Mix Fresh with Faux this Christmas
This year to create an opulent decorative scheme I have brought out my favourite faux wreaths and garlands and adding pieces gathered from my garden and local woodland walks. This adds natural colours and textures, and the nostalgic scent of pine needles blending with holly, mistletoe, rosehip berries and pine cones, even garden herbs such as bay and rosemary.
Fresh, free and kinder to our environment, the displays will last the whole season too.
I believe Christmas decorations should represent a collection of memories, pieces which tell a story about places you’ve been or shops you have visited. I add to my collection yearly, and always buy pieces which will work with my schemes. This year I found these gorgeous linen napkins, with a classic fern motif embroidered in contemporary silver thread, from Nina Campbell.
The table setting is a time honoured tradition in our family, and a pair of silver stags take centre stage, offset by myriad candles and reflective glass, giving the table an ethereal glow. I use a bowl of seasonal cyclamen covered in moss and trailing ivy as a centre piece.
This sits on a mirrored charger plate, surrounded by tea lights and coloured candles, the mirror bouncing the candle light around the room giving a magical atmosphere. I add a playful touch with my signature hot pink candles which can be purchased from the Burford Garden Company.
Lighting is key. I dress my mantelpieces and staircase with a collection of white fairy lights interwoven with foliage, soft lighting at varying heights adding warmth and atmosphere. I love to create a welcoming entrance, with candles flickering in every window and a dramatic chandelier lighting the hallway, dressed with trailing ivy and colourful faux birds nestling amongst it to add drama.
Decorations flow throughout the house with an ivy green and silver palette, and a more colourful and playful element in the snug, which is my sons’ playroom. Christmas after all is such an exciting time for children. We have knitted reindeer and decorations they have made over the years. These are part of our family history and are so important to treasure. For Christmas is a time to stop and rest and remember and be with the family.
2019 has been an exciting year for the relaunch of my studio and a big thank you to all my lovely clients, suppliers and followers for helping to make it a success.
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and all the very best for the year ahead.
Love,
Lucy x
