November 27, 2018

Even though we all traditionally equate Christmas with snow and chestnuts roasting on an open fire, for a large portion of the globe December 25 happens to fall right in the middle of Summer. And it’s the same for us here in Australia.

But despite lacking on the snow front we more than make-up for it with Christmas cheer in the shape of sizzling barbecues, makeshift backyard slippery-slides and afternoons dozing at the beach.

For us it’s less about trying to recreate an English Christmas in the blistering Aussie sun and all about revelling in what it means in Australia.

Such as…

Country Road Stripe Linen Wrap Top and Stripe Linen Skirt // Featured // Country Road Pine Decoration in White, Country Road Christmas Stocking in Snow, Holly and Sid.

Forgetting the Fir tree

This is a big one for us because whether you live in London or Lismore, there’s arguably nothing more emotive than seeing a big glittering gilded up evergreen tree, whether its part of your land’s local flora or not. There’s just something very romantic about it.

But not everyone has access to a European-style spruce in its natural habitat, especially here in Aus. And not to mention the budget or time to drive out to some far-flung Christmas tree farm to get one. And don’t get us started on plastic versions.

Our solution? Fully embracing the beauty of the bush here at home and reinterpreting it our own way.

This Christmas we’re using a dried branch from that most Aussie of trees, the wattle (also known as the Acacia Pycnanthia). Eucalyptus trees are also excellent for these too.

We’ve just stood it in a vase of water and use our collection of blue and white decorations from Country Road to give it a little nod to Christmas without being over the top or taking away from its rustic charm.

They also happen to be shaped as little pine trees, so we still have a slight nod to tradition.

Featured //Country Road Pine Decoration in White

Featured // Country Road Pine Decoration in White and Blue

Keeping Lunch Simple

In Australia, fresh prawns feel as much ‘Christmas’ as the ham. If not more. There’s something about friends and family sitting around a table peeling them all together (making a little bit of a mess at the same time) and just chatting away. No pretensions, just good old fashioned digging in!

This year we’ve gone with a blue and white theme to contrast against the Australian flora we’ll be decorating our table with.

We love these bowls from Country Road (Cape Large Rectangle and the Cape Salad Bowl) because they not only come with wooden lids (for easy leftover storage) but they’re durable enough to travel well when it’s time to relocate to the beach.

Meghan wears Country Road Stripe Linen Wrap Top and Stripe Linen Skirt // Dominic wears Country Road Floral Short // Featuring: Cape Large Rectangle and the Cape Salad Bowl, Cape Dinner Place Set of 4, Cape Salad Servers, Cape Platter

Meghan wears Country Road Stripe Linen Wrap Top and Stripe Linen Skirt // Dominic wears Country Road Floral Short & Slim Shirt in Hawaii // Featuring: Cape Large Rectangle and the Cape Salad Bowl, Cape Dinner Place Set of 4, Cape Salad Servers

Making The Most Of Our Backyard

Afternoon post-lunch siestas down by the sea. Now that’s really what Aussie Christmas is all about for us.

After the rush of the presents and lunch is all over but the kids are hankering to get outdoors the beach is just the perfect crowd pleaser. We plan on just taking a few cheeses (we used the Country Road Mala Knife and Board and the Bondi Travel Beach Towel to double up as a picnic blanket in this shoot) and the odd bottle of sparkling and seeing the biggest family day of the year off in style.