Every so often, it’s good to take stock of what you have and the difference a refresh could make. These key pieces can really make an impact.

Side, starter and main plates, plus pudding bowls and pasta dishes, as well as glassware and cutlery that looks co-ordinated and classic. Great crockery isn’t for saving for best, either – use it for everything from special dinner parties to cheese on toast.

As the evening draws in, candles are the sign it’s time to relax and unwind. Make sure even new candles have blackened wicks, so they look like they’re in regular use – it’s a sign of a warm, generous heart.

Piled up on sofas, plumped on the back of a chair, as an extra prop on the bed. The extra level of comfort isn't to be underestimated. Choose textural neutrals that have an artisan feel and combine them with a comforting throw to curl up into on darker evenings.

To get the best out of red wine, it suits a deep, wide bowl where it can aerate well, whereas crisp whites hold their temperature better in a more-slender glass. Different glasses for wine, champagne and your favourite spirits make entertaining feel so much more elegant.

Pillows easily become a ‘just there’ part of your home, rarely refreshed unless you’re moving house. But finding one that works for the way you sleep can be lifechanging, and you’ll notice the difference straight away. See our new Pillows Buying Guide for more info.

Welcoming homes are infused with the character of the people who live there, and thoughtfully curated photographs are the easiest way to add it. Place standing frames on the mantelpiece or the hallway table, or hang groups or multi-aperture mounts on the walls.

Relax into the comfort zone. We spend a third of our lives in bed, so investing in a good mattress is vital (and we have a great selection). But for an extra layer of luxury, a topper is revelatory. Offering plush softness, warmth or breathability, they tailor any mattress to your own sleep style through the seasons.

When you upgrade to serious bed linen – the kind where you check the thread count before you buy it – you upgrade your whole bedroom into a sleep sanctuary. Feel the difference every time you get under the covers.