Very Merry?

Is it still Christmas without red or green? As expats who grew up with cold, sometimes even White, Christmases in the Northern hemisphere, we have been known to strive for a traditional Christmas. But being here in Australia, where it is hot and sultry during this silly season, we've grown to appreciate that we might need to keep things a bit more fresh and lively. So what do you think of this jaunty Christmas palette?

• The combination of strong jewel tones, pastels and lots of white is just so crisp and chic.
• I love the modern take on the tabletop Christmas tree decorations, very graphic and hip.
• How good is gold! The stocking is festive and the gold utensils are to die for...they scream “Come celebrate!”
• Coloured confetti in wine glasses with candles stuck in them...cheap, cheerful and very, very clever.
  

Festive Season

Turkey, tinsel and tropical temperatures don’t really make for a comfortable Christmas, which is why the traditional Australian celebration often takes place outdoors and has developed a style all its own.  We really like this celebratory setting, and would love to drop by for a cold wine and a lively chat.  Here’s why we find it so inviting:

It’s outdoors, of course!  There is nothing quite like a meal al fresco, be it a sandwich on a park bench, a picnic on the beach or a family gathering in the garden.

The colours used are bright and cheerful, but not predictable. The vibrant Suzani throw used as a tablecloth breaks the rules for a formal table setting and makes for fun. The polka dot cushions don’t match but definitely go well.  The orange placemats add zing while the white chairs give a freshness appropriate for eating outdoors.

The seating just invites you to stay awhile.  Regular dining chairs and gardens don’t really mix, which is why these chairs are just perfect, blending style, comfort and practicality.

Fresh flowers for decoration are endlessly appealing and seasonally stylish.

The little ‘break away’ area in the background confirms that this garden has truly been transformed into an outdoor room that will host and entertain from brunch right through to a candlelit supper.  Merry!

We’d love to help you create an outdoor room for your festive season, and if you fancy one like this, we suggest the Nina chairs, Prisma table linens, Aisha coasters, Indigo Polka dot cushions, Thorn Glass vases.