The Simple Things

The Simple Things is a beautiful, useful, quirky and fun magazine about taking time to live well. We cover mindfulness and microadventures, eating and growing, forgotten wisdom, home life and slow moments. It's for people who love their lives but want to take the pressure off and remember what’s really important. We like tea & cake, learning stuff, being outside and the satisfaction of a job well done. Do you?

A could-do list December

Lisa

Hampers of joy • INVITE FRIENDS ROUND TO FILL FESTIVE BASKETS WITH HOMEMADE FOOD AND CREATIVE GIFTS, AND SHARE A BIT OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC

A day in December • LAST YEAR, WE ASKED YOU TO SEND IN AN IMAGE THAT YOU FELT CAPTURED THE MAGIC OF THIS MONTH. HERE WE SHARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITES…

Things to want and wish for • Loving your home, inside and out. Books and treats for you to enjoy.

CAKE IN THE HOUSE • Too many cranberries? Pair them with caramel for a treat that virtually demands a hefty dollop of cream.

My day in cups of tea • We join quilt and stocking maker Kate Owen over a few homemade mince pies, and to find out how she spends her December days in cuppas.

December Almanac • SEASONAL THOUGHTS TO HELP YOU ENJOY THE MONTH

A simple thing…

Gather together • ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT THE SEASON IS CELEBRATING WITH OTHERS, THOUGH FOR SOME IT'S NOT THAT SIMPLE. BUT THESE GENEROUS PEOPLE HAVE HANDY AND HEART-WARMING IDEAS ABOUT HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN

WHAT I TREASURE • My silver wedding shoes

Merry and bites • WELCOME TO KITSCHMAS! WHERE OLD-SCHOOL TIPPLES AND NIBBLES ARE BACK IN STYLE

A WANDER TO BEHOLD • WHETHER TAKING A BREAK FROM FESTIVITIES, NOTICING THE NATURAL WORLD OR APPRECIATING THE QUIET STREETS AND TWINKLY LIGHTS, A WINTER WALK IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

SOMETHING TO CHEW OVER • Once upon a time, Christmas turkeys wore boots and wheeled pies were all the rage. Whether pigs in blankets or flaming puddings, there's history in every bite of our traditional fare. Indulge in some favourite foodie stories as you reach for another Quality Street

SCENTS OF THE SEASON • USE NATURAL FINDS TO FILL YOUR HOME WITH SOME FAVOURITE SMELLS OF WINTER

Easy giving • THOUGH THE INTENTION MAY BE THERE, BOTH TIME AND BUDGETS ARE OFTEN PRESSED IN DECEMBER. HERE ARE SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN HELP SPREAD CHEER

NUREMBERG • HALF-TIMBERED HOUSES, CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND A FAIRY-TALE FEEL. YULIA DYUKOVA GUIDES US AROUND THE CITY THAT'S THE HOME OF GERMAN GINGERBREAD

COULD-DO NUREMBERG • Yulia's favourite places in the city

PAUSE • Take a moment with some well-chosen words

Comfort and joy • A DOSE OF SELF-COMPASSION AND A SPRINKLING OF SMALL PLEASURES CAN HELP YOU THROUGH CHRISTMAS WHEN YOU'RE MISSING SOMEONE SPECIAL

The gift of kindness

A simple thing…

HOME ECONOMICS Christmas dinner • FINDING FRESH WAYS FOR FESTIVE FEAST LEFTOVERS, RACHEL DE THAMPLE MAKES GOOD USE OF A TRADITIONAL TURKEY AND ALL THE TRIMMINGS

WEARING WELL • Stories of the clothes we love FANCY DRESS

For the love of Boxing Day • DON'T FEEL DEFLATED THAT CHRISTMAS DAY IS OVER… BE HAPPY THAT BOXING DAY HAS JUST BEGUN, SAYS IONA BOWER

FLOWERS IN THE HOUSE • Bringing blooms indoors: it's what every home needs

INTO THE LIGHT • CANDLES, FIRES, NATURAL MATERIALS – AND RECLAIMED BARN WOOD – MAKE THIS FAMILY HOME IN THE NETHERLANDS A COSY COCOON AT THIS TIME OF YEAR

FOLD AND GLOW • DECK THE HALLS – AND THE TREE, AND THE MANTELPIECE – WITH FESTOONS OF FAIRY LIGHTS COVERED WITH SOME CHEERFUL WRAPPING PAPER

Farm to front door • WINTER IS A TIME FOR GATHERING FOLIAGE FROM THE FIELDS AND MAKING WREATHS AT STOWFORD FLOWERS IN DEVON

Wreath knowhow • Olivia explains...