In addition, she suggests thinking about items that look straight out of the garden… candles that look like tomatoes; or a scented sliced baguette to evoke homemade bread recipes. “All of those nostalgic moments that look special and kind of a throwback, adding that sense of character.”
3. Play haus
“This is really where you’re going to let your imagination fly freely,” enthuses Johnson.“This is when you’re tapping into your childlike wonder. “It’s colour drenched. It’s your dopamine fix.This is when maximalists really get to play with décor.” And if you’re into dopamine dressing, now’s the time to get playful and creative with homewares.Top tip:“Really allowing your childlike adventure and sensibility, to really fly freely. “Think of cartoonish ceramics, those very bright colours, really allowing yourself to play – and not take the Christmas season too seriously.” She continues:“Colour clash, print clash… think of this as the most imaginative playhouse you can dream of as a child – and you’re now bringing it to life for Christmas.”
2. Supper Club
“The supper club trend is all about creating a beautiful tablescape that’s just as beautiful as the food you’re serving,” explains Johnson.“So looking and paying attention to every single detail. “Do you have really beautiful wine charms? Are there placemats? Is there a beautiful tablecloth? Do you have name cards? All of these things that, again, are making your guests feel seen and appreciated.” “And from your side, as the person who’s executing the décor, taking the time to really knock out every single detail,” suggests Johnson, who reveals she’s a hostess to the max. “I love hosting… so I will absolutely be doing beautiful tablescaping that’s going to, hopefully, blow my friends’ minds – and leave them like,‘oh my gosh, I can’t believe you did all of this.’”
4. Nutcrackercore
What Johnson loves about this trend are the different influences from Nutcrackercore.“You have inspiration from the actual nutcrackers, which are so ornately designed.” “But then you have part two, which is being inspired by the actual performance of The Nutcracker itself,” she explains. “So you’ll see lots of influences from the ballet. “This is when those really soft, flowing fabrics, chiffons and translucent come in, which you can work within your table décor; and certainly within your tree design as well.” She continues:“So think of the softness of the ballet, the ornate design of the actual nutcracker, and, of course, the velvet ribbons that come with all of those.” Think ribbons tied around a ballet slipper, and how that’s inspired into home décor, suggests Johnson.“Ribbons on wreaths to hang on your door; or ribbons you can tie onto candles.” There are so many inspirational touch points from Nutcrackercore, she highlights.“It’s not just the actual Nutcracker, but also within the performance of the ballet.”
“And I will say:‘Absolutely, I did that,’” she says smiling.
5. Gothmas
And then we go dark and dramatic with a gothic twist and celestial motifs… “I am such a fan of gothmas,” confesses Johnson.“I love this because it’s so surprising, and that’s what gets me excited when something new comes around.
“And while this isn’t a new idea, it’s new for Christmas.”
Photo: 2 Martini Glasses, £40, Pure Table Top.
98 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator