosy, rustic look. You could also use it on your interior doors to keep that festive feeling running through your home.

You don’t just have to take my word for it either; this wreath is already collecting positive reviews on the M&S website.

‘Great value. Lovely swag to put on my fireplace. Perfect for Christmas,’ says one.

However, one review does point out that this wreath may need a little extra tweaking to get it looking perfect.

‘This wreath is lovely, but it needed a lot of tweaking to get a good look and shape. The box could have been slightly longer to save it from getting squashed. Also, there are a lot of bits coming off it; hopefully that will stop,’ it reads.

Alternatively, here are a few more gorgeous festive styles I’ve spotted at M&S this year.

The half moon wreath is looks so real, I’m seriously impressed. If you’re looking for a wreath idea that is both stylish and subtle, this is the one for you.

Designing With Light This Winter: A Considered Approach to Festive Interiors

Designing With Light This Winter: A Considered Approach to Festive Interiors

by | Oct 30, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Festive decorating is often treated as a separate activity from interior design, something that happens for a few weeks and then gets packed away. In practice, the same principles apply. Light, scale, texture and restraint determine whether a room feels cohesive or chaotic, and a thoughtful approach to seasonal lighting can improve a space well beyond December.

This season, many designers are shifting away from the all-out sparkle of previous years toward something quieter and more intentional. Light becomes a material in its own right, used to shape mood and define zones rather than simply decorate.

Table of Contents

Colour Temperature Sets the Tone

The most influential decision is colour temperature. Warm white, which sits around 2700 kelvin, mimics candlelight and flatters most interior palettes, from natural wood to deep green walls. Cooler white can look crisp against minimalist schemes but tends to feel clinical in a room with soft furnishings.

When specifying Christmas indoor lights for a scheme, it’s worth testing a sample against the existing lamps in the room. Mixing a very warm lamp with a cooler string creates an awkward mismatch that the eye picks up straight away. Consistency across sources is what makes a room feel calm.

Wire, Bulb and Detail

The fine detail of a light string influences how it reads. Clear wire disappears against glass and metal, copper wire blends into foliage and warm-toned surfaces, and green wire suits real branches and garlands. Choosing a wire that suits the material it will sit against removes the visual clutter that cheaper options often introduce.

Bulb size and spacing matter just as much. Densely packed micro bulbs create a continuous shimmer, while widely spaced larger bulbs give a looser, more graphic quality. A garland with irregular clusters feels more organic than perfectly even spacing, which can look mechanical.

Layering Light Sources

Good lighting design never relies on a single source, and festive schemes are no different. A tree, a mantel garland, a table lamp and a few candles together create depth that one bright source can’t. Positioning lights at varied heights, from floor level to eye level to above head height, builds a more convincing atmosphere.

Decorative lights are best treated as the accent layer. They shouldn’t replace functional lighting, because a room that’s too dim becomes tiring rather than cosy. Dimmers on main lamps give the flexibility to lower the general level while letting the festive layer shine.

Placement and Proportion

Scale deserves as much attention as colour. A single large branch with minimal lights can make a stronger statement than a dozen small clusters, and a lit mirror frame can anchor a wall without any other decoration. Leaving areas of the room unlit is just as important, because contrast gives the lit elements more impact.

Windows, shelving and architectural features offer natural frames. A string running along the top of a bookcase highlights the shape of the furniture, and a loose garland over a doorway draws attention to the opening. Following the lines of the room tends to look better than imposing a pattern on it.

Symmetry is worth questioning, too. A matching pair of garlands on either side of a fireplace feels formal and traditional, while an asymmetric arrangement, perhaps weighted toward one end of a shelf, looks more relaxed and contemporary. Neither is wrong, but the choice should suit the character of the room.

Materials and Texture

Light interacts with materials in different ways. Glass and metal reflect and multiply it, which makes a small string look more generous. Matt textiles absorb it, giving a softer effect. Natural materials such as wool, linen and unfinished wood respond well to warm light, bringing out grain and texture.

A cluster of lights inside a large glass vessel, surrounded by pinecones or dried stems, is a simple way to use this effect. The glass diffuses the light, while the natural elements add depth.

The colour of the surroundings should be taken into account as well. Deep navy and charcoal walls make lights appear brighter and more concentrated, while pale walls bounce the glow around the room and soften its edges. In a space with a lot of white, a little more density in the lighting will often be needed to achieve the same sense of warmth.

Practical Considerations

Design shouldn’t ignore practicality. Cable runs need planning, particularly in rooms with few sockets, and battery-powered options give flexibility where mains power isn’t convenient. Timers keep the effect consistent and prevent lights being left on overnight.

LED technology has made things easier, since it’s cool to the touch and uses little energy. That allows lights to be placed close to fabric and greenery with fewer concerns, though checking for damage before each season remains good practice.

Beyond the Festive Season

The strongest festive schemes are the ones that can outlast the season. A subtle string along a shelf or around a mirror continues to add warmth through the darkest part of winter, and plenty of designers leave a few elements in place well into the new year.

Treating light as part of the interior rather than an add-on changes the way the whole room is composed. Done well, the result feels intentional in December and still looks right in February.

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Don’t throw away your pumpkin after Halloween! It makes a tasty treat for birds – how to prep it safely

Don’t throw away your pumpkin after Halloween! It makes a tasty treat for birds – how to prep it safely

by | Oct 30, 2026 | Design Inspiration




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If you’ve already picked out and carved your pumpkin ahead of Halloween, have you thought much about how you’ll dispose of it afterwards? Well, according to a wildlife expert, to make the most of your leftover pumpkin, you should consider adding it to your hanging bird feeder as a treat for the birds.

Whether you’ve grown your own pumpkins or picked one from a patch, you will still need to find an appropriate method to get rid of pumpkins post-Halloween.

If you’re a gardener who also attracts birds to your garden, adding pumpkins to a hanging bird feeder can be an effective energy boost during the winter months. Here’s why.

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Why should you add pumpkin to a hanging bird feeder?

First things first, you should know that you can ONLY add pumpkin to a hanging bird feeder. This is because pumpkins can be toxic to other garden wildlife such as hedgehogs.

pumpkin bird feeder

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘Our spiked friends, hedgehogs, will often eat pumpkin flesh, but it’s strongly advised not to let them! Hedgehogs are primarily insectivores, and pumpkins can upset their digestion, which leads to dehydration at exactly the time of year they need to be building fat reserves before hibernation,’ says James Ewens, bird specialist at Green Feathers

‘If you want to help hedgehogs, meaty cat or dog food or specialist hedgehog food with a shallow dish of water is far better.’

a goldfinch on a bird feeder by bearacreative - GettyImages-638653092

(Image credit: Getty Images/bearacreative)

Because of this, you should place your chopped-up pumpkin or pumpkin seeds in a hanging bird feeder (as opposed to a ground feeder), so it is out of reach of hedgehogs and accessible to birds.

‘Pumpkin seeds are highly nutritious and high in protein and healthy fats. The flesh is less energy-dense but provides water, fibre and carotenoids; the pumpkin flesh, rind, and seeds are a source of vitamins A and C, magnesium, and iron,’ says James.

‘The seeds are especially helpful to birds, being rich in protein and fat; birds need this to maintain energy reserves, especially as we head into those bitter cold months. When natural food becomes scarce, and birds burn a lot of energy keeping warm through long, cold nights, they need supplementary feeding more than ever.’

How to prepare pumpkin for your bird feeder

If you do want to feed your leftover pumpkin to birds post-Halloween, you will need to prepare it correctly. Similar to how you must cook potatoes before putting them in a bird feeder, there are a couple of extra steps to take before putting the pumpkin in your feeder.

Sparrows on hanging bird feeder in garden

(Image credit: Future PLC)

‘If the pumpkin has developed mould, it can be dangerous or fatal for birds, so ensure the pumpkin is still fresh before offering it to birds – no week-old pumpkins belong in your bird feeders. Equally important, paint and other unnatural, added materials must be removed from the pumpkin to ensure it is non-toxic. I’d even go as far as washing your pumpkin with warm water – no chemicals or soaps – to ensure it is free of any waxes or coatings,’ says James.

‘To prepare the seeds, scoop them out, rinse off the stringy pulp, and either feed them fresh or dry them out to feed birds through the winter. Never offer seeds that have been salted, oiled, sugared or spiced, as salt in particular is harmful to birds. If you’re roasting them for later, ensure this is without any additives.

‘Larger birds such as jays, woodpeckers and nuthatches can handle whole seeds, but chopping them helps smaller species like tits and finches.’

If you’re not sure what to do with your leftover pumpkin flesh, adding it to your bird feeder is an easy method of disposal – and one that will benefit the local birds.
The M&S x Kelly Hoppen sellout leopard print cushion is back with a new look

The M&S x Kelly Hoppen sellout leopard print cushion is back with a new look

by | Oct 30, 2026 | Design Inspiration




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Kelly Hoppen and leopard print were two things I never thought I’d say in the same sentence. But it turns out they’re a match made in heaven. When the interior designer included a leopard print bolster in her collection with M&S earlier this year, it sold out not once, but twice in record time.

If you missed out on the recent leopard print bolster cushion restock, I come bearing good news. M&S has just dropped the Leopard Print Jacquard Cushion in a traditional square shape for £30.

Leopard print has taken over our wardrobes, and it’s now coming for our homes as one of the breakout home decor trends of 2026. If you needed any further proof that leopard print is a neutral, its inclusion in a range by the ‘Queen of Taupe’ is a pretty compelling argument. It might seem like a departure from Kelly Hoppen’s signature neutral style, but the cushion actually fits beautifully with her calm, elegant aesthetic.

The original bolster cushion was restocked at the end of September, with thousands (including myself) signing up for back-in-stock notifications. Unsurprisingly, it sold out in a day, with fans taking to Instagram disappointed about missing out. If you were among them, you can now pick up the (in my opinion) more versatile and more affordable square shape.

What makes the leopard print design stand out from other animal print cushions is the jacquard print that adds a lovely texture to the cushion, elevating it above the sea of fluffy leopard print home accessories out there at the moment. The colours are also worth noting; it has a gorgeous tonal caramel hue with delicate black spots.

There are at least three members of the Ideal Home team who said they would never include leopard in their homes, but have added either the bolster or the new square cushion to their wish list.

Leopard print bolster cushion on white open shelving

The OG leopard print bolster cushion at the M&S Christmas press preview.

(Image credit: Future / Sara Hesikova)

The key differences between the two cushions are the shape, size, and price. The bolster cushion was slightly more expensive at £40, but it was big enough to sit comfortably across a double bed or along the back of a sofa, measuring 90cm in length and 30 cm wide. In contrast, the square cushion is 45 x 45cm and priced at a slightly lower £30.

While I thought the bolster cushion would look gorgeously chic splayed across my bed, I had no chance of getting a leopard-print cushion (even one this chic) past my husband. But I’m more confident I can slip the square version past him as a fun addition to my living room sofa ideas or on a glamorous bedroom chair.

The square cushion is still in stock, but I wouldn’t sit on this purchase for too long. However, if you are still lusting after the bolster cushion, I have been informed it’s likely to come back into stock next week. So keep those eyes peeled!

Leopard print homeware

2026 is definitely the year of the leopard; here are a few other luxe-looking leopard home accessories I’ve found hiding on the high street.

Will you be jumping on the leopard print homeware hype and snapping up the M&S cushion?

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Aldi’s cult Christmas inclusion candles are back in store this weekend

Aldi’s cult Christmas inclusion candles are back in store this weekend

by | Oct 30, 2026 | Design Inspiration




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It’s that time of year! Our favourite retailers have started dropping their Christmas decor and home accessories already, but there’s only one festive buy on my mind right now – Aldi’s inclusion candles.

Ever since Aldi teased a sneak peek of its 2026 Christmas Special Buys, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of these cult candles, and now they’re finally returning to stores this weekend.

Launching in the middle aisle on Sunday (1st November), the candles are making a much-anticipated return following years of viral success. And they’ve had an upgrade for 2026, with impressive burn times and budget-friendly prices.

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The best scented candles are those that fill a room without overwhelming it, and inclusion candles are designed to do just that. Aldi’s candles are packed full of festive fragrance, with dried fruit and berries, pinecones, cinnamon sticks and star anise mingling together to create a cosy and comforting Christmas atmosphere.

The candles first launched in 2021 and instantly went viral for their beautiful decorative flair and seasonal scents. And they’ve been a festive favourite ever since, with content creators and social media users (like @thehayloftinteriors on Instagram) already anticipating their return this year.

In fact, many shoppers over the years have been quick to point out that Aldi’s candles are a dead-ringer for The White Company’s iconic inclusion candles – minus the hefty price tag. While you can expect to pay £95 for a 6-wick Botanical Candle from The White Company, Aldi’s largest candle is priced at just £24.99.

Aldi’s XXL inclusion candle also has 6-wicks, and boasts an incredible 200-hour burn time, making it the perfect centrepiece to bring a luxe touch and warming glow to your Christmas celebrations. With two scents to choose from – the iconic Winter Spice blend (think classic orange, cinnamon and clove flavours), and the pine-tree inspired Scandinavian Forest scent – there is something for everyone.

And that’s not all! Alongside the popular XXL version, the brand will also add two smaller inclusion candles to the middle aisles this weekend. There’s a sleek rectangular style (£12.99, with 100-hours of burn time) that would look perfect on a living room sideboard or kitchen worktop. Or, if you’re after something smaller, the 66g inclusion candle (£5.99, with 60-hours of burn time) will do the trick.

Like all of Aldi’s Special Buys, these candles are only available in store for a limited time. So, I suggest taking a trip to your nearest store this Sunday to get your hands on one. But, if you do miss out, here’s some alternatives to try.

My garden is littered with leaves and branches from my neighbour’s tree after Storm Boelo – I asked legal experts whose responsibility it is to clear it up

My garden is littered with leaves and branches from my neighbour’s tree after Storm Boelo – I asked legal experts whose responsibility it is to clear it up

by | Oct 30, 2026 | Design Inspiration




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Storm season is officially here, and if your garden has been left strewn with fallen leaves and branches from your neighbours’ trees, you may be wondering who is responsible for the clear-up post Storm Boelo.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of garden features that cause neighbourly disputes, and who is responsible for clearing up fallen leaves is one of them. And post Storm Boelo and Austen, we bet there are plenty of gardens that have had debris blown into them.

If you’ve found yourself knee-deep in leaves and branches this week, and have been scratching your head as to whose job it is to clear it all up, I’ve asked legal experts to explain who is responsible and why. This is what they told me.

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Who is responsible for clearing up leaves and branches after a storm?

The short answer to who is responsible for clearing up fallen leaves and branches following a storm is simple. You are. If fallen leaves have blown onto your property, I’m afraid it is your responsibility to tidy them up.

Grass lawn in garden surrounded by border planting

(Image credit: Future PLC/Carl Hodgson)

‘In most cases, the owner or occupier of the land where leaves or branches have fallen will be responsible for clearing them from their own property. A neighbour is not usually liable simply because leaves from their tree have blown onto adjoining land,’ explains Daniel Stern, partner and head of property litigation and contentious probate at Slater Heelis Solicitors.

‘If a healthy tree loses a branch due to exceptional weather, the affected homeowner will usually be responsible for clearing the debris from their property and, where damage has been caused, may need to make a claim under their buildings or contents insurance policy.’

An early Victorian home in Sussex, home of Clare Clarke and husband David, exterior view of the garden with a paved garden path.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)

You will only have a claim against your neighbour if it can be proven that the neighbour knew their tree was damaged or diseased ahead of the storm.

‘A neighbour could potentially be liable if their tree causes injury or property damage and they have failed to take reasonable care to manage a foreseeable risk. For example, if a tree is diseased or structurally unsafe, and a falling branch subsequently damages a roof, there may be grounds for a negligence or nuisance claim,’ explains Paula Moses, legal director in the commercial dispute resolution team at Blacks.

‘However, disease alone does not automatically make a neighbour liable, and a healthy tree falling during a storm would not necessarily amount to negligence.’

What can you do if your neighbour’s tree keeps dropping leaves into your garden?

If your neighbour’s tree is constantly dropping leaves into your garden, it can be a little frustrating, especially if you lack the mobility to keep clearing them up yourself. If this is the case, a polite, friendly conversation with your neighbour can go a long way.

Wooden garden furniture nestled against a green hedge.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rene Stoeltie)

‘There is nothing to stop you from asking your neighbour to help clear the leaves, and an informal conversation is often the best way to resolve this. However, there is generally no legal obligation for a neighbour to clear leaves that have naturally fallen onto someone else’s property, so any agreement to help would usually be a gesture of goodwill rather than a legal requirement. In this day and age, it might be better to offer to pay someone’s teenager to clear them up, perhaps at a shared cost,’ recommends Paula.

If you ask your neighbour, and they refuse, remember they are within their rights to do so. However, if you do believe the tree is a danger, Daniel recommends putting it in writing.

‘If you are concerned that your neighbour’s tree is damaged, diseased or poses an ongoing risk to your property or the safety of others, you should raise your concerns with your neighbour and ask whether the tree has been inspected by a suitably qualified tree surgeon,’ he says.

‘If the neighbour refuses to engage and you believe there is a genuine safety risk, it is sensible to keep a record of your concerns in writing. This may assist if damage occurs in the future and questions arise about whether the risk ought reasonably to have been identified and addressed.’

It’s more than likely that we will see more storms in the coming months. So while you should definitely make a note of what to do with fallen leaves, you should also look at stormproofing your garden, patio and home. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.