Talk to me about Christmas... Stuart of 'What Wilson Wants'

Darlings I am so sorry, I just realized I am running a couple of days behind schedule with my Christmas blog series.. I seem to be chasing minutes this week and not doing a very good job at it. Sincere apologies to my guest posters! xx

With Luica over and done with, it is full steam ahead towards Christmas really and there are still lots to take care of. Fun things, like finishing the shopping, dressing the tree, making sweets & truffles, putting together the gingerbread house and of course writing the rhymes for the Christmas pressies. Do you rhyme? I love it, and think it makes the 'opening process' so much more special. :)

Speaking of special. Today I have the pleasure of introducing the very sweet and talented Stuart. This gorgeous English interior architect & furniture designer writes a fabulous blog named 'What Wilson Wants' - if you don't know it yet, hop across and click the subscribe button. But not after you've read his joyous Christmas post..

What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas to me is most definitely family! Mine all live in Birmingham (Central England), and I live in London, hence I don't get to see them all as much as I would like to, and when I do, it's only for a very quick weekend. But at Christmas I really feel that I can spend all my time and focus on my amazing family - my Mum, Dad, my twin brother Neil and his wife Beccy.

It's simply not Christmas without..? 

German Christmas markets... I adore them! For the past few years, here in London, there is a huge 'Winter Wonderland' in Hyde Park with lots of authentic German market stalls selling food, old fashioned traditional wooden toys, and trinkets... I love going there in the early evening when all the stalls are lit up with soft white lights, and a gorgeous smell of mulled wine is lingering in the air.... Mmmm.

But ultimately, it isn't Christmas without sitting around the table after dinner, chatting and laughing over silly stories, with a great old classic Christmas movie or old Christmas song on in the background. Perhaps with a glass of red wine or sherry..

01-03 by Stuart Wilson, 04. via Ateliegaaya

Your ideal Christmas?

My ideal Christmas would be spent in a quaint cottage in the middle of 'nowhere' with just my family. Snow would be falling all around us whilst we are sitting by a beautiful open fire laughing, drinking, and playing silly games.

 01 Out Now, 02 What Wilson Wants Pinterest

Fave Christmas movie?
My favourite Christmas film... don't laugh... is 'Home Alone'..! 

It's just one of those films that to me has it all, and for so many different reasons. It reminds me so much of my childhood at Christmas time. Neil (my brother) and I still get extremely excited when 'Home Alone' comes on... Yes we are 29 years old, hahahaha. 

Like I said, I like it for so may reasons.. The cinematography is lovely and timeless. The use of colours throughout the film are those classic  deep rich reds and greens, which I know are very clique but again are synonymous with Christmas. The Church scenes are lovely and remind me (and also did, when I was a child) that Christmas isn't just about gifts & indulgence, but also about religion, faith, and family. 

I also love the sound track to the film... just soooooo Christmasy, it give me 'goose bumps' (happy shivers).

via AFB 

No. 1 Christmas song / music? 

My No.1 Christmas song has to be 'O Holy Night'. I can actually listen to it all year round.... its stunning! 

It's been covered by so many different musicians over the years, but was first written by John Sullivan Dwight, who re-wrote it from the original version composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847. 

I say the song reminds me of being a kid at Christmas because - yes, you've guest it - it was one of the songs on 'Home Alone'. Hahahaha. From the scene when Kevin goes to Church and talks to 'old man Marley' for the first time. Old man Marley's Grand Daughter is singing in in the choir. Magical. 

It's just one of those songs that just make you breath Christmas, and what makes it special for me is that it reminds me of my Christmases as a child. I think Christmas is so much more magical when you are little.

via Voices from Russia

What's on your Christmas table?

 As I spend Christmas with my family, our table is usually very old fashioned and fussy. If were put in charge, it would be a lot more simple. I really love handmade table setting so perhaps 'my table' would look something like this...

via Real Simple

What would you love Santa to bring you this year?

In a completely selfish sort of way, here is my (pictorial) Christmas wish list;   God, I wish! hehehehe ;)

All images via 'What Wilson Wants' on Pinterest

Your Christmas message to the world...

My Christmas message to everyone is... Have a fantastic Christmas! It's a time to really appreciate those around you - family and close friends. A time for reflection and total happiness.  Merry Christmas everyone! :) 

 via Kaniko (on Etsy) 

Many thanks,

 Stuart Wilson 

Stuarts  header with a 'Christmas badge' by me.. 

Dear Stuart - thank you so much for this very generous post! 

Your love for Christmas and all the happy memories from your childhood really wrapped us all in a happy & warm glow. So special!  Also, your post inspired me to go out and get 'Home Alone' for my kids. We'll be watching it tomorrow night (a Friday night ritual to watch a nice movie together). And I'll be thinking of you! :) 

Stuart, I wish you and your family a truly magnificent Christmas - I hope you get to enjoy the same cozy magic you shared with us here today! xx

 

 

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Today I am also featuring a 'Scandi Loving' gift guide over at my dear friend Lana of 'Lanalou Style'. Do hop across and check it out - there are some yummy items on show!

Ok darlings, with that it is full steam towards the weekend. I can't wait! We have such fun plans and I look forward to spending time with the kids after a truly whirlwind week!

I'll be back on Sunday with a Christmas post by my sweet friend Elizabeth of 'Pretty Pink Tulips'. This girl rocks and I can't wait for your to read her gorgeous post!

Big hugs to all!

xx Charlotta