As a young child I was lucky enough to grow up in a gorgeous country house that had a large formal living room with an inglenook open fireplace. The room, complete with exposed beams and old bread oven built into the wall(!), really came alive during the festive season. Getting our tree as a family, and subsequently decorating it, was an event we all looked forward to each year. As an adult this is something I’ve always been keen to continue, so my heart mate and I look forward to bringing the festive magic of the season into our home each Christmas. As we’re currently living in a 17th Century cottage it feels even closer to the memories of those early childhood days at this time of year.
Naturally, when LSA International invited me to style up their gorgeous limited edition Christmas packaging in my own home I jumped at the chance to get festive ahead of December. For one day the fire was lit, the decorations came out from the loft and I hit play on Michael Bublé (natch) in the iPod – festive bliss! I’ve tried out a variety of bright, bold and colourful Christmas schemes in the past but there’s something so instantly comforting and, well, festive about a classic red and white theme, don’t you think?
As part of the decorating fun I invited some friends over and cracked open a bottle of bubbles. For me, decorating for Christmas has always felt like a social experience that is even more enjoyable when shared with others. Normally I don’t like drinking champagne from coupes (I’m far too clumsy!), but these champagne saucers have a small lip on them that makes it so easy (and feel oh-so-glam!) to drink from. I also like the modern and gently scandinavian feel to the Paddle nibble dishes.
The best thing about LSA International’s festive offering is the ease of ‘instant gifting’. True, I like a good wrapping session while watching Love Actually, but there are times when the hectic festive season takes over and I need to save time. That’s when I know I’m going to make use of these slip on, pre-made and tied gift boxes. I think they would be great to have in reserve for last minute Christmas gifts or to take as a hostess present. From everyday to stylishly wrapped in seconds – I love it! Plus, they look gorgeous as festive touches around the home. I styled up the Bon Bon jar with a series of super charming London themed baubles and it’s become a decoration I’ll now bring out year after year. What are your favourite christmas gifting and decorating ideas?
// Photography by Will Taylor | Posted in partnership with LSA; all views my own
27 Comments
Definitely not in the festive mood just yet, but these twinkly pics nearly got me! Love the one of your with the tree 🙂
@Becky – Glad you found it inspiring, thanks for the kind words! x
It makes me so excited to see all these posts about Christmas going out! Although, we still have to get through Thanksgiving here in the US before Christmas season really kicks in I will never say no to anything Christmas related. It looks like you are going to have a lovely, cozy and festive Christmas in your cottage this year and I am really liking the simple red and white theme you have chosen.
A recommendation on another great Christmas CD to listen to if you do have anymore decorating is “The Carpenters”, it just brings back childhood memories for me 🙂
Since it is Thanksgiving week here in US I will leave you with a “Happy Thanksgiving and almost Christmas”!
@Rebecca – Thank you for the kind recommendation and have a wonderful holiday season!
As a fellow country boy, with accompany parental period property, I can really identify with this post.
The decorating of the tree was always a big event, usually done with mother’s military precision to ensure everything looked pretty from all angles.
I sadly did not manage to acquire the festive taste gene, for me my tree is all about multicoured tack. I get a decoration from every country I have visited so it’s a hodge podge of looks, but each one has a special memory.
Your tree looks wonderful, so keep up the fantastic work.
@Samuel – Thanks for stopping by! I like the idea of your hodgepodge tree with decorations from all over the world – really original and packed full of personality! Would love to see it! 🙂
I love this post Will. Gives me so much idea about a beautiful and not stressful pre-Christmas. I love the festive season, but I find myself sometimes lost in the chaos of the preparations. I never thought of sharing the set up of the tree with friends. This is a lovely tradition.
And I agree that red and white is a winner combination for Christmas. I am not in the mood yet, but looking forward to it!
@Steph – Thank you! Yes, it’s a lovely have to have a “friend-mas” – decorate the tree and then have a big dinner together after! : x
Where did you get those gorgeous baubles? I totally want some for my tree! (When I get it!)
@K – Sure! They are from Paperchase.
I have been hunting for beautiful champagne glasses forever & I just found a US vendor that carries these! Soo excited & obviously gorgeous spread Will!
@Jana – Those coupes are just gorgeous, aren’t they! So pleased you found some and thanks for the kind words!
Exceptionally beautiful and cozy! Well done xx
@Jocelyn – Thank you so much! xx
That’s quite the cozy Holiday set-up. Well done Will!
@TKG – Cheers, Josh! 🙂
Lovely images, I love traditional red and white too and lots of wooden decorations, hearts, stars, etc. Love Christmas nutcrackers, real pine cones, holly, moss to decorate the mantle. Lots of candles burning and cute fairy lights all over.
All things nice…
@All Things Nice – That sounds so cosy and lovely!
Lovely blog, making us feel lovely and festive.
@Frithrugs – Thank you for stopping by!
So poetic and beautiful! love it!
Poetic and beautiful! 🙂
Lovely post Will 🙂 feeling very festive! Great post to get everybody in the mood.
Great post Will 🙂 Lovely photos to get us all in the festive mood.
@Barry – Cheers! Pleased you enjoyed the post! 🙂
So poetic and beautiful! I love this time of the year …
@Serena – Thank you so much!