Lynn O’Rourke: ‘Even my glitter-crazed duo had to admit defeat‘

THE decorations are down, although they haven’t quite made it to the attic yet. I also found the folding paper globes and lanterns I had spent ages looking for, as well as the extra set of fairy lights, just as I was packing everything away

.

My daughters’ glue-encrusted salt dough decorations have been carefully wrapped and packed up – even the ones they didn’t get round to painting and decorating. Who knew that a bit of homemade dough could stretch to so many angels, hearts and gingerbread men? Even my glitter-crazed duo had to admit defeat.

Saying that, they gave it their best shot and I have finally accepted the kitchen table will never be the same again – even now it is genuinely surprising to pick something up in our house and find that it doesn’t glisten or sparkle in some way.

Of course, there is still the issue of where to put everything Santa delivered – particularly if you are one of the many (surely I am one of many here, this can’t just be down to me?) who didn’t get round to decluttering their kids’ rooms before the big man made his appearance. I’m regretting it now. I sense storage is going to be a major trend for me this year. That way I can hide stuff for a while, let them forget about it and either pass it on or recycle it for next year’s Christmas.

This week we take a look at the striking Kilpunt House, a Georgian farmhouse in West Lothian that makes the most of space and light. You can see it on page 4. Desi Morgan’s home is a lovely mix of her Dutch roots plus global influences from the places she has lived around the world. She has added great character to a newly developed property with a clever mix of old and new furnishings, which can be seen on page 10. And on page 18 we talk to bestselling author Lesley Pearse about starting writing and creating a home. k