Welcome to the December issue! As we head into the busiest, and most wonderful, time of year, I want to help you keep things simple. This month is all about making your home guest-ready without the stress, wrapping presents that look professionally done, and baking treats that fill your kitchen with that unmistakable Christmas warmth.
Let's make the holidays feel less like a to-do list and more like the joyful, magical season it's meant to be.
Clean Tip of the Month
Quick Guest Ready Reset
White flowers are the quickest way to make your bathroom feel fresh
Keep It Simple: The Art of Strategic Cleaning
You don't need hours to make your home feel welcoming. In fact, one of the biggest traps we fall into when preparing for guests is letting the cleaning spiral out of control. You start wiping down the kitchen bench, then notice the splash back needs attention, then the cupboard doors look grubby, and suddenly you're deep-cleaning the entire kitchen with guests arriving in an hour.
This was so me in the past!
The secret isn't doing more, it's doing less. Focus on the spaces guests actually see and use, and you'll make the most impact with the least effort. This isn't about lowering your standards; it's about being smart with your time and energy.
The Three Spaces That Matter Most
Entryway: Quick declutter of shoes, bags, and coats. Light a candle or use a diffuser, as scent can make the best first impression.
Bathroom: Clean the toilet, give the sink a quick wipe down with the old hand towel, as it soaks up all that water and shine those taps. Replace the hand towel with a fresh one, maybe even a festive one.
Kitchen: Clear any dishes in the sink, wipe down the bench top, and empty the bin to eliminate any lingering smells.
These three small tasks take 15 minutes but transform how your home feels. It's not about perfection; it's about creating a space that feels fresh and welcoming.
Breaking the "While I'm At It" Habit
Here's the thing: when you notice that the grout needs scrubbing or the windows are streaky, acknowledge it and let it go. Those tasks aren't going anywhere. You can tackle them another day when you have the time to do them properly and actually enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done, not when you're racing against the clock and feeling stressed.
Give yourself permission to keep it simple. Your guests are coming to see you, not to inspect your skirting boards. Save the deeper cleaning for a quiet day when you can put on your favourite playlist, take your time, and revel in that fresh, sparkling home without the pressure.
For now? Just focus on those three spaces. You'll feel organised, your home will feel welcoming, and you'll actually have energy left to enjoy your guests.
Something That Made Life Easier
Gift wrapping with extra special touches! This year, I experimented with three wrapping ideas that I thought look impressive but are surprisingly simple (and I filmed them for Instagram, check out the link below to see them in action).
The Little Handbag Gift - A beautifully wrapped present with a ribbon handle that looks like a tiny handbag. The wrapping is just as pretty as the present inside. Perfect for a cute, girly gift!
Rosemary Wreath Wrap - Brown paper dressed up with a mini Christmas wreath made from rosemary sprigs and tied with red ribbon. It smells great too. Rosemary Wreath Wrap
Paper Pinwheel Topper - A simple paper pinwheel decorates the gift without the expense of a bow. Use the patterned side of the paper for wrapping and the plain side for the pinwheel itself. Pretty Pinwheel
Hack I Wish I’d Known Sooner
The Santa Hat Napkin Fold
Add a magical touch to your Christmas table with one of the easiest napkin folds. These adorable Santa hat napkins transform your table setting, and they never fail to make guests smile, especially the kids! Plus everyone loves the marshmallow on the tip of Santa’s hat.
Super easy, super festive, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. You don't need fancy linens, any red napkin will do the trick. Santa Hat Napkin
Kitchen Comfort
Simple Recipes that make home feel even better
Classic Shortbread
In my eyes, there's nothing better than a fresh, crumbly piece of shortbread. Simple is best, I just sprinkle with white sugar before baking. There's something so comforting about shortbread: buttery, crumbly, and beautifully simple. This recipe has been my go-to for years. Make a batch for when friends pop over, wrap some up as gifts, or hide them in the pantry for yourself (nothing better with a cup of tea).
Ingredients:
250g butter, room temperature
1/2 cup castor sugar
2 cups plain flour
1/2 cup rice flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
White sugar for sprinkling
Method:
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add sifted flours and baking powder, mixing until combined.
Turn onto a lightly floured board.
Roll out flat and cut out your favourite shapes (stars, trees, circles—whatever makes you happy).
Place on a lined baking tray and sprinkle with white sugar.
Bake at 160°C for 40 minutes or until they reach your desired golden colour.
Cool on the tray.
These keep well in an airtight container, and they make your kitchen smell like Christmas.
This Month’s Favourite
Caroline Girvan Iron Series
I've just started doing Caroline Girvan's Iron Series workouts, and I'm hooked! It's a 6 week series with five 30-minute sessions per week, using dumbbells (her weights are a lot heavier than mine) and bodyweight exercises. They're free on YouTube and they make you feel amazing afterwards. She really pushes me harder than other YouTube workouts ever have. I'm so glad I discovered her and had to share this with you too. Iron Series
Follow along for more home inspiration on Instagram: @what.sophie.does
P.S. I’d love to hear from you! Hit reply and tell me: what’s one small area of your home that could use some love this month? I read as many responses as I can, and sometimes will share reader tips in future newsletters (with permission, of course).