Home is an accumulation of our lives, a source of comfort and connects us to special memories, stories and people. When the selection of objects in our home are unique to us and informed by personal connections, values and preferences, we are most likely to create spaces that will satisfy and endure.
One of the most powerful ways to inject character and visual interest into a home is through artwork, particularly vintage or antique pieces. Vintage art, in all its forms and styles makes all the difference to the look and feel of our interiors, it carries presence and power within a space and adds warmth and beauty. There is something magical about original vintage artwork, imbued with stories and layers of rich history. It affords opportunities to create individual spaces outside of the trends of mass produced art, and celebrates conscious consumerism. Art comes in many forms and can include photographs, sculpture, ceramics, textiles or finds from nature, as well as paintings.
The pieces we surround ourselves with are important and intrinsic to our everyday life and have the ability to spark joy, awe and calm in our spaces. Art provides an endless source of inspiration across the home and can create a beautiful environment in any room. It has a way of pulling a space together and making it feel inviting and lived-in. Working the colours of artworks into your interior schemes and pairing with finds old and new can create considered and cohesive spaces.
The subject matter and medium can make a big difference to what kind of mood an artwork can add to your home. Muted colours can be good for creating a sense of calm whilst bold and vibrant scenes can enliven a space. From landscapes to still life or portraits, whether abstract or realism in style, choose pieces instinctively as it is those pieces that you feel a connection with that will retain a personal value. The beauty of buying vintage art is that it lends itself to interesting and informal placement around the home. Vintage art works are there to be seen, moved around and enjoyed.
Methods of displaying art can often make as much of a statement as the pieces themselves. The way a painting is framed, hung and lit all contribute to the overall aesthetic and feeling it evokes. Pairing an artwork with a thoughtfully chosen frame can elevate any piece into something special.
A single painting, whether large or small in size, can be hugely impactful and completely transform a room. There is sometimes a temptation to hang paintings high on a wall but positioning pieces at eye level can work well. When curating artworks, it is important to consider the proportion of the piece in relation to the room, so that when the picture is in place it has a connection with the space and the viewer. Leaving light and space around individual special pieces allows them to be a focal point, creates balance and grounds the interior.
Art can also be grouped together to form a gallery wall in order to add visual interest to a room. While historic in nature, the gallery wall complements both traditional and contemporary spaces. Whilst there are many different approaches, the most important thing to remember when curating a wall of art is that the display should look like it has evolved over time, combining different artistic mediums, frame styles and sizes for an organic, collected look. Placing a favourite or stand out piece first, and building around it can be a good way to start, keeping the central picture at eye level. Constraining the colour palette can help to unify a collection and create cohesion. Pieces need not match or belong to the same aesthetic, style or genre, but come together beautifully when arranged within a limited palette. Overall, there is no wrong way as it’s about evoking a feeling through pieces which elicit memories and personal connection, a visual reminder of homes, people and places.
For a more informal approach than traditional hanging, paintings also look effective placed on the floor, on top of a sideboard, or propped casually on a shelf or mantelpiece. Leaning pieces of art allows them to be moved easily around the home and creates a simple, laid-back aesthetic that feels effortlessly elegant.
The versatility of art means that it can be enjoyed in every room, being equally at home in main living areas as a hallway or landing. Displaying art work in unexpected places can anchor a space and bring interiors to life. Framed or unframed, canvases or boards, the possibilities are endless.
There are so many things to love about vintage and antique art – its form, tones, texture and the story it tells. It has already lived a life somewhere and there are often clues to the story through patination, old repairs and markings. Vintage art infuses a home with character through its lived-in patina and can connect us with precious memories. It can also resolve a space, acting as a decorative focal point and help us feel grounded.
Whether you live in a contemporary or traditional home, art helps to personalise a space. Buying vintage art is a wonderful way to reduce waste by reusing and repurposing existing resources. Pieces don’t have to be rare or expensive – it is about being clever with your budget. Take your time to find pieces that connect with you, scouring second hand shops, markets and small businesses to find original pieces as this is what makes a home feel uniquely you.
When we include pieces we love within our home, we create opportunities to enhance both the look and feel of our spaces. Take time to build collections slowly, choosing pieces which resonate and have a strong visual and emotional connection, in order to enrich your surroundings and bring joy and beauty to your home.
Explore our art gallery board on Pinterest for further inspiration or view our online collection of vintage and antique art. We offer bespoke sourcing and can also advise on colour palettes, pairings and framing to help create impact and beauty throughout your home. Please contact us if you are looking for help to build your collections.
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The Versatility of Side Tables
As we consider the design and functionality of our homes, we often overlook the importance individual items of furniture can have in our spaces. Sometimes it takes just one piece to transform a room and how we enjoy our interiors every day. Side tables are small yet versatile pieces of furniture which effortlessly combine style and purpose, adding a touch of elegance and practicality to any space. They seamlessly blend into various rooms, adapting to different functions and design schemes.
In the living room, side tables can accompany a sofa or armchair and are opportunities for decorative displays and table lamps, which provide subtle, warm lighting. Similarly, in the bedroom, they act as bedside companions, holding books, lamps, or alarm clocks. Side tables can also find their place in hallways, serving as convenient surfaces for keys and small essentials, or displaying flowers to create a welcoming entrance. The adaptability of side tables allows them to fulfil our ever-changing needs in different areas of the home.
Crafted from various materials such as wood, metal, glass, or marble, side tables come in an array of designs, shapes, and finishes to suit every space. From sculptural modern designs, to more traditional or vintage examples, they embody the creativity and craftsmanship of their designers and makers. With unique details, interesting textures, and forms, side tables can elevate the visual appeal of any interior.
Side tables are particularly valuable for small spaces as their compact size make them ideal additions to rooms with limited square footage. Well chosen side tables can provide surface area and functionality while maintaining an open and airy feel, creating the illusion of more space. Every surface in the home provides opportunities to create vignettes that are personal and meaningful, but most of all, make us happy. Simply adding a vintage vessel with florals or sculptural stems can instantly bring a room to life while creating height variation and scale for visual interest.
Embrace the endless possibilities that side tables offer as decorative accents and practical surfaces in every corner of your home. Visit our store to explore our one-of-a-kind vintage side tables or view our furniture board on Pinterest.
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The Bathroom
The bathroom is a sanctuary within our home where we can slow down, create rituals and restore our equilibrium. These intimate spaces are a daily retreat, framing the quiet moments that begin and end each day. Regardless of size or layout, a bathroom should be a joyful space that offers a sense of calm and comfort as well as being functional. Whether starting from scratch, or refreshing a current space, focus on creating a bathroom that feels personal and beautiful.
E M B R A C E S I M P L I C I T Y
Embracing simplicity in your bathroom is about creating a serene and functional space that supports your daily rituals. Focus on smart storage solutions that keep toiletries hidden away behind curtains or cabinetry. Introduce warmth and personality through practical, beautiful details like handwoven baskets, a timber bath board or ceramic soap dish. Choose quiet tones, muted colours and natural materials to evoke a sense of ease, balance and comfort.
A D D U N I Q U E E L E M E N T S
Adding unique elements can help create a bathroom space that feels both personal and beautiful. Vintage and antique pieces such as aged wood furniture, mirrors, lighting and original artworks add character while offering a timeless, sustainable touch.
Even the smallest decorative details can bring a sense of softness to a bathroom. A favourite scented candle, framed photograph, or a foraged piece of driftwood – these simple touches are what turn a bathroom into your sanctuary.
L E T N A T U R E I N
Nature is one of our greatest sources of inspiration when curating spaces. From incorporating natural materials such as, wood, marble, linen and stone, to adding a simple vase of flowers or bowl of shells, natural elements soften the look and feel of a bathroom and help to create a relaxed and grounded space. Where possible maximise natural light to make the space feel brighter and more open. Let fresh air flow freely to keep the atmosphere clean and fresh.
All images via Pinterest
Though often one of the smallest rooms within a home, the bathroom offers endless possibilities. With careful thought and imagination, it can become a space that is not only functional, but also deeply beautiful and restorative.
For more inspiration, explore our other journal posts or browse our curated boards onPinterest.
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A Simple Spring Table
As nature begins to unfold, spring brings longer, warmer days and a quiet sense of renewal. It is time to open windows, and make small changes and gentle shifts at home that help reset our spaces and create a feeling of lightness and ease. A thoughtfully placed object, furniture softly rearranged, or a vase of spring flowers to bring the beauty of the season inside.
Whether you are hosting a laid-back brunch or an intimate dinner, spring is a wonderful time to gather around a beautifully laid table and share meaningful moments with family and friends. Creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere at home is just as important as the food being served. When it comes to entertaining, simplicity and thoughtful details make all the difference – from the menu to the table setting. A neutral palette offers a timeless foundation, allowing colour, texture, and pattern to be layered in through fresh food and florals.
Creating a Simple Spring Table:
Set your table with the season in mind, blending textures and tones, old and new pieces. Begin with a simple runner or tablecloth to anchor the table or for a more relaxed look, leave the table bare and add textured placemats.
Incorporate natural elements like branches or blossoms to bring the tablescape to life. A single statement centerpiece can add impact, while a collection of smaller vessels scattered along the length of the table creates a relaxed, gathered effect. Bowls of fruits can also be used to decorate the table, even a simple bowl of sunny lemons casually placed on the table can look vibrant and inviting.
Create simple yet thoughtful place settings, adding favourite ceramics, glassware, cutlery and napkins to add texture and tonal variation. For a personal touch add handwritten name cards, sprigs of greenery, or small seasonal accents like decorative eggs for an Easter gathering.
Finish with candles, whether delicate tealights or elegant taper candles to cast a warm, welcoming glow across the table. Pair with soft background music to engage the senses and create an inviting ambience.
Dressing a table makes any meal or gathering feel special and is a simple way to bring beauty in to your home and cultivate a sense of joy. Investing in timeless, well-crafted pieces not only adds elegance to your table, but also ensures they’ll be enjoyed for years to come.
For more Spring inspiration, visit our seasonal boards on Pinterest.
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Our Bath Board
Reclaimed Bath Board: A Ritual of Beauty and Function
It is often the simple and well-crafted objects that elevate our surroundings and moments at home, and help us feel at ease. Our reclaimed bath board is made from locally sourced, salvaged wood and unites function, ritual, and aesthetic in a beautifully understated design. It transforms the bathroom into a serene sanctuary, offering a natural, tactile surface to organise essentials and create an inviting vignette.
More than just a surface, it is a companion for your slow, rejuvenating bath rituals – helping you to unwind, reset, and reconnect with the present moment. Its warm, rustic texture invites touch, grounding you in a peaceful atmosphere and turning an everyday act into a meditative experience.
By surrounding ourselves with natural materials, we tap into a deeper sense of balance and calm. The unique grain and character of the wood reflects the beauty of nature, bringing a soulful quality to the home that mass-produced items simply cannot replicate. Each piece is a second life for salvaged timber, embracing sustainability while preserving the essence of something once lived.
Creating our bath boards
To offer a glimpse into our process, we share the story behind how our unique bath boards are made.
Starting in our old woodshed at home, each piece of wood is selected and taken to our workshop next door. Here it is measured, cut, sanded, drilled and assembled by hand with care and attention to detail. The unique nature of the wood means that every bath board is different, each with its own character and hand-finished quality that will endure.
Once complete the finished bath boards are taken to our studio above the workshop where they are carefully wrapped and packaged before being dispatched. Our bath boards have been shipped all over the world alongside other pieces from our store. We like to imagine the new homes and stories unfolding around each and every one as it leaves our studio in the countryside.
We hope this post may inspire you to create beautiful, thoughtful spaces that enhance how you feel and help tell your unique story of home.
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Summer Alfresco
As we transition from spring to summer, we welcome the joy of dining outdoors – to alfresco meals and creating beautiful and inviting outside spaces for gatherings, whether large or small. The term al fresco derives from the Italian language and loosely translates to ‘in fresh air.’ Dining alfresco can resemble anything, from an impromptu picnic or simple barbeque, to a beautifully refined tablescape. It can take place in any outdoor setting, from the garden or local park to more elaborate locations further afield. However it unfolds, it is an invitation slow down, gather together in nature and make memories around a table of food under open skies.
One of the simple joys of dining outdoors is feeling a gentle breeze on our face, taking in the beauty of nature around us, and turning an ordinary meal into something just a little more special. There is much to be said for a simple picnic, in gathering blankets and a well-loved basket and heading outdoors for an easy adventure with family and friends.
Beautiful tablescapes come to life with thoughtfully chosen pieces – ceramics, glassware and soft linens, all complimented by fresh flowers. For alfresco evenings, set the mood with a fire pit or drape festoon lights from tree branches to bathe your space in a warm, inviting glow. The gentle flicker of candlelight always adds a magical touch – use glass hurricanes to shield the flame from the breeze, ensuring both a steady light and a stylish finishing touch to your outdoor table.
We hope this journal post inspires simple and memorable alfresco gatherings, whether planned or impromptu, throughout the summer season.
For more summer inspiration, visit our seasonal folder on Pinterest.
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Winter Flowers
Winter flowers offer a natural way to bring life to our homes during the darker, colder months. Varieties like hyacinths, paperwhite narcissus, bridal crowns, and amaryllis are beautiful blooms that add colour and fragrance when most plants are resting. While these flowers may also bloom in early spring, they are commonly enjoyed indoors during the winter, brightening our homes when we need it most. Whether grown from bulbs indoors or brought in as fresh cut flowers, these seasonal blooms are a simple yet effective way to enliven a space and embrace the unique charm of the season.
As winter settles in, there is no better way to bring colour and life indoors than by planting bulbs. For vibrant blooms that brighten up the colder months, forced bulbs are a low maintenance and rewarding choice to add a touch of spring even in the depths of winter.
Planting Bulbs at Home
1. Choose Your Bulbs
Some bulbs are better suited for indoor growth, especially when you are trying to bring in blooms during winter. Good choices include hyacinths, paperwhite narcissus, amaryllis, crocuses, and tulips. Look for firm, healthy bulbs from a garden centre, ideally with green shoots already visible, or order online.
2. Select a Container
Pretty much any container such as a jar, tureen, or bowl can be used for bulbs. Clean your chosen container well and layer with a scattering of small stones or gravel to ensure good drainage.
3. Plant the Bulbs
Set the bulbs on top of the gravel with their tips facing upwards. Add another layer of stones or compost, then tuck moss around the bulbs to help hold them securely in place and create a natural finish.
4. Provide Light and Warmth
Place the container in a bright, warm spot. Water sparingly – only when the roots are almost dry at the base. Avoid letting the bulbs sit directly in water, as this can cause them to rot.
5. Support the Stalks
As the stems lengthen, rotate the container regularly to keep growth even and upright. If the stalks need extra support, insert a few twiggy branches for extra structure and support.
6. Stagger Your Planting
For continuous colour, plant bulbs in batches a week or two apart to enjoy a succession of blooms throughout the season.
Bulbs can also be purchased pre-potted, ready to be transferred to a container at home. A simple glass jar with a single bulb makes a joyful and elegant update to any space. This beautiful yet low maintenance arrangement also makes a thoughtful gift. Add a decorative touch by tying a ribbon around the jar, creating a special, present for any occasion.
Bringing nature indoors by filling the home with plants and flowers is a beautiful way to infuse colour and life into a space during the winter months. Not only does it enhance the visual appeal of a room, but it also transforms the atmosphere, making it feel more vibrant and inviting.
Find a unique collection of vessels in our store to grow and display flowers in your own home. For more inspiration, explore our other journal posts or browse our curated boards on Pinterest.
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A Foliage Wreath for Christmas
Creating a wreath is a centuries old Christmas tradition of bringing seasonal decoration to the home. Few decorations capture the spirit of Christmas quite like a wreath and whilst they can be hung upon the front door to evoke the warmest of welcomes, they also make a beautiful focal point inside the home. Whether hung on. a wall, or laid flat with a candle or lantern nestled inside, wreaths add a simple and natural festive feel to a space and offer a timeless approach to seasonal decorating.
Starting the season with a walk in the outdoors to gather foliage and natural materials for a wreath with a trusty basket and secateurs in hand, nurtures our connection to the natural world. Adding nature’s beauty in to our home and creating with intention brings creativity into the preparations and can help still the mind amongst the busyness the festive time can bring. Forage in your local surroundings or visit a florist or market to gather materials if you do not have an abundance of greenery nearby.
The beauty of making a wreath is that almost anything goes and you can get creative with whatever materials you have to hand. There is no need for precision, keep it simple, embracing texture and naturally cascading foliage for a whimsical feel to create an inviting and understated Christmas aesthetic.
Natural materials such as pinecones, dried fruit and feathers to embellish if desired
Begin by sourcing or creating a ring base for your wreath. There are many different approaches from simply purchasing a twig or wire frame from a local craft shop or florist, to making your own circular structure by bending soft branches and securing with wire. Depending on your ring you can add a moss base before assembling greenery, which adds moisture into the wreath and helps to keep foliage fresh.
Gather a variety of winter greenery, flowers or other decorative elements combining a mixture of tones and textures.
Cut the pieces of greenery down and arrange in a bundle or fan shape, with shorter pieces on the inside and larger cuttings toward the outside.
Place the bundle on to the wreath and secure by winding wire or string around the foliage. You can choose to cut the wire or string as you go, or leave attached as you move around the wreath.
Position the second bundle directly on top of the bind point of the wire or string from the previous bundle and repeat by gathering a mixture of foliage using different combinations, overlapping each bundle as you go. Continue until the wreath base is fully covered with an even distribution.
Weave in some final decorative touches such as flowers, dried seed heads, pine cones or winter berries if desired.
7. To finish, create a hanging loop using ribbon by securing to the back of the base and finish with a bow. A good ribbon can really elevate the look and feel of your wreath.
8. Spray with water every few days to keep the wreath looking fresh over the festive season and enhance its longevity.
Nature offers abundant materials for wreath-making and enables us to enjoy and celebrate the natural world in our home across all seasons. Whether your preference is a humble, green wreath or one dressed with a brilliant bow and colourful embellishments, enjoy bringing the outside in and creating a festive decoration for your home. Read our other winter journal posts for more inspiration or discover our beautiful seasonal boards on Pinterest.
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Winter Gatherings at Home
Many of us look forward to spending more time inside with family and friends As winter approaches and the colder months draw in, many of us look forward to spending more time inside with family and friends. Whether hosting small intimate drinks parties, or large family gatherings, connection is at the core. Gatherings are made memorable by the small touches that make our homes and guests feel special. Simple, intentional details spread throughout the home go a long way towards fostering a beautiful and welcoming gathering.
WINTER TABLE
A well-laid table can elevate even the simplest of meals and is a good way to embrace the season. A limited colour palette creates visual cohesion and the feeling that everything has been put together with care and consideration. Neutral coloured linens and furnishings soften a space and provide a good foundation for colour and texture to be brought in by natural elements and food.
COLOUR & TEXTURE
Accents of silver, gold or copper bring a touch of opulence in the winter months. Layering tactile cushions and cosy wool blankets on chair backs infuses the space with a luxurious and comfortable feel, perfect for special winter occasions. A gentle mix of handmade, old and new pieces, collected slowly over time help to create unique and personal spaces. Gathering versatile, meaningful items which can be used across the seasons is a good way to ensure things have longevity.
NATURAL DETAILS
Looking to nature for inspiration and incorporating gathered seasonal flowers and foliage provides natural colour and texture and adds a touch of the season. From foliage to flowers, berries to fragrant herbs, plants can be displayed in vases or pots, arranged across the table, shaped into garlands and wreaths or wrapped with twine and velvet ribbon to create simple place settings. Even a single flower or branch evokes beauty and thoughtfulness. Subtle, natural details throughout the home give an elegant, festive feel without being overbearing and can be left in place all season.
LIGHTING & AMBIENCE
Winter calls for gently illuminated corners, lamps and candlelight across the home. If you don’t have any low level-lighting like floor or table lamps, wireless lamps are a great alternative for soft, flexible lighting. A flickering fire and the soft glow of candlelight imbue a space with warmth and a restful ambience and is especially atmospheric in the darker winter months. For extra atmosphere, incorporate varying heights by combining tapered candles, scented votives, pillar candles, lanterns and tea-lights. This creates a lovely layered effect and sets the tone for a truly cosy gathering. Fairy lights are also magical in winter and can be used around the home.
Integrating music, perhaps a favourite playlist gently playing in the background is another small detail which engages the senses, sets the tone and helps to create a memorable experience.
FOOD & DRINK
Preparing food and drink in advance and keeping things simple frees up time to spend enjoying the company of others to the fullest. Cheese and charcuterie boards are simple to prepare and can act as a decorative centrepiece on the table. Wooden boards or platters laden with an assortment of cheeses, cold meats, crackers and all the accompaniments add a festive feel as well as forming part of an indulgent winter feast. Similarly, bowls of foods such as seasonal fruits and nuts provide a beautiful, simple form of decoration and celebration and can be left for guests to enjoy.
A self-service table or tray with drinks, glassware and accompaniments can also be set up ahead of time and be replenished as needed. Pre-cut any fruit and garnishes to go with both alcoholic and soft beverages and arrange in decorative dishes. You can also add special touches such as filling decanters and carafes with favourite drinks and adding an ice bucket or cocktail shaker for guests to help themselves.
Winter is a magical season. Along with the cold, crisp and sculptural landscape and cosy evenings come opportunities to gather family and friends close, share traditions and create special memories. We hope this journal post will inspire simple and memorable winter gatherings in your home throughout the season that foster connection and joy. For more winter inspiration, visit our seasonal folder on Pinterest or read our other winter posts; A Foliage Wreath, Winter Flowersand A Festive Swaghere.
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A Natural Christmas
Christmas brings opportunities to create memories with the people we cherish most, and for us, it all starts at home. The small rituals and traditions we practice each year such as decorating a tree, wrapping gifts and setting the table, enable us to connect with family, home and nature.
Flowers and foliage make our spaces feel special and will always be at the heart of our decorating. From wreaths and garlands, to simple vases of stems or potted bulbs, natural accents provide a soft and subtle backdrop to Christmas festivities and create a grounding and welcoming atmosphere. Foraged foliage, branches and flowers can be used to craft decorations and table centrepieces, giving a simple and natural feel to the home. Baskets or bowls of pinecones or dried fruits evoke the spirit of the season and add textural interest. Similarly a mass of fresh oranges or bundles of cinnamon or herbs impart a festive fragrance when brought inside to enjoy.
Enriching your home with natural accents is a timeless and enduring Christmas tradition that creates a wonderfully inviting, indoor-outdoor feel. No matter your budget and style of living space, simple and natural touches add seasonal character in an understated and thoughtful way, and invite colour, texture, scent and connection to the natural world into the home.
THOUGHTFUL DECORATING
Whether adorning a tree, wreath or other areas of the home, look to the natural world to craft atmospheric spaces that feel festive and cosy without leaning too far into the Christmas cliche. Rather than opting purely for traditional festive colours, choose combinations that resonate and layer in simple decorations that sit harmoniously with everyday pieces in your home.
Nothing evokes the spirit of Christmas and celebration more than a tree. A lot can be achieved by keeping it unadorned and just adding fairy lights or by adding thoughtfully selected decorations, whilst keeping the overall look pared-back. A small potted tree is a good option if space is limited and it can be re-used the following year. A simple bowl of baubles or strings of golden fairy lights can also give a sense of the season and make the atmosphere more magical.
Whatever your preferred approach, prioritise special, meaningful pieces, both old and new to achieve an elegant look and feel, rather than going overboard with festive decorating. Vintage pieces or decorations that have been handmade, gifted or collected over time are unique and carry personal memories and stories, as well as having decorative appeal.
CHRISTMAS TABLE
Setting the table is an expression of Christmas and a highlight of the season. Thoughtful details can elevate a meal and bring a sense of occasion to the day. No matter how large or small your festive celebration may be, the most beautiful tables are always the ones that feel personal and make family and friends feel special, without being too formal. A neutral colour palette creates a wonderfully relaxing space in which to dine and provides a good foundation for colour to be brought in by food and natural elements.
Approach the table in layers, starting with a table cloth as the foundation, and build on from there. Make the most of the beautiful objects that already fill your home, bringing together glassware, crockery, cutlery and linens, combining layers and textures to create a warming tablescape. Build individual place settings by adding place mats and include napkins dressed with simple sprigs of greenery such as eucalyptus or rosemary which look inviting while contributing a subtle fragrance. Crackers are a fun tradition which enhance the festive feel and can be added to the table alongside handwritten place cards to add an extra decorative flourish to make guests feel welcome.
Flowers and foliage can be arranged in a structured display in a vase, or as a more loose and natural arrangement laid down the centre of the table to create impact. Alternatively, potted bulbs or small bud vases with simple posies can look lovely dotted around to bring the table together. A final addition of candles of varying heights creates a cosy sense of warmth and light, and bring a festive glow to the table. Candles are one of the simplest Christmas decorations and whether you opt for tapers, pillars or tea lights, they all add instant atmosphere and magic to a room. Setting the table the night before and organising as much as possible in advance helps to keep things simpler and more manageable on the day.
GIFT WRAPPING & CARDS
The magic of giving begins with thoughtful wrapping. From small tokens to grand gestures, any gift becomes more special when it is beautifully presented. Simple wrapping accented with natural greenery has a classic, timeless appeal. Velvet ribbons add a sense of opulence, while twine lends a simple, homespun touch. Whatever your budget or preferred style, choosing papers and trimmings that can be reused or recycled helps to avoid unnecessary waste.
If time allows, handmade cards are a special and personal touch at Christmas. Pressed flowers and foliage can be added to blank cards for a natural feel, while simple embellishments such as twine or ribbon bring a subtle festive charm.
The best Christmas interiors are those that let nature be their guide and capture the essence of the occasion. Natural accents welcome the season in to our homes and help make our spaces feel more unique, joyful and festive. A natural approach to Christmas helps keep us grounded and calm amongst the busyness of the season. It is a good way to focus on quality over quantity, and be more intentional and mindful about both, the way we decorate, and how we approach the festive period.
For more festive inspiration, read our other seasonal journal posts or explore our Christmas galleries on Pinterest.
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A Natural Festive Decoration
Taking time to step away from the hustle and bustle of the season to gather winter greenery from the garden and hedgerows is a wonderful way to engage with the outside and embrace the quiet beauty of the season. Decorating with natural materials need not be complicated or costly, and it can also form part of family traditions, enjoyed year after year in the run up to Christmas.
A swag is a layered bundle of foliage and is a simpler alternative to a wreath. Whether hung indoors or outside, it brings a fresh, festive touch to a door, mantel or wall throughout the season and is a gentle reminder that the most beautiful creations are often those crafted from the landscape itself.
Creating a festive swag decoration for your home:
Mixed seasonal foliage such as pine, cedar and fir.
Secateurs
Ribbon, twine or wire for hanging
Embellishments if desired
Gather together fresh foliage foraged from the garden or hedgerows alongside any acquired Christmas tree offcuts or herbs.
Trim with secateurs and layer different lengths into a loose bundle, ideally arranging longer stems on the bottom and shorter ones on top.
Secure stems with garden twine or florists wire and finish with a decorative ribbon.
Add decorative seasonal accents such as pinecones, baubles or bells, keeping the overall appearance simple and natural.
To hang the swag, create a hanger out of wire, twine or ribbon.
Hang on the front door to welcome guests or display inside to be enjoyed during the festive season.
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