Happy new year! The festivities are over for another year, the kids are back to school, and ‘out of office’ messages have been switched off. Don’t let the January blues set in; it’s time to make plans for the month ahead. Whether you’re focusing on self-care, seeing friends or booking a break, here’s some inspiration on what to do and see this January:
Reset the home
Now that the Christmas decorations are safely packed away and your home has received a good cleaning, it might be feeling a touch bare. Consider swapping out your Christmas tree for some plants, bringing nature indoors and rejuvenating the space. Infuse hints of spring with a new scented fragrance or zingy hand soap, and revive the sofa with a set of vibrant cushions and throws, steering away from festive reds and checks. If your living room is looking a bit weary, make the most of our Everything We Do Sale and give it a mini new year spruce.
Buy original art
Explore a great line-up of contemporary art galleries spanning the globe at this year’s London Art Fair (17 – 21 January). You can immerse yourself in live performances, or join an inspiring programme of daily talks and tours, all hosted at the Business Design Centre. Full of works by world-renowned artists, you could even grab your very own Warhol or Hockney – provided your budget allows.
Celebrate Robert Burns
Each year, on the 25th of January, Burns Night is celebrated, marking a time to enjoy Scottish traditions and honour the renowned Scottish poet with a classic combination of haggis, neeps, tatties, poetry and a warming dram. Host your own Burns Night as a brilliant excuse to bring friends together post-Christmas. New to the merriments? Here are a few menu ideas and tips to get you started.
Chase the winter glow
With the nights still drawing in so early, wrap up warm, grab a cocoa and make the most of the many pretty light festivals this season has to offer. If you weren’t lucky enough to grab tickets to Christmas at Kew or didn’t get a chance to visit Glow at Wisley, another big arrival on the scene is the Canary Wharf Winter Lights (17 – 27 January). If you’ve still got that festive feeling, visit this must-see breathtaking display.
Credit: The Clew by Ottotto (Portugal), Canary Wharf Winter Lights
Book a cheeky night away
Need a change of scenery? Why not book a night away to recoup from the festivities and hosting? New this year at Kent’s Port Lympne Safari Park is the Lookout Bubble, a double-domed transparent bubble just moments away from the lion pride. Nestled in a secluded corner at the heart of the reserve, the Lookout Bubble provides the perfect haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Embrace the vegan wave
According to the charity Veganuary, over 700,000 people from more than 228 countries and territories signed up to give veganism a try during its 2023 campaign. This year, restaurants around the UK are making it easier than ever to go vegan, offering a wide range of options on their menus. Sign up to receive a free celebrity e-cookbook, complete with inspiring recipes, meal plans and more – if you’re eager to give it a go!
