Winter Feasting inspiration

These images are from one of my favoyrite styling jobs ever. It was a few years ago but it’s timeless, and provides so much inspiration for Christmas!

There is lots of inspiration here for a winter feast, and with the Winter Solstice fast approaching (Thursday) and Christmas Day nipping at its heels, I wanted to point out some of the elements that you could re-create in your homes this festive season.

Ideas to steal for entertaining at home:

Here are some ideas from the shoot that you could steal to create something Next Level at home this season.

• The simple white and green colour scheme- it is just timeless. You could forage for the greenery for free, or order from your local florist.

• The fairy lights and big floral hoops hanging above the table, executed to perfection by BlueBelle Creative. Anything hanging down above a table creates drama and magical ambience.

• The small glass bottles with candles in. Foliage tucked in between the bottles. Simple but effective.

• The gorgeous French trestle table from We Hire Love (choosing props from their website was a JOY) OK- harder to create at home- but, don’t be afraid to hire in props for a special event or party.

• Place names. A beautiful place name really ups the elegance. Either pen your own (time for that brush lettering or calligraphy course perhaps?) or hire an illustrator.

• The LinenMe towels on the back of the chairs. Anything soft on the back of the chairs will make guests feel cosy.

• Bread rolls wrapped in paper and tied with a bow

• Sprigs of rosemary in the water

• Tall statement glassware

• You know I love a wreath, for any occasion for time of year, right? But how about a cake wreath?! dreamy eh? I want to create one for our Christmas cake this year.

• The big jars with candles in. Put a cluster outside your front door and window sill on Solstice/Christmas Day morning and dotted up your stair case to welcome your guests.

I worked with a big team of people to bring together a styled shoot at Elmley Nature Reserve. A "styled shoot” involves all suppliers setting up for free in order to get photos for their portfolio’s and websites, and means everyone brings their A-Game and aims for perfection. We, in effect, set up a mini fake wedding, complete with models. I had actually not been in charge of such a big team before, but I am totally thrilled and wanted to show you some of my favourite shots. 

I set the theme and then worked with Georgina at Elmley who made sure it all flowed logistically, and found lots of the local suppliers. I then worked directly with the props hire company, illustrator, cake designer, florist, bridal company, and photographer to get the look I had dreamed up.

Suppliers:

Styling: Moi. 

Venue: Kingshill Barn, Elmley Nature Reserve
Photography Rebecca Douglas
Flowers: BluBelle Creative
Cake Urban Pantry
Make Up: The Bridal Stylists
Dresses: The Wild Heart Bridal
Props: We Hire Love
Illustrations: Emilie Maguin
Crockery: Four Jays
Linen Linen Me

Happy feasting, chums. 

In My work, Embracing The Seasons