Christmas with AD India

Christmas with AD India

I was delighted to be interviewed by Harleen Kalsi of Architectural Digest India for their guide to the perfect Christmas tablescape "that will wow your crowd and win you extra hosting points." With tips from design experts like Sarita Handa, you read the guide here or read on for my full interview.

Prints & Patterns?

"Traditional prints of reindeers, elves and Santa aren’t for me. It feels limiting to have a distinctly festive set that only makes an appearance for a couple of weeks each year. My hand-drawn prints always begin with seasonal flowers (so ranunculus, eucalyptus and myrtle berries for the festive Wild Garden print this year). However, I aim for homeware that transcends trends or overtly seasonal themes, avoiding a palette that is too on-the-nose Christmas. The result is a table that feels more unique and versatile, too."

Detail wild garden table with menu
Jo Malone London crackers open on a festive table

Christmas touches...

"I prefer leaning into wintery styles and adding subtle Christmas touches with accessories. For example, scattering nuts beside glasses, clustering leafy clementines and ruby pomegranates or lighting candles hand-painted with mistletoe (a quick DIY with acrylic paint). Recently, I’ve been using pine cones to hold name cards with each guest’s name written in calligraphy. These details are affordable and biodegradable, avoiding single-use plastic or clutter that takes up space unnecessarily in your home."

How to make it local?

"My decor is always influenced by my surroundings and the season. I hate the idea of shipping flowers half way across the world for an event. Seasonal flowers and produce look more vibrant, smell fresher, and feel joyful!"

"For instance, when in Jaipur for Christmas, we always bring a bougainvillea tree indoors and deck it with baubles just like we would a traditional fir tree in London. It feels so much more fitting than trying to mimic a tree from a cold climate."

"Similarly, leaning into local food and flora is key - whether it’s using abundant seasonal produce or adapting traditions. We wouldn’t dream of roasting a turkey in Jaipur, but in the UK, it is prime season for this bird on local farms."

"After all, for me, Christmas is less about what’s on the table but who is around it. Provided the table is colourful, plentiful and a little bit unique, I feel that’s a perfect festive tablescape."

Bougainvillea xmas tree

Favourite brands to feature?

"Good Earth shares my love for hand-painted, whimsical prints. I love the deep sage of their Nishaat plates and their Pomegranate & Roses fine bone china collection has been a mainstay of my styling for years (pictured). Festivities always benefit from some glossy jewel tones - I love the palette of Rayt glassware. The juxtaposition of sleek, modern glassware next to the artisanal style of my hand-block designs is one I love. By the same token, I adore the lacquer bobbin candlesticks of British brand Addison Ross. A line-up of various heights makes a stunning centrepiece. In terms of colour palette, I experiment with the contrast of pink and forest green, as well as ruby and dusty azalea. An easy way to infuse colour is with ribbons. Double velvet or raw silk is utterly luxurious when tied around napkins or cutlery. And for the latter, nothing sparkles quite like Rezon Luxury Silverware."

Architectural Digest India

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Christmas At Bonadea

Christmas At Bonadea

Festive FAQ with Gemma Martinez de Ana to mark my December showcase in Bonadea's Garden Room.

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