Australian Story

This year we celebrate an Australian Story inspired by the beauty of the Australian Bush. In shades of blue/green and grey the eucalypts and gum trees predominate. Flashes of brilliant colour are provided by the yellow wattle, red waratah and pink flowering gum. Imagine a flock of noisy pink galahs or rainbow hued rosellas against the sunshine of a cloudless blue sky day.

The work of Australian artist Margaret Preston (1875-1963) was also my inspiration for this theme. In her work she strived to develop a national identity and many of her prints and paintings feature Australian native flowers and plants.

Our Australian Christmas table is dressed in a simple pared back style. I used calico for my table cloth and added a piece of hessian as a table runner. Imperfection is key, I’ve gone for natural products and lots of texture. To style use wooden chopping boards, slate platters and it will look just right with a hint of metallic, introduce copper or brass cutlery.

With a larger table setting you can create your own centrepiece. For example I’ve used an antler and decorated it with faux Australian native flowers and added copper wire battery lights. A stunning centrepiece in keeping with our rustic theme. Also a more traditional floral centrepiece with faux Australian natives, Christmas baubles and hessian magnolias.

Our key feature hangs overhead a simple piece of Aussie gum tree hanging from hessian weave ribbon. Hang the branch first then decorate with a mix of fake native flowers and real eucalyptus leaves. It’s so easy and looks impressive. Use cable ties to secure the decoration. I couldn’t resist a bit of drama so I suspended hurricane lamps around the tree branch.