With its bitter icy mornings and dark and windy nights, Winter seems the perfect time of year for staying indoors, snuggling up under a cosy blanket by the fire and cracking open a cheeky box of Christmas chocolates!

However, along with the colder temperatures, winter can also bring with it crisp dry days and crystal clear blue skies. 

Those brave enough to face the winter chill for a walk can enjoy some of the beautiful Winter vistas that the great outdoors has to offer. In the nearby New Forest there are some truly breathtaking views to be seen. 

Here are a couple of places worth considering for your walk:

A Historical Walk to the Huff Duff

If you like your walks with a little historical context, this could be perfect for you. The National Trust says:

"Descend to a tranquil wooded valley at Dockens Water before crossing the stream to Rockford Common. Wet heath and gleaming bogs reveal carnivorous sundews and mysterious mosses. Take in breathtaking views from Ibsley Common, an area steeped in military history, and visit the Huff Duff (an old directional station) and associated bunker."

To find out more, visit the National Trust's website.

Valleys and mires with the Hale Purlieu figure of eight walk

This is favourite of many locals, and an excellent place to enjoy a combination of far reaching views, mist covered valleys, wooded areas, and plenty of ponies.

The National Trust says:

A figure of eight walk through Hale Purlieu, crossing streams and taking in views across the Common's valleys and mires marked by frost. Look out for ponies huddled for warmth and glistening spider webs among frosty gorse.

Visit the National Trust’s website for more information.

And when you've enjoyed the scenery, pay a visit to our Sculpture Garden and Gallery in Fordingbridge and browse through our latest collections of original artwork, sculpture and limited edition prints in a warm and friendly environment.

In line with the current Covid-19 guidelines, our gallery will reopen on 2nd December. Visit our website for gallery opening times. 

Christmas is fast approaching and it looks likely that we will all be spending more of the festive period indoors this year. Why not take the opportunity to embrace a Christmas staycation and create a truly festive home?

We all know a seasonally trimmed Christmas tree will instantly transform a home into a winter wonderland, but what else can we do to create the perfect festive home?

Adding a few well chosen accessories here and there can be a simple and effective way to create a cosy and inviting space, which will make us more than happy to be staying at home this year.

Think rich hues, like jewel colours, or reds, warm browns, and ambers; soft furnishings with snuggly and tactile textures; subtle lighting to create a cheery yet comforting ambiance; and the smell of hot chocolate and spiced fragrances filling the air and soothing the soul.

Our Interiors website has a stylish collection of timeless leather accessories from Life of Riley, sumptuous faux fur throws from Helen Moore and tactile cushions from Zinc Textile: www.collierdobsoninteriors.com.

Why not create an impressive festive table with beautifully hand crafted leather corkscrews and bottle openers, table mats and coasters, wine coolers, cocktail shakers and drinks cases?

…or prepare cosy seating areas in which to sit back and enjoy a Christmas tipple (or two) with comfy leather seats, soft cushions and luxurious throws.

Brighten up the walls with some artwork featuring your favourite seasonal colours, or festive elements – like this characterful little robin, A Quick Hello by Aaminah Snowdon, Limited Edition Print, or this eye-catching ice skating scene, Skating in the Square by Jenni Murphy, Limited Edition Print, both available on our website.

As a perfect finishing touch to any festive décor, add candles to create warmth and atmosphere.

 

If this has inspired you to have a go at creating a fabulously festive home this year, pay both our Art and Interiors websites a visit for stunning artwork and beautifully crafted accessories:

www.collierdobson.com

www.collierdobsoninteriors.com

When not facing the current lockdown restrictions, Fordingbridge and the New Forest is a fantastic place to visit at any time of the year, and particularly magical at Christmas. 

Fordingbridge is a small Hampshire town which sits on the River Avon, on the edge of the breathtaking New Forest National Park.

We hope that we will all be able to come out of lockdown on the proposed date of December 2nd, and welcome you to our Town and all it has to offer. 

There are lots of wide open spaces to enjoy the scenery whilst keeping a safe distance from others. There are also plenty of local shops and eating establishments who have been strictly following current COVID safety guidelines to ensure that, if you wish to visit, you may do so in a safe and welcoming environment.

In Fordingbridge you’ll also find the Collier & Dobson gallery. Practising safe distances and safe sanitising, we’d love to show you our artwork and beautiful interiors, all available to buy for truly wonderful Christmas presents.

Please follow the current government guidelines and stay at home, and shop with us online - we will look forward to welcoming you to Fordingbridge and our galleries once lockdown has been lifted. 

Find us at 24 High Street, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 1AX - check our website for opening hours.

Christmas is on its way, so now is the ideal time to start thinking of interior gift ideas for your home and homes of your nearest and dearest.

Adhere to current lockdown guidelines and shop from the safety of your own home - head over to the Collier Dobson Interiors website for home and living gift ideas.

We have a stylish collection of timeless leather accessories from Life of Riley, sumptuous faux fur throws from Helen Moore and beautiful cushions from Zinc Textile.

Specialising in the finest British and European textiles, wallpapers, furniture and lighting, we pride ourselves on a professional and personal service that ensures you'll enjoy your purchase for many years to come.

To dress your home beautifully this Christmas, and beyond, and indulgent gifts for someone special, visit Collier Dobson Interiors. 

The Badminton Horse Trials virtual "Christmas Fair" including Collier & Dobson is now live on their website.

Visit their enhanced shopping village pages to view products and promotions from all the exhibitors who would normally attend the Tradestand Village, but cannot due to the ongoing pandemic. 

There you will be able to peruse dedicated virtual tradestands from the comfort and safety of your home, with links to vendor websites and products to browse for the perfect Christmas gift.

And don't forget to visit our virtual stand here.