Ways to Stay Toasty During The Big Freeze!

22nd December 2022

As in many parts of the country, this past week has brought below freezing temperatures to Lancashire. While the snow and frost covered countryside looks beautiful – and very Christmassy – it’s always a challenge ensuring ourselves, our homes and our animals stay nice and warm when the mercury hits -5C!

Amidst an Arctic blast, it pays to dress right and deploy some heat-preserving tricks. Our favourite winter warmer has to be a hot chocolate or mulled wine, but there are several tried-and-tested country lifestyle items to see us through this very cold snap, and those to come.

Barbour Cleadon Trapper Hat

Your mum was right – a lot of heat escapes from your head so a proper winter hat is a must. Make her proud and get serious with a Cleadon Trapper Hat from Barbour. This trusted British brand has designed the ultimate head warmer complete with faux-fur and fleece lining, sitting snugly over your ears and neck. It even has a chin strap, and is shower-proof, protecting from the awful sleet that has been pounding the UK.

Country Dog Coat

Our poor four-legged friends struggle when it’s icy too. Little and medium-sized dogs in particular suffer during extreme cold, but all dogs are at risk or hypothermia and frostbite when temperatures drop below -7C. A dog coat is a must for walks, and at Rufford’s we stock all sizes, from XS right up to XXL.

Smart and often extremely sweet, dog coats have come a long way in recent years and are often reliably water resistant too.

Fairfax Anglesey Combat Boot

There’s nothing worse than cold feet. Fairfax & Favor’s new Anglesey Combat Boots are selling like hot cakes, and for good reason. The velvety soft shearling lining is heaven to slip your feet into, and the nubuck and suede upper and sturdy sole is tough enough to last year after year.

Adorable paired with a Christmassy jumper and thermal-type leggings – or styled with a tweed mini skirt and warm tights – they’re the best combination of practical and cute.

A Cuddly Cable Knit

Talking of Christmas jumpers, while there’s always room for penguins and Xmas puddings, what works beautifully for the festive season and beyond is a classic cable knit. Sage, fern green, camel, white or black; whatever your colour preference, Rufford’s stock a fabulous range of quality sweaters from Barbour, Holland Cooper, Musto, Crew Clothing and Dubarry, amongst others.

For an alternative to cable knit, and if you really want to treat yourself – or someone you love – go for a soft-as-butter Fairisle Knit from Holland Cooper or Dubarry.

Jumpers are for life – and sub-zero temperatures – not just for Christmas!

Holland Cooper Logan Gilet

Quite often at this time of year we’re not spending extended periods outdoors, instead dashing from home to car to store/work/school/gym. Alternating between ice-cold temperatures to stuffy heated buildings means you can feel far too hot in a huge coat. A snug gilet is the perfect answer; providing enough warmth to protect from the elements for brief periods, while avoiding the claustrophobic, red-faced feeling a heavy coat can bring.

Holland Cooper’s Logan Gilet swaddles your body in soft, insulating padding that is not only deliciously warm but lightweight and breathable too. Plus, the faux-fur hood bestows that little bit of glam for the festive season. Tip: Layer a gilet over a sweater and underlayer if you’re going ice-skating, and free your arms!

At Home in the Country Draught Excluder

Frequently overlooked, the humble draught excluder is making a comeback. As everyone tries to keep an eye on their energy usage and find ways to cold-proof their homes, a simple ‘door sausage’ is a great solution.

We’re also partial to hot water bottles and electric blankets, but don’t tell anyone! Stay warm and have a Very Merry Christmas,

Love, the Rufford’s Team x