Festive Flair

Festive Flair
Look beyond tinsel, dazzling lights and stuffy traditions when styling your home for the festivities.

The key to Christmas styling is to pick a theme and colour palette and stick to it,” says Lily Cumberland, senior interior designer for Coco Republic Interior Design. “Christmas doesn’t have to mean the classic green-and-red scheme. Use your existing interior and setting as inspiration for your Christmas style.”

This year Cumberland is opting for a tropical look for her yuletide styling instead of the traditional pine cones and snowflakes. “From a palm frond wreath at the front door to a lush oversized foliage centrepiece, this look can be incorporated throughout the whole house,” she says. Christmas lunch will be served on a raw timber table layered with handmade earthy ceramic dinnerware and vintage brass cutlery. For something different, she is also bypassing the traditional pine or fir tree. “Instead of the traditional Christmas tree, a tropical strelitzia (Bird of Paradise) can be the perfect thing to place presents around, and you can keep it in the lounge room all year-round.”

Lynne Howard from Cavit & Co also steers clear of glitzy baubles for Christmas decor, opting for fresh flowers, touches of gold and crystals, and a front door wreath to set the tone. “White lilies with masses of fresh greenery look fabulous,” she says. “I always make my home guest-ready over the Christmas period. A bowl of fresh nuts and a large bowl of cherries on the coffee table looks festive and welcoming.”

Table setting

When it comes to setting the table for your festive feast, keep to your chosen theme. Layering, balance and a cohesive look will create an elegant and sophisticated style. “If you have a quintessential coastal home, build upon a canvas of thick white linen tablecloths and napery, and fresh white dinnerware,” says Cumberland. “Try incorporating blue and silver tones with washed timber and rattan accents. Cut-glass champagne flutes and vintage tumblers can look amazing in this setting.”

For a bold, contemporary look, Cumberland recommends experimenting with a striking monochromatic scheme. “To create a talking point, try an unexpected pop of pink. This can be featured in the table settings, with pink flowers as the centrepiece, or even in your gift-wrapping. The black, white and pink scheme can be taken to another level with brass cutlery and serving ware.”

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