CHRISTMAS WITH TRICIA GUILD
Internationally renowned for her use of colour, pattern and texture, Tricia launched her first fabric collection in the early Seventies – and her signature lifestyle brand, Designers Guild, has been setting the pace ever since.
In 2008, she was awarded the OBE for services to interior design. Tricia always layers up her Christmas table and follows the mantra ‘less is more’ when it comes to gift wrapping.
Find out more about Tricia Guild.
How do you make Christmas Day special?
I like to set the scene for when family and friends arrive, whether that’s placing those finishing touches in the guest bedroom or setting the table with beautiful linen, crockery, flowers and glassware. It’s the finer details that make the day memorable.
Tell us how you decorate.
I love to mix different looks, so I’ll pair vintage- style decorations with hanging foliage and gorgeous floral garlands with fabric offcuts – think masterful, brooding florals in rich, resonant shades with complex geometrics.
I like to create little still lifes around the house: I’ll hang delicate baubles and beautiful pieces of fabric from a large elegant branch, which is perfect for hallways, where perhaps space is limited. I also place a tree on the balcony outside – that’s a long-standing tradition.
Does your palette change annually?
It does change slightly, but I always use beautiful textures and bursts of brilliant tonal colour. This year’s palette will be a gorgeous mix of lush greens and happy blues, punctuated with neutrals and masses of white.
Your most treasured Christmas decoration is...
Hand-made treasures by my granddaughter Lola, from when she was little.
What will your table look like?
I prefer to have a very layered, contemporary look. I use our pure linen Lario place mats and napkins, and a table runner in complementing colours, accessorised with unique decorations and exquisite crackers from our store.
There will, of course, be a plethora of pretty flowers, arranged eclectically in various vases, and I get creative with my place settings, making them by hand. Tell us more about the flowers. I prefer single stems of seasonal flowers and foliage over large bouquets. They look beautiful and last much longer.
What’s on the menu?
We serve crab cakes, Parmesan biscuits, Italian involtini, that sort of thing. Everything is presented simply but beautifully on serving platters.
Fail-safe presents for home lovers?
I like to give cushions, textured throws or pure linen bedlinen – people always need those things and I love finding the right shade or pattern for each person.
Any inventive ideas for wrapping?
Less is more. This year, I’ll use jewel-hued tissue paper, matched with tonal twine and vintage ribbons.
Designersguild.com
Find more Christmas decorating ideas.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
The homes media brand for early adopters, Livingetc shines a spotlight on the now and the next in design, obsessively covering interior trends, color advice, stylish homeware and modern homes. Celebrating the intersection between fashion and interiors. it's the brand that makes and breaks trends and it draws on its network on leading international luminaries to bring you the very best insight and ideas.
-
How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe — Learn Everything You Need to Know in 5 Minutes With This Guide
Winter storm caught you off guard? We asked an expert — just how do you thaw a frozen pipe?
By Hugh Metcalf Published
-
The 12 Very Best Silk Bedding Pieces — As Our Style Editor Says: 'It's What Dreams Are Made Of!'
Slumber in lustrous luxury with the very best silk bedding sheets, duvets, pillowcases, and more — your sleep score will thank us later
By Julia Demer Published
-
'Everyone Needs to Try it!' - This Viral Christmas Light Storage Hack is Exactly What I Need For Tidying Away Decor
This year, I'll be tidying away my Christmas lights using this nifty storage hack, here's how to give it a go for yourself
By Oonagh Turner Published
-
Organize all Your Gift Wrap Supplies with This $30 Amazon Buy That Makes Preparing Presents so Simple
Create a designated gift wrap station with this clever kit
By Amy McArdle Published
-
This Viral Organizer Might be the Best Way of Storing Christmas Tree Ornaments I've Ever Seen — I Want One This Year!
Try this clever piece of kit to keep all your precious ornaments contained
By Lilith Hudson Published
-
'Christmas Disco' Decor is Seriously Trending This Party Season — How to Get the Look (and Why You Should)
Disco decor has been a huge trend throughout 2023. Bring the party home this festive season with disco-inspired Christmas decor
By Katie Baxter Published
-
This is the Homemade Christmas Trend Our Editor is Using on His Tree – And it's So Easy to DIY!
Dried orange garlands are a huge Christmas decor trend that our editor loves - and we can see why
By Katie Baxter Published
-
This Viral Hack Promises to Get the Most Out of Your Christmas Poinsettia
Try this simple trick to extend the life of your festive plant way beyond Christmas day
By Amy McArdle Published
-
This Viral Guestbed from Amazon Could be the Small Space Solution you Need This Festive Season
Give your guests the gift of a good night's sleep, even without a dedicated guestroom
By Amy McArdle Published
-
This Gardening Hack is a Simple Yet Genius Way to Protect Your Plants from Frost - and It Uses Your Christmas Decor
Try this viral trick to ensure your vulnerable outdoor plants survive through the festive season
By Amy McArdle Published