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?

*** * ***

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..

*** * ***

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



*** * ***

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.