Friday, December 17, 2010

Christmas Everard after and an upcoming Give Away..

Can you believe that it's just about a week to go till Christmas, let alone a mere two weeks left of this year..!?! I am (as always) gobsmacked by how fast a year can go, and how things just seem to sneak up on me these days.. 


Tidying up my mailbox (..all the folders..OMG!) I came across my 'great photographers' index' and had fun revisiting the brilliant Chris Everard's portfolio. As you do when you're supposed to be efficient and focused..
In his extensive books,  I found three themed 'Christmas shoots' (there are more..) that I thought you'd enjoy. They are by no means new to blog-land, but they still feel fun and inspiring. Enjoy!


This silver & blue Christmas feature is fun, and I like the sleekness of the decor in this first picture. In fact, I love it all from the bones & materials of the room to the fab stack of fire wood, the classic furniture, and right down to the turquoise little darling by the fire.. (I have a thing for camels!) And don't stars just work better in clusters..!?!


How can one not love the Forest wallpaper..!?! For those who grew up in the 70s (like I did..) you'll remember that this sort of thing was quite the bomb back then.. I remember drooling (in envy..) over my sister's 'tropical sunset wall' Complete with a loving couple holding hands in silhouette against the sun.. Oh yes..!  :)
Also loving the Swan chairs, and how they look right at home on the shag pile rug teamed with that  fab white coffee table. And doesn't the green tree against the Wintery wall, look great.  Those silver ornaments and baubles carry the white of the snow through so well.


More playfulness here at the dining table, with some adorable and kitsch 'police dogs' guarding mini Christmas crackers on those fab plates. Though this look may not for me right now, I think the neon blue tree, and bright aqua accents is a fun alternative to a more traditional Christmas theme.. Am really liking the metallic finish on the table and the glass bauble cluster above it.



This next one is deliciously girly, rich and decadent - a fabulous Christmas to step into as a guest. Not a hostess..! :) Also, it would have been so much fun to style and shoot. don't you think.!?! It's exaggerated and playful with a focus on the abundant approach many countries take to Christmas these days.  Though that evokes some serious ethical thoughts about what Christmas should REALLY be about, I still enjoy this colourful and fun shoot. And just look at the yummy present wrapping inspiration! And the massive window with it's deep niche..! *Sigh*


I think the tartan paper is wonderful, and love 'stacked presents' like this.. especially with broad colourful ribbons holding them in place...! I will have to play around with this.



Last, a cozy and warm country Christmas. I can smell the mulled wine and chestnuts roasting all the way to Sydney, and just love the comforting nature of these pictures. If given a choice, this is the scenario I would like the most for the holidays because when it comes to Christmas, I go back to my roots and crave all the simple pleasures that a quiet countryside celebration bring.


The bright fushia and muted mulberry colours work wonderfully mixed in with rustic & textured neutrals, pine tree green, and dollops of cream. Again, the tartan looks delicious and I am also loving the large alcove hosting the wood fire and candles! What a cozy room to snuggle up in with the family, dear friends, and some Christmas treats & good wine!


I am a big fan of an ambient kitchen and home cooked buffets decked directly on the bench like this.  Also really like the look of that fabulous ginger biscuit wreath! If it wasn't so hot here in Sydney I'd try to make one just like it, but I am afraid it would either melt or be eaten by the creepy crawlies (and I don't mean my kids.. :). Please remind me next year when I am in Sweden..!  
And generally, don't you just love kitchens!? I do! Especially the kind where there is room for many people, and where you don't get the feeling of 'too many chefs..' when preparing of the festive foods..! My dear friend Will did a lovely post on kitchens the other day (HERE), and today he referenced me in his post about Walter & Co (HERE). Thanks Will for the shout out! xx


More wonderful tartans, making me think of the British company Mulberry and their beautiful luxury goods collections. Though I am not crazy about the large branding/badges on some of their bags these days, I like how their designs & style generally have evolved to become more modern (even edgy at times).  I still adore my Mulberry filofax that I bought with my very first pay-check whilst working part-time at Whistles in (St Christoper's Place) London, when studying interior design. OMG it is so hard saving money when working there..! But I did it and I loved walking into Mulberry a few shops down and buying it! It looks as great today as it did then.. if not better!

All images above by Chris Everard


Which Christmas above is your favourite?

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Image by Marshall Ward

I'll be back in a few days with a give-away that is very close to my heart... Click and browse HERE for a clue..
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Last but not least..  Are you still with me..?!? :) Today, my friend Lana featured me and my dear 'blog sis' Monika in her fun 'Christmas Wishes Series' on her blog 'Lanalou Style'. Thank you Lana!
Please stop by her lovely blog and also find out how you can participate in Lana's upcoming 'Christmas Decor Series'.. Read on...



Sunny hugs & kisses from Sydney!

xx Charlotta



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P.S. Don't forget to enter Monika's brilliant 'double give away' over at Splendid Willow, and to congratulate her on the launch of her store Splendid Willow Avenue.

28 comments:

Tuuli - Lumo Lifestyle said...

Hi Charlotta

The girly Christmas looks like lots of fun, but in reality I still prefer the setting in the gingerbread buffet Christmas.

Have to go... off to decorate our Christmas three Klaus brought today from his parents' place on the country side.

You keep of dreaming of snowy Christmas, we here up north dream of sunny beaches... We have had a real winter for over a month and still have abt. four more winter months to go... So enjoy the warm weather while you can!

xxx
Tuuli

Vicki said...

Dear Charlotta, my ideal Christmas is the one evoked by Marshall's image. It should be a lovely snowy white one for me.

Unknown said...

Hi Charlotta,
I found your blog through Bright Bazar! Amazing how we all connect! Love this post and I would say the last one represents my holiday spirit best!
My daughter is Charlotte, so I feel such a sweet connection, I am as well a nomad, having grown up in East Germany, moved to West Germany, then to America!
Seeing your picture of home sweet home on the side bar reminded me of the movie Kiki and the Delivery Service. Do you happen to know it?
My kids loved this movie when they were younger!
Sorry to blab on, it just got me all thinking!!!
Happy holidays!

Victoria

Maria | Vintage Simple said...

Hi dear,

I have to say I have a special place in my heart for warm, cozy country style... and blankets! Many blankets!

I hope you have been well. Have a wonderful Christmas if I don't talk to you before then.

much love,
-maria

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I like them all, want to be in them all. I am quite inspired by the grouping of stars and am going to see if I can squeeze in some time to make a cluster for my trees - oh and the policedog, he is downright adorable.

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Hi darling!

First of all I love that image your husband took. I hope you have that framed somewhere in your home!!

I can't choose, but if you hold me down, I'm going outside the box and will relish in the blue Christmas. I painted half of my foyer a bright cobalt, frenchy blue and this look would just totally validate and enhance the craziness :) Love it!

As for getting ready for Christmas, I doing alright. Could always stand to be more punctual, but that's for another life! Baking and lots of it is next on my list. It could move up in ranks very quickly if my kitchen looked like any of these.

Did you update your profile pic? It's beautiful!

Love,

Kel

Rachel {little bits of lovely} said...

Hello Charlotta, I do love all of these beautiful Christmas inspirations, but the last few tartan images are my favourites - how cosy do all of these rooms look? I love the pic of the dog with the scarf - too cute! I don't know how you could restrain yourself with all of Mulberry's exquisite creations at your fingertips. Have a wonderful weekend. Rachel xx

carolina @ patagonia gifts said...

Hi Charlotta, I love all your Christmas inspiration. my favorite is the one with fuschia colors. this year I've chosen a pink Christmas eve table setting. wish you a beautiful weekend darling! xo

designchic said...

These are amazing images...my favorite - the image with the tartan packages...gorgeous room, girl, and gift wrapping. Thanks for sharing!!

Tina said...

Hi dear Charlotta!
I love all of the Christmas inspiration pics. They all are so stylish yet cozy.
I haven´t read what you are writing about so I´ll be back to read during the weekend. Too exhausted and am going to bed early...
Kram på dig!

manvi @ mochatini said...

Lovely images as usual. Esp love the pic by marshall.
Im having a hard time getting used to the fact that is the end of the year! Wow time flies so quickly when you're having fun.
Charl thanks again for the sweet mention. such a WONDERFUL surprise. Have a great weekend.xoxo

La Maison Fou said...

Definately the last images....the front of the house, the wellies, the pup and the graveled path.
Luxe...
L.
La Maison Fou Blog

Arianna Belle said...

I know! I can't believe its almost Christmas already! Thank you for sharing so much beautiful inspiration! I've saved a lot of them to my file :)

Arianna

http://ariannabelle.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

These photos may not be new to blog land, but they are mostly, if not all, new to me...and I love them! And, oh yes, to be a GUEST on X-mas! {sigh}:)
xx
Sue

desde my ventana said...

Hello Charlotte,
Fabulous images full of inspiration,thank you for the links,
I wish you a very Happy Christmas time,
Hugs
Cecilia

Unknown said...

Hi Charlotta! Yes, yes and yes! Love these! Of course I love the girlie pile of presents, and I also adore the tartan paper, I can't get anyone to use tartan in a blog design, but I keep pushing it! ;)

Anna @ IHOD said...

Ohhh so many gorgeous details!
I am with you..I love home cooked buffets. Kitchens are always the center of my family where the conversation and laughter takes place.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Anna

Anonymous said...

I love the image with the dog sitting by the blue front door. It sums up a cold afternoon in December. Now, if we can get that little guy off the fire wood and make a fire, the image will be complete!
Thanks for sharing!
Happy Holidays,
E&J

Belle Inspirations said...

Thankyou so much for visiting and becoming a follower, now i too am a happy follower of you. Your blog has so much inspiration. Have a greta week!

desde my ventana said...

Hello Charlotta,
I leave you my best wishes for this Christmas.
May this days are filled of Peace,Love and Happiness,
Hugs
Cecilia

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

Charlotta this is such goregous inspiration! And I too am always blown away with how fast a year goes by. I do love this time of year though because it's a time to reflect on everything that's happened throughout the year and I often take great pleasure in that :)

Heading on over to Lana's now! xoxo

Stacey said...

I can't believe it either-how quickly a year has passed by! I cannot choose a fave because i love all of these! Gorgeous, gorgeous my lovely friend. I adore your new profile pic too(not sure if i already told you that:-)). Off to check out your post at Lana's. XX

Annaewa said...

Hi Charlotta! Lovley pics and so much inspiration:)!
Merry Christmas Charlotta!
Big hug Annaewa

Karena said...

Oh Charlotta dear, they are all wonderful, I especially adore the stars-fireplace image, wonderful!

Come and enter my Giveaway from My Sparrow, you will love it!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Unknown said...

gorgeous inspiration Charlotta Darling!!

Carole said...

I love the cosy and warm Christmas Charlotta. That inglenook fireplace looks so inviting.
Hope you have a lovely holiday and a happy new year to you and your family.
Lots of Love,
Carole x

Lana {lanalou style} said...

Thanks for the mention Charlotta! I hope you are organised and ready for Christmas, only a few days away now! Have a lovely time with your family!
xx

Rebecca Newport said...

Hey Charlotta! These photos are great aren't they? I was the styling assistant on the shoot with the dog/ fireplace and kitchen and I can tell you it was one beautiful house :) The dog was adorable :)

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