Martina Gemmola
There’s something exciting about dusting off the Christmas decorations each year. The way a few simple stringed lights twinkle in the darkness, refracting off glittery baubles is absolutely magical. And nothing beats the thrill of setting the table with your finest dinnerware.
If you’re looking for a new take on classic Christmas decorating this year, you’re in luck! We asked Maine House Interiors designer Amy Spargo to share her expertise and trained eye on Christmas decorating as she marries traditional festive motifs with fresh, coastal colours and plenty of fun.
A Christmas tradition in your house is… “The beginning of the Christmas season starts with us going to the Christmas tree farm and choosing and felling our own tree. Our girls love it, it’s always such a fun day out. We then take the tree home and decorate it as a family.”
What is your favourite tree decoration (we all have one!)? “My children’s first Christmas bauble with their names hand-painted on them.”
Formal or no fuss? “A little bit of both! Christmas Eve is always a casual affair and I like to have a formal
Christmas lunch if we are hosting at home, which we do most years. I set the table with our Christmas dinnerware and my husband cooks a traditional Christmas roast.”
What’s on the menu? “Ask my husband! Just kidding, we plan the menu together, a traditional fare with all the Christmas delights.”
Your best Christmas dinnerware is … “I have been collecting my pieces ever since we completed our renovation four years ago. I’ll add a few pieces to the collection each year. I love the Williams-Sonoma traditional Christmas dinnerware. Recently, I added a set of Irish linen napkins to my collection, each embroidered with a motif of the 12 days of Christmas.”
Your signature gift-wrap style? “Lots of beautiful ribbons.”
Your go-to host gift is? “French Champagne and a hand-picked bunch of hydrangeas from our garden.”
What’s your best advice for a stress-free Christmas day? “Prepare! I always set the table the day prior, and we plan our meal so we are ready well before our guests arrive. We also have learnt to have a few canapés ready for guests as soon as they walk in, it takes the pressure off having the main meal ready if some guests are running late. Most importantly, a happy and relaxed host is the key to a successful Christmas event.”
For Christmas, there’s no place I’d rather be than… “At home with my family.”
“My decorating style is traditional in a classic palette of green, red and gold”
Amy Spargo
