THE JOY OF ENTERTAINING

For H&G columnist Joy Moyler, this is the most wonderful time of the year - she tells us how she celebrates and hosts

Joy is a US-based interior designer but her work takes her all over the world. Now running her own studio – Joy Moyler Interiors – she has over 25 years of experience and a degree in architecture. She is celebrated for her use of colour and pattern. 

I start getting excited about the holidays in July. The excitement usually strikes somewhere between my third and 15th summer ice cream. Something about excessive heat makes me think about the holiday season. Cosy thoughts of curling up in front of a fire with a brandy in hand, bathed in twinkling lights clutter my head.

My husband and I adore cooking, so we look forward to entertaining. Christmas and New Year menus consist of roasted yams, bourbon-glazed ham, smoky braised brisket, garlicky Brussels sprouts, four-cheese macaroni and cheese and super buttery biscuits with maple butter.