Christmas: decorations, practical tips and table settings
Photo by Helen Bankers for Adore Home.
DECORATING TIPS
When it comes to decorating your home for Christmas, I recommend choosing one or two colours that work well with your current interior scheme. Being a lover of all things Scandinavian, I decided on a black and white theme for Christmas last year. While monochrome goes hand in hand with natural greenery, and our usual practice of having a real tree as the focal point, I decided to try something a bit different. Still in keeping with my clean, minimalist style I made a tree from Washi Tape, (which is also great for wrapping presents). Coinciding with a shoot for Australian magazine Adore Home, it turned out so well the photo below ended up making the cover.
To create the tree, I established the height and angles, then worked my way down in levels, leaving room for the trunk and of course, presents! A black felt ball garland and fairy lights added the finishing touches. These were hung from small 3M transparent adhesive hooks, which along with the Washi Tape, can be removed easily without damaging the walls. Additional decorations such as small trees and festive candles can be dotted around the home, on tables, shelves or the mantelpiece.
Ensure that your wrapping paper fits with your overall theme. To keep things simple and cohesive, I often buy a big roll of brown Kraft paper, which can then be paired with ribbon or striped twine. If you tend to leave your Christmas shopping to the last minute, or you want to keep the real presents hidden from the kids, wrap up some old empty boxes or books as I did for the Adore home shoot above. In addition to buying some white paper and black ribbon, to save money I downloaded some black and white free printable paper from this 40 Free Christmas Printables online publication. I also made my own gift tags like the black stars below.
Images: 1-2
Whether you’re planning a formal meal or casual barbie, food is a big part of the Christmas day festivities. Finding enough space to accommodate everyone around one table however can be challenging. In this issue, builder and fellow GoodHome contributor Cocksy shows how to build your own trestle table, which I had the pleasure of styling in a lovely outdoor setting.
Choosing a clean, relaxed Scandinavian-style theme, I called upon one of my favourite local homeware stores Father Rabbit, where I was met with a beautiful selection of decorations and little trees to choose from. Using a mix of pale wood hanging stars and trees, I wrapped them around the napkins, and hung a few from the gorgeous Conifer Tree, which served as the centre piece for the table. On either side I placed a Wooden Star Tray, some tea light candles from Citta Design (who also have an amazing collection of Christmas decorations) and two little ‘Norway Spruce' Conifers at either end.
The beautiful ceramic dinnerware, also from Father Rabbit, is a brand new range designed by owners Claudia ZinZan and Nick Hutchinson. Very much in line with their signature neutral palette and Father Rabbit’s demand for timeless everyday quality, I chose a mix of plates and blows in Rain Grey and Egg Blue. The acrylic timbers and water jugs by Citta Design are the perfect choice for alfresco dining.
Also from Citta Design you will see four stunning American Oak Spindle Back Chairs, which are currently on special. Retailing at $329 each, right now they can be purchased in store for $990 for a set of four!
WHERE TO BUY:
Bloomingville Decorations and Wooden Star Trays, Conifer Trees, Ceramic Dinnerware – Father Rabbit
Citta Design Napkins, Cutlery, Tea Light Candles, Acrylic Tumbers and Jugs – Corso De’ Fiori
Citta Design Spindle Back Chairs – Citta at BLOC
Menu Grinder Set in Nude – Simon James Concept Store
Red Wine Glasses - Kmart
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This article is intended as a general discussion only. BNZ recommends the recipient get independent advice. The views expressed are the writer’s own and do not necessarily represent those of BNZ or its related entities.
