A LOT OF LOVE AND OUR FAMILY OF FOUR

I always wondered what it would be like living as a family of four. How I would be able to divide my love between two children and how the new family dynamics would work? Well as it turns out this little maths puzzle was quickly resolved when our new daughter, Romi, came along and I realised – probably as most parents do – that it's a simple multiplication rather than division sum.

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST PERSONALISED GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS

I know I know, I'm already mentioning the C word *sorry* but after attending Stylist Live with Not on the High Street I'm feeling quite festive and wanted to share my tips on some of the best personalised gifts for Christmas for your loved one....and there's lots!

CREATE A SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS AT HOME

It's official! I'm full of festive cheer, it's hard not to be when you have a kiddo referring to it six times a day. Each year we take care in unpacking the baubles and trinkets, ready to create a cosy haven at home, this month however, I've decided to create a different look, one of cool greys, touches of gold and the cosiness of home.This year I'm celebrating a Scandinavian Christmas with style. 

It's easy to get exhausted just thinking of everything December brings with packed crowds, heaving shops and endless choices. So when Not on the High Street asked me to take part in their #NotJustTinsel styling Christmas Campaign I was thrilled *hello dream collboration* to channel my inner Christmas calm by designing a Pinterest board inspired by their seasonal products, and to see if I could recreate my Scandinavian Christmas at home.

From stylish mantles, creative gift wrap, cosy kitchen moments to the main event, Not On The High Street has everything you need to bring Hygge into the home.

I love styling my mantle to suit the season, especially when creating a Scandinavian inspired space. Forget the tinsel, instead try this beautiful Courage Dear Heart print with these stunning outdoor LED light garland that offers a striking alternative to fairy lights. The metallic print works perfectly with this delicate Gold Leaf Dish, keeping all my jewellery safe in style and if you want to add a bit of green or a touch of red to your display, this Clear Glass Carboy Vase is perfect and makes a great table centre piece too.


While thinking of ways to style my mantle, I headed out and stocked up on some Christmas treats and used this chic scandi grey shopper to keep the plastic at bay. Also I love this super quick plum pastry recipe – post on that soon – tasty and easy to make, served on this Hexagonal Chop & Serve board and pink geometric tea towel it's great for sharing with friends.

If you want to avoid the garish wrap under the tree, then why not swap them with the soft greys and natural tones loved by our Swedish neighbours, to create a pretty parcel to pass from under the tree or swap over dinner with friends. You can use these hand carved stamps to design your own Christmas paper. This traditional wrapping set is a great way to take the stress out of getting present ready.

Sitting around the table with friends and family is the best way to spend the holidays and I love entertaining! I really wanted to create a Scandinavian Christmas at home and what better way then to make a beautiful table using the soft greys, gold and beautiful ceramics. These cute festive cookies make great place settings and are tasty too.  

I love all the elements that make this table work: the candles, the ceramics, the greys, the geometric prints and wooden touches. You can shop the look here: Glass and Copper Carafe, Scandi Block House Candle Holder, Ori Folded Ceramic Vase, Personalised Ceramic Plate, Gold Plated Cutlery Set, Hexagon Shaped Brass Candle Holder, Spatter Ceramic Plate, Gold Star Tray.

As well as pulling together my dream Scandinavian Christmas at home, I've also created a Pinterest board full of further inspiration. I love the cool tones and I can't wait to get my DIY on and try my hand at a star garland for December. 

Do you love decorating the house for Christmas? What's your favourite style?

*This post is written in collaboration with Not On The High Street. All words, images and thoughts are my own.