Clodagh McKenna’s festive decorated garden pub is so charming – I’m using its rustic and cosy design as inspiration for my own home this Christmas

Clodagh McKenna’s festive decorated garden pub is so charming – I’m using its rustic and cosy design as inspiration for my own home this Christmas

Clodagh McKenna has just revealed how she’s decorated her garden pub for Christmas, and I can’t stop thinking about her delightfully cosy, rustic decor.

I love having a nosey into the homes and gardens of celebrities, especially during December, when I love seeing what Christmas trend they’ve plumped for. And while not many of us have our own garden pub (I wish), Chef Clodagh’s is packed with festive inspiration you can use in other outdoor spaces of your home.

This year, we’re seeing more and more of us decorate our outdoor spaces for the festivities. For example, Shirlie Kemp’s beautifully decorated greenhouse uses twinkling lights and foliage, and I’ve spotted many houses in my area opting for two plump firs to frame their doorways (such as Habitat’s Pack of 2 3ft Pre Lit Potted Porch Christmas Tree, £60).

‘It is becoming increasingly popular to decorate outside spaces as it extends the festive atmosphere beyond your home. Many people choose to decorate their front doors, but decorating other aspects, such as your back garden, can boost your mood and add to the festive feeling of your home,’ explains Steve Larkin, an interiors expert from Lark & Larks.

Opting for pretty terracotta pots of white cyclamen, two twinkling no ornament trees and a large mustard bow on her pub front door, Clodagh has opted for a natural, simple design. But together, it creates a cosy yet romantic look that feels very festive.

‘Clodagh’s decor choices use a lot of white and gold, which are similar to red and green in that they are seen as traditionally festive colours. White can be used to represent peace, and it also invokes thoughts of snow, with gold often used to symbolise the gifts of the wise men and the star of Bethlehem in the traditional Christmas story. The trees are also decorated with pine cones, which add a rustic aesthetic to the decor that pairs with the appearance of the ‘pub’,’ says Steve.

Inside, it’s even cosier. With traditional decor such as foliage garlands, dried oranges, pine cones, dried flowers, lots of red and green baubles and of course, the stunning log burner, the pub looks like it’s stepped straight out of a fairy tale.

Clodagh also mentions she wanted to add a few things from Ireland. This includes her ‘Is Maith Liom Santa’ cushion, which means ‘I like Santa in Irish’, and came from Dunnes. The cushion is no longer online, but there is a festive ‘Nollaig’ Cushion for £10.00, which translates to ‘Christmas’.

How to get the look

One of the most noticeable aspects of Clodagh’s festive decor is her pots of pretty cyclamen, which you can pick up at most garden centres and florists at this time of year. Known for their colourful blooms and long flowering periods, it’s easy to see why this festive flower is a popular choice. And in Clodagh’s garden, they have a romantic and whimsical effect.

‘Cyclamen are a good choice for flowers at Christmas, as they come in traditional festive colours like red and white, and they have uniquely patterned leaves. They can also flower through the winter months, providing a splash of colour when other plants may still be dormant,’ says Steve.

A Christmas tree tucked in the corner of a small living room

The cosy, traditonal look works wonderfully inside the home, too.

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain)

Cyclamen is a beautifully festive plant, so make sure to add pots of it to your garden. Pine cones are also a must – add them to your tablescape, Christmas tree and garlands.

To further get the look, you can make your own orange garland by dehydrating them in an air fryer. Also, opting for warm-toned fairy lights for both inside and outside to create a cosy glow.

I don’t think you can beat traditional, cosy decor. It’s welcoming and rustic, yet still stylish, and I’ve not seen it done much better than in Clodagh’s garden pub.

M&S has nailed this winter’s fluffy bedding trend with this super-soft faux fur throw – but at only £29.50, it’s selling out fast

M&S has nailed this winter’s fluffy bedding trend with this super-soft faux fur throw – but at only £29.50, it’s selling out fast

It’s winter, it’s cold, and fluffy bedding is currently one of this season’s must-have trends as we all attempt to beat the chill and stay warm and cosy indoors.

No wonder then that this M&S Supersoft Faux Fur Throw is currently one of the brand’s #1 bestselling products.

Super soft, super cosy, and super luxurious, this stylish faux fur throw has nearly 800 5-star reviews from M&S shoppers, and with prices starting from just £29.50, it’s easy to see why. Naturally, that also means it’s selling out fast.

As Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I spend a lot of time researching where to buy the best bedding, and I have to say that M&S is really nailing cosy winter bedding this year.

From the super-cosy M&S Cloud Fleece bedding that looks *far* more luxurious than its £25 price tag, to this luxe-look faux fur throw, the brand has cosy winter layering sorted.

This Supersoft (in feel as well as in name) faux fur blanket comes in ten colour options, each with three sizes available: a medium blanket that measures 130 x 170cm, a large which measures 150 x 200cm, and an extra large which measures 200 x 220cm.

M&S Supersoft Faux Fur Throw

(Image credit: M&S)

That said, the deep red and olive colourways have already sold out in all three sizes, and with M&S shoppers stocking up on multiple throws, other colour options are disappearing fast.

‘This is the fourth soft and cuddly blanket I have bought,’ shares one 5-star review of the M&S Supersoft Faux Fur Throw. ‘They are so soft, cuddly and warm. It washes very well and keeps its shape well. It’s like being wrapped up in cotton wool. I would recommend… You won’t be disappointed.’

‘It’s so lovely, the drape is exceptional, and it is *super* supersoft,’ shares another happy owner.

M&S Supersoft Faux Fur Throw

(Image credit: M&S)

‘I bought this as a Xmas present… but now it has been delivered, and I can see how nice it is, I might keep it for myself!!’ says another impressed shopper. ‘It’s a lovely colour, excellent quality… I’m really pleased with it. Good price for the quality.’

If you are thinking of gifting this throw, I think it makes a great Christmas present and looks far more expensive than its price tag might suggest. It’s also a versatile purchase, whether you choose to gift it or keep it for yourself!

You can use it over the bed to add some extra warmth on the coldest nights, as well as to upgrade your bedroom into a luxurious retreat. Or you could drape it over the sofa to snuggle up under in an evening.

M&S Supersoft Faux Fur Throw

(Image credit: M&S)

In fact, M&S has a whole host of fluffy products in this Supersoft Faux Fur range that are perfect for gifting and for getting cosy this winter. Just bear in mind that if you want to be warm and snuggly this cold season, you’d better move quickly if you want to grab these bestsellers before they sell out.

Shop the collection

TOPICS

I’m seeing this cosy, minimalist Christmas decor trend everywhere right now – and these are the best places to pick one up

I’m seeing this cosy, minimalist Christmas decor trend everywhere right now – and these are the best places to pick one up

One of my favourite things about December is seeing how all my friends and family have decorated their homes for Christmas, and once again, it seems ceramic light-up houses have captured our hearts for a second year running.

One of the more charming Christmas trends, this decorating idea consists of placing ceramic light-up houses on windowsills and mantelpieces to create a soft, atmospheric glow that makes your home look more welcoming from the outside.

Whether you’re set on creating a whole village or using the atmospheric trinkets to light up your windows, I’ve tracked down the prettiest ceramic light-up houses on the high street right now.

Ceramic light up houses on a hallway table.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Katie Lee)

The ceramic light-up house trend has been in effect for a few years now. They’re an amazing, affordable decorating idea, and with our Christmas interiors pushing for a more cosy aesthetic, it’s easy to see why these little lights are so popular.

My top pick is Habitat’s Habitat Light Up Wooden Cottage Set (£14), which has wooden details to give it a rustic look. The two old-world cottages and church are handcrafted and battery-operated.

These little houses are well-suited to a minimalist home, offering plenty of details without relying on bold colour or sparkle to make a statement. This is great for those still unconvinced by the tinsel revival this year.

They’re easy to style, too. Simply pop along your windowsill, and you have a little village of lights twinkling as you arrive home. I’d also recommend including them in your Christmas tablescape this year. Think about the delighted look on your guests faces when they see a small village extending down the table, casting off a cosy glow.

And if a village is your style, these are the tiny houses I’d stock up on now.

This minimalist trend not only looks great, but is some of the most affordable decor available, too. I think we’ll be seeing this decoration style for years to come.

You’re not ready for Stacey Dooley’s ‘ghost tree’! The documentary maker just revealed her second tree for the season, and fans are obsessed

You’re not ready for Stacey Dooley’s ‘ghost tree’! The documentary maker just revealed her second tree for the season, and fans are obsessed

It’s the beginning of December which can only mean one thing – everybody’s decorating their homes for Christmas, celebrities included. But I don’t think there’s anyone doing it better (at least as of yet) than Stacey Dooley who just revealed her ‘ghost Christmas tree’ – and I’m obsessed, as is everybody else in her comments section.

Right about now, you might be thinking – hadn’t Stacey revealed her best Christmas tree for this festive season already? Haven’t we already been here? And the answer is, yes, Stacey shared her tinsel disco tree that graces the documentary maker’s newly renovated kitchen/dining room at the beginning of the week. But only a couple days later, she posted another Instagram reel revealing her second tree positioned in the hallway.

Dubbed the ghost tree, this creation is decorated with only a large sheet of sheer white organza fabric draped over the top of the tree and Christmas lights shining from underneath the ghost-like fabric. Her fans’ comments are all spot on, some of which include, ‘The ghost of Christmas trees past, LOVE’, ‘Oooh love the ghost tree! Spooky AND pretty!’ and ‘Oooh I love this. Kinda spooky and got a Dickens feel about it.’

I’ve seen a similar Christmas tree design before, created by Norwegian interior designer Storm Storm (@thestormstorm on Instagram) last Christmas – perhaps this was the Strictly winner’s reference for her own tree this year… But with Stacey’s influence, I’m sure this is about to become a major Christmas decor trend now.

‘I have seen versions of it, usually when someone has decided that Christmas should look a bit like a Victorian séance, but Stacey Dooley’s take is cleaner and more intentional,’ says Alex Stubbs, Flitch interior stylist. ‘It is oddly compelling: the pale palette strips away the usual festive chaos and leaves you with something calm, sculptural and a little eerie in a good way. It is minimalist with a theatrical twist. The monochrome palette and gauzy textures give it a ghostly softness, while the sparseness stops it feeling like a theme park prop.’

Get the ghost tree look

Stacey Dooley always delivers on super cool and stylish home decor choices and she never disappoints when it comes to great Christmas tree styling – last year, she went for large multicoloured organza bows, this year it’s silver tinsel and a ghost tree. The latter works particularly well in the spot Stacey’s put it in as it complements the Victorian architectural features.

Finally, Alex at Flitch adds, ‘Anyone who secretly prefers winter to Christmas will find it fits their aesthetic alarmingly well.’

Do you like Stacey Dooley’s ghost tree as much as I do? Or is it not really your cup of tea?

Wildlife experts want gardeners to scatter tennis balls in their gardens – no, it’s not as bonkers as it sounds

Wildlife experts want gardeners to scatter tennis balls in their gardens – no, it’s not as bonkers as it sounds

If you want to give your garden birds and hedgehogs a helping hand this winter, wildlife experts are urging gardeners to leave tennis balls scattered on their lawns – no, they’ve not lost the plot.

If you have a wildlife garden, you’ll know how it can benefit you, from providing natural pest control to creating a balanced garden ecosystem. But with these benefits comes a responsibility to protect garden wildlife in winter.

Birds and hedgehogs are two species that need your help when the temperatures plummet. And scattering tennis balls in your garden can help them steady themselves in icy conditions. Here’s how.

Why you should scatter tennis balls in a garden

‘Scattering tennis balls in your garden can benefit birds and hedgehogs as it can provide them with a stable surface during icy and wintry weather. The bright colour of tennis balls gives birds a clear place to land, and their fuzzy surface functions as a non-slip surface that they can perch on. Hedgehogs may struggle to reach food if pathways are slippery, so they can use the tennis balls to steady themselves if it is icy,’ explains Richard Barker, a horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.

Hedgehog in Winter. Wild, native hedgehog on green moss with red berries and snow.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you’ve committed yourself to attracting birds to your garden, then even in winter you can expect to see a few feathered visitors. A tennis ball can help them navigate and provide somewhere safe to land, keeping them safe.

They’re also great for making a garden hedgehog-friendly, as not only does it help them navigate icy pathways, but they also provide shelter.

‘Tennis balls can act like little shelters, giving small birds and hedgehogs extra hiding spots from predators and harsh weather. They also create small pockets where insects like to gather – such as between the ball and the damp earth – making perfect snack hotspots for wildlife,’ says James Ewens, wildlife and gardening expert at Green Feathers.

Where to put tennis balls in your garden

While you can scatter tennis balls wherever you like (or wherever the dog leaves them) for best results, it is ideal to put them where you know wildlife congregates.

Robin sitting in bird feeder

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘If you have a bird bath, table or feeder, place a few tennis balls around these locations. If it has been snowing, you should be able to see small prints in the snow, and these can be used as indicators of where to place the tennis balls,’ says Richards.

‘For hedgehogs, look at where they may choose to hide in your garden, such as near thick shrubbery or under a shed and place the balls around these places. The amount you will need to place will depend on the size of your garden, but aim to place a few tennis balls in key spots.’

James also recommends placing the balls alongside your hedges, fencing and hedgehog highways.

Why you should try this hack

‘Tennis balls in the garden is a simple, low-effort way to add a bit more habitat to your garden. While it won’t replace proper nesting boxes or hedgehog houses, it does offer extra cover, encourages insects, and helps make your outdoor space a little more wildlife-friendly,’ says James.

A winter garden with a bird feeder

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)

Alongside leaving tennis balls out, you also ensure you’re taking other steps, such as feeding birds over winter, and leaving piles of leaves out for insects and hedgerows to nestle. It’s also important to check the balls you are using are in good condition, too.

‘Check that the balls that you are using are clean and are not breaking down into small pieces that could be swallowed by animals,’ says Richard.

‘Tennis balls can also be used in ponds or bird baths to prevent the water from freezing over completely. Place a tennis ball in the water in the evening, and then the next morning, remove the ball after the water has frozen over, leaving an accessible hole where wildlife can still access water for drinking and bathing.’

Wildlife essentials

Give your garden widlife an extra helping hand with these winter essentials.

Leaving tennis balls out in your garden is an easy, low-cost way to help visiting wildlife during the winter months. Even if you think it may not look the tidiest, your birds and hedgehogs will thank you for it.

TOPICS

Sorry, Urban Outfitters, Primark is my new go-to shop for affordable cool-girl homeware – these top picks prove it

Sorry, Urban Outfitters, Primark is my new go-to shop for affordable cool-girl homeware – these top picks prove it

When it comes to finding eclectic, quirky homeware, Urban Outfitters has always been one of the places I’ve checked for cool-girl home buys, but lately I’ve been drawn more and more to Primark‘s home section. With affordable prices and stylish pieces on offer, I’m now asking: is Primark the new Urban Outfitters?

I won’t lie, Primark has been nailing some of the biggest home decor trends this year. Only recently, I’ve been left super impressed with their Cosy autumn homeware, as well as their traditional Christmas decor, which I’m sure you’ll agree, looks more expensive than the budget price tags they come with.

While Urban Outfitters remains one of my favourite places to shop for homeware, I can’t argue with Primark’s prices. Here’s how the two compare.

It was while browsing Primark’s new homeware drops recently that I spotted their Cinnamon Bun Candle (£7) was a dead ringer for the Urban Outfitters Cinnamon Bun Scented Candle (£20), which I’d spotted online earlier in the week.

I love pretty candles and am frequently looking for the best candles to scent my home. I also love cinnamon buns, so this felt like a match made in heaven. Now, when you study both candles, it is obvious that the Urban Outfitters candle has a greater level of detailing and looks slightly more realistic than the Primark candle. But Primark’s candle has a pretty pink bow and is £13 cheaper, making it a pretty worthy alternative in my book.

From this, I began wondering, ‘Is Primark the New Urban Outfitters?’, and started to delve deeper into Primark’s homeware collection. My findings show that often Primark produces more affordable home decor, complete with an Urban Outfitters-esque style.

Bedding

Crockery

Bath mats

Primark has been producing more and more quirky and vibrant homeware, which I think makes it an Urban Outfitters rival. While I’ll still be checking Urban Outfitters to find decor for my home, I will also be checking Primark for affordable alternatives.

TOPICS

The “SO Soft” $12 Sheets Amazon Shoppers Can’t Stop Raving About

The “SO Soft” $12 Sheets Amazon Shoppers Can’t Stop Raving About

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Sometimes, “You get what you pay for” isn’t always true. After testing countless home products between us all, my Apartment Therapy colleagues and I can confirm as much. Sure, I love a luxurious item as much as the next person — I’m always telling others that high-end bedding is worth investing in — but I also believe that a budget-friendly alternative can go a long way. This definitely applies to Bedsure, an affordable bedding brand that’s won a spot in our Best List series multiple times. (See: Exhibit A and Exhibit B.)

It appears that Amazon shoppers are on a similar wavelength, considering that 10,000 of them have decided to add Bedsure’s Hotel Luxury Sheet Set to their carts in the last month alone. When you take into account that the set currently has almost 65,000 five-star ratings, there’s really no question why. Reviews praise the set’s “so soft” feel and cooling capabilities, and it’s almost half off right now, coming in at only $12.

What is the Bedsure Hotel Luxury Ruched Sheet Set?

Consisting of polyester microfiber fabric that’s been brushed on both sides for extra softness, Bedsure’s Hotel Luxury Sheets have a buttery smooth feel. You won’t find any stiffness or crinkling, but the fabric is still durable, so the sheets won’t get warped or faded in the wash. Speaking of fading (or the lack thereof), you can choose between a whopping 30 color options, so you can easily find the hue that enhances the rest of your bedroom decor. The look is elevated by the ruched hem, giving it an appearance that looks way more expensive than it is. Beyond the surface, the set is OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified, which means that it’s been tested and proven to not contain any harmful chemicals.

This Bedsure set is particularly suited for those that run hot while sleeping. A huge portion of reviews rave about how well it performs in this area, and after testing Bedsure’s comforter, we can attest to the fact that the brand really does deliver on its cooling claims. “In recent weeks, the temps here in New York City have risen to the point where I no longer sleep with the heat on. Although I was apprehensive about whether the comforter would cause me to overheat during the night, I’m happy to report that it hasn’t,” says shopping writer Nikol. “In fact, it helps me maintain a perfect temperature, so I never wake up shivering or sweating through my clothes.”

What Amazon Shoppers Are Saying

These sheets are versatile enough to work for virtually anyone at any time of the year, which is probably why so many shoppers have clicked the buy button. There’s no telling how long the sale price will last, so make sure you snag a set to make the winter months extra cozy!

Buy: Bedsure Hotel Luxury Ruched Sheet Set, Queen, $12.34 (normally $19.99)

Before you do your big Christmas shop, you need to try this clever trick to defrost your freezer quickly – all you need is aluminium foil

Before you do your big Christmas shop, you need to try this clever trick to defrost your freezer quickly – all you need is aluminium foil

This time of year, we all need all the freezer space we can get, as festive food shops are quick to hog the entire space. Before you bring that frozen turkey home, experts have revealed a clever hack that uses aluminium foil to remove excess ice from your freezer.

Freezers can quickly become iced up, limiting storage space and reducing the efficiency of the appliance. There are a number of reasons why ice builds up in a freezer, and if you’ve found this has happened to you, the aluminium foil hack is a good way to defrost a freezer.

The simple hack uses a roll of aluminium foil and a bowl of hot water to gently melt the excess ice in your freezer and defrost a freezer quickly. Here’s how it works.

How to remove ice from a freezer with aluminium foil

If you’re struggling to organise your freezer, trying this hack first can help give you more space.

Kitchen with blue kitchen cabints and a blue kitchen island, with a bar stool in front of it. There's also grey herringbone flooring and a big fridge/freezer

(Image credit: Future PLC/Chris Snook)

First, switch your appliance off before putting a layer of aluminium foil over the interior of your freezer. Then, place a bowl of boiling water inside the centre of your freezer and shut the door. The hack uses the foil’s heat conductivity to help melt the ice, and after 10 minutes, the ice should be loosened enough for you to remove it.

‘This can be a good method to use as the foil will act as a heat conductor, and it will help to distribute heat and steam from the water to make the ice melt faster than if the hot water was used by itself,’ says Steve Larkin, a kitchen expert from Kitchen Door Hub.

Should you use this hack?

This hack is great if you want to defrost a freezer fast. However, Steve warns you should never use the foil itself to try and scrape the ice away.

White kitchen units, black floor tiles, large fridge freezer.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Fiona Walker Arnott)

‘This is because using it to scrape ice risks damaging freezer components or scratching the inner plastic lining of the freezer. When the inner lining of the freezer is compromised, this can allow moisture to build up between layers and potentially cause more issues related to a buildup of ice in the future,’ he says.

You should also remove the foil after finishing the hack, as while it may seem like a time-saving way to stop ice from building back up, it can have a detrimental effect.

‘Lining shelves or walls with foil to “make the next defrost easier” is a bad idea because it can obstruct airflow, trap condensation, and leave edges that nick door gaskets or the liner. The better approach is to defrost when frost reaches about 1/4 inch, keep door openings brief, check the door seal, and store food covered so moisture doesn’t migrate into the cavity,’ says Viktor Velikov, Director of ELSERVE.

After you have used aluminium foil to remove excess ice from your freezer, it’s worth investing in some handy storage solutions to make the Christmas prep even easier. This is what we recommend.

No one likes the effort of defrosting a freezer, so give this hack ago and see if it could save you a little effort this festive season.

KitchenAid’s new monochrome stand mixer shade is bound to divide opinion on appliance colour trends for 2026 – it’s certainly one for the minimalists

KitchenAid’s new monochrome stand mixer shade is bound to divide opinion on appliance colour trends for 2026 – it’s certainly one for the minimalists

KitchenAid has unveiled a new monochrome colour scheme for its bestselling Artisan stand mixer: Porcelain White. The announcement of this pared-back shade comes alongside a shiny new studded ceramic bowl, making this pair the ultimate kitchen buy for anyone with a pristine white kitchen.

It’s no secret (and has been proved by our in-house testing protocol) that KitchenAid produces some of the best stand mixers out there, and where the brand really excels is in forward-thinking design. And seeing as Pantone’s colour of the year has just been controversially announced as the very white Cloud Dancer, you could say KitchenAid is ahead of the curve.

KitchenAid is branding this mono-white mixer as one that ‘captures the calm of clean design’. And its rejection of colour is bound to reignite debates around whether all white kitchens are back in vogue – we didn’t quite have that on our bingo card for paint trends for 2026.

Away from the monochrome look, I think the star of this particular KitchenAid is its studded bowl. The brand has been getting more innovative with this element of their mixers in the last few years – the Evergreen series with the walnut bowl was one of my favourite product releases of 2024.

KitchenAid mono white collection

(Image credit: KitchenAid)

The KitchenAid Artisan is a true workhorse mixer, I learnt as much during my KitchenAid Artisan standmixer review, but this all-white version is not the one you’ll want to pick up if you’re more of a messy baker. I can’t imagine this ultra clean-look version will be replacing the colourful pastel Artisan mixers that adorn The Great British Bake Off’s tent any time soon, either.

KitchenAid mono white stand mixer

(Image credit: KitchenAid)

If you still favour a white kitchen colour scheme over any other, this mixer will tick all of your boxes. It’s a minimalist dream!