Tat London Journal

Well, what’s another list when the world seems to be made of them. This one, at least, is for the more discerning character. None of your soaps or olive oil here. It is for those among you looking for something that could not be found on Amazon. God no.

Teresa Rivera began her creative life in New York where she trained as a fine artist before moving to London and working in interior design before turning to furniture making. She brings a thoughtful and measured approach to timber and her pieces have a clarity that comes from a deep understanding of form and craft.

Gemma Moulton is a woman of great talents. Her fabric company, CC Moulton, has something very special about it. She has the ability to capture a look and a feeling far before anyone has got there. Her appreciation for fabrics and designs of the past in no way blinds her to building a collection for the future. One only has to look at the beginnings of East London Cloth and its evolution into CC Moulton to be struck by her ambition, paired with an extraordinary eye.

Blue Firth. You will know the name if you have spent any time with Tat. She is the creative force behind Dohm Shop she also, very generously, writes for us. Before getting to her Christmas list it is worth pausing on her contribution. She sees the world slightly off to one side, in the best possible way, and it means she notices things most of us step straight past.

Jessica Light. It would have been mad not to ask her, and the fact she replied made me profoundly grateful. I have been a fan since she took part in the House & Garden Shop in 2015. That was the first time I saw her tassels, those tassels made by her fair hands, extraordinary in colour, touch and sheer beauty. She is the queen of passementerie, with pieces commissioned by the royal family, film sets and any self respecting interiors bon vivant.

As you’ll have noticed, we’ve produced many a Christmas wish lists over the years. Those are ours, of course, but this season I wanted to ask a handful of women I admire what they would choose for Christmas. The obvious first call was Liz Elliot. For those not already acquainted, she is my mother, and has been at House & Garden for quite a while. I may be biased, but her CV more than bears out her reputation.

Decorations. Realistically you can tie a bit of ribbon to the tree, hang up a few dried oranges, slap some mistletoe on a door frame and fashion newspaper crowns, and you’ve achieved a very chic Christmas for almost no money at all.

Here we’ve gathered some of the finest goods available for under £35. A fantastic bevy of beauties, nothing to be sniffed at below — plenty could stand alone, while others would sit nicely in a Christmas hamper. Our aim is to create a haven of affordable gifts to help you bestow delightful items on beloved family members without breaking the bank.

I know it’s early, but with everyone tightening their belts it feels sensible to spread the spend across as many weeks as possible. So forgive me if this feels a little eager. Personally, I’ve never felt more ready for Christmas. Don’t tell anyone, but in the design world everyone seems to clock off for a full fortnight. The emails dry up and I revel in it. A gift in itself, although not one I can wrap up and present to my family, so a gift guide still seems required.

Cooking For Christmas Ah, Christmas in the 1980s—a glorious cacophony of clattering dishes, dubious flavours, and unapologetic indulgence. The turkey, always the centrepiece, was a study in excess, wrapped in bacon, stuffed to bursting, and often cooked within an inch of its life. But no one minded, because the gravy covered a multitude of sins, pooling generously across plates piled high with potatoes roasted to a golden perfection and sprouts boiled into submission. The rea

Affordable Christmas Decorations, by Matilda Sturley, Writer & Founder of Legato . Decorating for Christmas can be an expensive task. There’s the tree, the garland over the fireplace, the outdoor lights, the festive table… we could go on, but I’m assuming you know what Christmas is about. With Christmas decorations costing around £3.99 to £25 per bauble, the cost for making your home look beautifully festive is often pretty expensive. Granted, you buy a bauble and you’ll keep

Cheering up is in order, so why not treat yourself to a couple of decorations that will stand the test of time - We searched high and low, and these are our favourites! Closet & Botts Burgundy Velvet Bow, £4.99 Closet & Botts Set Of Six Mini Glass Decoration, £11.95 Flying Tiger Christmas Decoration, £3 The Shop Floor Project Fabric Folk Kit: Virginia Woolf, £28 Closet & Botts Gold Mistletoe & White Bead Decoration, £12.95 Etsy Dried Orange Garland Christmas Decoration, £10 C

After a galling start to November, my mind has turned to happier activities. It has to; otherwise, I’ll be a whiny, well-dressed mess on the floor. So, although we’re somewhat far from season’s greetings, don’t be fooled - they come at you thick and fast. I thought I’d settle a few points on easing into festive activities and being a gracious recipient.