Happy Holidays

Thank you all for your kind words, comments and emails of support and shared enthusiasm during 2010. I've been fortunate enough to meet, and work, with some hugely inspiring people throughout the last twelve months, as well as striking up new friendships along the way. I'm already looking forward to meeting back here in January, but in the meantime have a fantastic time and enjoy the festivities of the season. Will x

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Three Last Minute Decor Ideas

It's this last week leading up to Christmas that I enjoy the most. Am I bonkers? Perhaps! There is something intoxicating about the way festivities kick up a gear as the holiday season heads towards it's climax. Whilst I enjoy this time of year, it's often very busy (I've yet to complete my Christmas shopping and this weekend we're hosting a friend's Christmas!) so I've pulled together three quick and simple ideas to last minute decorating. Although I do love the bauble clusters (isn't ice blue and red such a refreshing colour combo?) I have to admit that the mug surprises are my favourite idea. Great fun for kids and adults alike, filling mugs with sweets wrapped in jewel coloured wrappers, and hanging with leftover ribbons brings festive charm and whimsy to banisters.

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Walther & Co Holiday Collection

I first discovered Walther & Co on Charlotta's blog and have been pretty much smitten ever since. Their holiday collection presents itself in a series of pared vignettes that offer up sepia-toned decorations, ice white accents and shimmering silver candle holders. There is something charming about the simplicity of it all: a casually placed branch, picked up on a winter's walk, becomes the focus of their scheme. The bare-like nature of the branch being the key in the apparent concept that less is more. Despite the ice whites, this collection is still comforting and cosy; those flickering tea lights ooze atmosphere from every angle. What do you like about this pared down approach to holiday decorating?

Walther & Co

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Tabletop Treats

1. Buck Measuring Cups | 2. Flash Napkins | 3. Cluck Cluck Hen Storage | 4. Gold Ribbed Votive Holders | 5. Acorn and Leaf Napkin Rings

Lavish your tabletops with gold glamour this festive season! Inspired by the enchanted magic of the delightful reindeer measuring cups, these tabletop picks are a fast track ticket to festive fabulousness. One of the easiest ways to surprise your guests is to use objects in unexpected ways within your tablescape. Why not use the measuring cups (1) as a tea light holder with a small parcel label wrapped around it's waist and use as individual place names? Or, roll handwritten notes to your guests and place inside mix and match napkin rings (5) instead of napkins. Go for gold this holiday season - you won't regret it!

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A Habitat Christmas

Habitat is to Europe like West Elm is to America: A brand that offers contemporary and accessible designs for those of us who are just starting out through to the high flyers of this world, with city crash pads and weekend country escapes. Habitat's Christmas offering is one of their strongest from the past two years. Expect to find a mix of modernist ornaments in the form of porcelain owls, ice blue baubles and sleek, matt white decorations. Mixed in amongst their their red, white and blue ranges are some fantastic folksy designs (I used some of them in my Rue Christmas shoot) and they have a charming, timeless quality to them. Let's dive in and check out the fab festive looks the brand has created for us this year.

Habitat

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Happy Weekend

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Whether you're decorating or not this weekend, I hope you have a few days filled with relaxation and time with loved ones. I've had a super busy week so I'm off to catch up on your blogs but before I go, though, I have to say: isn't this kitchen to-die-for? The cabinetry, the country cottage-style window, soft industrial touches provided by the pendant and the old meat chalkboard, not to mention the darling tree. Sunday morning coffee right here? You betcha!

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Colour Cocktail: Feeling Festive

With the smell of fresh pine needles filling my apartment, snow gently falling upon the windows and mulled wine heating on the stove, it's no wonder I'm feeling in the festive mood. I'm all set to decorate and after my confession for major stripe lust earlier this week I've decided to double date with both polka dots and stripes. Check out these statement baubles: from designer to nostalgic to recycled, there's an stripe or a spot for most taste points within this year's collections. Not looking to add baubles to your collection? No fear! Make your own striped statement using coloured ribbons hung from a bedstead or picture rail.

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West Elm Holiday Collection 2010

For the 2010 season, West Elm have curated an original holiday collection that oozes sophistication thanks to it's modern-meets-traditional feel. The collection is the result of a collaboration with David Stark (this guy is such an inspiration to me) and includes garlands, mirrored baubles and paper trees. What strikes me first off is how inventive it is: circle garlands and paper flowers are used to wrap presents as well as adorn walls, whilst small leaves made from old books are used to decorate trees and as napkin ties. For me, West Elm have created a timeless, classy and comforting collection of decor that can be used year-on-year. Now all I need to do is find a way to convince them to open a store on this side of the pond!

West Elm

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Rue Magazine: My Holiday Column

About three weeks ago, following days of prop hunting and shoot planning, I filled up my little car and made the trip to my Mum's house to get festive, Rue style. With my Mum out the country on a little winter sun break, I was able to take over the house for my latest Rue Magazine photo shoot. And take over the house I did. Picture the scene: hallways full of furniture and living rooms over flowing with props, lights and photographic equipment. We had just one day to capture three different Christmas looks in the same room. Crazy? A little. Fun? You betcha! I was really keen to show how holiday decorating can reflect your personality and style preferences, no matter what the existing space is like. You can read about the three looks in detail in my column (p.77-80) over on Rue's brand new site. I'm hugely proud of this shoot and feel honoured to work for such an inspiring, creative and engaging publication.

Styling by Will Taylor | Photography by Matt Cant | Rue Magazine

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A Livingetc Christmas

Having already dazzled us with their 2010 take on Christmas, I just knew taking a trip through the Livingetc Christmas archives would deliver yet more inspiration. I'm totally gaga about the range of different looks they've put together over the years, so I've pulled together some of my favourites and added a few decorating tips along the way. If I had to pick a top look it would be the wintry white wreath (above) with it's proud stag and peek of blue stripe ribbon. That said, it still blows me away how cool a tree can look made out of post-it notes (below). Which of the different looks have you inspired for your own holiday decorating?

Livingetc

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The White Company's Christmas Collection

In the last few days I've felt an air of festivity start to build. It wasn't until I read the comments on yesterday's post that I realised the subtle holiday theme to this week's ten things, which then had me thinking of all things, well, Christmas. Now, we all know I'm a chap who loves a generous helping of colour but that doesn't mean I don't like white. After all, white is a colour in itself and The White Company's Christmas collection shows just how to execute a white scheme with breathtaking results. Their Christmas lookbook takes us into a world of delicate linens, jingling bells and fragrant foliage. I've picked out my favourites and added some tips for how to recreate these festive looks. What are your favourites?

The White Company

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A Real Christmas Tree..

Check Out Another Winter Shot Here
Or
Something From Another Season Here

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