Your December Dose of Warmth, Wit and a Bit of Sparkle

If there was ever a month made for cosy corners, warm drinks and twinkly lights, it’s December.

Our December issue of Handpicked Local is absolutely brimming with winter inspiration, festive flavour and plenty of Yorkshire charm. Think of it as your seasonal companion for home, business, food, family life and everything in between.

Over in Home, Car & Garden, we’re leaning right into winter warmers. Expect clever ways to keep your home cosy and stylish this Christmas, from soft textures to understated sparkle. Thorner Flooring joins us with a deep dive into the benefits of installing wood flooring, ideal for anyone dreaming of a snug and timeless space.

Encore Customs brings a bit of attitude with a GLC that’s had one very bold makeover, Camilla Grayley takes us back into the garden for winter-ready inspiration, and we’re talking twinkly tables, festive styling tricks, the psychology of colour in winter home design, and even the turf war between indoor plants and Christmas decorations.

The Business section tackles the season with honesty and a good sense of humour. The reality behind the cute home office myth gets the attention it deserves, along with the December dash we all pretend we’re not part of. We’re breaking down Family Investment Companies with Franks Accountants, comparing work to-do lists with Christmas to-do lists, and exploring how small teams handle big December deadlines. TIG UK also explains what really makes a website trusted by Google, which might be the most useful gift you give your business this year.

In Food & Drink, we’re serving up festive flavours without the fuss. Christmas tapas gets its moment, proving it’s a surprisingly brilliant idea for anyone bored of the same old buffet. Dancing Goat Coffee makes the case for coffee as the ultimate festive pick-me-up, while the great mince pie debate continues to rage on. We’ve got lazy cocktails, party food that looks like effort (but isn’t), and the Christmas trimmings we pretend are optional but absolutely never are.

And finally, in Family & Local, we’re sharing the stories that bring the season back to what matters. From the Harrogate duo creating a new series of food events, to a York mother and son launching an intelligent fashion Enable brand in memory of a remarkable daughter. We’re embracing the ‘Chair of Shame’, debating real versus fake Christmas trees, cringing at matching Christmas PJs, and sharing seasonal energy-saving tips with Renton & Parr.

It’s warm, it’s witty, it’s wonderfully festive, and it’s packed with ideas to make December feel special without sending you into a tailspin. Brew something lovely, get comfy, and enjoy the issue.