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Dining Expert Tips Interiors Addict

Easy hassle free hacks to transform your Christmas space

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.

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Categories
Decorating 101 Styling

Christmas 2021 decor: The farmhouse look is trending

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.

Pinterest
The farmhouse Christmas theme is a real vibe. Image: Pinterest/onekinddesign.com
Pinterest
Reindeer bunting. Image: Pinterest/favorlaneparty.com

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.’ 

Image: Pinterest
Plaid is such a classic look for Christmas. Image: Pinterest/shop.stylemepretty.com

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!

Image: Pinterest
Image: Pinterest

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Homewares Shopping

Classy Christmas decorations: our top stylish picks

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.

Christmas cushions from Pottery Barn Australia

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!

Here are just a few of our favourites:

Tarak Embellished Pinecone Lumbar Cushion Cover ($69)
Painted Holly Branch Lumbar Cushion Cover ($59)
Pottery Barn – Painted Village Lumbar Cushion Cover ($59)

Simply pop the cover over an existing cushion then remove it come January and store it folded with your other decor.

Christmas tree wall decoration from IKEA

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.

Christmas rug from Kmart

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.

Pine tree place card holder from Bed Bath N’ Table

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.

Mini Christmas candles 3-pack from Glasshouse

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.

Faux eucalyptus and wattle wreath from Australian House & Garden (available at Myer)

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.

Little Succers Succulent Wreaths and Build Your Own Terrarium Baubles

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.

We can’t get enough of the packaging either!

Stocking holder from Pottery Barn Australia

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!

Woollen Christmas ornaments from Morgan & Finch (available at Bed Bath N’ Table)

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!

Noah Koala Decoration ($11.99)
SN Fluffy and Sleepy Owl ($10.99)
Woollen Reindeer Decoration in Tutu ($9.99)

Jocelyn Proust 3-piece Christmas tin set from Spotlight

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.

Wee Gallery

Wee Gallery Organic Cotton Advent Calendar from Urban Baby

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.

Deer Douglas & Deer Darcy Christmas crackers from Reindeer and Castle

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.

Global Wonder and Heritage Christmas tree baubles from Target

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!

Personalised Christmas sack from Colour and Spice

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!

Personalised Jocelyn Proust stocking (available at The Christmas Cart)

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).

Categories
Homewares

Our top 9 stylish Christmas stockings and sacks

Christmas decorating can go one of two ways… elegant or tacky! And sometimes it can be a fine line to tread. Tinsel? No. Tree ornaments? Yes. Colourful lights? Maybe. Well trust me when I say these stockings and sacks will be loved by you and your child, because on this list there’s nothing gaudy in sight! 

Sack Me’s Starry Night Swag Sack: This swanky sack can be used year round, for Santa’s loot or to store unwanted mess long after Santa’s gone! With a drawstring closure and decorative pompoms, it is also machine washable. Available in a variety of fun and vibrant patterns for $49.95.

Sack Me’s Starry Night Swag Sack (bottom right)

Country Road’s Orna Stocking: Having just launched their online personalisation service, this stocking can have your little one’s name in a choice of two fonts and a magnitude of colours. Prices start from $29.95.

Country Road’s Orna Stocking (middle and right)

Bed Bath N’ Table’s Santa Sack Do Not Open: This large jute sack in red and white celebrates the timeless charm of a traditional Christmas. Simple and on trend, it will work with any home decor. $29.95.

Bed Bath N’ Table’s Santa Sack Do Not Open

Kip&Co x Animalia Unicorns and Umbrellas Santa Sack: This whimsical sack is inspired by the 1980s children’s book Animalia. Now 30 years later, the magic of Graeme Base’s tale has become a iconic story for inquisitive minds the world over. Featuring unruly unicorns, upending urns and ultramarine umbrellas, this 100% cotton canvas sack has a gold tie and pom poms. $69.

Kip&Co x Animalia Unicorns and Umbrellas Santa Sack

Little Willow Vintage’s Christmas Stocking: This classic, handmade stocking comes in natural linen or a white linen cotton blend. You can make it that little more personal with a hand stitched initial or bow. Prices start from $32.

Christmas Stocking from Little Willow Vintage

Cabin Co Interiors’ Gold Tree Santa Sack: Hand screen printed, this 100% cotton sack features a gold tree and Christmas delivery design on the front and matching tree pattern on the back. For $50 this stocking is glamorous and elegant.

Cabin Co Interiors’ Gold Tree Santa Sack (left)

Pottery Barn Kids’ Luxe Velvet Reindeer Stocking: Soft, sophisticated and now in a deeper red, this stocking is an instant classic. Plus the fluffy sherpa, ruffles and appliqués make for an extra-special design. Personalisation available in store. $39.

Pottery Barn Kids’ Luxe Velvet Reindeer Stocking (far left)

Cotton On Kids’ Personalised Santa Sack: This huge sack is ideal for kids who have been extra nice this year! Available in three patterns (Christmas tree, fairy tree and Scandi Santa) each sack design has foiling and bright neon colours, simply add your child’s name for a personal touch. $24.95.

Cotton On Kids’ Personalised Santa Sacks

The Woodsfolk’s Felt Stocking Red with Multi Edging: Carefully handmade in Nepal, this stocking embodies that traditional Christmas feel. It’s basically a groovy version of Santa’s big red boot! Soft to the touch, it is available in a range of colours for $39.95.

The Woodsfolk’s Felt Stocking Red with Multi Edging (centre)

We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you would add!

Categories
Homewares Styling

Festive decor: Our top Christmas interior buys

Gone are the days of tacky Christmas decor – from chain stores to boutique retailers, there are lots of stylish festive wares to be found this season. Read on for our top picks.

One Two Tree Christmas Tree: Flying in the face of tradition, this Christmas tree is a minimalist’s dream and it’s eco-friendly to boot. From $399.

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Sack Me! Confetti Swag Sack: Ideal for holding Santa’s goodies, this festive Christmas sack doubles as a storage bag throughout the year. $49.95.

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Adairs gift tags (set of 30): Super fun, these gift tags are sure to brighten up even the most simple wrapping paper. $7.95.

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Papaya conifer wreath: Christmas is not the same without a front door wreath and this one has lovely lush proportions. $119.

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The Woodsfolk advent calendar: Part of The Woodsfolk’s gorgeous Christmas range, this advent calendar can be filled with anything of your choosing. Their Scandi decorations are worth a look too. $79.95.

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Country Road Sky decorations (set of 3): Slimline and shiny, these Christmas baubles are perfect for an on-trend pop of colour. $19.95.

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Mozi Christmas range: From melamine salad servers and plates to table cloths and advent calendars, the Mozi Christmas range brings the cheer. From $11.95.

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kikki.K Swedish star light: A traditional Swedish Christmas decor item, this paper lantern comes complete with a battery box for illumination and is notable for its simple, clean lines. $24.95.

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Categories
Expert Tips Homewares

Refresh your Christmas decor with Domayne’s top 5 looks

Sponsored by Domayne

I know it’s incredibly cliché but for me, Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year” (I want you to know I sung that part in my head!). I love everything about it. From the food and family time to the presents and decorations. However, what I don’t like so much is the fact that I’ve found myself in a bit of a Christmas decor rut.

And what I mean by that is every year my home looks exactly the same. Sure, I may add a new bauble or wreath here and there, but in the end it’s all much of a muchness. Well not this year! This festive season I’m thinking it’s time to liven it up and Domayne’s five Christmas trends for 2015 could just be the way to do it. If you need a little inspiration too, look no further!

1. Maddison Avenue

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Perfect for adding some fresh Scandi charm to your home, the Madison Avenue range celebrates tactile materials, icy blue tones and Scandinavian appeal, helping to recreate that classic look. Mix with light timbers, bright whites and fresh greenery to add some warmth and flair.

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Our favourite picks: Teal and gold finial ornament |  Danish Christmas tree | Wild Pine Pre-lit White Christmas Tree

2. White

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Going back to the clean, crisp notes of the classic Christmas, white wares can be easily accessorised with your existing Christmas decor, complimenting both traditional and contemporary aesthetics. White is timeless and striking against the green of your tree and particularly on trend when married with the metallic luxe of gold dinnerware.

Our favourite picks: Feather Christmas wreath | Tall house lantern | Chloe drop glass ornament

3. Gold

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Give traditional Christmas a modern twist by introducing the on trend metallics of gold and geometric shapes. The decorations are particularly effective in their minimalist composition, giving a subtle metallic touch to your tree, table or wall.

Our favourite picks: Diamond shaped hanging ornament | Dipped gold glass ornament | Goldie side plate in white

4. Crystal Crusaders

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The collectible Crystal Crusaders are back this Christmas with 12 new characters to meet. With their vibrant colours and glittering diamantes, they are a great addition to your tree, or even to adorn a Christmas parcel. With so many cheeky characters to choose from, you’ll find a crusader for the whole family.

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5. Down Foxy Lane

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Make your Christmas magical with touches of enchantment to delight the imaginations of kids and kids-at-heart. The Down Foxy Lane range brings magic to your Christmas tree with woodland themed decorations, everything from owls and reindeers to pandas and polar bears (what type of woodland is this?!).

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Our favourite picks: Copper and black hanging ornament | Hanging wool fox ornament | White advent calendar

— With a passion for fashion and design, Domayne is one of Australia’s leading retailers in furniture, bedding and homewares. Proudly supporting Australian made products and sourcing unique pieces internationally, they offer a wide range of products to turn any house into a home!