Light up your layered decor and bring a dash of magic to the festivities at yours.
Interior stylist Justine Wilson, lets us in on some insiders secrets.
Happy verandah, happy families.
Trim & Terrific
Greenery and the Australian Christmas climate go hand in hand.
Add greenery to your outdoor spaces to create visual focus. With hanging plants, the trick is to cluster them at different heights, or you can make them look even more fabulous by stringing up fairy lights.
You could also think about adding flashy sequins or lights to your trees, pot plants or garden.
Greenery can sometimes offer a bit of shade, but for extra protection you could consider an umbrella, shade cloth or a pergola. Hanging lanterns or garlands can also look really beautiful in summer and will always add interest.
All in one place
You can create an extra-special atmosphere with decorative touches. It can feel quite formal but also be really fun to make a placeholder for everyone – perhaps a bauble with handwritten text or tiny chalkboards.
Layering is really on-trend at the moment so mixing a nice tablecloth in your colour scheme with a range of metallics and pastels can work really well. Adding a few different plates, gold-accented cutlery and linen napkins are beautiful but functional touches for your table setting.
Extra details, such as candles, and a centrepiece of rustic twigs intertwined with fairy lights will add to that festive feel.
Exterior motives
During the festive season, multi-functional furniture is the key. The eclectic look is really popular, so try a mix of interesting seating, such as stools and indoor chairs, if the weather allows.
The ability to freely circulate should be a priority when guests are in your home, especially during summer, so using indoor and outdoor areas can be especially beneficial. To create cohesion between interior and exterior themes – and a little bit of glamour – take a few colourful or patterned indoor cushions to the outdoor area for the day.
