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Ho, ho, ho! Feeling a little like Father (well, actually, more like Mother!) Christmas this morning, after delivering the news that another much-loved family home will soon be appearing on the pages of a national interiors magazine.

The homeowner, who is over the moon, has just dropped me this lovely email: “Many thanks Janet. Speak to you very soon. I am sooo excited!”

What a wonderful start to the week! Hope it goes well for you too. If you’d like your home or room makeover to be featured in a magazine then contact me on 01243 792379 or email mail@janetmcmeekin.co.uk.

Picture courtesy of Nordic House. Their pack of 12 rustic birch bark angel table decorations is available now, priced £5.95.

Fancy giving your home an extra sparkle this Christmas? Katherine Stayt of Passionate 4 Flowers is running two seasonal flower workshops in West Sussex, offering you the chance to create your own individual Christmas door garland, table arrangement or floral display with a truly professional touch.

The workshops are being held in Boxgrove Village Hall on Thursday, December 12. For more information, contact Katherine on either 07787 587993, 01243 542405 or email info@passionate4flowers.co.uk.

Happy Monday. Looking forward to a busy week ahead writing about stylish homes after a fab weekend including an invigorating (if a tad chilly!) bike ride to Bosham – that gorgeous coastal village in Chichester Harbour, featured on David Dimbleby’s Britain and the Sea last night. Did anyone else catch it?

Bosham is a magical place I often take family and friends to and, when time allows, I go there for a quick picnic or pub lunch.

Now, back to my Country Homes & Interiors feature…beautiful cottage owned by an influential British designer. Can’t wait to see this one in print.

Ignoring the rain today and responding to an influx of emails with an international flavour. Great to be able to communicate with homeowners in America, Australia and Norway from the comfort of my cosy office.

By the way, this vintage map globe picture, priced £39, can be personalised with your own message. It is available from www.notonthehighstreet.com

Oh…I can’t wait to escape the hustle and bustle of the high street and soak up the nostalgia at an enchanting festive extravaganza being held in the beautiful setting of West Dean House and Gardens in West Sussex.

Christmastime at West Dean, from December 14-15, will feature a host of attractions to get you in seasonal mood, from a Christmas market to vintage carousel, horse-drawn carriage rides and festive demonstrations.

With the prospect of sipping mulled wine served by butlers in the grand Oak Hall, roaring log fires and a chance to roast marshmallows outside at a fire pit, what’s not to like?

Top tip from the lovely staff up at West Dean; if you’d like your children to see Father Christmas then book your tickets early to beat the rush.

For more information click here.

With Christmas just around the corner, I’m determined to start my shopping early this year to save time and energy.

If you’ve got any great ideas and would like me to share your suggestions for lovely Christmas gifts, events, workshops or places to visit, just drop a line to mail@janetmcmeekin.co.uk, ideally with a photograph of the product.

First up is bespoke jewellery designer Charlotte Cornelius, who has sent me details of her Christmas Open Studio. The event is tomorrow (Friday, November 8) between 10am and 7pm at 20 Bacon Lane on Hayling Island, PO11 0DN.

If you can’t make tomorrow, you can call Charlotte on 07880 705981 to arrange a convenient time to pop in.

Snap! If you think this looks a little familiar then you’re right. It’s one of Susie Watson’s delightful fabrics – spotted while out and about, visiting a pretty cottage renovation.

Feathers in Duck Egg Blue grabbed my attention a couple of weeks ago while on an interior design course in the Susie Watson Designs store in Chichester, West Sussex. It was super to see the Roman blinds, made from both Feathers and Bloomsbury fabrics, looking simply stunning in this charming home.