This Image: Add a touch of charm with these wooden reindeers, £3.95, Homestuff with History (01223 357810; www.homestuff-with-history.com)
Angelina Villa-Clarke talks decorating at Christmas in this month’s feature, The Festive Home
Polar bears, owls and penguins – the icy worlds meet the nocturnal in countless tree ornaments, homewares and adornments that are decorated with charming depictions of the creatures.
Queen of Christmas, Gisela Graham (www.giselagraham.co.uk) – renowned for her eclectic and colossal choice of decorations – offers a range of ornaments inspired by the natural world with birds such as owls, robins and peacocks featuring prominently in her new collections. “The ox, the ass and the lamb have always been part of the traditional Christmas story,” she says. “But while you won’t see too many oxen and donkeys on the nation’s Christmas trees, there are other animals aplenty this year. The ever-popular deer and reindeer are joined by cats, dogs, hedgehogs, squirrels, songbirds, peacocks and pheasants. Top of the list are the owl and the fox. We say the more the merrier!”
This Image: Get the wow factor with this light-up Crystal Deer Head, £75, John Lewis (03456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com )
She continues: “I’m finding that more people these days want a break from red and gold. The peacock colours of teal blue, purple and jade green are more and more popular, and people have liked a frankly jazzy range that I’ve developed using magentas, lime green, saturated pinks and purples. Yes, Christmas is a traditional festival – but you can move with the times while celebrating it.”
Meanwhile, at Cambridge-based vintage store Homestuff With History (01223 357810; www.homestuff-with-history.com), it’s all about recalling motifs from the natural world. Owner Kathryn Brown says: “Christmas is the most wonderful time of year to style your home. Obviously, we are inspired by nostalgic items as many of our products are vintage. From tins decorated with images of traditional Santas, to antique glass baubles, there’s something about Christmas that brings back memories of old.
This Image: British made cushion, £42.95, Homestuff with History (01223 357810, www.homestuff-with-history.com )
“The animal kingdom is an integral part of timeless Christmas decorations, tying in with folklore and images and motifs from the natural world. Reindeers in particular bring a unique charm and childlike innocence that we all want to call upon, even if that is just once a year.”
This Image: Blue Moose Head, £195, Out There Interiors (020 8099 7443, www.outthereinteriors.com )
