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Yippee…majestic 7ft Christmas tree tracked down and snapped up from Bill – a friendly chap who seemed to know exactly where I was coming from when it came choosing just the right one.

Bill at Richardson’s Nursery on the Birdham Straight at Birdham, West Sussex, is doing a roaring trade in real trees. At the moment, he’s still got an ample supply but I imagine they’re going to disappear pretty quickly.

So, next job…dressing the tree with a glass of something suitably festive in hand and making a few seasonal holly and ivy-typed decorations.

This jolly fella (pictured) is the latest addition to our burgeoning pile of bought and handmade decorations collected over the years. I didn’t really notice his rather strange arrangement of balls when we were buying him but…it’s a bit too late now. Looks like Santa, complete with rusty-looking balls, is here to stay!

With IKEA promoting sales of its Christmas trees this weekend, I guess it’s time to fess up to a little festive secret.

Now, some may argue that it’s wrong in so many ways but I just can’t help buying a real Christmas tree that’s guaranteed to bring that unmistakable scent of the season of goodwill straight into the home. What’s worse, I’m fiercely picky about choosing the right one…it has to be not too tall, not too small, fairly bushy and look…well, just perfect (at least in my eyes anyway!).

Last year I left it far too late and ended up forking out for a bedraggled excuse of a tree that wasn’t worth even half of its exorbitant price tag. I can assure you that I’ll not be making that mistake again. Christmas tree sellers in West Sussex beware…fussy customer heading your way this weekend.

Instead of jostling with the crowds in the high street, why not make your Christmas shopping a more leisurely affair this year by heading to The Sussex Country Brocante’s vintage fair this Thursday (December 6)?

The Christmas Fair is the perfect opportunity to stroll around at your own pace, taking time to choose from a fabulous selection of beautiful gifts from dozens of friendly stallholders.

Stalls at the event, which runs from 11am until 6.30pm at Wisborough Green Village Hall, range from vintage homewares to pretty jewellery, decorative antiques and an abundance of delightful artisan treasures.

With the scents of mulled wine and wreath making, plus the sparkle of glittering fairy lights, you won’t be able to resist stepping straight into Christmas and discovering some very personal gifts for the special people in your life.

For more information, contact event organiser Lucy Haywood of Love Lane Vintage on 07821 730758.

I adore the variety of my job. This week all sorts of gorgeous homes have been flocking in from a cute renovated cottage in the country to an incredibly swish London home, a coastal pad with breathtaking views, a small townhouse with a certain je ne sais quoi and more!

And, talking of flocking in, I couldn’t resist taking a quick snap of this huge herd of sheep that was causing quite a stir while out on my travels in the leafy South Downs. The look of glee on the face of the little toddler visiting her granny at the time was priceless!

The next time world-famous golfers Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell stroll through Belfast International Airport they’ll come face to face with striking golf-inspired art painted by – my sister – Alison McKnight!

Alison has just been invited to display her contemporary new collection in the airport’s business lounge.

Her vibrant range is selling like hotcakes, with originals and prints, depicting a modern take on golf courses and signature golf holes, gracing the walls of homes and offices across the UK (see below).

Alison reveals: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be the sole exhibitor at the airport’s bustling business lounge. It’s a terrific showcase.

‘The feedback has been incredible with many customers telling me that the new paintings are the perfect gift for the golfer in their lives because they are so personal.

‘I’ve been painting Northern Ireland landscapes for many years but this is a new direction for me, combining my passions for art and golf. It seems to be really resonating with others who also love the game.’

Alison’s golf-inspired paintings are also available at Andrew Morris Golf in Ballyskeagh, near Belfast, the Stephen Hamill Professional Golf Shop at Lisburn Golf Club and the Knockbracken Golf Academy Driving Range.

Prices start at £75 for a print and £250 for a framed original.

To discover more about Alison’s work, view www.alisonmcknightartist.co.uk. You can contact her on 07801 856790.

Photo by Simon Graham/Harrison Photography

In the run up to Christmas last year, Emma Jones was toying with the idea of completely transforming her spacious yet boring bathroom into something rather special.

Suddenly, as I discovered, a rather unfortunate Christmas Day drama spurred the homeowner to whisk this project right to the top of her ‘to do’ list.

The results are pretty spectacular and Emma’s beautiful home now boasts a truly elegant bathroom featuring a stunning purple freestanding bath that definitely takes centre stage.

This glamorous bathroom makeover sits perfectly in the sparkling December issue of Real Homes that’s on the shelves right now. The magazine is packed with plenty of ideas to add a little festive cheer to every home.

Fantastic news! Beverley Bramwell has dropped me a line to let me know she’s had “massive feedback” since her gorgeous beachside home has appeared in this month’s Coast magazine (November 2012).

The feature explains how living by the sea has inspired this bubbly go-ahead businesswoman to design her own stylish and innovative collection of indoor and outdoor furniture – The Thomas Bramwell Collection. The relaxing swing chair, lounger, table and various other pieces are pictured in several of the shots taken at their wonderful home in Selsey, West Sussex.

Beverley’s enthusiasm for her work is contagious and I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing her. Mind you, I must confess, it was a little tricky not to be distracted by the amazing view of the sea!

Debbie, Beverley’s partner, is currently starring on the cover of Coast looking totally chilled outside the seafront property that they’ve transformed into a warm and very welcoming home.

Since Coast has gone on sale, there has also been plenty of interest in their holiday let annexe Little Tides Reach – and I’m not all surprised. To find out more about Little Tides Reach ring Debbie on 01243 605772 or view ownersdirect.co.uk

If you, or someone you know, could also benefit from an interiors feature in a glossy magazine, please get in touch by clicking here

Beautiful autumnal day down in Sussex by the Sea and a great start to the week! Just received some fantastic before and after shots of a house that looks amazing following its eco transformation, plus others of a bedroom that’s been given a stylish boutique makeover. Houses seem to be tumbling into my in-box as quickly as the leaves are falling off the huge oak tree outside…busy, busy. Hope your week is shaping up to be a good one too.