Inside Wendy Moore’s home at Christmas time
Interiors expert Wendy Moore reveals how she decorates her characterful home for Christmas
Photography throughout Cath Muscat/The Interiors Edit
Welcome to my home! At my place, I truly believe that home is a feeling. A house is bricks and mortar, but home is a sense of belonging, a collection of memories. I live here with my husband, Pete, and our 13-year-old twin daughters, Darcy and Ruth. Most Christmases we head down to the coast or to a big family gathering, but I love to decorate our house for the season. It’s important that Christmas celebrations are relaxed, not too perfect – because that’s when the magic happens. We have to take the pressure off and just remind ourselves that what we're doing is creating, allowing moments to happen that you’ll remember. Here’s how I do it – and it’s even more fun to get the whole family involved!
“Not every zone needs the full festive kit-out – here, a bouquet of ranunculas and anemones delivers classic Christmas vibes ”
~ interiors expert Wendy Moore
Living areas with a festive vibe
This curved window nook is perfect for a Christmas tree, from Balsam Hill. Keep it simple: glass baubles and ribbons from Bespoke Letterpress do all the talking. This seating area, complete with Chelon Design ‘Ida’ side table and cushions from Suzie Anderson Home, is a dream spot for a festive aperitif with Kink, my whippet! Do you like her festive bow?
Setting the table for a festive feast
I love green, and what better way to indulge it than at Christmastime? Red ribbon adds that neccessary festive pop! My tabletop is festooned with wrapping, bon-bons, tree and table decorations from Bespoke Letterpress, complemented by candles and brass holders from Studio McKenna. Glassware and platters, linen napkins are all from Suzie Anderson Home.
One of my top tips for festive entertaining is to have the bar (if you have one) set up and ready to go – or create one using any small piece of furniture you can repurpose.
If you love to entertain, you know why we decided to include a plate warmer into our kitchen design! It comes into its own at Christmas.
Escape Christmas festivities in a relaxing bedroom, robe and ensuite
One of the best parts of the summer break is escaping for a little me-time, and upstairs, I’ve created the perfect retreat. This bed and fresh linen from Snooze make it a dream space to relax.
Speaking of me-time, I am in love with my Dado ‘Julia’ bath, a dream inclusion in our master suite. I love to bathe regularly, and chat with my daughters while I do it! These traditional tiles from Olde English Tiles allowed us to include another subtle curve in the design, which I adore. A dash of colour is delivered via towels and washers from Suzie Anderson Home.
I don’t think I’ve ever had enough wardrobe storage in a house, but I feel pretty close now! I love standing back and looking at my shoe collection. My pride and joy! Don’t we all deserve a SITC moment?
Wrap the staircase in a wreath
Keep festive decoration simple: these olive branches were collected from the garden and tied with ribbon and glass baubles from Bespoke Letterpress for a touch of festive beauty that doesn’t overwhelm our stunning staircase. The bannister was custom made to my husband Pete’s design – isn’t it gorgeous? And it’s time to put the presents under the tree! All wrapped with Bespoke Letterpress paper and ribbons. Having a big light well in the centre of the house means that everything gets bathed in beautiful natural light and it allows these decorations to sparkle.