We’re all ready to fill up our houses with the latest Christmas decor, but how do we avoid it being boring or tacky? Well this year to get you host ready in style, Shaye Ford, interior designer at Miss Amara, has shared their tips for levelling up your Christmas décor.
Choose the right colour scheme
Great festive décor begins with a solid colour scheme – and this doesn’t mean confining yourself to the usual red and white palette. From neutral colours to warm metallic hues like gold, brass, copper and rose gold – think outside the box to give your space a distinct yet festive look. A fail-proof route to take is the middle ground and keeping things effortless with layered neutral tones combined with shiny accents or pops of colour. Warm creams, white and textural jute are a great foundation that can be accented with subtle sparkle and festive embellishments.
Play with patterns
A quick and hassle-free way to bring a holiday-theme to your space is to incorporate a statement centrepiece with a pattern for visual interest. For example, patterned napkins, placemats and area rugs can dramatically change the look of your dining room. The best way to make a small room feel festive is to go big on colour. Even if your home has a relatively neutral colour palette, adding a few vibrant pieces will shock your design system…in the best way possible. Just remember that instead of adding more, try changing what you already have, which will leave you with the same amount of space, but with more cheer.
Lay a fluffy rug under your tree
If a tree skirt isn’t for you, placing a fluffy, oversized rug under your tree can really take your décor to the next level, creating depth and richness to the overall look, plus protect your floors from scratches. While white is a popular choice to create the illusion of a snow-covered floor, you could also opt for something with brown tones of pattern to add texture.
Decorating trends for 2022
The decorating trends of 2022 will focus on the small moments that make Christmas truly magical. It’s time to create a joyful, uplifting space that stimulates warmth, tactility and togetherness, with simple comforts and heartwarming traditions. From nostalgic maximalism to sustainability, these are the trends that will help to put an elevated touch on your Christmas celebrations this year.
As great as the festive season is, for many of us Christmas can be a stressful time with hosting duties expected of us. It’s hard enough to keep the house clean and tidy let alone make it scream Christmas spirit for visiting family and friends! Thankfully with Christmas just around the corner, property stylist Justine Wilson has shared her top Christmas styling tips for 2022:
1. The main event – a tree!
There are so many styles and price points that there is something for everyone. From real trees to real touch trees, to sparse looking, or snow-covered, pre-lit or plain, there are so many to choose from. This year I have been a big fan of the ones available at Target which are beautiful and very affordable, or for a more top end fuller tree my other favourites are Alfresco Emporium and Balsam Hill, these trees will last a lifetime.
2. Ornaments
You can’t have a beautiful Christmas tree without lovely decorations or ornaments and as with Christmas tree styles, ornaments are just as varied. A traditional colour palette of gold and silver is timeless and my pick this year. Alternatively, you can go for the minimal Nordic look marked by bead garland and handmade wood ornaments, or a more traditional tree adorned with red and gold tones and lots of ribbon and trimmings. Pick a style that reflects you and your family for the best impact. David Jones always has beautiful ornaments as do Pottery Barn and Adairs.
3. Tablescapes
One of the highlights of any Christmas is the Christmas feast! Whether you gather for a family breakfast, lunch, or dinner, whatever your tradition, having a beautifully styled table will always set the tone. A tablescape can be as simple as a run of garland and a few candle votives, or it can be an elaborate setup that mirrors the style of your tree. My tips for a magical table are in the small details, such as place cards so everyone feels welcome, nice napkins and simple under-plate chargers – charger plates can dress up any crockery set and adds a sense of occasion to the meal.
4. Wreaths
Nothing says welcome like a beautiful Christmas wreath at your front door and like Christmas trees – the style you opt for will depend on your overall decorating theme. It could be a beautiful native wreath, a flocked snowy wreath, a glittery wreath, or simple greenery. Real or faux they make a beautiful statement and add that festive touch to your home’s entry. This season my favourite wreaths can be found at Tara Dennis Store and The Christmas Cart.
5. Pets
Last but not least get your furry friends involved this Christmas. I have three beautiful dogs who love a dress-up and of course new Christmas themed toys and beds that also act as decorations in their spaces.
The perfect Christmas wreath for your front door really sets the tone but with so many different seasonal decorating tastes, themes and colour schemes, it’s definitely not a one size fits all situation! We’ve gathered a real variety of our favourites for you.
Floreat for Legacy wreath: This wreath not only looks good but allows you to feel good. Made with native eucalyptus leaves and finished with silk poppies as a nod to those who have served, Sydney Legacy has partnered with Darlinghurst’s Floreat to create a special Christmas wreath with 25% of the price of the wreath going to Sydney Legacy, enabling them to support the families of veterans this Christmas. $150 with delivery available in the Sydney Metropolitan area.
Raz Iced Mistletoe Wreath (60cm): Crafted in durable materials and foam, this wreath with its frosted finish, creates a feel of Christmas wonderland. $77.
Wild Child Wreath from Fenton & Fenton: You might recognise this fab holographic acrylic version from the back page of our Christmas Gift Guide (check it out for your chance to win a $500 Fenton & Fenton giftcard and treat yourself!). $96.
Snowberry glitter wreath: Made from ivory/white faux eucalyptus foliage, each leaf on the wreath is lightly dusted with white glitter to add that frosty touch. $99.95.
LEGO Christmas Wreath 2-in-1: This is a fun one. This 510-piece set can be built with the kids for a family fun activity. Or just leave it to the big kids! $59.99.
Temple & Webster 40cm Beads Christmas Wreath: This half beaded wreath with a jute ribbon bow is perfectly simple. This one is ideal for a more Aussie Christmas aesthetic. $59.95.
Temple & Webster 40cm Beads Christmas Wreath
Fable Ice Wreath: A wreath handcrafted from natural twig-like materials dusted in white to resemble a tree branch after snowfall. $49.95.
Jurianne Matter TWIG leave wreath: Another build it yourself wreath, but this one takes you just a few minutes. The set comes with wire and pre-cut/punctured leaves and the rest is up to you and your creativity. Have some fun with it! $25.
With tablescaping still a hot trend, the Christmas table top has never looked more fun; gone is the stiff white linen and in its place is a riot of colour and pattern. These are our top picks for creating a fabulous festive season table top.
Fenton & Fenton Pink Summer tablecloth by Whitney Spicer: A collaboration with NSW still-life artist Whitney Spicer, this is one the most beautiful tablecloths we’ve ever seen and the colour way is almost rather traditional for Christmas. $245.
I Love Linen Ivy gingham tablecloth: It’s been so great seeing the return of gingham and this fresh green number is equal parts nostalgic and stylish. From $135.
Target galah tablecloth: A wonderful affordable option, this galah and protea emblazoned tablecloth is perfect for an Australiana Christmas. $45.
Kip & Co Jessica Nguyen Summer Sunset check linen tablecloth: An ode to Italian summers and long lunches under the sun, this French flax linen design was created in collaboration with foodie Jessica Nguyen and features a gradient check pattern in warm sunset hues. $159.
Bespoke Press Summer Picnic linen tablecloth: Another gorgeous Whitney Spicer collaboration, this 100% linen tablecloth comes in a chic box printed with the same beautiful design. $270.
Adairs La Frutta fruit blue tablecloth: More Italian inspired design vibes, this fruity flax linen number will bring some summer fun to your festive table. $149.99.
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Amidst all the focus on Christmas food and decor it can be easy to overlook the power of scent in setting a festive tone. We’ve done the work and rounded up our favourite Christmas scents based on good looks and fabulous smells.
Ecoya Christmas: Strawberry Spritz Madison Candle: Created by Australian candle Ecoya, this limited edition scent has a very summery feel. It combines spritzy pink grapefruit, pineapple, strawberry, passionfruit, guava and malt. $46.95.
Diptyque limited edition Neige candle: Inspired by snow, this candle’s stylish midnight blue wax is scented with white musk and heliotrope. Its glass vessel is adorned with white, gold and silver stars that glow in the dark. A golden metal lid protects the wax. $66.
Arty Bub Christmas tree candle: Available in green, red and white, we love this candle’s elegant shape. Decidedly Aussie, these candles are scented with an Australian Christmas bush scent. $34.99 each.
Trudon Felice Christmas 2022 Classic Candle: While this candle smells gorgeous (think citrus, Christmas spice and fruity notes), it’s the gorgeous vessel that caught our eye. The pretty glass jar is emblazoned with a shining star, champagne bottle, sparkling ring and musical notes too. $159.
Peppermint Grove Australia Christmas Pine Large Soy Candle: Housed in a lovely faceted green glass jar, this candle combines spearmint and bergamot with eucalyptus, sage, caramel, pine, rosemary vanilla, patchouli and more. It’s quite the festive mix! $44.95.
Oh It’s Perfect Snowflake Glass Vessel Candle: This one features a sweet and fresh aroma of flowers, coconut and caramel. We love its octagon shape, coloured glass and retro-inspired label. $65.95.
Circa Pine & Snow Gum candle: Another Aussie take on Christmas, this candle features the unmistakable scent of fir balsam, pine resin and tangy red fruits mingled with a sprig of minty Australian eucalyptus. $46.95.
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I don’t know about you, but I love a clear decor theme at Christmas time. Typically, I defer to a specific colour palette (rose gold and blush for example) and when looking for inspiration, Pinterest is my first port of call. With 400 million global users I’m certainly not alone and with such a huge volume of searches, the platform is a great way to gain insight into what is trending. Unsurprisingly, this month’s findings centre around beautiful, festive ideas.
Farmhouse Christmas decor Searches for ‘farmhouse Christmas decor’ have increased by 60 percent locally over the past month; it seems that many people will be embracing laid-back, rustic charm over the holiday season. Pinterest is brimming with tablescape ideas on this front including rustic reindeer bunting, eucalyptus leaf ornaments and personalised stockings.
Gingham, check and plaid With gingham a hot design trend it is no surprise to see searches for that, check and plaid are all up. A super easy way to incorporate the pattern into your Christmas tablescape is via a table runner. This particular tabletop item had fallen out of favour over the last decade but it seems to be back with Pinterest reporting a 35 percent increase in searches for ‘Christmas table runner.’
Summer Christmas ideas There’s no denying that an Australian Christmas is a very different experience to one in the Northern hemisphere and our festive eating and drinking habits reflect it. Too hot to crank up the oven and feed people heavy meals and mulled wine, Aussies go for less traditional food choices such as seafood and salad and this year, finger food is trending. Pinterest has seen a 75 percent increase in local searches for ‘finger food appetizers’ alongside a 35 percent increase in searches for ‘outdoor entertaining.’ Unsurprising really!
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Whether included in a stylish Christmas tabletop or simply lit from now until Santa arrives, a stylish and fabulously scented festive candle can really set the tone.
Oh It’s Perfect Merry Cherry glass vessel candle: Combining a tinted red glass vessel with a graphic label and cute octagonal shape, this Christmas scent is infused with an intoxicating aroma full of fruit, spices and a hint of red wine. $65.95.
Diptyque limited edition Sapin candle: This candle blends pine tree with a smokey ember scent for a very Christmassy vibe. The packaging and glass vessel are particularly fun. $60.
Ivy & Wood Christmas candle: Hand poured using natural coconut soy wax and cotton wicks, these Christmas candles come in three scents – the edible ‘Gingerbread’ and ‘Blackcurrant & Plum’ as well as the Australian themed ‘Bush Christmas.’ $39.95 each.
Trudon Christmas edition Gabriel candle: While the notes of leather, cashmere wood, and candied chestnuts have a lovely festive feel, the real beauty of this candle is the gorgeous gold foiled glass vessel it is housed in. $149.
In its final online event of the year, The Finders Keepers is hosting a three-day Christmas Online Market from tomorrow (Friday 19) to Sunday 21 November to promote a season of shopping well and supporting small.
More than 200 small creative businesses on the Finders Keepers Online Marketplace platform are taking part, offering market-only specials across the long weekend event to give mindful shoppers the chance to get their festive season gifts sorted. And there’s plenty of homewares on offer.
With promotions across every category from ethical fashion and jewellery to baby and kids, handmade homewares, local art, and gifts for him, the Christmas Online Market is the opportunity for conscious consumers to choose mindfully made this season.
Check out some of the amazing products and gifts on offer:
We are only a hop, skip and a jump away from the festive season. Something we’ve been on the lookout for are Santa sacks that won’t ruin the look of our living rooms (sometimes all that red and green can be a bit jarring, right?!)! Here are our top picks!
Namely Co – The Dancer Santa sacks are made from 100% traditional knitted organic cotton. Choose from a range of colours and personalise with your family’s names, so no one is left out. You can also snag Namely Co’s charming limited edition May Gibbs collaboration, inviting Snugglepot and Cuddlepie over for Christmas. $89.
Kip & Co– Stash all your Christmas goodies in these 100% cotton velvet Santa sacks. Each sack is made from thick, luscious and fluffy as a marshmallow velvet, that looks and feels amazing. Available in a range of colours including royal blue, jade green and blushing rose, there is something for the whole family. $69.
And don’t miss their new Flower Fairies Christmas sack. Nostalgia plus! Also $69.
Castle – Made from heavyweight 100% cotton jersey, the Big Sack will hold all your merry gifts, while the ribbon drawstring closure will make sure that no Chrissy presents escape before the big day. $79.
Hamptons Home – For a touch of luxury try these large luxury velvet Christmas sacks. In plush dark blue, duck egg blue, sky blue, blush pink and Snow White velvet for those who don’t want to start from their Hamptons or more muted palette! There’s also emerald green and red versions for the more traditional festive look! $149 for a limited time.
Little Willow Vintage – Create a real Christmas heirloom with these sentimental sacks. Each one is personalised with love and care. Made of stonewashed pure linen with hand stitched custom words or names, all tied together with a linen drawstring. You’ve missed this year’s order cut off but one to make a note of for next year! $110.
Sage x Clare – The new Nur Velvet Santa Sacks are made from beautifully soft cotton velvet that you won’t be able to stop touching. The fun colours, cute embroidered font, drawstring ties and playful pompoms are adorable details that you can’t say no to. You could even use these for toy storage year round too.
Cotton On – These affordable sacks are all about personalisation Choose from a range of prints, including florals, festive nutcrackers and the Grinch, then add the names of your loved ones. Design each sack specifically for each family member. A bargain at $29.99.
Adairs Kids – This delightful Santa sack is perfect for any Australian kid or the perfect gift to send to family or friends overseas. Featuring an adorable koala, beautifully representing a good ol’ Aussie bush Christmas. $24.99.
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With Christmas not too far off, the season of festive decoration has well and truly begun! There are so many products that can be used to get your home Santa-ready this Chrissie, including cushions, wreaths, stockings, decorations for the tree – and much, much more!
To celebrate, we’ve collated some stylish Christmas decorations for your home, at a wide variety of price points and in a number of styles, so that – whatever your design preferences – you can create the Christmas wonderland of your dreams.
This stunning range of Christmas cushion covers comes in a variety of sizes, styles, and colours. With designs ranging from minimalist, Scandi-inspired prints to classic Christmas versions, there is sure to be something for everyone!
Of course, we had to include this incredible IKEA piece ($14.99), from their VINTER 2020 collection! This Scandi-inspired wall hanging can be styled in beautiful minimalist fashion, as seen below, or even using family photographs slotted into the pine bars for the ultimate personal touch! It’s perfect for those who don’t want the mess or fuss of a real tree, and it can be re-used year after year, with different decorations for a unique creation each time.
This cute and classic doormat is the perfect way to welcome the festive season to your house! At just $10, visitors this Christmas are sure to love this gentle reminder of the yuletide spirit.
These place card holders are wonderful and practical additions to any table setting for Christmas lunch or dinner. They’re not only adorable and festive, but also allow for clear seating arrangements. There are other varieties, but we think this miniature Christmas tree ($7.99) is just gorgeous.
Scent is the sense that is the most closely tied to memory, meaning that it’s not only the visuals of this yuletide period that are so important in our homes. This gorgeous set of three miniature candles ($59.95) gives you a nice variety of iconic Christmas smells.
This faux (but convincing!) eucalyptus and wattle wreath ($79.99) is a fantastic way to combine the classic European Christmas designs with the Australian native flora. At 50cm in diameter, with pops of gorgeous yellow from the wattle, this is a truly magnificent way to display your festive spirit! Additionally, as it is faux, it will continue to look fresh and perfect for many Christmases to come.
Prefer your flora living (but low maintenance)? Whether you want a 30cm dried willow wreath with a small bunch of succulents ($155), or one filled with more than 30 succulents ($225), there’s a Little Succers Christmas wreath for you!
For those who don’t succ creatively and want to save a little, Little Succers also offer DIY kits ($100), where you can create your own wreath. Everything is there including green florist wires, six succulents, propagation pots and even gift packaging – just in case you want to create one for a pressie.
There’s also sweet build-your-own-terrarium baubles ($85). They come in DIY kits for 1, 2 or 4 people, making them a super fun and festive activity in the lead up to Christmas.
This stocking holder is sure to take pride of place on the mantle, as a piece that is both functional and incredibly stylish. There are other designs too, but this gorgeous faceted glass mirror tree ($84) instantly conjures up visions of a delicate winter wonderland!
These are possibly the cutest ornaments we’ve ever seen! The tiny woollen creatures add just the right hint of whimsy and sweetness to any home decor style. With a wide variety of animals and designs, there is sure to be the right little friend for every Christmas tree!
Of course, Christmas is the time for sweet treats, and nothing could be more perfect for storing these than this beautiful set of three differently-sized tins ($30) (they also make amazing receptacles for pressies!). With designs that marry Australian wildlife and traditional Christmas imagery, these two varieties of tin are gorgeous decorations in their own right.
You’ve still got time (just!) to order one of these divine advent calendars (pictured here in Jen’s kitchen) to fill with your own surprises for your little ones. At $109.95, it’s a quality, stylish decor piece too, which you’ll use year after year. It even comes with its own cotton bag for storage.
These two collections ($54 each), created in collaboration with Ros Shiers, are not only visually stunning, but also include a variety of high-end pressies inside, including miniature whisks and cookie cutters, brushes, wooden dice, and much more! They also contain a beautiful motto and, of course, the classic hat.
Now for a classic, inexpensive, pick; Target’s range of Christmas tree baubles, which are available in various colours (including red, silver, gold, blue, pink and green) and a variety of textures and finishes. Starting from only $6 for a pack of 24, you can buy several, and mix and match the colours to perfectly suit your home decor!
These beautiful, personalised Christmas sacks are a wonderful alternative to stockings, usually providing a larger capacity. We love this minimalist version ($49), but with so many options available, there is the right design to suit every child – and every adult!
And, finally, we adore these incredible stockings, which also allow for personalisation. The design takes inspiration from classic Australiana, and comes in two varieties; cockatoo (white) and flora (green) ($34.95 each).
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As owners of the Aussie Christmas décor store The Christmas Cart, Deborah Quinn and Kym Aldred spend a rather large amount of time looking at current interior styling trends to gauge how they may be interpreted at Christmas.
From a chic alternative to classic red, to a subtle metallic look and a full-blow South American fiesta vibe, the ladies have compiled their take on this year’s Christmas décor trends for us below.
Plum Each year, home décor is differentiated by key colours and 2019 is no different. Plum is currently being used in a huge range of home décor products from cushions to vases, right through to fashion in clothes and accessories. This year, we predict it will appear in Christmas decorating too.
Pairing beautifully with deeper tones of burgundy, both of these shades offer a moodier, more contemporary take on the classic red Christmas.
And the perfect way to break up these two pretty intense colours is by using another very popular colour at the moment – blush. Blush provides a welcome relief giving it a lightness and freshness whilst still keeping a sophisticated and feminine feel.
Sage The second on-trend colour that we think is going to be prevalent in Christmas decor this year is sage. Soft green, with a touch of grey, is uber popular – so much so that when Pinterest released their top 100 searches recently, ‘decorating with Sage’ was a favourite.
Sage varies in lightness and saturation. It can be earthy and warm or cool and silvery, and like many muted colours is very versatile. It’s at home when mixed with rustic, warm, natural elements as well as metallics.
Silver and sage
It a great option for those looking to add a subtle pop of colour in an otherwise monochrome colour palette, and when it comes to Christmas it’s perfect for those wanting a magical wintery feel with snowflakes and frost, but with bit more personality. It’s a wonderful way to combine rustic and luxurious elements in your Christmas décor.
Llamas!
Our third hottest new home trend, that we think is going to have a major impact on Christmas décor in 2019, has nothing to do with colour palettes. Instead, it has everything to do with a cute domesticated South American animal — the llama!
From tea towels, to artwork, bedding to backpacks, you may have noticed that the friendly, fluffy llama is making its mark in home décor at the moment and we believe this is certainly going to transfer over to Christmas.
A rather cute alternative to the reindeer don’t you think?
The llama’s cute face and soft fur lends itself very well to Christmas, whilst also providing a wonderful opportunity to incorporate a South American flavour to your Christmas décor.
This full-blown South American theme is unexpected and fun!
The bright colours and rustic textures bridge the gap between playful Christmas decorations that appeal to the young (and the young at heart), as well as the stylist who enjoys using natural, ethnically inspired, unexpected touches for Christmas.
From Christmas pudding to tropical fruit and spicy cranberries, this year’s festive candles are one for the gourmands! And just like last year, this year’s crop have a lovely Aussie summer vibe.
Glasshouse ‘Merry & Bright’ candle: A fun mix of tropical fruits (pineapple and strawberries) and fizzy summer freshness (a dash of mint) make this candle smell like Aussie Christmas in a jar. We love the tinsel-clad box. $46.95.
SOH Melbourne St Nicholas candle: Housed in a gorgeous emerald coloured jar, this will appeal to lovers of traditional Christmas scents – smoke ash, fir needles and pine combine for a heady mix. $65.
Mews Collective sugar plums and red berries candle: Finished with gold foiling, we’ll admit it was the packaging that caught our eye with this one! That said, the scent has a decidedly festive vibe with top notes of black currants, red plums and lemons, heart notes of lavender, red roses and nutmeg and base notes of cedarwood, oakmoss and musk. $49.95.
Ecoya wild strawberry frosé candle: This limited edition Christmas fragrance is another fruity one perfect for the Australian summer – there’s wild strawberries combined with tropical fruit, plus grounding notes of violet and rosewood. $42.95.
Diptyque ‘Luck’ candle: Part of the iconic French brand’s limited edition Christmas offering, this candle is emblazoned with luck-granting symbols for the festive season. $105.
The Prospect Project ‘Christmas Tree’ candle: With its top notes of fir needle and spearmint, middle notes of sage leaf and rosewood, and base notes of cedar wood and amber, this hand poured soy candle is a Christmas tree in a jar! $25
While the silly season is well and truly upon us there’s still plenty of time to get your Christmas gift list sorted. From gorgeous brass and pink salad servers to handmade ceramics, here’s 10 stylish options under $99 for the interiors addict in your life.
R & R mini pillowcase: Made from 100% French flax linen, these tailored bespoke cushions add a certain je ne sai quoi to the bedroom. I love the custom embroidered option. $55
West Elm vintage print mug: With maximalism a strong trend for 2019, these vintage inspired mix and match printed monogrammed mugs are bang on trend. $14.
Karen Morton blue hourglass bowl: Handmade in Melbourne, these gorgeous bowls are inspired by Paris and its pretty bridges. $60.
Adairs Home Republic Boho throw in mustard: Currently on sale, this vintage inspired throw will make a statement on just about any couch. The tufted fabric and pom poms make it look much more expensive than its $54 price tag.
Kerrie Hess iPhone cover: Created by fashion illustrator Kerrie Hess, these are perfect for the style-conscious in your life. $45.
Society of Wanderers leopard print cushion: This cushion was a big hit last summer and I’m thrilled to see its return. Leopard print is a neutral in my view and this would look spectacular styled in a bedroom or on a couch. Love! $79.
There’s something about Christmas that inspires creativity in even the most craft-averse people and with the bespoke, homespun aesthetic a classic Christmas look, it makes sense that people turn to Pinterest every year for inspiration. Incredibly, Pinterest holds over 235 million boards created around festive planning and people start collating ideas for the festive season as early as July!
The recently published Pinterest Festive Celebrations Report 2018 has rounded up the top ideas that ‘pinners’ are searching for which gives us some insight into how people will be decorating their lives this Christmas.
Creative table napkins
Searches for ‘creative table napkins’ are up a whopping 540 per cent at present. I like the simple bit of greenery atop a textured plain napkin option below.
Letter board menus
Searches for ‘letter board menus’ are up 472 per cent at present and it’s easy to see why. The letter board has been trending for a while now and not only are they relatively inexpensive to purchase but they add an air of chic formality to the Christmas table.
Asymmetric holiday wreath A modern take on a classic, I love the less is more approach to the asymmetric wreath below. Plus, it also proves that a simple splash of greenery is all you need.
Zero waste gift wrapping I love this idea and, in this era of zero waste, I can see it really taking off. Tea towels make for fabulous Christmas gift wrap.
Up cycled ornaments With searches up 325 per cent, this is one to tackle with the kids. The up cycled ornament below was made with a twig, twine and miscellaneous pieces of ribbon.
Glass bottle candle holders A great way to reuse old bottles, searches for ‘glass bottle candle holders’ are up 40 per cent at present. I love the simple water and foliage styling below.
Leaf place card With searches up 116 per cent, the leaf place card is looking like a solid Christmas favourite. A simple spring of rosemary works wonders below.
Fairy lights While they’re not exactly a new idea, I suspect people are searching new ways to use their fairy lights. I love them in a garden for a touch of festive whimsy.
While there’s always a place for traditional Christmas scents like pine and cinnamon, there’s a new wave of festive fragrance on the scene this year and many of them have a distinctly Australian feel. From pineapple and peach (evoking balmy summer nights) to Maison Blanche’s quite literal take with its ‘Australian Christmas’ candle, these are our top picks.
Circa Home Christmas collection: Circa Home’s Christmas offering is rather comprehensive and there are a plenty of gorgeous options within. I love the mini-candle bon bon, $14.95, and the mini star candle that is available as a gift with purchase if you spend over $40.
The Christmas bon bon mini candle (top) makes a fabulous gift
I’m star obsessed and was happy to find out that this is available as a gift with purchase.
Maison Blanche limited edition Australian Christmas candle (medium): A celebration of Christmas in the heat, this scent evokes a tropical cocktail – think fresh pineapple, orange and cranberries plus a splash of vodka and peach schnapps – and is housed in a minimal glass jar with wooden lid. $32.
Glasshouse ‘Merry and Bright’ candle: Another tropical option, this one’s aroma includes tropical fruit (pineapple and strawberries) plus a hint of fresh mint. The vessel makes for great bathroom storage later. $46.95.
Lumira Nuit De Noel candle: A more traditional Christmas scent, this clean green glass jar houses a scent that evokes brandy-soaked fruit, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, amber, tonka and pine tree. $69.
Tilley Dreaming of a White Christmas candle: Rich and sweet with hints of tangy cherry and deep spicy notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and clove, this is one of three limited edition candles from Australia’s oldest soap maker. Jen’s also been road testing the Cranberry and Pear Spritz candle which is a great less-traditionally-festive option. $29.95.
The Prospect Project Gingerbread candle: I’d say the scent housed within this mason jar is pretty obvious! Spicy pumpkin gingerbread, caramel and hazelnut make this one for the gourmands. Plus, The Prospect Project donates $2 from every order to not for profit causes. $25.
The Aromatherapy Co ‘Christmas Pud’ candle: I love the gorgeous little village design on the outside of this candle. Christmas pudding is the inspiration behind the scent that emanates citrus infused with cloves and cinnamon plus fig and cherry. $14.95.
Ecoya ‘Summer Cherries & Peach’ candle: Housed in a glass jar with chrome lid, this Christmas candle is yet another Aussie-inspired number. Summer cherries infused with orange and passionfruit plus mango, plum and peach counter a creamy vanilla base. $40.
The ground spices make this spectacular cake perfect for the Christmas season. Good both warm and at room temperature, it’s best drizzled with caramel sauce, topped with spiced whipped cream – or both. Thanks to Williams Sonoma for this week’s recipe.
Ingredients
250 g unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing
470 g plain flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
2 tbsp. ground ginger
45 g peeled and grated fresh ginger
220 g firmly packed light brown sugar
1 egg
345 g light molasses
250 ml buttermilk
For the caramel sauce (optional):
125 g sugar
1 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
60 ml double cream
For the nutmeg whipped cream (optional):
375 ml double cream
6 tbsp. 45 g icing sugar
1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish
Method
1. Preheat an oven to 180°C. Butter a 25cm Bundt pan and dust lightly with flour and shake out any excess.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, ground ginger and grated ginger. In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and creamy. Beat in the egg. Add the molasses and beat until well blended, about 2 minutes. Beat in the flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with the buttermilk in 2 additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn the cake out of the pan, slipping a knife between the edge of the cake and the pan to loosen. Turn the cake right side up and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
4. While the cake is baking, make the caramel sauce. Put the sugar in a heavy saucepan and add enough water to just cover (it should resemble wet sand). Place over medium-high heat and cook, swirling (not stirring) the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the mixture starts to bubble and the edges begin to turn amber 7 to 10 minutes. Watching carefully to prevent overcooking, heat until the mixture turns a deep amber, 3 to 5 minutes longer. Remove from the heat and very carefully add the butter (it may spatter) and then the cream, swirling the pan until the mixture is evenly blended. Set the sauce aside until ready to serve, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rewarm the sauce over low heat before serving.
5. Right before serving, make the whipped cream, if using: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Sprinkle in the icing sugar and nutmeg and continue to beat until almost stiff peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Drizzle the cake with the warm caramel sauce, if using, and cut into wedges. If desired, garnish each wedge with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg. Serves 12 to 16.
Real Living magazine editor Elle Lovelock certainly knows a thing or two about design and styling and to celebrate the launch of her magazine’s bumper Christmas issue here she shares her top decorating tips for the silly season.
Colour palette
“Pick a colour palette or a theme for your tree. You can either choose something that works with the rest of your home or something completely different to contrast. Should you prefer to change things up from season to season, go for impact with large baubles and thick garlands and tinsel – it’s a more cost effective way of filling a tree, rather than using many smaller ornaments,” says Elle.
Soft furnishings “Extend your Christmas decorating to your soft furnishings. Swap out cushion covers and throws – and even bed linen – for festive variations on your sofa and beds,” says Elle.
Plants & foliage
“Bring a festive touch to greenery around the house. Wrap trees and larger pot plants with fairy lights, fill a vase with silvery green olive branches or eucalyptus and spray the tips with metallic spray paint. If you love a classic look, go for a beautiful red poinsettia,” says Elle.
Dining table styling
“The dining table is the focal point of every celebration, so give yours some special attention. Start with the centrepiece. Flowers and foliage are always lovely to decorate with, but you could also fill bowls and vases with piles of baubles, tinsel, shells or fruit. The key to an attractive centrepiece is to create dimension. Use a mix of footed bowls and cake stands, or tall and short vases and candles to create height,” says Elle.
Make a statement with your Christmas dining table styling
Continue your theme
“Carry your colour palette or theme through to your gift wrap. For example, if you have flowers on your table, attach a few to the tops of your presents. Or, use the same ribbon on your gifts to tie around napkins or as a garland in your tree,” says Elle.
There is much to covet from the Designers Guild Australian online store, making it the perfect stop for a spot of Christmas present shopping. Convenience aside (you don’t even have to leave the house!) the brand is offering a Spend & Save special offer for Interiors Addict readers. Read on for my top picks!
Dufrene Berry Throw: This bold geometric jacquard throw provides a fabulous pop of colour – the fuchsia and aqua combination is pretty gorgeous. This is right at the top of my wish list! $280.
There are plenty of other gorgeous throws available too
Coniston towels: From Wedgwood blue to lilac, pink and a multitude of colours in between, the Designers Guild towel range offers a veritable rainbow of choice – 16 to be exact! From $10.
Manipure Azure Cushion: I’m a bit of a sucker for teal velvet so it’s no surprise that I was rather taken with this gorgeous cushion. The hexagonal, honeycomb-esqe pattern gives it a modern geometric edge too. $165.
Delft Flower Sky Washbag: This floral cotton wash bag (with waterproof lining) is a classic choice ideal for the frequent flyer. From $40.
Astor denim bed linen: The Astor bed linen range is one of my favourites from the Designers Guild homewares collection. Incredibly chic, it’s available in 17 colours ranging from grass green to the gorgeous denim shade pictured below. With mix and match bed linen a firm trend, I think even a couple of Euros would be statement-making enough. From $50.
Hand painted blue table linen: Painted by hand, I love this range of linen place mats, napkins and table cloths. Gifting aside, they are a great way to finish your table over the festive season. From $60.
Hand painted table cloth
Hand painted napkin
Blue Marble Teapot: Made using a combination of natural and coloured clay, no two teapots are the same. I can see this working back with existing white dinnerware making it a great gift. $65.
Home fragrance: Candles are a fail-safe present – particularly when you don’t know the recipient that well. They also make a great gift for the host over the festive season too. From $75.
Friends of Interiors Addict Spend & Save special offer codes:
Spend $100 and get 10% off using the promo code ADDICT10 Spend $300 and get 15% off using the promo code ADDICT15 Spend $500 and get 20% off using the promo code ADDICT20
Offer ends Sunday 2 December. Please note that 3 December is the order cut-off date for guaranteed pre-Christmas delivery.
The ground spices make this spectacular cake perfect for the Christmas season. Good both warm and at room temperature, it’s best drizzled with caramel sauce, topped with spiced whipped cream – or both. Thanks to 
