The Great British Bake Off is brimming with inspiration, from Paul's grilled grape flatbreads to Nigella's chocolate stout cake. This year has been one of mouth-watering inspiration, but it's not just the bakes that I'm admiring , it's the tools.

We've already sought out the exact stand mixer that they use on Bake Off and have done some digging into what Paul Hollywood has in his kitchen, but there's so much more that's caught our eye this year.

From careful cutters to unusual prooing boxes, it's a year of treats that we simply had to share with other budding bakers.

The Great British Bake Off Equipment: the exact accessories in the tent

I haven't even got into the details of the Neff Hide and Slide Door Ovens and the Retro Smeg Fridge Freezers, but there's much more time for that. These are the smaller, simple appliances and equipment used in The Great British Bake Off tent. I can't promise you a Hollywood Handshake, but these will set you up for success.

Victoria Beckham has revealed the dinner party "sin" she says is "unforgivable" - and we're taking note ahead of hosting season.

Her prowess when it comes to homeware and interiors is something we've long admired. A glimpse inside her and her husband David's homes treats us to plenty of gorgeous inspiration and proves to us that she's certainly clued up on all things trending and stylish.

Amid the launch of her luxurious new homeware and dining range with Westwing, Victoria has admitted she has a few serious no-nos when it comes to throwing (or attending) a great dinner party.

Now's the time to polish up on our Christmas tablescaping, soirée skills, and festive dining room design - and, in Victoria Beckham, we trust.

Victoria's Westwing collection is all about quiet luxury and elegant styling, so we're not too surprised that she thinks that humble paper napkins have no place on a dinner party table.

While she admits she's "not one for rules", VB says "some things are non-negotiable".

In a video shared on the Westwing Instagram account, she simply states: "One unforgivable sin. Paper napkins."

Shop Victoria Beckham's Westwing collection

Victoria has some other strict table design guidelines. As she shared her ultimate do's and don'ts for a "proper dinner party", the former Spice Girl says: "Don't ever overcrowd the table. Less is more."

Using "proper" glassware when serving drinks is also a must. "It's just rude to a martini if you don't, let's be honest," she adds.

Don't save your best homeware for special occasions only; if you have some stunning glassware, every dinner party is worth getting the nice glasses out of the cupboard.

Shop Stylish Napkins

"Don't ever ignore the lighting. Lighting is crucial," Victoria also explained, adding: "I mean, you can ignore the lighting; I mean, I probably won't come."

We couldn't agree more, and using warm layered lighting is the best way to create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere without scaring your guests away with the dreaded big light.

The expert hostess even has a sneaky and subtle tip for when you're ready for your guests to be gone, and it's one that David pulls out at the end of parties in the Beckham household. "Don't overstay your welcome," she says.

"You know what happens in the Beckham house when David wants people to leave? He literally walks around the room blowing out the candles, hoping that people will get the hint."

We might have to steal that tip for the holiday season, although we seriously doubt we'll be able to pull it off quite as well as Becks.

As the colder months roll in, we'll all be cosy under blankets with our favourite comfort meals. However, there are some small critters outside who will need a little help getting ready for autumn and winter.

With so much to do to sort your garden out this season, it's all too easy to forget about helping wildlife in autumn. As temperatures drop and plants go dormant, many food sources and shelter options dwindle for the animals that call our gardens their home. One critter in particular who needs a helping hand is the humble hedgehog.

While you may already know how to attract hedgehogs to your garden to help with pest control, there are a few things you should be doing this time of year to help them survive harsher conditions.

How to protect hedgehogs through winter

Just as we've been helping birds through the hot weather this year, we still have much to do to help wildlife through the coming cold and rain. We've spoken with a garden expert who helps homeowners create a safe, welcoming environment for our prickly friends, hedgehogs.

1. Provide food

It's important to know which foods you can and cannot leave out for wildlife in autumn and winter months. While some food can seem harmless, when it comes to hedgehogs, getting it right is key to their survival.

"Building fat reserves is crucial for hedgehogs during this time of year. While they love insects such as beetles, earwigs and caterpillars, you can also leave food out for them. This includes specially made hedgehog food or meat-based cat food or dog food," says Kym Barlow, Commercial Director and Wildlife advocate at TDP.co.uk.

We'd also recommend staying up to date with the latest bird feeding advice too, as their needs will also change with the seasons.

2. Leave out fresh water

Adding a water station to your garden isn't just a great way of attracting birds to your garden; it's also a crucial way of helping hedgehogs stay healthy through the winter months.

"Hedgehogs will also need access to fresh water every day, so provide them with a shallow dish and replace the water daily. Don’t forget to clean it regularly and place it somewhere sheltered and accessible," explains Kym.

While you're completing your winter garden jobs, ensure you keep checking the water and remove any debris, like fallen leaves, when needed.

3. Provide shelter

If you're participating in the rewilding trend, then you may already have installed a hedgehog house; if not, they're incredibly affordable and can be DIY'd with other materials if you're looking to save money in the garden.

"Leave piles of dry leaves, logs and branches in a quiet and undisturbed part of the garden to provide hedgehogs with a warm place they may want to hibernate in over the winter. If you have a hedgehog house, you can also place leaves inside for extra warmth," suggests Kym.

4. Avoid pesticides

Using more sustainable garden ideas isn't just better for plant life; it can also make a huge difference to the health of local wildlife living in your outdoor space.

"Since pesticides kill insects, they reduce the food supply for hedgehogs. Avoiding these can provide hedgehogs with more natural food to help them build their fat reserves," Kym points out.

If you do need to use pesticides in your garden, it's best to try to only use them in small doses.

5. Always check before using machinery

Although you'll want to crack on with your autumn lawn care tasks, it's crucial you do a quick sweep of the area before starting any machinery on your lawn and around it.

"Always check the grass, log piles and leaf piles before trimming, mowing or clearing. Hedgehogs could be hiding in these places, and you could cause them serious harm by disturbing them, especially in October as they prepare for hibernation," says Kym.

FAQs

How can you encourage hedgehogs into your garden?

You may have noticed a lack of hedgehogs in your garden in recent years, and the sad reason is that there's a major decline in their numbers.

"Recent monitoring has shown that hedgehogs are being pushed towards extinction, with numbers in the wild dwindling by 30% over the last decade," says Matt Binstead, Head Keeper at the British Wildlife Centre.

You can attract them to your outdoor space by relaxing your mowing and maintenance, adding hedgehog-sized holes to your fence for safe passage and providing food, water and shelter all year round.

You can also help wildlife in your garden by letting certain weeds grow, which they like to feed on. It might make your garden look a little untidy for a while, but it's worth it because they are so valuable to local critters during the colder months.

Emily English, more commonly known as Em The Nutritionist, has shared the before-and-after of her decadent kitchen transformation, filled with unique style notes.

While we pride ourselves on knowing the latest kitchen trends, occasionally we see a space that brings something new to the table, and it immediately catches our attention. Nutritionist and food journalist Emily English's recent kitchen renovation has given us several reasons to stop and take inspiration.

Now, if you're looking for budget kitchen updates, this might not be the inspo you've been looking for; however, there are so many style notes you can take from this space and utilise in your own home.

While it's possible to transform your kitchen with budget buys, this renovation is a whole other ball game. Em's London flat previously had a more confined galley kitchen, with a separate room for the dinner table.

Now it's a stunning open-plan space, with a chic stainless steel island softly separating the cooking and dining areas. Em also opted for a stainless steel sink, which we wouldn't usually choose for a home, but it works incredibly well with the statement marble surfaces and backsplash.

Choosing an open-plan kitchen can be a common kitchen design mistake to make; however, if you decide on the functionality of the room before you make the decision they can work incredibly well.

While marble and neutral cabinets are a classic design choice, Em has added personality with dusty pink dining chairs and a complementary green tufted rug under the table.

She's also thoughtfully introduced the cafecore trend with a hidden drinks and coffee area which sits opposite the dining table. Finished with stylish glassware, Smeg appliances, and luxurious fitted lighting, giving the area a welcoming glow.

The room still feels and looks expensive with these homely touches, which shows how choosing confident interior styles and materials can do the heavy lifting when transforming a space.

Keen to see how Em uses her luxurious kitchen? Well, you're in luck because she recently shared the blow-the-budget kitchen essentials she uses regularly; just be warned, your bank account may take a hit.

With cosy season officially here and December just around the corner, it won't be long before we're cracking open the first doors of our advent calendars.

If you're looking for an alternative way to count the days, try a candle advent calendar. Is there anything more festive than striking a match, lighting the wick of your best Christmas candle and filling your home with the smell of warmth, sweetness and spices? We think not.

That's why an advent calendar filled with enchanting yuletide scents to make our homes feel a little cosier is always something we're in favour of. So when we heard the surprisingly affordable Marks & Spencer Christmas Wax Melt Advent Calendar was returning for 2026, we were pretty thrilled.

With an affordable £35 price tag, this M&S offering won't throw your finances into disarray ahead of the festive period. And it isn't too hard to get your hands on, either.

Perfectly packaged in a decorative box, the wax melt calendar will see you through to the big day with 24 individual star-shaped, tree-shaped and cottage-shaped wax melts.

Scented with three of the retailer's most popular seasonal scents, you'll be enjoying the essence of Mandarin, Clove & Cinnamon, Yuletide Pine & Spice, and Frankincense & Myrrh to set the scene for you to hunker down and get cosy on December evenings.

Each melting session will be made all the more special by the included ceramic townhouse-shaped burner, which is adorned with the year, making for a charming decorative piece you bring out each and every Christmas.

The set comes complete with tea lights, so you can get melting straight away.

How can I get the M&S Wax Melt Advent Calendar?

The M&S Wax Melt Advent Calendar is available to buy now for December 2026. You can snap it up in stores and online, with delivery and pre-ordered collection services available.

It's recently arrived in stock, but it's already being added to dozens of baskets and selling fast, according to the M&S website. So if you really want to get your hands on one, it might be a good idea to order ASAP.

Shop more candle advent calendars

The advent calendar market is bigger and more impressive than ever, with beauty advents, perfume calendars and everything in between.

But if you already have an overflowing makeup and skincare stash and your perfume collection is stocked with your favourites, you're probably wanting something a little different for your Christmas countdown this year.

Whichever one of these fragrant advent calendars you choose, one thing is for sure - you will make your house smell divine around Christmas time. Happy melting.

The trend of bringing personality back to our homes is showing no signs of going anywhere; in fact, it seems to be becoming a more steadfast trend. The latest proof of this can be found in Benjamin Moore's confident green Colour of the Year 2027, Webster Green.

Bolder, more playful colours are a consistent pattern in the interior paint colour trends we've seen so far this year, and we couldn't be happier about it. After seeing Dulux's Colour of the Year 2027, Soulful Sage, announced just last month, we were hoping for more colourful hues from other brands, and Benjamin Moore has seriously delivered.

The brand is calling Webster Green a "Confident hue with undeniable personality... a quintessential green that transcends styles and timeframes with ease." And after taking one look at the rich, yet sophisticated shade, we couldn't agree more.

If you are looking to add personality to your home, opting for a richer, more daring colour like green is a fantastic way of doing it. And whilst it can feel daunting to use such a colour in your home, finding a shade that is timeless like this one is your key to long-lasting satisfaction.

"Webster Green is a quintessential green, with a crisp finish that exemplifies this enduring relevance and classic appeal that endures the ebb and flow of trend cycles," says the brand.

"From its presence in Benjamin Moore's archival hand-drawn renderings to forward-thinking points of inspiration, it is both timeless and timely. It nods to the palettes that have shaped interior design over the decades, while connecting with the contemporary desire for trusted hues that create grounded yet distinctive spaces," they add.

Now, greens have been rising in popularity for years, from the delicious pistachio green trend to the repeatedly adored sage green one, so it's no surprise we're immediate fans of Webster Green. However, the more elevated shade of this makes it much easier to add to our homes and preexisting exteriors.

It's clear the brand has stayed ahead with the interior colour trends that are popular right now; however, they've prioritised longevity with their Colour of the Year.

"A growing interest in colours with a timeless quality are making their way into the home. Webster Green reflects this appeal by pairing reassuring stability with optimistic energy," starts Helen Saw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore.

"Its composed nature feels both rooted and forward-looking, while enhancing spaces that feel distinctive, collected and continually new," she adds.

This grounding nature is why it makes such a great colour choice for colour drenching a room, and the fact that it pairs so well with similar earth tones and natural textures.

If you need any more convincing, then green colours like these are considered happy colours to use in your home and have been proven to improve your overall mood when around them.

I don't know about you, but there are some chores around my home that I am always looking for easier, more efficient ways to complete. And once again, Dilly Carter has just shown me the light with another kitchen organisation tip.

Trying to organise a kitchen and keep it organised week after week is no small feat, especially when it comes to heavily used appliances and essentials like your dishwasher and dinnerware. The dishwasher is an especially laborious task when it's used daily, and using it so often means that my dishes and cutlery have a greater chance of becoming unorganised.

Luckily, Dilly Carter, a professional organiser on Sort Your Life Out, has shared her fantastic tip for ensuring your cutlery stays organised from the moment it's popped into the dishwasher to them being put neatly away in the drawer.

Loading a dishwasher incorrectly is one of the biggest dishwasher mistakes we all probably make on a daily basis, however once you know how to do it right, it'll make life so much easier.

"The way we load our dishwasher matters! It's not just a box we throw our dishes into any old how. There is a way to do everything properly," says Dilly.

"Now, who would believe that there is an art to loading your dishwasher? Yes, this box that we use every day is not just a box that we chuck everything into; it's about having everything cleaned properly. We don't have things coming out and not being cleaned. And that's often because things haven't been loaded properly," she continues.

"So we've got our bottom for our heavier soiled dishes, our middle for our glasses and our mugs, and then the top tray is for our cutlery," points out Dilly.

It's not just cleanliness that Dilly has prioritised in her dishwasher organisation, the really smart tip that has now revolutionised my loading and unloading is with the cutlery drawer or basket.

Although her machine has a tray, this advice still works with a basket too. And it's a another great way Dilly keeps choatic drawers organised with minimal effort.

"This tray is replacing the old style cutlery basket, so there's no danger of you ever cutting yourselves because everything is beautifully organised," Dilly says.

"The reason I love these cutlery trays is because we can categorise all our knives, forks and spoons. Yes I organise my knives, forks and spoons even in my dishwasher," she explains.

"But the reason I do that is so once everything is together, I can simply grab them all in one go, open my drawer which of course is perfectly placed by my dishwasher, and throw them in. Nice and easy, it's all about time," Dilly shows.

This is definitely not a kitchen organisaiton mistake to avoid, in fact I'm not sure how I'll every load a dishwasher the same again. I'm certainly looking forward to no more faffing around when putting cutlery away.

If you want more of Dilly's genius advice, why not try her tip for maximising storage space in your kitchen?

Have you got your woolly winter wardrobe out yet? Because we’re giving our homes the same seasonal treatment. As cold weather creeps in, it’s time to embrace wool in all its wonderfully tactile glory. Naturally insulating, breathable and beautifully textured, this timeless natural fibre brings warmth to our interiors, adding depth, softness and an unmistakably cosy feel to your home just when we need it most.

Leading the charge is Ruggable, who has just launched a collection of washable wool rugs, combining the natural luxury of wool with the everyday practicality we never knew we could have. And it’s not alone. From Woolroom’s inviting layers to Dunelm's beautifully crafted home accessories, there are plenty of ways to weave this heritage material into your interiors, whether you’re looking for a statement piece or those little finishing touches that make a room feel luxurious and seasonal.

So, if you’re ready to give your home a softer, warmer countryside feel for the season ahead, we’ve rounded up our favourite wool homewares to inspire you. Think sumptuous textures, natural tones and timeless pieces that will feel just as lovely long after winter has passed too.

Our favourite wool home décor

Autumn and winter are the perfect seasons for layering up your home with tactile textures, warming tones and natural materials, and wool is one of the loveliest ways to achieve that cosy, collected look. Whether you introduce it through a chunky knitted throw, a soft wool rug or smaller handmade details, it's a timeless material that brings warmth, character and a little extra comfort to the everyday. If you're crafty, you could even knit or crochet a few pieces yourself, from placemats and tea cosies to blankets and decorative accessories.

It's all too easy to focus on the big tasks this month, with lots to harvest and lots of plants to prepare for the colder weather; however, according to RHS's Garden Almanac there's one surprisingly important task to put on your to-do list.

Whether or not you've got a long list of gardening jobs to complete this month, autumn is a surprisingly busy time for plant life. As well as avoiding the autumn gardening mistakes that are all too easy to make this season, there are some jobs you may not have thought to add to your list before.

Luckily, we have some expert help from the RHS and their fantastic 2027 Garden Almanac complete with a month-by-month guide to gardening. And this month we spotted a little piece of advice that we'd never thought of before, so we just had to share.

Now, we're usually trying to get rid of weeds from our gardens, but according to the gardening experts at RHS, Zia Allaway and Guy Barter, weeds should actually be cherished this time of year.

"Cherish winter weeds such as annual meadow grass, chickweed, red deadnettle and shepherd's purse, for example. These plants will do little harm now, as long as they don't flower and set seed, and provide cover for wildlife," they explain.

"Leave the plants in situ from autumn to February, after which many will start growing rapidly, flowering and setting seed before you know it. Hoe them off, smother with a mulch, or incorporate them into the soil," they suggest.

There are quite a few wildlife-friendly weeds that are best left alone if you're happy to have a little more of a rewilded garden this season.

There are some other ways you can sort the garden out regarding weeds if you don't want to let everything and anything grow.

"Unwanted perennial plants are best removed with a spade or fork in autumn before their foliage dies back, and they become hard to find," explain the RHS experts.

"Dandelions are an exception - their flowers are valuable to pollinators, and they don't set much seed in winter, so tolerate them if you can," they say.

You don't need to have an entirely rewilded garden, but if you do want to help wildlife during the autumn, leaving some weeds to grow can be a massive help. And of course, completely low-effort for you too.

If you want help keeping your garden happy and healthy all year round, the RHS The Garden Almanac 2027 is the perfect guide, and it makes a fantastic gift too!

Victoria Beckham's first ever homeware line launched this week. The collection of hammered stainless steel, creamy porcelain, and mouth blown glassware is elegant, exclusive, designed to elevate the everyday.

It's no surprise that the fashion designer is bring her chic taste to the table too. We've long admired the Beckham's famously stylish home, but having a whole collection available just before gifting season makes it easy to shop the Beckham look.

Even better, if you're inspired by the popular Isla butter dishes and salt and pepper pots and, my personal favourite, the jewellery-like napkin rings.I've done some research into more affordable lookalikes, so you can mix and match for a luxury look on a budget.

Victoria Beckham Westwing Homeware Collection

The Victoria Beckham Westwing collection is a beautiful treat for the table. I'll show you some comparisons between high street brands, but these are the three pieces that are true collection heroes:

Launching just in time for the start of the hosting season, Victoria Beckham’s launching her first homeware collection. It's a collaboration with German brand Westwing centres around “serving style”. It's a masterclass in how to use soft textiles, decorative objects and a sophisticated palette of white and dark green, with hammered stainless steel and off-white porcelain bringing texture to the tablescape.

The collection takes inspiration from Britain’s 19th-century Arts and Crafts movement, which championed craftsmanship, natural forms and the beauty of objects made to be used as well as admired. We've seen lots of celebrations of the William Morris designs this year, especially on rugs, but Victoria Beckham's collection brings something a little different.

“Home is where some of life's most meaningful moments happen, and this collaboration felt like a natural way to explore that world through the same lens of design, craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines everything we do,” Victoria explains.

Her fashion background is evident throughout, from the jewellery-like chain motif on the Dover plates and table linen to the sculptural, shell-shaped Isla butter dishes and salt and pepper pots. “I wanted everything to feel refined, but never overly formal. There’s an ease in the way the pieces live together.”

The Westwing collection also comes with beautiful packaging, so these feel like true heirloom, luxury investments for your kitchen. The boxes are definitely ones to keep hold of.

I've pulled together our favourites from the collection with some more affordable lookalikes so you can choose how and where you shop the luxury look:

The Victoria Beckham x Westwing collaboration has already been widely admired for bringing elegance to the table. It's polished and practical, bringing style without looking too precious. They're perfect for gifting to yourself or to loved ones over Christmas, although, we predict that they're going to be a sell-out success.

If anyone's going to get us out and enjoying our gardens, it's Pamela Anderson. And that might be a surprising statement, but taking one look at her thriving space and the joy with which she tends to it, and you'll have your gardening gloves on in no time.

With so many October gardening jobs to tick off the list this month, getting out into the garden can feel a little daunting. But as the weather changes and the cold mornings really start to settle in, your outdoor space will need sorting out sooner rather than later.

And why not find the joy in it? After Pamela posted the whimsical reel on her Instagram (@pamelaanderson), we were immediately infected with that relaxed happiness and started planning our weekend in the garden.

While there are many autumn garden mistakes to avoid this time of year, it's usually a pretty simple time to be out maintaining your plants. If you have a space similar to Pamela's, you can follow suit with her sunrise routine.

"Good morning, time to clean up the garden. Early bird gets the first worm. There's lots of peppers still, tomatoes and carrots," says Pamela.

The Baywatch star begins with pruning her taller rose plants that grow in the multiple raised beds she has in her large garden. Using an essential garden tool, secateurs, to prune the roses properly and maximise blooming for next year.

Aside from maintenance, she also ticks off lots of harvesting. If you're new to vegetable gardening this year, you'll be just as impressed as we are by the size and shape of Pamela's pepper, tomato and carrot crops.

Although this season can be rather gloomy, we're also inspired by the magic that can be found in the garden this time of year. And once again, Pamela has us romanticising the everyday. "I love the sunrise in the garden, all the magical fall light," she says.

And perhaps the most important garden job of all? Saying morning to the dogs. Her golden retriever and two chocolate labradors are more than happy to join in on the autumnal garden maintenance.

And whilst Pamela mainly showed her overflowing raised beds, there's also maintenance to be done on any patches of grass you may have. Learning some autumn lawn care tips can help ensure your lawn stays healthy over winter and looks just as good come springtime.

Now that the cold weather has finally arrived, it doesn't feel quite so scandalous to start talking about all things Christmas. And we couldn't be happier about the timing because Next has some pretty magical light-up pieces of decor we just had to share.

If you were across the trends last year, you may have seen the viral light-up gingerbread Christmas tree skirt from Next. It was an immediate sell-out, so we were positively jumping for joy when it restocked this year. Unfortunately, that specific colourway is sold out once again, but fear not, because Next is seriously delivering the goods with other light-up pieces.

So whether you're looking to update your Christmas decorating ideas or add a touch more dazzling magic to the festive season, here are some of our top picks from Next's illuminated accessories.

While we're big fans of having the best Christmas tree lights and outdoor lights, there's something so whimsical about having other decorations illuminating your home during the festive period.

Next, they've really levelled up their game with must-have Christmas products this year, with affordable trend-led items and high-quality timeless pieces to choose from. Whether or not you like to add personality to your home during the holidays, their range has something for everyone's taste.

But we must admit their light-up products hold a special place in our hearts as they not only can help make a dark room brighter during the winter but they add a touch of magic too.

If you want to peek at other retailers, we've also compiled a list of our favourite pieces from the M&S Christmas shop. But we're warning you: your basket will fill up very quickly.

Home renovations and DIY projects are all good in theory, but there’s always more to it than meets the eye, as Alex Jones is learning.

Alex has been sharing the progress of overhauling her retro 1980s home, and while she’s excited about the prospect of getting started on the huge project to transform her dream home, she realised she has to face a very ominous question: "Where are we going to live?"

In a new social media video, she revealed the dilemma she’s facing contemplating living in a caravan as the colder months draw in – and the surprising yet 'very helpful' advice she’s received from Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud, who has overseen his fair share of renovations and transformations.

Alex Jones home renovation advice shared by Kevin McCloud

Alex explains in the video, “We are rewiring, we're replumbing; it's a year's project at least. Do you want to hear [her husband] Charlie's idea? We should hoist a static caravan over the trees and put it here."

She reveals she went straight to Kevin to ask for his frank, professional advice - and his insight may be useful for anyone contemplating their own home projects in the future.

Kevin called it a "great idea" and his top tip is to "always stay on site if you can" when a renovation project is taking place.

He told Alex that what he would personally do to elevate the experience is add a cheap shed as an extension to the static caravan. That way, you keep "your coats, your wellies, your washing machine and a tumble dryer in the shed", and keep the caravan relatively decluttered and a home away from home.

Alex sounded relatively unconvinced, even by Kevin. And there’s something she absolutely won’t do: "I am not living in a static caravan for Christmas." We’re not sure even the expert tips to make a space feel cosy will be enough; stocking up on electric heaters might be wise, Alex.

Ending the video, Alex currently thinks they might move into the caravan in the early spring to avoid the coldest winter months, and asked her followers for any advice or input; there were many who were quick to offer their own experiences.

One wrote, "We did it when we renovated with a 2 and 4 [year old], they loved it! My advice, though, is to get a double-glazed one if you will be in it during colder months. We hired a container for all the extra ‘stuff’”.

Another who was on team caravan shared, "We loved our statics - nearly 3 years in them whilst we totally renovated the house. Actually, I was sad to leave them. A simple life altogether. We had one to live in and one to sleep in. Joined by a deck made of pallets!”

Of course, not everyone is as sold on the idea. “No, don’t! We’ve built a house, we know! Just the paperwork/plans, etc will take up a whole caravan. Rent somewhere within 10 minutes of the house/schools.”

Christmas is candle season. From fresh, pine-scented fragrances that bring the winter outdoors in through to warming, spiced notes that make your home feel extra cosy, it’s the perfect time to discover your next signature scent. And what better way to do so than with a candle advent calendar?

Candle advent calendars are the indulgent little treat for you and your home and the choice is wider than you might expect, too. Some feature delicate scented tealights for an evening’s ambience, others offer miniature votives, while curated collections bring together festive favourites from multiple fragrance brands.

Whilst we have a dedicated team working on the best beauty and fragrance advent calendars, as a qualified Master Perfumer, I’ve put my nose to the test to find the best candle advent calendars for Christmas. These are my top picks for beautiful fragrance, festive charm and versatility, with options to suit different tastes, homes and budgets.

Our Favourite Candle Advent Calendars: a treat for the whole home

Candle advent calendars have been growing in popularity for the past few years, but this Christmas, the choice feels bigger than ever. Diptyque’s coveted luxury candle (with this year’s launch just around the corner) and Yankee Candle’s limited-edition collections have long been festive fixtures, but now brands including Woodwick, John Lewis, Voluspa, The White Company and St Eval are making a stronger bid for a place on your shelf. And, our team has given them the highest praise.

Amongst friends and family, I have a reputation for picking the best home candles and fragrances. I light them in the evenings to create a little atmosphere or as part of my wind-down routine, so I was predisposed to love the idea. What surprised me, though, was just how much joy I got from a candle advent calendar, and how quickly that enjoyment spread to my family, too.

I know I shouldn’t have favourites, but St Eval’s calendar has a particularly special place in my heart. Cornwall holds fond memories for me, so I was delighted to discover it last Christmas. I bought one for my mum too, knowing she would love it and I received daily updates and photos of her candles glowing at home, along with her thoughts on each fragrance note. It became a little festive ritual we’ve talked about all year, eagerly anticipating the return of our daily candle moment.

Now that December is on the horizon, I’ve ordered another calendar for my mum and will be doing the same for myself and a friend with a November birthday too. It's a treat that makes your house smell delightful, so it's a gift that benefits everyone.

Over the years, we've tried lots of different advent calendars: the classic chocolate collections, the cute Bonne Maman spread calendar, but, of course, candle calendars has taken the top spot. I can't overstress how much of a treat these are to light every day. Whether you're looking for a way to explore a brand you love or for a mix of different discoveries, there's one for you. Whichever you choose, a cosy Christmas awaits.

With the autumn months here, our gardens have started to change, but in ways we perhaps didn't expect. One of these unusual changes you may have noticed is your spring bulbs sprouting earlier than normal.

If you've followed the recommended timeline for when to plant your spring bulbs that you might have already done all your planting in September hoping for early spring blooms. However, with the changes in seasonal climates in recent years, this normal growth pattern from plants like tulips and daffodils is at risk of altering.

So if you are planting and growing tulips this year, but have noticed they've uncharacteristically begun sprouting in October, don't panic; you're not alone.

If you've been outside completing your October gardening jobs, you may have seen some surprising growth action in your spring bulb pots. Turns out it might be rather common this year.

"Something you might find rather interesting is that these tulips that I planted last year, they flowered, they did amazing, they died off, but they seem to be coming back in October," starts Ish Kamran, garden expert and designer at @gardening.with.ish on Instagram.

"Last time I checked, tulips come out from March, April time. So, why so early?" he asks.

"As you probably know, the weather and season and even the climate have changed quite a bit over the last few years and tulips just aren't used to it. They're used to a slightly colder winter which kick-starts them, and then a springtime," says Ish.

"But you may notice that the weather hasn't really felt autumnal, but has felt a little more like spring. We've had cold mornings with dew, and we've even had nice warm days throughout," he continues.

You won't have to totally give up hope on your bulbs giving you a colour spring display; they'll just need a little help to get through the colder months.

"So, these tulips, unfortunately, think it's spring. What on earth do we do next?" Ish says.

"Well, here's the situation. Two things might happen. They may actually grow and form tulips, but chances are it's going to get colder in the next couple of months, and these are just going to lie dormant as foliage only until spring next year," he explains.

"All you really need to do is just get a good layer of multi-purpose compost or some mulch straight over the top. As a result, they'll be absolutely fine, and the bulb will be protected from excess moisture which might rot it away, and it'll carry on as normal in spring," Ish adds.

When sorting your garden out this month, don't worry too much if your spring bulbs have plants; just give them that extra layer of protection and be ready to enjoy them next year.

"So if your tulips, your daffodils or even your alliums are coming out a little too early, don't worry; they'll be ready for next year," Ish finishes.

Susanna Reid likes her home to be “warm, welcoming and comfortable”, a personal space where perfection is left firmly at the door.

The Good Morning Britain presenter, who is thought to live in South London with her three sons, Sam, Jack and Finn, shared her philosophy on interior design, revealing how "comfort" and character are the most important considerations when it comes to decor.

Speaking exclusively with woman&home to celebrate our 100th issue, when describing her interior style, Susanna revealed that her home is "tidy-ish but not decluttered". Music to our ears; we are also big fans of the curated clutter trend.

Susanna goes on to tell w&h: "There are books and pictures and photographs everywhere. Lots of colour and flowers."

From this answer, we’re guessing Susanna might be a fan of the Bookshelf Wealth trend, a look and lifestyle choice that has been bubbling away for years on social media.

One thing is clear about this trend: It’s not about looking perfect or forcing a trend into your home that doesn’t feel authentic; it’s about curating items that are an extension of your memories, treasures and interests.

It’s a great way to make a home feel cosy and give your home personality. Susanna might favour books and pictures, but you can recreate the aesthetic your own way.

"We love that the trend encourages people to display pieces they genuinely love, moving away from the pressure to conform to a cookie-cutter home," Charley Morgan, interior designer and director at Violet James Studio, previously told us.

"It inspires us to collect and curate meaningful ornaments and books, items that can evoke happy memories when glimpsed on your shelf.”

For Susanna, it’s these personal touches that make a home feel lived in and inviting, and it’s important that she feels “comfortable and cosy”.

What we love about what she shared is that she extends this feeling to every room, creating spaces to come together and connect beyond the living room. Perhaps unconventionally, she revealed she has a sofa in the kitchen - and it evokes this sense of slow living and not rushing the moment.

Describing how she’s created a space for people to wile away the hours in the heart of the home, she was quick to describe the kitchen sofa as one of her favourite pieces in her home.

She said, "I love the leather sofa in my kitchen for people to relax while I cook and don’t subscribe to the built-in kitchen look - I want people to know where the fridge is!"

It's a great argument for thinking beyond the living room. Create places where people can come just to be together.

Cosy season is officially here, and the homebodies amongst us are rejoicing. As social calendars begin to thin and the weather starts to turn, most of us are preparing to spend more time indoors over the coming months.

Whether you embrace full hibernation mode or not, knowing how to make a home feel cosy is the key to enjoying the colder months. Because at this time of year, our homes really do become a sanctuary. Equipped with the right cosy home essentials, they become a warm hug at the end of a long day; a place to feel cosy as the outdoors become increasingly colder and darker.

This autumn, I'm determined to make my home feel cosier. I wanted to make one change in each room so I could enjoy that cosy feeling throughout the house, and I've been surprised at just how much of a difference each change has made.

The small changes I've made to every room to make my home cosier

Simple rituals to reset your home for autumn can have a big impact. This isn't about spending a lot of money or buying loads of new stuff; it's about simple, meaningful changes that make you enjoy your home a bit more.

The changes I made might look different from yours. The key is that they make your home feel cosier, in whatever way that looks like for you.

Living room: I've added a cordless lamp

When I think of a cosy home, I instantly think of lamps. Lamps can transform a room's atmosphere, and they go a long way toward making a space feel warm and inviting by layering lighting.

My living room lighting needed an upgrade, so I added one small rechargeable lamp to our side table, and it's made the biggest difference. I've actually had this lamp for a while, but it's been hidden away in a cupboard for most of the year because I couldn't quite find the right place for it.

That feels silly to me now given how much I've been enjoying using it in the evening. Putting my little lamp on before I watch something on the telly has become a routine, and that's one of my best tips for making a home feel cosier: bring things in that will help signify to your brain that it's time to relax. That could be lighting a candle, using an oil diffuser, or simply switching a lamp on.

Kitchen: I've added a retro appliance

Making a kitchen feel cosy is something I've always found tricky. Mine serves as more of a practical space, and even after doubling my small kitchen's storage with some handy solutions, I've never really been able to bring much in to make it feel cosy.

This autumn, I had the idea to turn the practical into the pretty. I might not have enough room to bring in fancy lamps and prints (lucky you if you do), but I can make what I have in there look better. Enter, my new favourite thing: a retro-design toaster.

I would never have thought a toaster could make my kitchen feel cosier, but it has. The classic retro design reminds me of being at my Nana's house when I was little, and that sense of nostalgia goes a long way in making a home feel more cosy. I'd really recommend trying retro-style appliances if you're wanting to embrace a rustic, 'farmhouse' kitchen aesthetic.

Bedroom – I added cushions to the bed

I think making a bedroom feel cosy is at the top of our priority list this time of year, and before you add anything, I'd recommend decluttering the bedroom first. A calm, clutter-free space is the foundation on which a cosy bedroom is built.

To make my bedroom feel cosier, I added a couple of cushions to the bed. Not exactly groundbreaking, but I'd always thought of cushions as belonging on the couch in the living room. I didn't really see the point of having them on the bed as they'd just get tossed on the floor at the end of each day.

Now, my bedroom wouldn't feel the same without them. They've made a world of difference to how inviting the space feels, whenever I nip it into it during the day and especially when I go to bed at night. And while they do go on the floor once we're actually in bed, they've already served their purpose – they've made the bedroom feel cosier, which is a huge win.

Hallway – I painted my storage unit

The last change I made to create a cosy home was probably the most out there. I don't know if I can claim this change was small; it took up the best part of a weekend, but I can say that it was worth it.

The storage unit in my hallway was previously plain white, but I've always had a feeling that a brighter colour would transform the space. For someone who tends to play it safe with neutral colour schemes, blue felt like a bold choice, but I'm honestly so glad I tried it. Bringing a bit of colour in has made my hallway look more welcoming, which I think becomes even more important at this time of year. After a blustery walk outdoors, it's so nice to step into a warm and welcoming space.

And a fresh lick of paint has done exactly that for me. If there are any paint trends you're thinking of trying this fall, I'd recommend opting for colours that you feel personally drawn to.

For me, the blue I chose from Fenwick & Tilbrook made me think of coastal homes and walks by the sea, and it's made me smile every time I've walked through the door.

After making one change to each room, I feel like I've created the perfect cosy home. As I said earlier, the changes you could make in your home might look different to mine, but I'd recommend leaning into things that will bring you the most joy. That's what a cosy home is all about, after all.

From cosy cushions and beautifully scented candles to clever kitchen gadgets and garden accessories, the best gifts for home lovers make everyday life feel a little more special.

Whether they’re passionate about interiors, happiest in the kitchen, or love nothing more than pottering in the garden, we’ve rounded up our favourite finds for every kind of homebody. Think characterful homeware, thoughtful finishing touches and little luxuries that bring style and personality to everyday living.

Consider this your edit of the gifts worth adding to your Christmas list for friends and family who appreciate the finer details of home life. And if a little something here catches your eye, there’s no harm in dropping a few hints of your own…

Stocking Fillers – gifts under £25

Gifts under £50

Gifts under £100

Little luxuries... gifts over £100

Stacey Solomon recently swapped Pickle Cottage for a new Essex mansion, and one of the first major transformations she’s taken on is in the boys’ upstairs bathroom.

Sharing her first look at the completed bathroom renovation, awash with a colour-drenched tangerine hue, matching the orange bath suite with vertical-stripe walls and matching accessories, Stacey acknowledged it wasn’t going to be to everyone's taste.

Fortunately, the dopamine decor was doing its job as intended for her and her family. She wrote, “I’m ready for people to hate this… But honestly I love it so, so much. As soon as I saw this tangerine bath set, I fell in love with it. I just couldn’t throw it away."

"I have plenty of rooms to be neutral in, but this is the boys' upstairs bathroom [and] they LOVE this colour, so I got to have so much fun in here bringing colour back to life," Stacey explains. "This room now just makes me happy as soon as I open the door. It’s so bright and cheerful".

Considering this bathroom is for her boys, Stacey was right to focus on bringing a bit of cheer and something that makes them happy.

Even with her bold choices for her boys, she still added subtle touches that help make a bathroom look expensive. In amongst the sea of tangerine, elevated touches like the brassware and shower head.

These refined touches contrast so beautifully with the unexpected colour scheme, making it look intentionally colourful and not haphazard or garish.

“When it comes to bathroom design, a few carefully selected pieces of brassware can make all the difference," says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. "If budgets are tight, choosing to update brassware or to go for more expensive brassware compared to your ceramics can provide a more luxurious and high-end finish to your bathroom."

By adding the wall point in vertical stripes, Stacey has also kept some of the important style rules for a bathroom. A bathroom should always feel more open, airy and light. It’s a place to relax, to unwind.

While some typically do this by sticking to rigid neutrals, earthy tones or bringing in plants and other outdoor-in vibes, Stacey has opted to make the room feel bigger and brighter, drawing the eye up with the vertical stripes and the sunny colour.

While the colour is undeniably the first thing anyone will notice - and perhaps the only thing some might get stuck on - Stacey decorated the room with other fun flourishes and touches that make this room feel personable and perfect for her family.

The use of an abstract, fun-shaped mirror, for example. The soft, fluid shape feels young and playful, adding whimsy and breaking up the straight lines of the wall paint. Then there’s the amusing ‘Get Naked’ bath mat.

For those who take interior design very seriously, this might not seem chic. But Stacey is clearly thinking about the people who’ll be using each room - there’s always space for following trends in other rooms, but it’s a family home first and foremost.

Despite bracing for many to hate the room, Stacey’s fans were full of praise in the comments. One person wrote, ‘To be honest, it's nice to see something with a bit of personality as opposed to neutrals & greys that have engulfed the past decade!’

Another shared, ‘Omg it looks absolutely amazing! Never did I think I could love an orange bathroom suite so much! Well done’

What do we think, could this usher in the era of the 1970s colourful bathroom suite? Time will tell…

When it comes to cast iron casserole dishes, everyone thinks about Le Creuset. However, IKEA has bought the Swedish touch to the famously French casserole dish design offering quality and design for a reasonable price tag.

Over the years, my arguments for investing in Le Creuset casserole dishes have grown. However, having seen what the new IKEA Vardagen Casserole Dish collection has to offer, I have to say that I'm tempted.

Crafted with premium cast iron, coasted in non-toxic enamel, and available in rich, classy colours, these have the credentials of the best casserole dishes on the market. My Le Creuset has reason to be worried this season.

IKEA Vardagen Casserole Dish Launch

IKEA’s Vardagen cast iron casserole dish range is the epitome of affordable luxury, bringing the timeless appeal of French-inspired cookware to a much more accessible price point. With its reassuring weight, enamelled finish and clever design details, this quality cookware that you'll be passing down through the generations. Better still, the colour palette is as inviting as the cooking itself, with butter-yellow and soft pink shades that bring to mind scoops of your favourite ice cream, alongside a rich, earthy green that feels perfectly suited to autumn’s cosier cooking.

Beneath those pretty finishes, there’s some seriously capable cookware. Each casserole dish is crafted from cast iron, a durable material prized for its excellent heat retention and even heat distribution. Once heated, it holds its temperature beautifully, making it ideal for everything from gently simmering soups and slow-cooked stews to bubbling gratins and crusty, oven-baked dishes. The versatility is another welcome advantage: these casseroles are suitable for all hob types, including induction, and can move straight from the hob into the oven, making them a practical investment piece for cooks who want one hardworking piece to do it all.

IKEA has finished the cast iron with an enamel coating, which makes the collection considerably easier to care for than traditional, uncoated cast iron. There’s no need to season the surface with oil to maintain a protective patina, while the smooth, glazed interior helps food release more easily and makes cleaning simpler. The non-reactive enamel is particularly useful when cooking acidic ingredients, too, so you can confidently simmer tomato-rich sauces, wine-based casseroles and slow-cooked ragù without worrying about the ingredients reacting with the metal. It’s a thoughtful combination of old-fashioned durability and modern-day convenience.

The lids are another detail worth appreciating. Rather than a completely flat underside, they feature a spiral of raised nodules designed to encourage condensation to collect and drip back into the pot. This self-basting effect helps retain moisture during long, gentle cooking, keeping ingredients succulent and allowing flavours to develop beautifully. When the evenings draw in and cosy season calls for a slow-cooked stew, a rich vegetable casserole or a comforting one-pot supper.

Perhaps most reassuring is IKEA's promise. The brand backs its cast iron casserole dishes with a 15-year guarantee, an exceptionally generous commitment that reinforces their long-term value. This is the guarantee that you'll only see amongst premium brands such as STAUB and Le Creuset.

Cast iron is already renowned for its longevity when cared for properly, and the combination of a robust construction, protective enamel and extended guarantee makes this collection feel like a considered purchase rather than an everyday kitchen buy.

Affordable Cast Iron Casserole Dishes

If you love the look of the IKEA Vardagen Casserole Dish collection, but want to take a look at what else is on the market, here are some of my favourite cast iron casserole dishes:

The casserole-dish-equivalent of the cherry on top of this whole collection is that IKEA is offering 20% off the collection in store at the moment. So, whether you're stocking up on affordable luxuries to make your home feel cosy, or you're looking for some new non-toxic cookware, you're in for a treat. Once you've got your oven mitts on one, make sure to take a look at Em The Nutritionist's delicious one-pot recipe inspiration too.

Now that autumn has settled in, you’re no doubt looking forward to cosy nights in, where warming interiors and good food are non-negotiables.

As you get your favourite autumnal kitchenware out, you’ll no doubt have plenty of recipes in mind as the nights draw in. And what would a hearty lasagna, a warming stew or any other cold-weather staple be without plenty of garlic?

And just like growing your own thyme, growing garlic when you know how. Gardening expert Ish Kamran (@gardening.with.ish) shared how to grow your own from nothing more than one clove from your latest supermarket bulb.

How to grow garlic from shop bought garlic

Sharing with his followers, Ish explains, "You don't need any kind of fancy seeds to grow your very own garlic bulbs. You just need one bought from the shop.”

His expertise comes in handy here as he also explains that, when it comes to growing your own, not all garlic is equal. He prefers to use organic or locally sourced garlic because, unlike the ones often found in supermarkets that originate from China, they are more likely to grow bigger.

He continued, "Just one garlic bulb will grow between six and eight of your very own garlic plants because it's not the bulb you bury, but the individual clove and you'll get plenty of those."

Now, for the hard part - which he explains is not hard at all. In fact, garlic is not only one of the foods you can grow in pots if you’re low on space, but it also requires little maintenance.

He shared, "Planting garlic is incredibly easy and, in terms of maintenance, even easier. You can have this in the ground or in a pot. They don't need a massive amount of room, but give them plenty of room and the bulb will get bigger."

Explaining why now is the best time to do this for a healthy crop in the spring, he explained, "You can plant these directly, as I'm about to do here and leave them over the course of winter and they'll take care of themselves. It's actually the cold snap which splits each individual clove up to make even more cloves and make a successful bulb.

"If you keep it in a greenhouse throughout the course of the winter, you'll end up with one giant bulb and none of these individual cloves."

Now for the specifics. When planting up your garlic, you want to leave them about three to four inches apart just so they've got enough nutrients.

Ish adds, "A good multi-purpose compost, either from the shop or from your own compost heap, will help massively with giving it the beneficial things it needs to grow. "

In terms of planting the garlic, you want to put the pointy end at the top and the flat bit at the bottom, pushing it down to about double the depth of the actual bulb.

Once watered, simply leave it outside and let the elements take care of the rest.

With his final advice, Ish explained, "In terms of growth, you might get a few green shoots here and there, but don't worry about it; leave as is. In the spring they'll get nice and bushy; make sure you keep this well watered, don't let it dry out and then from June/July onwards you'll start to see the foliage die off and that's when your garlic bulbs are ready to pull and you'll have one of these from a clove.

It really is that simple.

If there's one thing that can put a dampener on a nice glass of wine, it's a bottle that drips all over the table. Ice buckets are brilliant for keeping wine chilled, but the soggy labels, slippery bottles, and inevitable puddles are less than ideal.

Thankfully, Ruth Langsford has found a clever way around an ice bucket. Usually, we're looking for her seasonal design tips and tricks, but her latest Instagram post reveals something else. Following her admission that she "love{s} a gadget," she reveals a £30 discovery that chills wine from inside aerates the wine before pouring it into your glass.

It sounds like a handy addition to have for dinner parties and wine nights and Ruth has been putting it to the test. As she delivers her verdict, she also has some great advice for how to keep every last drop in your glass.

Just watching Ruth use the wine cooling accessory is tempting. It's such a simple idea and a really easy gift to add to your pre-Christmas shopping list for hosting and for giving to your friends and family.

The way the wine cooler works is also really simple. Pop the cooling rod into the freezer until it's properly cold. Ruth shows hers and you can see the icy frost on the metal. Then, once your wine has been chilled in the fridge, pour yourself a glass before screwing the cooling stick into the bottle. This is an important step, as Ruth demonstrates. If you don't pour a glass, your wine will spill and you'll lose some precious drops. Once you've screwed the pouring attachment, on, you can get a smooth pout from the integrated spout.

Ruth does have one small caveat, explaining that "the pour, I should say, is quite slow, so you'll have to be patient." The slower flow is worth bearing in mind if you're serving guests, although the cooling rod is designed to keep the wine chilled whilst aerating it and deepening the flavours as you pour.

But once it's in place, the cooling stick stays in the bucket to help keep your wine chilled as you sip, without the need for a "drippy bucket", as Ruth puts it There's also a stopper to seal the bottle if you don't finish it all, which is a thoughtful touch for those who prefer to savour a glass or two over an evening.

We've tracked down the exact match for Ruth's wine cooler stick, alongside a few alternatives that can help you keep your bottle chilled without the drips.

For £30, Ruth’s cooling stick is a clever little buy for anyone who loves a chilled glass of wine without the fuss of an ice bucket. The slower pour might require a little patience, but the promise of fewer drips on the table and wine that stays cool while you catch up with friends makes this a handy hosting gadget. Just remember Ruth’s golden rule: pour a glass first.

You don't need a cottage in the Cotswolds to bring a little countryside charm into your home. In fact, some of the loveliest ways to make a space feel more connected to nature are wonderfully simple: a vase of garden flowers, a linen cushion, a woven basket or the warm glow of a table lamp.

Countryside styling, also known as Cottagecore, embraces all the cosiness that the season needs. It's all about soft greens, gentle blues, woods, and wickers with botanical prints and cosy textures that make your home instantly feel more welcoming.

And nobody styles it better than renowned designer, Sophie Allport. We asked her for her tips on bringing the countryside into your home. She has six simple tricks up her sleeve for getting a cosier look and feel in every room. And if you need a place to start, her new rug collection has been the talk of the woman&home team.

1. Bring the outdoors in with flowers and foliage

Sophie's first tip is also our favourite way to fall back in love with your home, especially if you're on a budget. "I've always believed that bringing the outdoors in is one of the easiest ways to make a home feel warm and welcoming," says Sophie Allport. She recommends starting with something simple, such as a few flowers, freshly cut branches, or even some greenery. You can bring the hedgerow home in a tablescape or dot decorations around the home. "It's such an affordable way to bring colour, texture, and seasonality indoors," she says. And if you can't get access to green space, there are plenty of artificial flowers that have the same effect.

2. Choose natural materials

Whether you're looking at the layers in your lounge or your autumnal bedding, Sophie recommends paying attention to texture. "I'm always drawn to natural materials, such as linen, cotton, wood, and wicker," says Sophie. She recommends choosing soft colours, such as earthy greens, gentle blues, and warm neutrals, layered as woven baskets, cosy throws, and wooden finishes. Sophie explains that natural materials bring an instant sense of warmth and texture when they're layered together, to curate "a space that feels relaxed and lived in."

3. Create cosiness and consistency

Getting cosy is about looking for your simple comforts, but also keeping consistent. Sophie always relies on a soft throw, her favourite mug for a nice cup of tea, and some soft candlelight (we love these autumnal candles for the scent of the season). It's a formula that works for her, but she cautions against overdoing your soft furnishings.

When you're layering cushions, throws and other soft furnishings, more isn't necessarily more. “I like to keep the colour palette fairly consistent and then layer different textures within those tones," explains Sophie. "Linen, knitted fabrics, soft cottons and wool work beautifully together.”

4. Give your hallway some country charm

The entrance hall sets the tone for the rest of your home, which is why it's important to see it as a place for warmth and style as well as a practical space where hallway storage is important.

A few considered details can make the entrance feel welcome before you've even taken your coat off. “I think it's the little touches that make people feel instantly at home," says Sophie, "I love welcoming guests with a beautifully dressed hallway or entrance, soft candlelight and a touch of seasonal foliage.”

5. Lighting makes a big difference

If you only have an hour and a small budget, you don't need to redecorate. Instead, look at the lighting. “I'd start by introducing soft lighting and a few layers of texture," says Sophie, "Simply switching on lamps instead of overhead lights, lighting a candle and adding a cosy throw to a chair or sofa can completely change the mood of a room.”

It's a particularly easy trick to try as the evenings get darker, and one that can make even a modern room feel instantly warmer. I also like to look at LED candles, also known as flameless candles, because these create wonderful ambiance without any fire risk.

Sophie Allport is the perfect person to prove that the beauty of countryside style is that it doesn't require a country address. Her collection of botanical designs and natural colours are an easy way to create a home that feels warm, relaxed and connected to the natural world.

And you don't need to overhaul your interiors to get there. Start with a vase of flowers, a soft throw or a warmer lamp, then layer in the textures and colours you love. And, if you get stuck, just have a browse on Sophie Allport's website. It's where I spend far too much of my free time...

The best barbecues aren't just for summer. From Halloween gatherings and Bonfire Night suppers to crisp autumn evenings and festive get-togethers, a compact gas grill can help you make more of your outdoor space all year round. Add a cosy blanket and a hot chocolate, and even a chilly evening in the garden has its appeal.

The Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill makes a compelling case for keeping the barbecue season going. With two stainless steel burners for precise temperature control, a compact design and wheels for easy manoeuvring, it's a versatile option for smaller gardens and patios, whether you're cooking a quick Friday-night dinner or entertaining outdoors.

We put it to the test with our Tester Network to see how it performed through the end of the Summer months and into the early Autumn - and to find out whether it's the perfect patio companion.

Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill review

• RRP: £384.99
• Assembled dimensions with lid open: 131 x 112 x 51 cm (HWD)
• Weight: 23 kgs
• Fuel type: portable propane
• Stand: built-in folding scissor cart with wheels and straps
• Main cooking area: 54 x 37cm
• Burners: 2 stainless steel zones
• Heat Output: 4.1 kW
• Materials: dual stainless steel burners, a high-topped cast aluminium lid, and porcelainized cast-iron WAVE™ cooking grids
• Warranty: 10 years

Who would the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill suit?

• Small gardens and patios that deserve a quality barbecue: If you have a courtyard or compact patio, you'll know that every inch of outdoor space counts. Whilst we have plenty of tips for maximising space, the Napoleon takes a clever approach to compact designs. An integrated scissor cart that makes it easy to wheel out when dinner is on the menu, then fold away to reclaim your space afterwards.
• Passionate cooks who want char-grilled flavour: A compact footprint doesn't have to mean compromising on what you can cook. The high-topped lid gives you more room and versatility than you might expect from a portable grill, with our tester reporting that it can roast whole chickens as well as cook kebabs and burgers. She also praised the two burners for their precise temperature control, making it a good fit for confident home cooks who want more than the basics from their barbecue.
• Outdoor entertainers who want to cook beyond summer: If you love hosting, there's no need to pack away your barbecue as soon as the temperature drops. This portable model makes it easier to serve freshly grilled food at autumn gatherings, Bonfire Night suppers and even festive get-togethers, without needing a large outdoor kitchen. It's best suited to those who want the flexibility to cook outdoors when the occasion calls for it, rather than reserving the barbecue for a handful of sunny weekends.

What is the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill like to use?

One of the biggest draws of the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill is how effortlessly it fits into even the most compact garden. Our tester, Lucy, praised the integrated scissor cart "it's really easy to open out to create a raised cooking station, with wheels that make it easy to put in place." When you're finished cooking, Lucy adds, the cart folds away, which is particularly useful if you don't have the space for a barbecue set-up.

To assess how well the Napoleon performs in practice, Lucy put it through a rage of tests. Burgers and kebabs were a classic choice for an end of summer meal. Lucy was "impressed with how evenly the burgers browned as well as the way that the kebabs held together, tenderised, and tasted in under ten minutes."

Lucy was also impressed with the trademarked WAVE cooking grids, which Napoleon uses to get satisfying sear marks on her burgers, halloumi, and sausages. "The family were seriously impressed, because they make the food look the part." She added "this is a really unique barbecue, because it's so petite and easy to use, you don't expect to get such incredible results."

Lucy's testament is why Napoleon barbecues have seen such success over the years. They offer precision temperature control, fast heat-up, and versatility through small features, which make a big difference when you're working with the oven for a nice grilled barbecue dinner.

As the weather cooled down and we moved into October, Lucy added to her tests with some larger dishes, including a whole chicken. She said "the large, high lid made it easy to pop this in for a low and slow cook and I actually found that the temperature regulation was really good. The roast chicken was a great success with the family. My next plan is to roast some vegetables too."

Once all the cooking was wrapped up, cleaning was really easy. The grill wipes down and "looked as good as new" in spite of multiple days of testing, with the occasional, accidental burnt kebab.

Alternatives to the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill

Portable barbecues are a competitive, ever-expanding category and we've been making our way through the different models. Here are some of the best alternatives to the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill:

Should you buy the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill?

The Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X proves that a good barbecue doesn't need to be big to earn its place in your garden. Teamed with clever lighting tips to make your garden look bigger, the barbecue will make the most compact patio feel like a paradise.

Its clever folding cart, precise temperature controls and versatile cooking space make it a practical choice for smaller spaces and anyone who wants to enjoy outdoor cooking beyond the summer months. While it's an investment for a portable model, the added flexibility means there's plenty of scope to get more use out of it, from casual Friday-night dinners to autumn entertaining. If you're reluctant to pack away the barbecue just because the evenings are getting cooler, this is a model worth considering.

How we test BBQs

The apoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill was reviewed by xxx who is part of our tester network. Here's a little more about why she's the perfect person for the job...

Although summer is over, there's lots to get done in the garden this season, not only to keep the space thriving but to ensure your plants survive the winter months. And your lawn is no exception.

Whilst you might not have yet added autumn lawn care tips to your list of gardening jobs to get done this October, it's important to not completely neglect your grass. With the incredibly dry and hot summer we've had this year, your grass has probably taken a bit of a beating, so it's more crucial than ever to give it some attention.

So, before the overly wet weather arrives, gardening professional Monty Don, presenting on BBC Gardeners' World, has instructed homeowners to get outside and aerate their lawns.

Don't make a common autumn gardening mistake and assume all your lawn care is over for the year; there are still some pretty important tasks to get ticked off to ensure your grass thrives through the winter months too.

"Now that we've had some rain, the ground is soft enough to aerate any lawns or mown grass. Use a fork and simply stick it in regularly as deep as you can," begins Monty.

"Give it a good wiggle to open the holes up, then get some sharp sand, spread it generously over the area that you've aerated, and brush the sand in firmly with a stiff broom," he adds.

"This will improve drainage and aeration over winter," Monty explains.

Having a good lawn aerating tool, no matter what form it is in, is essential for a gardener's toolkit. The type of aerator you buy and use really depends on the size of your lawn. If you have a vast rolling lawn, then we'd definitely recommend investing in a motorised one.

However, if that's not the case, a small garden tip would be to pick up a garden fork or aerator shoes, which are great if you don't want to bend over or use a large tool.

And it's worth getting the right tool, as you'll need to aerate your lawn more often than you may think, so it's better to be prepared!

Along with your lawn care this season, it's a good idea to learn how to help wildlife during autumn too, as this is a time of year when food sources and shelter can be difficult to find for critters outside.

Ever wanted to look inside an Oscar-winner's home? If the answer's yes, Julianne Moore's home is the perfect place to start with its overflowing character and ahead-of-the-trends furniture.

Whether you're looking for ways to fall back in love with your home or simply want to add personality to your space, it's always a good idea to look elsewhere for inspiration. And what better source of inspiration than a professionally designed celebrity home like Julianne Moore's?

Not only can lots of style tips be found in the actress's home, but she's also surprisingly letting us in on the IKEA storage hack she uses to maximise storage in her kitchen.

Julianne's home design is a masterclass in creating a timeless space with heaps of character, and she's also kept the home's original style as a priority while adding her own touch.

"My taste is consistent, though it has evolved. I love modernism. But this apartment is prewar, and you have to address that. It's not tiny, but it's not massive, either, so materials and choices become even more important," Julianne tells Architectural Digest in her cover story interview.

In the same way, you can combine heirlooms with contemporary style; there's a true art in merging your home's individual style with your own. Keeping original fixtures like the decadent steel-framed windows and pairing them with modernist furniture in the kitchen has brought the space into the future without stripping it of its charm.

Another way we can see Julianne's mark on the space is with the wacky pieces of art and furniture she's dotted throughout the apartment- her very own brand of dopamine decor, you could say. From the wax baby to the neon pink plastic chair, there's no denying this is a tailored home.

However, one thing we can all relate to and share with the Hollywood star is her use of IKEA essentials for storage solutions.

"Okay, this I'm really proud of because this is IKEA. I needed a piece where I could have my dishes because we don't have a lot of storage in here. I was thinking about having something built, and then I found this, and then I put it together, and I was like, oh, my gosh, the colour is perfect," explains Julianne.

"I like the industrial quality it has. And it ended up kind of going with everything," she adds.

If you're looking for ways to double your small kitchen's storage, then finding a piece like this KOLBJÖRN from IKEA is great for doing that without blowing your budget.

Of course, Julianne's home isn't exactly filled with IKEA pieces; however, this just shows how seamlessly functional, low-cost furniture can be added to your home no matter its aesthetic. And in fact, you can use low-effort interior design tips to transform your home and how you use it on the daily.

Another thing we love about Julianne's home is how she's utilised the curated clutter look to give the space a more homely feeling whilst also taking the opportunity to show off more of her unique decor pieces.

Sharon Stone has been celebrated for her bold movie choices and her ability to live out loud authentically throughout her decades-long career in Hollywood. So it should come as no surprise that this sense of self and freedom is mirrored in her interior design choices.

Offering a glimpse inside Sharon’s wonderfully characterful and intentionally curated interiors, the rug designer, Wendy Morrison, reveals how the icon has designed every room with its own character. Bringing together art, books, antiquities and vibrant colours, Sharon's home maximises every space.

One of the ultimate interior design lessons to take away from Sharon’s home is to treat the floor as a fifth wall. Consider it an extension of your chosen aesthetic, allowing rugs and carpet choices to create cohesion, amplify colour schemes and create focal points that capture the essence and mood of the space.

Throughout her Beverly Hills home, Sharon has made her maximalist Wendy Morrison Design rugs serve as the inspiration and founding theme - in a way, it’s almost as if she designed from the floor up.

In one room, an intricately detailed and ornate ‘Geisha Florals’ rug introduces the commanding theme and storytelling of the room.

In a living area, dopamine colours and vibrant hues are celebrated via the bold yellow rug paired with soft pink sofas. These colours, often found together in nature, are anchored by a visually striking abstract painting hung on the wall, a sea of blues, greens, and pinks that merge seamlessly with the colour found on every surface of the room.

In the bathroom, where harder surfaces and functional materials are often preferred for ease, Sharon’s unconventional use of textiles makes each room feel like they transition into the next.

Here, a grounding floral rug in a darker hue reflects the moody, natural tones of the large landscape mural, welcoming a sense of quiet beauty to the space. The dark tones of the art and the rug perfectly offset the polished gold of the clawfoot tub, offering a sense of quiet luxury and understated glamour.

The combination of bold, maximalist textiles with classic architectural details, like classic white panelled doors and elaborate wainscoting, creates focal points that make a statement without overwhelming a space.

Rather than treating the walls and floor as foundational, functional elements, Sharon’s choice of rugs and artwork is a perfect reminder of the power of details - of choosing accessories and furnishings with intentionality.

Don’t just rely on the biggest sofa trends or trending paint colours to define your room. Anything from a well-placed rug to a contrasting textile can create an undeniable sense of personality.

What does Mary Berry cook when the cameras are off and the family are gathered around the table? Rather wonderfully, the answer is very unfussy.

The queen of baking has opened the doors to her own kitchen with Mary All In One, a new cookbook that's packed with "the recipes we cook and enjoy at home" for midweek meals, lunches with friends, and cakes at the weekend.

Importantly though, there's one philosophy underpinning all 120 recipes. It's a practice that Mary confesses she's "always loved" for its simplicity. And we think you'll be delighted to find out what it is.

"We're all looking for ways to make life a little easier," Mary says, explaining the philosophy behind her new book. "I've always loved the simplicity of cooking everything together in one dish," she explains. rather than filling the kitchen with pots, pans, and lots of complicated steps, her 120 recipes make use of one pot, one pan, or one dish. It's the Dame's fuss-free way of catering for her family and friends.

Coincidentally, it's also a method that Em The Nutritionist promotes, as well as Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella, so Mary is in fabulous company for quick, healthy meals. Following one-pot recipes for a week made me fall back in love with a simpler way of cooking and Mary Berry's recipes have only made me more excited.

I've had a sneak peek inside Mary All In One and it's packed with recipe inspiration that is both exciting and modern, but still classically Mary Berry, It's easy to imagine her making Chicken Tartiflette or Tuna Pasta Bake on a Wednesday evening, but still inspiring to see that a Beef and Ale Casserole or Salted Caramel Brownies can be whipped up under the same one-pot practice.

If you like the sound of that, make sure you look at these three too, they're three of the best cookbooks for simple, one-pot cooking:

Cooking in one pan is a very Mary Berry approach to dinner. It's comforting, achievable, and saves on the washing up afterwards. In her book announcement, Mary says that she hopes that they will become "firm favourites" in every home, just as they have in hers. After just a glimpse at the recipes and the promise of less washing up and less faff, I'm certain we're all going to love them.

Who doesn't love it when everyday items are elevated with a designer touch? And better candidates for the designer treatment than doormats and hallway runners that have to work harder than ever when the weather turns.

Renowned designer Sophie Allport has collaborated with Hug Rug, the makers of washable rugs and runners, to do just that. As a fan of Sophie's country-style designs, I knew the results would be as pretty as they would be practical.

"We've chosen designs that are very special to us, including Bees, which has been part of our story since the very beginning, alongside Orchard Birds and Pheasant, both inspired by the British countryside that I love so much," says Founder Sophie Allport.

"We've also included our new Autumn Forage design, which I'm particularly excited about and can't wait to launch this season."

Hug Rug x Sophie Allport collection launch

As a former Shopping Editor at Country Homes & Interiors, I've been a huge fan of Sophie Allport's charming country illustrations for years. Her designs perfectly encapsulate the beauty of country living, so seeing some of her best-selling prints brought to life on washable flooring covers is a joy. Now I just need to decide which one to welcome into my home...

All Hug Rug doormats and runners feature non-slip rubber backing, which makes them extremely hardy. Each design is made in the UK from recycled nylon, which is surprisingly soft, making them not only practical for a front door but also comfy underfoot when used elsewhere around the home.

The practical floor coverings trap up to ‘95% of dirt, mud and moisture’ so it’s invaluable to be able to machine wash each one in a 30ºC wash.

About the Hug Rug x Sophie Allport doormats & runners

As we've seen from a previous Hug Rug collaboration with Graham & Brown, the essence of good design is at the heart of every brand partnership. “Sophie Allport is a brand I have long admired, so it is a very special moment to see our two brands coming together," says Lizzie Mosley, creative director at Hug Rug.

"As a British brand, we want to align ourselves with like-minded brands, tastemakers and creators to champion making and designing in Britain."

As a leading brand of washable mats and rugs, Hug Rug has always been passionate about creating rugs for homes that are as practical as they are beautiful, for which this collaboration ticks all the boxes.

Sophie adds: "We're so excited to be partnering with Hug Rug on this collection. It's been wonderful to see some of our most-loved designs transformed into beautiful, washable doormats and runners that bring colour, character and a warm welcome to the home."

"I love how these designs can brighten everyday spaces and add a touch of personality, whether they're by a front door, in a hallway or in a busy kitchen.

As a mum to three boys, I know how important it is to have products that not only look beautiful but can stand up to the demands of everyday family life. The fact that these mats and runners are washable makes them incredibly practical, helping to keep homes looking their best, whatever life throws at them."

All of these new designs are washable and ready for muddy boots and paws this autumn. Each is a washable 65cm x 85cm doormat or 65cm x 150cm runner, with prices starting from £58 at www.hugrug.co.uk

It doesn't take much for us to jump on the anti-big light bandwagon, but with the colder months finally here, Miranda Hart's cosy living room has officially sealed the deal on layered lighting reigning supreme.

If you haven't heard of layered lighting before, now is the time of year to get on board. It's a fantastic way to make your home cosy during the autumn and winter months, creating a more welcoming, relaxing environment in any space.

While it usually entails a few warm-toned lamps and some ambient wall lighting, the actress and now Traitors contestant Miranda Hart has taken it to the next level by adding extra illuminating layers.

Whether you want to make your bedroom cosier or are willing to try anything to keep the dreaded big light off, smaller light sources are the best place to start.

Although Miranda's living room is pretty spacious and has particularly high ceilings, from what we can see on her Instagram @realmirandahart, the space still feels intimate, homey and welcoming. And it's not just the warm minimalist aesthetic she seems to have adopted.

Miranda has a variety of lights in the one room, from the table lamp next to the sofas to the dual-sided wall sconces in the adjoining hallway. There's no sign of an overhead light.

It's also clear from the ambience that she's chosen the right light colour temperature for the room too, with most warm-toned lighting.

Of course, this type of lighting is a great way to make a dark room brighter, especially through the winter months, but it also creates a more relaxed atmosphere.

Looking at Miranda's living room, with low-level slouched sofas and a sunken floor, there's no denying that comfort is a priority in this space. The addition of numerous lamps and even a rather charming curtain of string lights only helps deliver on that.

You can recreate this in any room in your home; even if you want to make your kitchen cosier, some lamps dotted around, with a warm LED under-cabinet light, will do the trick. No more SAD interiors this winter.

If you want to take it a step further, you can add layered lighting to your garden too. This is a great way of keeping your garden functional even when the early nights hit.

The White Company advent calendar is making me even more excited to count down to Christmas, thanks to 25 draws of signature fragrances across a wealth of luxuriously indulgent products.

While it is considered one of the best beauty advent calendars, this year it is so much more – it's a treat for your home too.

Complete with two full-sized scented candles in Winter and Lime & Bay, a full-sized Amalfi Lemon room spray and three best-selling fragranced diffusers, this advent is as much about scent-scaping your home as it is about boosting your beauty regimen.

In addition to the delicious home fragrances, this year's product selection includes limited-edition hair care launches and two full-size Eau de Toilettes in Santa Rosa and Flowers.

The keepsake calendar celebrates seasonal rituals that help welcome moments of calm during the busy festive period, from lighting a scented candle to indulgent bathing essentials and replenishing creams.

The Seychelles Shampoo and Seychelles Conditioner from The White Company's best-selling scents are new to this year's calendar and are only available as part of the advent.

These new beauty additions sit alongside seven full-size products, including the Sea Salt Body Lotion and Seychelles Bath & Shower Gel.

A highlight for me is the variety of room fragrances. There's a scent for every season, ensuring these products last throughout the year.

The Fir Tree Mini Room Spray is perfect for emulating the scent of a real tree this Christmas. I'm hoping it's behind door two, so I can enjoy it for the duration of the tree being up, because with having an artificial tree, the scent is what I miss most.

Another big draw for me is the diffuser scents, which include the best-sellers Winter, Lime & Bay and Clementine & Juniper. Again, a keynote scent for every season to enjoy throughout 2027.

Naturally, because it's The White Company, even the box is a treat. Like an adorable festive dollhouse, the advent doors are hidden inside an elegant townhouse-inspired illustrated box. I'm already planning how to reuse the empty box post-Christmas, maybe for little ones to enjoy for years to come.

Priced at £195, despite the products being worth £336, it offers more for your money if you love these classics, plus it saves you searching The White Company's seasonal sale to secure discounts.

With a wider selection of advent calendars than ever before, it can feel overwhelming to choose one this year, but this one is the perfect gift for anyone who adores the signature style and scents synonymous with The White Company.

It's not every day we see a celebrity home undergo such a bold colour transformation, but Ashley James' living room makeover has us running to the nearest paint shop.

Light blue is one of the happiest paint colours you can add to your home, but often one that homeowners struggle to style in a sophisticated, elevated way. However, Ashley's inspirational room transformation proves why sky blue is classed as one of the best living room paint colours.

Don't believe us? Take one look at activist and broadcaster Ashley James' newly revamped colour-drenched living room to see the results.

Whether you're looking to make a small living room look bigger or add personality to your space like Ashley, a wash of colour and refreshed accessories are the way to go.

"I said to Tommy, 'Can we paint the living room bright blue?' and he said, 'Absolutely not', so I painted the living room bright blue. That's what you get when you tell me no," laughs Ashley.

"I've been obsessed with Pinterest images of bright blue houses. I love this room, but we never use it; don't look now because it is a storage heap," she explains.

We're glad we're not the only ones religiously following the Pinterest home decor trends.

"Welcome to the still not finished, but very exciting blue living room. Best thing about this is we've got blue shutters, love that, so we are gonna get curtains in," beams Ashley.

"This was my grandad's grandfather clock, aptly named, and he gave it to my mum. This was made by a female clockmaker; they were very rare, and so my grandad passed it onto my mum, saying it's for strong women, and she passed it to me as another strong woman," she says.

It's clear Ashley has mastered the art of styling a family heirloom in the home, as the grandfather clock seamlessly adds character to the space without dating it a single year.

Another change we can seriously get on board with is the swap from carpets to hardwood flooring. No more questioning if you'll ever get your carpets as clean as professionals do ever again.

"I forgot about the most exciting part: look at the floor; we've got wooden flooring. So they're still gonna paint all the trim, cos we went over the top of some other flooring," Ashley continues.

"I couldn't be happier with the art; the art was basically the whole inspo for the room. I couldn't wait to bring it into my house, so that fact that that's all now painted. I actually changed my mind; the fireplace was all blue, and then I was like, no, it needs to be broken up," points out Ashley.

If you're ever wondering where to hang artwork, the placement Ashley's chosen not only guarantees you'll be enjoying the piece every day, but it makes a fantastic focal point for the room too.

If you're looking for ways to add dopamine decor to your home without overdoing it, focusing on a statement colour like Ashley is a great way of doing so without overwhelming a space.

There are plenty of garden jobs I actually enjoy, including mowing the lawn. That is, however, until it starts getting cold. But, as a very busy mum of three kids who use the garden all year round, it's not a job I can ignore. Until now.

I'm always looking for ways to take jobs off my never-ending to-do list, and have been thinking about a robot lawn mower for a while now. So when the chance to try the Mammotion Yuka Mini 2 came up, I jumped at it.

Now, instead of finding the time and braving the weather to mow the lawn myself, this clever gadget does it for me – and I don't even need to be at home. With the robot mapped to my garden, I simply press start on the Mammotion app and off it goes. It can even be scheduled to cut automatically, meaning I can come home to a freshly mown lawn without having had to lift a finger.

But it's not perfect - there are a couple of things you still need to do yourself. But when it comes to tackling one of my unpleasant cold weather jobs, it's been a game-changer.

How easy is it to use?

The biggest appeal of this robot mower is just how little I have to do - it's so easy to use. To start, I simply downloaded the Mammotion app, then selected a zone, which I then manually drove the robot around my lawn to map the area. Think remote control car - you simply guide it round the outside of your lawn in a loop using simple controls on the app, and that's it. You can opt for the robot to do the mapping itself, however it only really works if you have really clear lawn boundaries.

Once you have mapped a lawn (zone), simply press start and off it goes. You can map up to five zones, which is particularly useful if, like me, your lawn isn't one simple rectangle.

You also have the option to control it remotely, which I have to say is very satisfying. It means if there's a patch missed or needs going over again, you can whizz it back out again just over that area.

It has six cutting options, which you can manually adjust to take the cutting height from 20 mm to 60 mm with a 190 mm cutting width. I have used both the longest and shortest cutting setting and have been really impressed at just how effective this machine is, particularly when tackling really long, thick grass.

The battery says it lasts for up to two hours. My main lawn takes around 35 minutes to cut, and so wouldn't expect to have - and haven't - any issues with the battery. A single charge covers multiple uses - mine has never run out but I tend to plug it in after the third or fourth use.

It's bulky, but surprisingly light, which makes it easier to move if needed, however the the off-road-style back wheels handle uneven ground really well. My lawn is very uneven, with various bumps and holes, none of which cause it much trouble.

The sensors and obstacle avoidance is another big plus, particularly in a family garden where it is surrounded by children and pets. It does a really good job of avoiding things in its path, rather than blindly mowing straight into them, which means I don't have to worry too much about risk of injury. It stops and goes around objects it detects, and if it gets stuck, shuts down within seconds, which is an excellent safety feature.

Scheduling is probably the thing I appreciate the most – I can set it to mow at a particular time, get on with the rest of my day and come home to a freshly cut lawn. That's particularly appealing in colder weather. Rather than waiting for a rare dry weekend and forcing myself outside with a mower, the robot can get on with the job while I'm doing something (hopefully) much more enjoyable.

What you should know before buying