I love the lead up to Christmas, probably far more than the day itself. I love cosying up at home, making, cooking and preparing; those quiet, candlelit afternoons making and wrapping presents – just love it all! Therefore, I wanted the first of those afternoons to be all about setting up this month’s Styling the Seasons.
We went for a walk in the park and I brought home a big fallen branch (with Otto going nuts trying to jump up and steal it from me) and let it dry out for a few days. I painted it white and then strung it up over my dining table (using command hooks stuck to the ceiling) with a bit of help from Jules. I wrapped the branch with sparkly lights and hung a few tea light lanterns. I made a few bundles of herbs from my balcony (bay leaves, thyme and rosemary) and some eucalyptus and myrtle that I bought at the market last weekend. I added glitter to a swan feather that Jules had found in the park and added one glass bird tree ornament. Such an easy thing to do and it was a very happy afternoon putting it together.
Sheep skin on chairs from Modern Rugs.
I sprayed the bottom half of the swan feather with glue and added gold glitter.
On the table itself are the remains from preparing my Christmas branch and some hyacinths that I potted up for the festive season in a vintage jelly mould. I have added sheep skins from the Modern Rugs to the dining chairs for the winter and I love the way they look, as well as how soft and cosy they make my Ercol chairs.
Nordic mini lanterns from The White Company. Make sure you string them up with metal wire, not string.
We had a dinner party the evening after we’d put the branch up and it was so lovely sitting under the lights and candles. The herbs also smell amazing.
Bundles of rosemary, eucalyptus and bay leaves, which smell wonderful.
I have never liked the traditional red and glitz of Christmas in my small home; I never feel like I have enough space for it and it just feels like clutter. However, bringing the outdoors in feels so much fresher and simpler.
Charlotte and I would love for you to join us this month and style a surface in your home to show what this month means to you. Blog about it or post a picture on your favourite social media platform and tag us in so we can see. We can not wait to see all your festive decorations!
Katy x
I LOVE this – there’s nothing that makes me happier than a Christmas stick. I dragged mine home a few weeks ago and it’s the best thing ever! X
Beautiful! do you use battery lights and if so where do you hide the battery pack? thanks
Author
I taped it to the back of the branch – it’s only small. So glad you like it xx
It’s beautiful
How are you hanging that branch from the ceiling? I really want to do this in my home but I don’t know how to make it secure (or cat-proof!).
Any advice would be much appreciated. Your styling is lovely 🙂
Alice x
Author
I have stuck two Command hooks (the strong ones that can hold 5kg) on the ceiling and strung the branch up with just normal string. Alternatively you could use cup hooks screwed into the ceiling. xx
Oh my goodness, I love this so much. Have a fabulous December, Katy! x
Absolutely gorgeous. I really want to give the branch from the ceiling a go – using command strips is a great idea x
Sheep skins on chairs! Why have I never thought of that?! Perfect x
Author
You must do it! Honestly, makes everything so much more snuggly and cosy. Mine are from Modern Rugs and they are perfect x
Absolutely beautiful, I really love it! Such a clever, beautiful idea and a great alternative to a bog standard christmas tree! xx
Oh Katy, this is just lovely. I love the white and green together. It has a lovely fresh feeling about it. We’ve just hung a stick from my eldest’s ceiling with command hooks. I love them! He has snowflakes hanging from his though as he wanted it to snow in his room xx
A lovely statement piece! Fun, fresh, and festive!