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YOUR CHRISTMAS HELPERS
From decorations to gifts, we’ve got all your christmas needs covered

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PHOTOGRAPHY MONIQUE LOVICK DRESS SOUL SONG LIFE LOCATION THE BYNG STREET BOUTIQUE HOTEL

WELCOME LETTER

CHRISTMAS: a time to
celebrate and also a time of immense
pressure to have everything ‘just so’.
This idea of Christmas perfection
came into sharp focus when I read
Meg Bignell’s column for ‘A Day in
the Country’ (fellow Tasmanian
author and Country Style columnist
Maggie MacKellar is taking a very
well-earned break).
Meg writes about how the things
that go wrong become the enduring
memories. These are the stories that
are told over and over, becoming the
stuff of family legend. Like the time
when I lit the Christmas pudding,
as I always do, but in the process
I also set the table on fire. There was
shouting and chaos as I sprang into
action and put the spreading flames
out. I could not tell you another single thing that happened that year,
but everyone who was there remembers my mishap. At the time it was
a disaster; now it’s a hilarious tale told every year as I present the pudding.
I put a lot of pressure on myself over the festive season, which is a complete
contradiction to what I’ve been telling my children for as long as they
could understand: there’s no such thing as perfect. When I think back to
Christmases past and other important events, it is the thing that didn’t
go to plan that became most memorable. So, this year I’m taking Meg’s
advice and embracing the mayhem – whatever it may be.
To help things run smoothly in your house – and mine; I need all the help
I can get! – this festive season, we’ve got delicious recipes from our Country
Cook Steve Cumper, plus Tilly Pamment’s very Aussie gingerbread shack
(visit homestolove.com.au/gingerbread-house-4445 to see the template).
Happy baking, and Merry Christmas from all the Country Style team.

Follow me on Instagram
@kylie.imeson

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My favourite things

Part of a set from Welcome
to Country, these baubles
by Warlukurlangu Artists
directly benefit the artists.

I love decorating the house
for Christmas, and this big
bow from Door Bow Co will
take pride of place this year.

Ecoya’s Fresh Pine Christmas
candle will add a beautiful
fragrance and a touch of
gold to my lunch table.

I always get a real Christmas
tree, and I can’t wait to put this
hand-embroidered tree skirt
from Hardtofind under it.

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 7

“At Christmas, I like to cook a mix of
American and Australian recipes, so I’ll
do a pecan pie as well as a pavlova.”
Melissah Yount, page 48

C h r i s t m a s 2 02 3 | c o n t e n t s

38

58

COVER STORIES

26 Tasmanian author Meg Bignell’s tale of festive

PHOTOGRAPHY HANNAH PUECHMARIN, TESS TWIGDEN STYLING CHERYL CARR, TESS TWIGDEN

38
80
106

imperfection
Stocking fillers: Wooden toys made with a mother’s
love in Dayboro
Making a list: The ultimate gift guide
All Australian: Make a charming gingerbread house
with Tilly’s Table

58 ALL TOGETHER

At the Twigden home in Ashbourne, SA, a freshly cut pine
tree holds handmade decorations, while a pavlova will be
the centrepiece on Christmas Day.

POSTCARD

70 LET IT SNOW

Christmas Eve is a celebration of traditional treats
enjoyed fireside at a cabin in Germany’s Harz Mountains.

SHOPPING LIST

20 HOUSE TO HOME
22
24

38

This Christmas, treat yourself with a beautiful new
furniture piece, original painting or festive decor.
BEST IN SHOW
Exquisite, botanical-inspired Christmas ornaments
add charm on the tree or make thoughtful gifts.
WRAP IT UP
Browse meaningful gift ideas from Hardtofind.

PEOPLE

THE TOYMAKER
From wombats and echindas to reindeer and candy
canes, Eryn Purcell is carving delightful wooden
toys at her home in Dayboro, Qld.

HOMES

48 LIFE REIMAGINED

For Melissah and Benjamin Yount, Christmas is
all about creativity and connecting with family at
their 1940s homestead in West Woombye, Qld.

GIFT GUIDE

80 SEASON OF GIVING

It’s easy to bring joy this Christmas, with fabulous gift
ideas for all ages and interests. Our bumper gift guide
has the whole family covered, with stylish tableware,
enthralling books, garden goods, toys, and much more.

FOOD

92 NEW TRADITIONS
103
104
106

Create a memorable Christmas feast with Steve
Cumper’s prawns, porchetta and cassata.
RAISE A GLASS
Wine writer Peter Bourne has his Christmas feasting and
drinking all planned in Orange, the ‘food bowl of NSW’.
FLAVOURS
Edible goodies to give as gifts or indulge in yourself.
CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
The festive season isn’t complete without a gingerbread
house. Blue Mountains-based baker Tilly Pamment,
of Tilly’s Table, shares her Aussie-themed creation. >

92

80
134 HEAVEN SCENT

128
70

Can’t find the right Christmas gift for that special
someone? An elegant fragrance is sure to delight.

136 BOOK CLUB

Just in time for Christmas, Annabel Lawson
presents superb new titles in a range of genres.
Start dropping hints now!

REGULAR READING

12 Contributors
16 Your Page: Readers’ emails and letters
26 A Day in the Country: For Tasmanian dairy farmer
28
154

and author Meg Bignell, a memorable Christmas
Day has a touch of chaos amid the festivities.
Homegrown: Torquil Fitch creates quality custom
furniture in the idyllic NSW Southern Highlands.
Country Squire: Chocolates or cosmetics? Rob
Ingram traces the history of the Advent calendar.

SERVICES

CRAFT

110 JOLLY DELIGHTS

Add splashes of festive cheer around your home
with handmade garlands and Christmas angels.

REGIONAL SHOPPING

116 CREATING A HOME

Saddler & Co’s Jemima Aldridge presents Foray
Design Store, her new retail venture in Dubbo, NSW,
where she curates timeless pieces for the home.

TRAVEL

122 THE GREAT ESCAPE

Relax and revitalise with family or a group of friends
at Berrima’s luxurious Coromandel Homestead.

FASHION & BEAUTY

128 THE STYLE DIARIES

Country-dwellers Melissah Yount and Tess Twigden
share their fashion influences and trusted brands.

138
139
150

YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND RECEIVE SIX
ISSUES FOR THE PRICE OF FOUR!
Field Guide
Country Emporium
Country and Coastal Retreats

OUR COVER

Santa’s arrival draws a curious crowd at Gunnadoo
Homestead in West Woombye, Qld, where the Yount family
will enjoy a relaxed Christmas Day with relatives.
PHOTOGRAPHY Hannah Puechmarin
STYLING Cheryl Carr

ON THE COVER
A goat and two Scottish Highland cows
investigate the Christmas tree in the
paddock at Gunnadoo Homestead in
West Woombye, Qld. Owned by
Melissah and Benjamin Yount, the
Homestead was built in 1946 and had
plenty of space for a thriving fruit farm
on its five hectares. For more on the
Yount family’s property, see page 48.
Fresh Christmas tree supplied by
The Little Christmas Co.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Are Media acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
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PHOTOGRAPHY ANDRE REUTER, HANNAH PUECHMARIN, CON POULOS, ALANA LANDSBERRY
STYLING MIRIAM HANNEMANN, KATE LINCOLN, CHERYL CARR, LUCY TWEED PORCHETTA AUSTRALIAN PORK

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CONTRIBUTORS

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in this i s s u e . . .
M E G
B I G N E L L

Novelist Meg, who wrote our A Day in the
Country column on page 26, lives on
a dairy farm in Tasmania, and loves
the country so much she becomes
physically homesick when she’s away.

Life on her dairy farm with
husband Richard and children Ed,
Bess and Lucie – plus pet dog Blue
and 800 cows – is busy for Meg,
48. But it’s the only life she wants.
“Homesickness for me manifests
as nausea – I lose my appetite and
get grumpy,” she says. “The only
cure is the country.” She grew up
in the Derwent Valley, where her
sister still lives, and says, “I’m
always happy when out walking on
the farm or with my hands in the
dirt.” Country Style is her natural
home, too: “I’ve been reading
Country Style since my mum’s
garden was in it in 1995, so I feel
like the people in the magazine
and the readers are my tribe.”

P E T E R
B O U R N E

For the past 45 years, Peter has been
working in the wine industry – as
a retailer, writer and industry
consultant. Turn to page 103 to find out
what he’ll be drinking this Christmas.

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After leaving the world of wine
retailing in 1995, Peter turned to
wine writing, starting out with
a column in The Sydney Morning
Herald. He’s based in Orange,
NSW, with wife Joanne, daughter
Greta, dachshund May and cat
Saffron, but was born in Wagga
Wagga and raised in Sydney. Peter
loves visiting the countryside:
“Mostly I go to vineyards which
are in some of the nicest parts of
Australia such as the Clare Valley,
Margaret River, Tasmania and,
of course, Orange.” Despite just
turning 75, he has no plans to
retire: “I eat, drink, talk (and
write) for a living.” Nice work
if you can get it!

WORDS HANNAH JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY NIC GOSSAGE, SAMUEL SHELLEY, SIMONOGRAPHY, KIRSTEN CUNNINGHAM

6 ISSUES

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Editor KYLIE IMESON
Creative director SARAH FARAGO
Deputy editor HANNAH JAMES
Queensland contributing editor CLAIRE MACTAGGART
Art directors BERNHARD SCHMITZ, KATRINA MASTROFILIPPO
Junior designer SAFFRON SYLVESTER
Stylist KATE LINCOLN
Features writer REBECCA HOOTON
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YOUR PAGE

YOUR PAGE

OUR OCTOBER ISSUE HIGHLIGHTED SUSTAINABILITY – AT HOME, ON THE FARM, AND
IN THE GARDEN – AND IT OFFERED BOTH INSPIRATION AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
CLEVER DOLLY

Here I am, sitting at the table with
the lovely Country Style: Country
Homes in Australia book. I cannot
believe I have been reading Country
Style for well over 30 years. How do
I know this? Well, as I turn each page
in the book, as soon as I see a photo
of the person or couple, I remember
their story. My family say to me,
“Mum, how can you remember all
that by looking at a photo?” I reply:
“Pip & Dom – Oyster Farmers; Pip
& Norm – Wool Producers; Andy &
Matt – Dairy Farmers.”
Not bad for an 83-year-old!
Dolly Smith, Bathurst, NSW

SOOTHING SOLUTION

Amid my early morning tossing and
turning, I suddenly felt the need to
open my Country Style magazine. The
novel I was reading was too angsty
and would not appease my anxiety.
I needed the solace of Country Style.
This led me to wonder what it is about
the magazine that makes me regard
it as a kind of meditative experience.
Some of the answers I came up
with include its autumnal tones,
which seem to soothe the mind, the
beauty of the scenery, the positivity
of the featured stories, the role that
nature plays in the lives of the people
you write about, and the warmth
and comfort of the recipes.
No effort is required to flip through
past and present editions to receive
the calming effects of these elements.
So, thank you for enabling me to
ease my anxious mind. I regard
Country Style as a balm for the soul
and look forward to receiving the
next instalment.
Margaret Arnot, East Ballina, NSW

16 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

CAUSE AND EFFECT

Focusing on the environment and
committing to sustainability is
integral to our world. I was intrigued to
read your October issue to see how our
creative contributors are helping the
environment and what I could do to
improve. For example, carbon-neutral
shipping is a wonderful initiative,
but it too can have negative effects.
In rural Queensland, some carbon
companies are buying grazing land
in order to stockpile trees, generating
carbon credits and selling these to big
corporations so that the companies
can claim to be carbon-neutral
through no action of their own other
than writing out a cheque.
I’m fortunate enough to be living
on a fourth-generation cattle property
and we are scared about what this
may mean for families in the district
who want to buy drought-resistant
land but can’t compete with big
carbon companies. Sustainability has
its place, but at what cost to graziers?
Meanwhile, Stephen McCredie and
Pip Carew’s home in Ruffy is certainly
impressive but, sadly, the opportunity
to ‘buy a block of land in the country’
can no longer be a dream for many
around here. A timely reminder to
do our bit, wherever we live.
Alice B, Mitchell, Qld
Editor’s note: Thanks, Alice, for
raising these valid points.

STORYBOOK CHARM

I want to commend the outstanding
feature In the Wild Wood, in your
October issue, which showcased
the gorgeous home ensconced in
a Norwegian forest. The story
eloquently portrayed the timeless
charm and character of the dwelling

and emphasised the crucial theme
of sustainability, along with the
importance of leaving a light and
respectful footprint on the land.
The visual journey was enchanting,
allowing readers to wander through
the dappled shadows and breathe in
the essence of this captivating home.
Faye Jennings, Tennant Creek, NT

REAL-LIFE FAIRYTALES

I thoroughly loved the three weddings
in the September issue. So beautiful;
I hope you make it a regular feature.
Dianne Torrington, via email

FAMILY TIES

Thank you for producing a wonderful
magazine – I have collected many
recipes and ideas from its contents.
My dear sister lives in Uralla, NSW,
and has a little old cottage on half an
acre of garden that she established
from scratch. When she bought the
property, there was no garden at all.
I think her property would make
an amazing story for your magazine.
She loves old-world things, and the
interior is like stepping back in time!
Meryl Styants, Claremont North, WA

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Looking at Hannah and César
Puechmarin’s house in the September
issue, I felt a similarity to our house
and wanted to keep reading about
their lifestyle. It’s so lovely to see an
appreciation for birdlife and nature,
and sourcing gorgeous pieces from op
shops. I, too, have a similar outlook…
just sitting and having a cup of tea in
our beautiful garden, surrounded by
birds and bush, smelling the perfume
from our jasmine, makes me happy.
Sally Lynch, Frenchs Forest, NSW

On our October cover, horse
Bud stands at the entrance
to florist Nadine Brown’s
greenhouse in Thirlmere,
NSW. Inside the issue, which
celebrates sustainability,
read all about Nadine’s
innovative botanical work.
We also meet four regional
women who are putting
the earth first, step inside
several passive houses, and
taste homegrown produce
at Megalong Restaurant.
Photography @flore_
vallery_radot
Styling @jessicabellef

For the Taylor family, it was
love at first sight when they
discovered this grand old
bungalow in Blackbutt, Qld.
“We walked into the first
room with timber panels,
beautiful ceilings and a big
open fireplace and that
sealed the deal!” says Riza.
Full of repurposed materials,
the stately Green Hills is
brimming with character.
Photography
@hannahpuechmarin
Styling @albertandgrace
Words @clairemactaggart
Location @green_hills_house

SEED OF AN IDEA

We are heading home from our
two-month caravan trip up the
Mid North Coast of NSW, and I’ve
started to mentally plan my spring
vegetable garden. So, September’s
Down The Garden Path is perfect
reading for me.
I have made a shopping list and
when we arrive home, I will be off
to Diggers and Bunnings to make
my purchases and then enjoy some
homegrown goodies at Christmas.
Deborah Bowden, Rosebud, Vic

COMMON INTERESTS

I get such a thrill when Country Style
arrives in my mailbox each month.
As a newly qualified florist, I found
the October story on florist Nadine
Brown so heartwarming – it was
the perfect addition to my morning
cuppa on the front patio.
Keep up the great work with sharing
inspirational stories with readers.
Mandy Griffiths, Lannercost, Qld

lucky we are to have such a great
locally made magazine.
Myra Fisher, Brighton East, Vic

WINNER

DELICIOUS REMINDER

After resisting opening my October
issue of Country Style until I began
my holiday, I was thrilled to find
a recipe for Tilly Pamment’s Sultana
Cake. It sent me back to my teen years
when, as two of six children on the
land, Mum directed my sister and me
in the baking of half a dozen cakes
that would see out our week as packed
morning teas, an after-school snack,
or Dad’s accompaniment to coffee.
The recipe for our cakes was always
the same – 2 cups self-raising flour,

½ cup sugar, 2 eggs, ½ cup milk
– but we would vary the flavour.
Our plain cake became coffee cake
with a little International Roast
dissolved in hot water; a chocolate
cake with a scoop of cocoa powder
added; or a sultana cake with ½ cup
of sultanas stirred in.
I made Tilly’s cake for old times’
sake this afternoon. It was a far
superior version to our plain cake
with added sultanas, and a welcome
addition to morning tea for my
husband and me, as well as any
visitors we will welcome this week.
Thank you, Tilly, for bringing
a nostalgic smile to me and my
family this week (and always!).
Mary Refalo, Glenmore Park, NSW

Congratulations

to Mary Refalo, who has won an Illy Y3.3
Espresso Coffee Machine, valued at $275.
With its compact, easy-to-use design,
adjustable shelf and programmable cup
volume, you’ll be making the perfect
cup of coffee every day. To view the Illy
range, visit illy.com.au

SHARING THE LOVE

I live in a swanky retirement village,
and a generous neighbour has left
an earlier issue for all and sundry
to borrow. What a fantastic read!
Stylish images, informative articles,
delish recipes and tasteful ads. I look
forward to her latest issues… how

Share your thoughts and experiences with us by writing
to Country Style, GPO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW, 1028,
or emailing austcountrystyle@aremedia.com.au. Please
include your address and daytime telephone number.
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SHOPPING LIST

S

H

R

AL

READY TO BLOOM

OPS RU

Let your creativity flow with Austin Bloom, an online
community hub of creatives where floristry and art meet.
Each month, South Australian husband-and-wife team
Stu and Estee host instructional workshops such as
Christmas wreath-making. Visit austinbloom.com

house to home

BEAUTIFUL NEW BUYS WITH A CHRISTMAS TWIST.
Send your shopping news to csshopping@aremedia.com.au
WORDS LISA EASEY PRODUCED BY K ATE LINCOLN

french connection

Australian artist Marcia Priestley
captures life in movement in
Figue (Fig) from the Affiche
Collection. The piece has a French
finesse using abstract forms.
Visit greenhouseinteriors.com.au

LOOP THE LOOP
Sick of kinked hoses? The
Nylex Flextreme hose is
lightweight and ultra-flexible
for manoeuvring around
the garden. Plus, it’s UV
protected to withstand
extreme temperatures.
Visit nylex.com.au
20 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

Cotswold InOut Furniture
brings quality comfort to the
outdoors with the Wicked
lounge chair designed by Alain
Gilles. We love the attractive
curves, handwoven wicker and
quick-dry cushions that are
made for poolside lounging.
Visit cotswoldfurniture.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY MANUELA MEYER

take a seat

LIGHT TOUCH

Set the table with refined porcelain from Villeroy &
Boch’s Winter Glow collection. Elegant tableware and
minimalist ornaments, including Christmas tree-shaped
tea-light holders, are inspired by a Scandinavian winter,
taking a stylish but understated approach to festive
decor. Visit villeroy-boch.com.au

CLEAR AS CRYSTAL

Toast the party season with Waterford’s Winter Wonders
crystal flutes. Combining their iconic festive series into
one elegantly crafted six-piece collection, Waterford
showcases the beauty of nature through Holly, Mistletoe,
Midnight Frost, Pinecones, Snowflakes and Winter Rose.
Pair with a special bottle of bubbly during the holidays.
Visit waterfordcrystal.com.au

floral elegance

Bespoke Letterpress presents its
stunning new collection: A Christmas
Garden. Delicate gold blooms adorn
gift wrap, cards and tree ornaments
for a glittering take on the English
garden. Visit bespokepress.com.au

STYLE INNOVATOR
Pioneering American designer Ralph
Lauren celebrates the 40th anniversary
of the Home collection with Ralph
Lauren: A Way of Living. This special
volume explores the designer’s
ingenious vision for blending fashion
and interior styling. Visit rizzoliusa.com

WISH UPON A STAR Happy Go Ducky sources eco-friendly, handmade toys, including these
charming velvet star pendants topped with wooden beads. Hang them on the Christmas tree,
or create a dreamy night-time scene in the nursery. Visit happygoducky.com.au

SHOPPING LIST CHR ISTM AS DECOR ATIONS

BEST IN SHOW

Give handmade and nature-inspired ornaments
pride of place on the tree this Christmas.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT White Duck handmade ceramic Christmas tree ornament (or use as a gift-wrapping decoration on
presents), $12, from The Two Throwers. Eucalyptus foliage wreath, $499, from Balsam Hill. Handmade stoneware gift-boxed oak leaf,
$19 each, and acorn, $8 each, from Otti Made. Set of six eucalyptus leaf ornaments in Mixed Naturals, $69, from Kim Wallace Ceramics.
Handmade ceramic Wee Hoose Scottish croft, $150, from Marley & Lockyer. A Christmas Garden 10-pack cracker kit, $34.95, from
Bespoke Letterpress. Small ceramic Joy to the World banner wall ornament, $35, from Marley & Lockyer. Handpainted Silver Bird
hanging papier mâché Christmas stars, $95 (set of three), from Merchant Campbell.

22 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

Sleep naturally with organic, all season wool bedding.
Ethically sourced.
Handcrafted in the Macedon Ranges.

www.woolvalley.com.au

SHOPPING LIST

wrap
it up

These beautiful gift items
are sure to delight the lucky
recipients on Christmas Day.
PRODUCED BY K ATE LINCOLN

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Start a new family tradition with matching Santa stockings on the fireplace. Personalise
the beige gingham fabric with a name of your choice in glittery red or metallic gold, $42.99 each. Say cheers to the festive
season with The Antipodes Gin Co. barrel-aged selection gift pack, which includes: 200ml Organic Chardonnay Barrel
Aged Gin; 200ml Organic Pinot Noir Barrel Aged Gin; 200ml Organic Shiraz Barrel Aged Gin, $119. The Responsible Vachetta
shoulder strap bag in Yellow combines simplicity, functionality and style, $479. Mistletoe & Ivy Christmas Edition reclaimed
wine bottle candle conjures the scent of the festive season with a delicious blend of Siberian fir, mistletoe, cedar leaf,
sandalwood and musk, $54.90. Spoil the man in your life with a Discovery Gift Set of perfume oil, featuring five captivating
fragrances, $98 (5ml each). Add a personal touch to gifts or send good wishes to loved ones with the beautiful, delicately
drawn Mistletoe Christmas greeting card, $10.95 each. Made from premium cotton, the gingham and beige Santa sack
can be embellished with gold or red lettering, $75.99. Hand-loomed in Turkey, Pompom Turkish cotton towels in Pink Clay
come in handy year-round, from $77.99. Ethically made with hand-poured yellow gold and white sapphire gemstones,
the Aluna ring is a stunning gift for a special friend, $509. For more detail on all these products, visit hardtofind.com.au

24 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

SHOP ONLINE
STRAIGHT FROM
THE PAGE; SIMPLY
SCAN THE QR
CODE ABOVE.

The boot built for all seasons.

WATERPROOF. COMFY. EVERYDAY BOOTS.
MERRYPEOPLE.COM

A DAY IN THE COUNTRY

MERRIMENT AND MANIA
I READ THAT SOME PEOPLE have a second, less prominent
Christmas tree for their ‘dud’ decorations, while their
main tree is proudly displayed as an example of good taste.
Many of these ‘dud’ decorations were reportedly made
by children at school. I’m not about to claim that my
children’s handmade decorations are a precious reflection
of their darling personalities. Some of them are truly
hideous (the decorations, not the children), some are
unrecognisable, and others have nothing to do with
Christmas (a varnished pastry apple?). But I’m not
interested in stylised, tasteful Christmas perfection.
Last Christmas, as is tradition in my family, we went
for an after-lunch swim in the river. By ‘the river’ I mean
the upper reaches of the River Derwent, where platypus
and trout thrive. We took our full bellies to the riverbank,
where conditions were far from perfect. Firstly, the water
was only about 12 degrees, and the tide was at its lowest.
A low-tide swim means a slightly panicked clamber
through deep mud and weed, before reaching the smooth,
solid known of the river stones. Quite a few of the family
opted out and stayed on the riverbank to snooze in the sun.
Several of us, including my mum – who wears river shoes
to mitigate the mud situation – plunged in. There was the
usual laugh-screeching, wobbling and squelching, then the
delicious silky feel of river on skin and the sound of voices
bouncing on water. I loved the sense that everyone along
the length of the river, from Hobart to the high country,
was embracing their summery Christmas Day, too.
It was on the way out of the river that the mud turned
nasty. One of Mum’s feet, in its fetching magenta shoe,
suddenly sank. We laughed, then when it seemed she might
be seriously stuck, we didn’t. And when finally she pulled
free, sans shoe, we laughed again. Already this Christmas
Day incidental has been retold and assigned to the memory
pile. If we’d had a perfect, high-tide swim, it would fade
away into the pleasant haze of all the other perfect swims.

So many perfectly imperfect Christmas memories are
in that pile. Some are golden with age. There’s the time
Dad rode a bike down the hill, along the jetty and straight
into the river. The time my youngest flipped the rude finger
at a department store Santa Claus and woke to an empty
stocking. The way my sister and I often got carol lyrics
wrong (“We three kings of Orry and Tar”).
One of my earliest Christmas memories is when
I convinced myself I’d seen the sleigh and reindeers in the
sky. I was not overjoyed, but terrified. It was like seeing
a ghost. But the terror was utterly thrilling, and so was the
notion that if Father Christmas is real, then every other
magical thing must be, too. When the magic of Christmas
feels far away (when your kids become teens and mistake
designer brands for Christmas spirit), I cling fast to this
little-Meg memory and put more raggedy tinsel on the tree.
Loss and absence can mar the perfect Christmas Day.
Homesickness and longing are built into Christmas for
so many. But these are important imperfections, too,
because they bring back the ones we miss, or remind us
of home. When I was little, I saw Granny shedding a tear
as we left her house after lunch. When I asked why she
was crying, Mum said, “Because all the excitement is
over.” When Christmas feels a bit much, I remember
what it meant to Granny, and keep on with the planning.
Every year, I take my kids to town to choose a decoration.
One year, our older daughter chose a sparkly snowflake,
but then saw a mouse whose eye had fallen off. She felt
sorry for him, returned her snowflake and took the mouse
home. He’s front and centre on the tree every year.
And then there’s the angel at the top of the tree. Our
son made her, and she has slightly wonky, gleeful eyes,
as though she’s about to impart some mayhem. I love that
she watches over us every year; the angel of Christmas
imperfection. Wishing you all a merry, memory-making
Christmas… with a little dose of mayhem.

PHOTOGRAPHY SAMUEL SHELLEY

TAKING THE REINS FROM MAGGIE MACKELLAR THIS ISSUE, TASSIE
FARMER MEG BIGNELL SHARES MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS TALES.

CLOCKWISE, FROM ABOVE
Spectacular scenery surrounds the
Bignells’ farm, Bream Creek Dairy,
in south-east Tasmania; inspiration
strikes novelist Meg, who has
published three books: The Angry
Women’s Choir; Welcome to Nowhere
River; and The Sparkle Pages; Meg and
husband Richard with their children,
Bess, Ed and Lucie, plus Blue, their
pug-Jack Russell cross; family strolls
on the farm; the writer at work; the
Bignells run 800 Holstein Friesian
cows. FACING PAGE The picturesque
region is known for its pristine,
unspoilt coastline.

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 27

HOMEGROWN

FURNITURE MAKER TORQUIL FITCH’S ELEGANT BESPOKE PIECES
REFLECT THE UNIQUE TASTE AND HISTORY OF THEIR OWNERS.
WORDS A LEX SPEED PHOTOGRAPHY ELISE H ASSEY

AS TORQUIL Fitch drives through
the chilly NSW Southern
Highlands mornings to his Moss
Vale workshop, where he makes
furniture that will become part
of other people’s stories, he often
thanks sweet serendipity for
helping him realise his own.
“I was born and raised in
Perthshire, Scotland in a house
full of antiques,” says Torquil,
maker and designer at Fitch Fine
Furniture. “My parents loved
quality and taught me to see the
quiet brilliance of an artisan’s hand.
Their interest in process, form
and excellence instilled in me an
appreciation of the mastery required to create an object
that’s functional, beautiful and lasts the test of time.”
Torquil grew up hoping furniture-making would be
part of his story. But after high school he studied
engineering, and was lured by the glamour of crewing on
superyachts in the Mediterranean. “I worked on boats
for 15 years, first as a deckhand, then a bosun and finally
as a mate/engineer,” he says. “It was an adventure and
a great way to travel the world. Also, in hindsight, it was
an apprenticeship for my furniture-making today. The
hours I spent scrubbing decks, polishing metalwork
and solving problems as an engineer turned me into
a creative pragmatist, a designer and a perfectionist
– all qualities you need as a furniture maker.”
In 2010, after marrying journalist Alex (that’s me!),
having children and moving back to Scotland, where
he renovated kitchens and bathrooms, we decided it
was time to relocate to Australia. “For you, it was
a homecoming; for me, a slightly terrifying new chapter,”
recalls Torquil. “But that sweet serendipity kicked in.
Unbeknown to us before we arrived here, the town we
moved to, Moss Vale, happens to sit 20 minutes from
Australia’s famed Sturt School for Wood in Mittagong.”

28 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

Aged 42, and with British pounds
in the bank from selling our
Edinburgh house, Torquil says he
finally listened to that lifelong voice
in his head. He enrolled at Sturt
School for Wood and completed
a Certificate IV in furniture design,
technology and manufacture.
“Twelve years along my making
road, I’m proud of my bespoke
business, Fitch Fine Furniture.
Ninety per cent of my work comes
through referral and repeat custom,
and all of my work – sustainably
made from Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC) certified timber
– is commissioned,” he says.
Creating a piece of furniture that will become part of
a client’s story, whether a desk, dining table or chest
of drawers, is a process of trust, says Torquil: “It’s about
understanding the functionality of the piece, how the
client sees it evolving, and how it will be used. Will it
simply be part of the furniture, or is it a legacy piece
that will become a family heirloom?”
While commissioning furniture could be seen as an
extravagance, Torquil says the price of handmade wares
reflects the hundreds of hours entailed in crafting
a unique object that perfectly reflects his client’s needs,
taste and lifestyle. “Once, one of my former clients,
Andrew Denton, said to me grandiosely in a booming
voice: ‘Build me a bookcase that will last 1000 years.’
I replied, ‘Of course, but I can only guarantee it for 500.’
“This was a lighthearted exchange with a good bloke,
but Andrew’s comment goes to the heart of why
furniture-making gets me up in the morning,” says
Torquil. “In today’s throwaway society, where furniture
is often made cheaply and poorly, the furniture I create
is unique. I make pieces to outlast the passage of time
– for my clients, and for generations to come.”
Visit fitchfinefurniture.com

HARVEY NORMAN PRESENTS

SEAMLESS INNOVATION

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Take perfect control
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well as PerfectRoast
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modes via the app.

STEAM, AIR-FRY
OR BAKE
Get extra help in the
kitchen with this clever
array of functions: Air Fry
(with tray) for perfectly
fried veggies and chips,
Added Steam for food
that's crispy outside
and juicy inside, and
PerfectBake Plus to
regulate settings and tell
you exactly when to take
dishes out of the oven.
BOSCH SERIES 8, BUILT-IN OVEN
WITH ADDED STEAM FUNCTION
BLACK, HRG978NB1A, $4499.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

online | mobile | in store

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KITCH EN PERFECTION

INNOVAT I O N
Designed to sit flush
and blend seamlessly
with surrounding cabinetry,
these smart appliances
get the job done and look
amazing while they're at it.

OPTIMAL FOODCARE

Take control with independent
food zones: the freezer, and
the top two compartments
with Chill (-1.5 to 0°C), SoftFreeze (-10 to -8°C) or Freezer
(-21 to -14°C) modes.
FISHER & PAYKEL 303L INTEGRATED TRIPLEZONE FREEZER, RS6019F3LJ1, $5999;
FISHER & PAYKEL 306L INTEGRATED TRIPLEZONE REFRIGERATOR, RS6019S3RH1, $5999.

BEAUTIFUL TO USE

Working independently,
these soft-close drawers mean
you can wash one load while
stacking the other drawer,
or wash simultaneously on
separate cycles. The tall top
drawer fits your larger plates
and dishes, while the bottom
is perfect for small washes.
Enjoy height-adjustable cup
racks and wine glass supports
to fit your specific kitchen
requirements.
FISHER & PAYKEL SERIES 11 INTEGRATED
DOUBLE DISHDRAWER™ DISHWASHER,
TALL, WELS 5.5 STARS, 5.7L/WASH,
DD60DTX6I1, $2949.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

online | mobile | in store

C HILL

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PANTRY

FOR EASE OF USE, A KNOCK ON THE FRONT PANEL
WILL PAUSE THE DISHWASHER... WHICH CAN BE
RESTARTED WITH THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON.

HOB2
HOOD

KITCHEN APPLIANCES
THAT TALK TO EACH
OTHER, SO YOU CAN
MAINTAIN YOUR
FOCUS ON PREPARING
DELICIOUS MEALS.

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I N N OVAT I O N
Any chef will tell you
communication is key in
the kitchen, which is why
this hob and rangehood
are designed to stay
wirelessly connected.
HOB2HOOD TECHNOLOGY

While you boil, sear or stir-fry,
the hob tells the rangehood
what you're up to, so it can
automatically set the fan speed.
ELECTROLUX 900MM INTEGRATED
RANGEHOOD, ERI935DSE, $1699.

ADAPTABLE
INDUCTION

Make use of this cooktop's
sensitive touch controls
to apply precise changes
exactly when you
need them. Move from
simmering to boiling and
back again in a moment,
with absolute control over
what's happening with
your dishes across five
separate induction zones.
ELECTROLUX 900MM 5-ZONE
INDUCTION COOKTOP,
EHI955BE, $2799.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

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INNOVAT I O N
Bask in the super-cool
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RETRACTABLE
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Prepare your beverages in
comfort with a retractable
serving area that lets you
open, decant and serve.

THREE CONSISTENT
TEMPERATURE ZONES

With three climate zones,
you can preserve, age or serve
your wine collection in optimal
temperature and conditions.
CONNECT WITH YOUR WINE

Manage your collection using
the ConnectLife app, integrated
with Vivino database, providing
expert advice and the
ability to track your
collection anywhere.
ASKO 189-BOTTLE WINE CLIMATE CABINET ,
WCN311942G, $14,999 EA.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

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9°

16°

12°

SELECT PRECISE TEMPERATURES DIRECTLY FROM
THE USER INTERFACE OR VIA AN APP – THIS UNIT'S
SENSITIVE COOLING SYSTEM WILL ENSURE A NONFLUCTUATING TEMPERATURE LEVEL FOR YOUR WINES.

TAKE CONTROL WITH
A SNAG-FREE PULL-OUT
SPRAYER – SUPPORTED
BY A COMPACT HOSE
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UNDER-BENCH,
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COMMAND CENTRE,
WHICH IS POWERED
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SPARKLING

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well as unfiltered hot
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washing up, plus a
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convenience.

THOUGHTFUL
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Make use of the intuitive
touchpad for easy-to-access
water selection, as well as
continuous flow for bottle fill
and a safety lock for boiling
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HYDROTAP G5 BCSHA CELSIUS PLUS
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CHROME H5X783Z00AU, $9295;
MATTE BLACK H5X783Z03AU, $9595.
AVAILABLE IN SELECTED STORES.

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SHOP ONLINE WITH YOUR LOCAL STORE
HN.COM.AU OR CALL 1300 464 278
Each Harvey Norman® store is operated by an independent franchisee.
Accessories shown are not included.

PEOPLE DAY BORO QLD
Andrew and Eryn Purcell with their children,
Oscar and Molly, and the family’s beloved
dalmatian, Charlie. FACING PAGE Native
Australian animals are among Eryn’s most
sought-after handmade toys.

38 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

FROM HER SHED AT HOME IN DAYBORO, QLD, TOYMAKER
ERYN PURCELL IS CARVING OUT A THRIVING FAMILY BUSINESS.
WORDS STEPH A NIE HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY H A NNA H PUECHM A R IN
ST YLING CHERY L CA R R

“Through a lot of trial and error and effort, I became
confident enough to sell them to others.”
NOM stands for Noah, Oscar and Molly – Eryn and
husband Andrew’s three children. “Noah was our
firstborn, who we sadly lost shortly after birth in 2016,”
Eryn says. “Having started this hobby for my kids, it
seemed fitting that I name it after them.”
In fact, the entire enterprise might not have eventuated
if the couple hadn’t made the decision to relocate their
family from the hustle and bustle of city life in Brisbane
to the small village of Dayboro, which sits in the heart of
Moreton Bay. “We were out for an anniversary dinner in
Ocean View [another Moreton Bay town], and as we drove
through Dayboro, we commented how lovely it was and
how we’d love to live there,” Eryn recalls. “The universe
clearly heard us because not long after, this property
came up, and after initially thinking it was too small,
we walked through and immediately fell in love.”
The one-hectare property is nestled at the bottom
of a valley with hills to the north and east. “We have
a beautiful wildlife corridor beside us and are trying >

FRESH CHRISTMAS TREE SUPPLIED BY THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS CO

A STARGAZING BANDICOOT, a kangaroo mid-hop, a friendly
scarecrow and a salt-and-pepper snow owl… these are just
some of the magical creatures that will fill children’s
Christmas stockings this year, each one meticulously
carved and painted by self-taught toymaker Eryn Purcell
of NOM Handcrafted. “I love the process of starting from
scratch and bringing a new personality into being,” says
Eryn of her wooden toys, which she makes from the shed
and garage of her home in Dayboro, Queensland.
A love of woodwork first discovered in school then lay
dormant for more than 10 years before Eryn could revisit
the creative pleasure of making things by hand. “I was
a stay-at-home mum to a two-year-old and five-month-old,
stuck in the house during COVID, and I wanted to expand
the open-ended toys I had for my kids,” she says.
Unable to find what she wanted locally – and unwilling
to wait the many months it would take for items to arrive
from overseas – Eryn decided to try her hand at making
a simple wooden block set and some puzzles. “I quickly fell
in love with the process and evolved into trying wooden
animals, which became my passion,” Eryn, 29, explains.

DAY BORO QLD PEOPLE

CLOCKWISE, FROM ABOVE
Taking an eco-friendly
approach to packaging,
Eryn recycles boxes and
uses shredded paper and
biodegradable bubble wrap;
Eryn paints Christmas pieces
in her garage: “It’s peaceful
and therapeutic work”; the
toys are sent to a new home;
the children love to help with
wrapping; decoration time;
“I’m always adding new
animals to my repertoire,
with a focus on the less
common and endangered or
extinct,” Eryn says. FACING
PAGE Oscar and Molly
eagerly await Christmas Day.

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 41

PEOPLE DAY BORO QLD

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT
Eryn has been thrilled with the
response from local residents
and businesses; Christmas
creations in progress; the
carving and painting process
differs slightly for each design;
“Oscar loves anything – he’s
often asking me for new
pieces,” says Eryn; wombats
are a hit with customers;
festive reindeer and fawns.
FACING PAGE Eryn’s unique
Christmas characters look
delightful on the mantelpiece.

42 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

our hand at starting a vegie patch and fruit orchard,” Eryn
adds. “The house is tucked away from the road, making
for very peaceful days.”
And those days are typically spent making her
whimsical designs. It begins with a solid piece of hard
maple sourced from Mathews Timber, which is cut down
to the required size and thickness. A bandsaw or scroll saw
is used to cut out the rough outline of the chosen figure,
while a belt or disc sander moulds it into shape. The details
– wings, beaks, ears or claws – are achieved using a Dremel
tool. “Each piece needs different levels of work,” Eryn says.
“The smallest birds need little more than just the belt
sander, whereas my bigger pieces may need routed edges
or compound cuts on the bandsaw to aid the process.”
From there, the pieces are wet, dried and sanded before
being sent over to the garage for painting, using non-toxic
Stockmar watercolours. “This can be one coat of one colour
or many coats of different colours,” says Eryn. To finish,
oil and wax seals the toys and protects the paint.
Working alongside her is husband Andrew, 52, who took
a redundancy from his job as a metering technician with
Energex in 2021. “He began purely cutting and sanding,
but is now developing the skill to shape and one day carve,”
says Eryn. “I would not have achieved the success I have
without his unwavering support and encouragement.”
NOM Handcrafted is now a flourishing online business,
and Eryn’s toys are purchased by customers from all over

the world. Her Australian birds and animals are firm
favourites, including the wombat, the very first animal she
made. Big cats, dinosaurs, ocean-dwellers and mythical
creatures are all in the mix, along with props like trees,
caves, hay bales and burrows. She also supplies to several
web-based businesses, including Milk Tooth, MiniZoo,
The Curated Parcel, and childcare centres on request.
“Ninety per cent of my customers are other mums who
enjoy the beauty and open-ended nature of wooden toys,”
says Eryn, adding that she sometimes takes on bespoke
orders when time allows. “I have a lot of people asking for
their dogs represented in wood form, and I do love doing
these, especially when it’s for a pet that has passed away.”
This Christmas, Eryn is bringing back her special
themed collection of Christmas trees, reindeer, candy
canes, gingerbread men and snowmen – all the result
of months of planning and preparation.
The local Dayboro community has been incredibly
supportive of her business, with gift shop The Churn Room
and ceramic studio Woodside Ceramics both stocking
a variety of her pieces.
“I’ve had many lovely conversations with locals about
my toys,” says Eryn. “I find word-of-mouth incredibly
powerful, so even just a recommendation from a friend
to a friend is amazing support.”
For more, visit nomhandcrafted.com.au or follow
@nom.handcrafted on Instagram.

PEOPLE DAY BORO QLD
NOM Handcrafted is a genuine
family affair. Andrew helps Eryn
with cutting and sanding tasks,
while Oscar, five, and Molly, four,
eagerly assess all the new
members of the animal kingdom.

“...as we drove through Dayboro,
we commented how lovely it was
and how we’d love to live there.”

44 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

Treat your feet
to natures finest
100% pure, natural wool
indoor and outdoor slippers.
Ultimate comfort since 1993

glerups.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY HANNAH PUECHMARIN STYLING CHERYL CARR

THE DECORATIONS ARE UP, THE GIFTS ARE WRAPPED
AND FESTIVE MENUS HAVE BEEN DECIDED ON
AT THREE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY PROPERTIES.

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 47

LIFE REIMAGINED
A NOVICE FARMER AND RENOVATOR HAS FOUND A SENSE OF
FULFILMENT WHILE REBUILDING HER HOME IN RURAL QLD.
WORDS STEPH A NIE HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY H A NNA H PUECHM A R IN
ST YLING CHERY L CA R R

W EST WOOMBY E QLD HOME
Melissah Yount sets the table for Christmas lunch at her
home on the Sunshine Coast. Her border collie, Brandon,
waits patiently for a snack. French windows and bar
seating open the kitchen up to the verandah. “From the
kitchen, we can see the sun setting behind the cows in the
main paddock. It’s the heart of the home,” says Melissah.

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 49

HOME W EST WOOMBY E QLD

THERE’S A SNAKE SKELETON on display at Australia Zoo, in

Queensland, with an interesting backstory. Years earlier,
the snake was injured by a farmer named Pat when he was
out slashing his paddocks. Pat quickly rushed the snake
to the zoo for treatment but, sadly, it didn’t survive.
However, the staff were so impressed by the reptile’s size,
they asked if they could keep its skeleton for display. And
there it lives on for hundreds of visitors to enjoy every day.
“There are so many cool stories behind this place,” says
Melissah Yount, the current owner of the snake’s original
home, Gunnadoo Homestead. She and husband Benjamin,
a maintenance superintendent, bought the property
from Pat in 2019.
Melissah, 40, and Benjamin, 38, had been living in the
coal-mining town of Moranbah, in Central Queensland,
for five years when they decided to move to the Sunshine

Coast for a lifestyle change with their children, Brooklyn,
19, Peyton, 12, and Lochlan, 10. “We quickly realised
that we’re not really beach people,” says Melissah, so
she and Benjamin – who is from Indiana originally,
and grew up on his family’s farm in Kentucky – started
looking for a home base further inland.
“Benjamin found this farm, and I actually wanted
nothing to do with it at first,” admits Melissah. “It was
very run-down and I saw all the work ahead of us. But
the one thing that stood out for me was the verandah
that wrapped the whole way around. Even when I was
a kid, I was always drawn to old Queenslanders, and it
had a really good feel to it.”
She and Benjamin struck up an enduring friendship
with owner Pat and his partner, who invited them over
to show them the ropes. “He’d gotten to the age where he >

“At Christmas, I like to cook a mix of American and
Australian recipes, so I’ll do a pecan pie as well as a pavlova.”

50 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Downtime for Peyton and
Melissah; Wyandotte, lavender Sussex and silkie chickens
roam about; the family owns five Scottish Highland cows;
Christmas on the farm; “With the renovations and farming,
I’ve just learnt on the job,” Melissah says; vintage prints
capture scenes in nature; Melissah grows cosmos, straw
flowers, zinnias, dahlias and salvia for use in photo shoots
and styling workshops; festive touches. FACING PAGE
Border collie Brandon and Lhasa apso-silky terrier Charlie
relax on the Sorrento sofa from Provincial Home Living.

HOME W EST WOOMBY E QLD
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Time to decorate the beautiful tree from The Little Christmas Co; Peyton’s
bedroom is painted a dusty shade of pink, Dulux Attitude – “fitting because she is a 12-year-old girl,”
says Melissah, laughing. The wicker lampshade came from an op shop and Melissah turned it into
a pendant; fresh greenery adds colour; Harriet the Highland cow; Melissah holds a fresh wreath
supplied by Dear Agnes the Flower Merchant; vintage artwork. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE, FROM
TOP LEFT The kitchen features a Temple & Webster sink, with a Nicolazzi brass tap with French
glass levers from Designer Tapware Co; space to daydream on the verandah; gifts for loved ones.

52 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

couldn’t maintain it, and we could see how hard it was
for him to give it up,” says Melissah. “We really hit it off,
and now my kids have another grandad. Pat’s become
a part of the family; he was seated front row when we
had a second wedding here on the deck for our 11th
anniversary, two years ago.”
The five-hectare property is situated in the town of West
Woombye, which traditionally belonged to the Kabi Kabi
and Jinibara peoples and is today home to heritage-listed
tourist attraction The Big Pineapple. The original
homestead was built in 1946, and the land around it served
as a flourishing fruit farm called Gunnadoo Fruits.
The couple’s first job was to clear the land, removing
trees and levelling the block to create four big paddocks
where they could raise Highland cattle, along with space
for a chicken coop, vegie patches and a cut-flower garden.
As for the homestead itself, the sinking foundations
were in dire need of correcting. While the magnitude of
the task prevented Melissah and Benjamin from salvaging
the original timber floors, it did present a blessing in
disguise. “We were going to leave the kitchen where it
was, but the foundations weren’t strong enough, so it
forced us to move it into the living area – now it’s double
the size,” explains Melissah.
The duo enlisted local, family-owned business Hill
Built Joinery to construct the kitchen, but all the other
renovations, completed in stages and still very much
a work in progress, have been entirely their doing.
Melissah spent the better part of a year painting the >

Perched high on a hill, Gunnadoo Homestead offers
360-degree views of the surrounding hinterland, with the
mountains in the distance. “On a clear day we can see all the
way to the coast,” says Melissah. She and Benjamin extended
the back deck for entertaining – it’s also where they held their
wedding anniversary vow renewal in 2021. Bougainvillea
adds a vivid splash of colour just beyond the verandah.

54 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

W EST WOOMBY E QLD HOME

ABOUT THE HOUSE:

•

The property was originally part of a parcel of 27 hectares gifted to World War II veteran
David William Howe by the Sunshine Coast Council in 1945.
Hill Built Joinery completed the family’s kitchen. “We had four kitchen companies come out
multiple times, and Hill Built were the only ones who listened to what I wanted rather than telling
me what I wanted,” says Melissah; hill-built.com.au
Melissah chose European oak engineered floors in an iron-grey stain for the home. “I was the
first to choose that colour; the lady in the store said it had never been laid before,” she says.
The exterior is painted Dulux Lexicon Half with a Colorbond roof in Shale Grey; dulux.com.au;
colorbond.com
Much of the home’s decor was sourced from nearby op shops. “There are so many original
old farms around… I can find so many things to suit my home,” Melissah says.

•
•
•
•

“I was a working mum for 17 years and I was constantly
stressed. This farm gave me the space to slow down.”
home’s exterior white – it was dark blue to start with, so
it required four coats. They also removed unnecessary
walls to open the living spaces to the hinterland views,
extended the deck and wainscoted the living room walls.
“We’d never renovated, and still today, we sit here and
say, ‘How did we do it?’” adds Melissah.
She describes her decorating style as a mix of French,
American and Australian country, and refuses to be
restrained by so-called design doctrines. “Someone said
to me, ‘You can’t have VJ panelling and wainscoting in
the same house’, but I said, ‘Who wrote those rules?’”
Furniture from Provincial Home Living and vintage
pieces sourced from local hinterland op shops mingle
seamlessly with salvaged items found around the farm.
“I promised Pat when we bought the house that we
wouldn’t knock it down and we’d try to re-use things
in the renovation,” Melissah says.
Ceiling roses from the living space are a delightful
feature of the kitchen, while timber from seats on the
verandah has been utilised for furniture and the chicken
coop. A vintage painting of the Woombye Pub hangs
proudly on son Lochlan’s bedroom wall, and an old barn
door made by an apprentice woodworker as his last
assessment fits nicely in the living area.

56 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

“It doesn’t suit the new interiors, but it will stay in
the house where it belongs,” says Melissah simply.
And with Christmas on the horizon, the family will be
getting into the festive spirit by making wreaths from
branches and flowers on the farm, and creating ornaments
from clay. In past years, they would travel to the States
to see Benjamin’s family and enjoy a white Christmas,
but this year they’ll celebrate at home on the farm.
“My sister will come down from Mackay and we’ll set
up some long tables on the deck for a relaxed meal,” says
Melissah. “I like to cook a mix of American and Australian
recipes, to give Benjamin a taste of home, so I’ll do a pecan
pie as well as a pavlova.”
Moving to the countryside has changed their lives in
more ways than one. Melissah left her longstanding
career as a dental nurse to be a stay-at-home mum, and
now runs a photography and styling business. “I used to
get really bad anxiety,” she shares. “I was a working mum
for 17 years and I was constantly stressed. This farm
gave me the space to slow down and tap into my creativity.
Everyone who knew me before says I’m a different person
now, and it’s thanks to this place.”
Follow @gunnadoo_homestead and @melissah_jade_
photography on Instagram.

CLOCKWISE, FROM BELOW The decor in Lochlan’s bedroom
reflects his interest in wildlife and vintage wares. “He’s our
little old soul,” says Melissah; “It’s very dry at the moment with
fires starting nearby. Last year we flooded! We’re learning
how to save water and have been supplement-feeding the
cattle,” says Melissah; plush Adairs linen; living on the land
“wasn’t a lifestyle I’d ever experienced,” says Melissah. “Four
years on, I can’t imagine being anywhere else.” FACING PAGE
The chicken coop was built with timber salvaged from bench
seating that was originally used by fruit pickers during smoko.

W EST WOOMBY E QLD HOME

HOME ASHBOUR NE SA

ALL TOGETHER
CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR CELEBRATING SIMPLE PLEASURES AT
TWIGDEN FARM, ON SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S FLEURIEU PENINSULA.
WORDS SA M A NTH A VA N EGMOND PHOTOGRAPHY & ST YLING TESS TW IGDEN

The countdown to Christmas begins.
FACING PAGE Kelpie-cross Ned
waits patiently as sisters Marlowe
and Mae Twigden sneak a peek at
the presents beneath the tree. The
beautiful festive decorations were
crafted by local floral designer
Rosie Browning from Know the Rose.
58 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

HOME ASHBOUR NE SA

WITH A RESOURCEFUL EYE and a flair for decorating,

bowerbirds marry beauty and functionality with aplomb.
Tess Twigden possesses a similar knack, though her
foraging typically takes place on Instagram rather than
the forest floor. Based in Ashbourne, South Australia,
the photographer and owner of Bowerbirds Vintage
has a passion for sourcing second-hand treasures that
permeates the home she shares with husband Tom, 36,
a firefighter with the Metropolitan Fire Service, and
their daughters, Marlowe, seven, and five-year-old Mae.
An hour’s drive south-east of Adelaide, on the traditional
lands of the Ngarrindjeri people, the timber and rammed
earth home is brimming with antique farmhouse
collectables that hark back to simpler times and a slower
pace of life – both of which the couple craved while
living in the city. “We’d moved from Adelaide to Sydney
in 2012, and soon realised it wasn’t for us,” Tess, 35, says.
“We missed our friends and family, and wanted to be
somewhere quiet that had some land.”
Returning to Adelaide in 2013, where they both grew
up, the pair lived with Tess’s parents while they searched
for a peaceful plot, and in 2014 came upon the sprawling
four-hectare property now fondly known as Twigden Farm.
With Cox Scrub Conservation Park to one side and an
avocado farm on the other, it offered the space and
tranquillity they desired. >

60 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Splashes of
green add a festive feel; Tess and Tom with
daughters Marlowe and Mae, and kelpie-cross
Ned; Tess loves collecting vintage artworks;
a prett y decorative wreath, made by floral
designer Rosie Browning from Know the Rose,
adorns the door; all wrapped up. FACING PAGE
The family will feast on a pavlova laden with
seasonal berries and mint on Christmas Day.

HOME ASHBOUR NE SA
A church pew, bought on Gumtree, is a conversationstarter in the dining area. FACING PAGE Marlowe and
Mae while away the hours in the garden, accompanied
by Ned, Biscuit and Isa brown chook Miss Goodie. The
family also has 17 sheep, which help to keep the grass
down, while their chooks provide them with eggs.
“One of our neighbours has horses and the other has
cows right on our fence line – the kids feed them all
the time,” says Tess. “Our new neighbours have pigs
who are about to have piglets... We’ve got it all!”

62 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

“A visit to the Christmas tree farm on December 1st is
a family tradition, along with making paper decorations.”

HOME ASHBOUR NE SA

“We fell in love straight away,” says Tess. “It was the
views and the cathedral-like ceilings that did it for us.”
Despite its eight-metre-high interior, the house felt
a little dark on first inspection, however a gentle nudge
helped them to see the potential. “It was the real-estate
agent who planted the seed when she said, ‘Imagine if you
painted it all white, it would make it feel so much bigger
and brighter’,” says Tess. “I thought, ‘That’s a good idea!’”
The expansive ceilings did have one downside, with the
couple spending four months up on the scaffolding.
“As soon as we started, we thought, ‘What have we got
ourselves into?’” says Tess. “We slept on swags each night
and painted through the day.”
Further changes took the home from five bedrooms to
three. “Upstairs, two bedrooms were made into one big

space that the girls now share,” says Tess, adding that
another was converted into a pantry. Meanwhile, the
kitchen was given a makeover with a new splashback,
benchtops and an Ikea farmhouse sink: “The kitchen and
pantry are the heart of the home and get the most use.”
Tom also replaced the carpet with floating floorboards.
“We’ve been fortunate enough that if we can’t do
something ourselves, we’ve always got a family member
or friend who can show us or help us,” Tess says.
Tess’s business, which sees her and her mother, Honey,
sourcing and selling second-hand items via Instagram as
well as their shed-turned-shop, means the furnishings
are ever-evolving. “My parents’ house was described as
a museum, with my mum forever bringing things in and
out,” Tess explains. “I think it rubbed off on me.” >

“We fell in love straight away. It was the views and
the cathedral-like ceilings that did it for us.”

64 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT The girls’
French antique sleigh beds came
from Gumtree. They were painted
white, but Tess and her dad spent
weeks sanding them; sister act;
wreath by Rosie Browning from
Know the Rose; a straw hat,
custom-made by Fiona Schofield
Millinery, sits on bedding from
House of Baltic Linen and Embrace
Linen. Draped over the trunk is
a woollen throw by The Grampians
Goods Co. FACING PAGE Tess
has held onto a special doll from
childhood, while the Steiff bear was
given to Marlowe by Tess’s parents.

HOME ASHBOUR NE SA

Bowerbirds Vintage came about in 2020, at the same
time that Tess developed her love of photography. “We put
the two ideas together and thought, ‘Why not give it a go?’”
she says. In early 2022, they transformed an old hay shed
into a shopfront, providing a permanent space for photo
shoots, storage, and all the packing and wrapping.
“My parents have always been out ‘picking’ and selling
at markets,” says Tess. “Mum has years of contacts, so
she knows all the places to go and the people to talk to.”
Sadly, Tess’s dad Wally, a skilled woodworker, passed
away in May this year, however his love and support will
be forever felt by his family and his talents remembered
in the masterfully crafted timber pieces sold in the shop.
“He was a huge part of Bowerbirds Vintage and we could
never have done it without him,” says Tess.
The home’s rustic charm spills out to the garden, where
Isa browns cluck and forage beside urns of fragrant
lavender, while kelpie Ned and cat Biscuit bask in the sun’s
warmth. A vegie garden sits near the house, and Tom likes
to put in garlic every year to supply their family and gift to
friends. The couple started from scratch when they moved
in, planting more than 80 trees including silver birch,
London plane, ornamental pears, and “just about every
citrus tree there is,” says Tess. >

66 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Tess arranges wares for
display; the Bowerbirds Vintage shop was formerly a hay
shed; Marlowe and Mae collect stones; Tess and Tom’s
vegie patch yields tasty tomatoes and garlic bulbs; Biscuit
finds a perch on the windowsill. FACING PAGE Paddocks
and hills stretch to the horizon. “The view is breathtaking,”
says Tess. “We spend a lot of time sitting around the table.
It’s the best spot on the property for entertaining.”

HOME ASHBOUR NE SA
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Biscuit enjoys a quiet
moment in the garden; natural textures in white
and tan shades bring a sense of calm; Tess says
their home is always evolving: “With Bowerbirds
Vintage, pieces are always coming and going.”

It’s the heady scent of pine, however, that signifies the
festive season has begun. “A visit to the Christmas tree
farm on December 1st is a family tradition, along with
making paper decorations and whipping up a pavlova,”
says Tess. Christmas Day is usually spent at Tom’s sister’s
house in Adelaide – a swimming pool is a summer
drawcard – though plans for an onsite bed and breakfast
could mean more gatherings closer to home.
“It’s a 10-year goal and it’s been eight years now,” says
Tess. At Twigden Farm, there is virtue in slowing down
and savouring the journey. “Tom likes to do everything
himself, so it’s taking a bit longer, but we’ll get there.”
Follow @twigsandvines and @bowerbirdsvintage
on Instagram.
ABOUT THE HOUSE:

•

Porter’s Paints Timberline lends a rich green hue
in the library room, while Solver Antique White USA
was used in the living areas. For a similar option, try
Dulux Antique White USA.
“The dining room table and church pew were lucky
Gumtree finds,” says Tess, who also sourced many
of their furnishings on Facebook Marketplace.
Instagram is a key platform for both sourcing and
selling. Some of Tess’s favourite accounts include: The
Still Room (@the_stillroom_); Tinker (@tinker_shop_);
Vintage Carousel (@vintagecarouselsa); The Collektive
(@biankahmiller).

•
•

68 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

POSTCARD SA NKT A NDR EASBERG GER M A N Y
A flurry of fresh snow coats the roof of the
former miner’s cottage. FACING PAGE A warm
welcome at the cabin: seeds in a heart shape
for the birds, snowballs set to throw, and freshly
cut fir branches waiting for decorations.

LET IT SNOW
GLOWING WITH LIGHT AND WARMTH, THIS CABIN IN GERMANY’S
HARZ MOUNTAINS MAKES FOR A FAIRYTALE FESTIVE SETTING.
WORDS AND ST YLING MIR I A M H A NNEM A NN
PHOTOGRAPHY A NDR É R EUTER

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 71

AS A CHILD, interior stylist Miriam Hannemann often
celebrated Christmas with her whole family in a cabin
in Kent, England. She recalls those days with an infectious
enthusiasm: sometimes there was a dusting of snow, and
there was always a huge, traditional Christmas dinner.
But every year, those celebrations became quieter and
quieter, as members of her family grew up and began to
scatter around the world.
Miriam’s partner, photographer André Reuter, could
tell a very similar story of how his family’s celebrations
dwindled. By the time the festive season rolled around
last year, the pair, who work together styling and
photographing home stories for publications all over the
globe, had already decorated and shot plenty of beautiful
Christmas homes. So, it wasn’t surprising that they leapt
at the chance to spend the holiday with friends in the
German mountains.
“We’re going to rent our favourite holiday home in the
Harz Mountains this season, and we like to stay mostly
quiet and relaxed,” André recalls his friend telling him.
“Would you and Miriam like to join us there? There’s
a second house on the same property, called the Bear
Cabin, where you could stay.”
“Yes,” André and Miriam said simultaneously. “We’d
love to celebrate a quiet Christmas up there in the middle
of nature.”
The couple had already visited the Harz Mountains a few
times that year for work, and had fallen in love with the
area’s unspoilt nature and vast variety of winter sports.
Near the medieval village of Sankt Andreasberg, there’s >

SA NKT A NDR EASBERG GER M A N Y POSTCARD

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP
LEFT Wood stacked for
winter; the cabin reminds
Miriam of a childhood
storybook; cosy furs
and beautifully wrapped
presents; an Advent
wreath and Christmas
cards adorn the ledge;
ceramics from Broste
Copenhagen are filled
with marzipan and
almonds. FACING PAGE,
FROM TOP Candles
flicker on the fir tree; in
the bedroom, the warm
flannel linen, rustic
bedhead, stone wall and
exposed oak beam create
a fitting contrast.

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 73

POSTCARD SA NKT A NDR EASBERG GER M A N Y
Picture-perfect: the fir tree lights up the
lower area of the large living room, which
looks inviting with snuggly furs, cushions
with rustic motifs, wrapped gifts, and a mug
of hot cocoa. Christmas music plays softly,
while outside the snow begins to fall.

74 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Scented
pine cones sit atop the hutch; time to
unwind; Miriam and André spend quality
time in the kitchen, drinking mulled wine
and baking biscuits; a framed image of the
surrounding landscape; the coffee table
holds candles in preserving jars, cones
and twigs; rustic finds from local antique
dealers. FACING PAGE Candles and a fir
garland wind up to another bedroom.

SA NKT A NDR EASBERG GER M A N Y POSTCARD

a plethora of hiking trails, which are usually cleared of
snow when there have been heavy falls, meaning visitors
can get out and explore the area whatever the weather.
Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowtubing and
mountain-biking are all also popular, so Miriam and
André were hoping for some seasonal snowfalls – and
the weather report looked very promising.
Across the Harz Mountains, Christmas markets were
beginning to open their doors in little timber-framed
villages, offering mulled wine and roasted almonds
among other traditional treats.
When the Advent season came to an end, André and
Miriam were exhausted and longing for some peace and
quiet. So, they packed their bags into their jeep, whistled
for Mara, their Brittany spaniel, and off they went. The
journey from cold and wet Hamburg was not that far
and from the moment the first snowflakes began to fall,
Christmas had already arrived for both of them.
The higher they got, the deeper the snow had drifted,
and when they arrived at the rustic cabin, they had to
make their way through mountains of it. Their first sight

of the cabin was a magical one: their friends had prepared
the sleigh, connected the fairy lights, draped the reindeer
skins on the wicker chairs on the terrace and heated the
cabin’s interior, so they stepped out of the car and into
a winter wonderland.
Miriam took the thermos filled with hot tea onto the
covered terrace and André began to play in the snow
with Mara. Then, inside the cabin, they took off their
wet coats and boots. The first thing to do was to unpack
and organise their Christmas decorations.
They’d packed the car full to bursting with treats:
gifts for each other; the makings of a gingerbread house;
delicious marzipan from Lübeck called stollen; more
gingerbread; mulled wine; tea; cocoa; almonds.
As a stylist, Miriam couldn’t resist bringing along
candles and bundles of fir branches to decorate the cabin.
Their friends had already been out to the evergreen
forests that surround the homes in search of a traditional
Christmas tree, which they’d placed inside the cabin
and decorated with a collection of vintage ornaments
crafted from natural materials – glass, paper, wood. >

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 77

POSTCARD SA NKT A NDR EASBERG GER M A N Y

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT
The couple’s cute Brittany
spaniel, Mara, rests on
reindeer skins; the first
snowman of the year; hot
tea is sipped on the covered
verandah; Miriam and
Mara take a stroll in the
wintry wonderland; the
cabin is nestled into the
countryside. FACING
PAGE, FROM TOP Miriam
and André hope to book
the cabins again next
Christmas – this time with
their whole family; Miriam
loves this spot in front of
the hut and watches as
André and Mara have
a snowball fight.

The next day was Christmas Eve, which in Germany
is a day of even bigger celebration than Christmas Day
itself. In the morning they began to cook, did their last
little bit of shopping and wrapped the final presents.
So much snow had fallen that it was hard to get out of
the house, but they created a non-slip walkway by
carpeting the snow-covered porch with cut fir branches.
As snow fell steadily all day, the two couples felt cocooned
in a fairytale, deep in a traditional Christmas.
In the afternoon, all the candles were lit and the joyful
sound of Mahalia Jackson began to fill the cabin. After
the presents were given out in the evening, André and
Miriam ventured out for a walk with Mara, before
snuggling in for a cosy night’s sleep.
The next day was all about a relaxed breakfast in bed
and hours spent reading. Indoors, the noises from outside
were muffled by the thick blanket of snow. When they went
out to fetch more wood for the fire, Miriam and André
could hear the nearby brook splashing, and laughter from
children sledding down the hill.
After New Year’s Eve had passed, they were ready to
get back to work. The winter season had only just started
and spring was still far away. Many more home stories
were waiting for the two of them.
Visit herzhausen-harz.de

“As snow fell steadily all day, the two couples felt cocooned
in a fairytale, deep in a traditional Christmas.”

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 79

FIND GORGEOUS ITEMS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST
WITH OUR ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE.
PHOTOGRAPHY A LA NA LA NDSBER RY ST YLING K ATE LINCOLN

GIFT GUIDE

FAR LEFT Vintage French shutters, $1200, from Dusty Luxe. Surround Heritage 150 laminex,
$65.56 per metre, from Laminex. ON LADDER, FROM TOP Alpine pine timber step ladder, $1200,
from Dusty Luxe. Caspian Sea capri hat, $165, and Burano capri hat, $165, both from Lorna
Murray. Jellycat Bashful Pony toy, $59.95, from David Jones. Piki rattan basket in Vintage Blue,
$55, from Olli Ella. Starry Night ornament set, $799 (set of 35), from Balsam Hill. Marumitsu
Wave bowl, $85, from Bonnie and Neil. Studio Milligram Nocturne scented candle, $69.99, and
Overland scented candle, $69.99, both from Milligram. Tamegroute vessel in Green, $190,
from Barefoot Gypsy. Købn Mist towel, $110 each, from Købn. Hallworth throw in Natural/
Celestial Blue/Dusty Taupe, $145, from Canvas + Sasson. Bohai Child stool, $74.95, from Alfresco
Emporium. Northcote Pottery Green studded pot, $99.98, from Bunnings (Bunnings plant).
Vintage Indian pot, $310 each, from Few & Far. Vintage French demijohn bottles, $220-350, and
Vintage French pine trunk, $420, both from Dusty Luxe. ON WALL, FROM TOP Daisy, Hawthorn,
Grasses, 2022 artwork, $1800, from Michael Reid Gallery. Vallée de La Loire artwork, $495, and
Flooded Gums artwork, $395, both from Vintage Art Emporium. Velvet Snowflake stocking, $40,
from The Christmas Wreath Company. Mistletoe wreath, $29.95 each, from Christmas Elves.

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 81

The

COLLECTOR

Vases, mirrors and storied vintage treasures are
ideal for those who delight in unique homewares.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Asahi So Salvia budvase 5, 2022, $180, from Michael Reid Clay. Palecek oval natural rope top tray, $785, from
Kate Nixon. Night Blue velvet cushion, from $145, from Pepperwhites by Tara Dennis. Ralph Lauren Home Holloway XL tripod floor lamp in Natural Oak
with White Parchment Shade, $5290, from The Montauk Lighting Co. Boy Smells Herbaceous Farm candle, $77, from Mecca. Lighthouse rope mirror,
$495, from The Society Inc. Vintage Indian glass almirah, $1849, from Few & Far. Rialto Riviera linen cushion, $148, from Walter-G. Woodland Rabbit
hook in Antique Brass, $49, from Kate Nixon. Crush linen blanket in Silva, $529, from Hale Mercantile Co. FACING PAGE Vintage French timber
ladder, $750, from Dusty Luxe. ON SHELVES, FROM TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT Paloma sun hat, $149, from Lack of Color. Marketeer basket, $58,
from Pepperwhites by Tara Dennis. Uyuni Lighting flameless candles in Nordic White, from $59.95, from Alfresco Emporium. Bloomingdales The
Molten table lamp in Brass, $480, from Bloomingdales Lighting. Cabo baskets, from $59.95, from Wicka. Ubud Tahoe linen cushion, $178, from
Walter-G. Como Juniper cushion, $114.90, from Weave Home. Etro Indigo velvet cushion, $99, from L&M Home. Lido Byzantine linen cushion, $178,
from Walter-G. Kantha Labyrinth quilt, $179.95, and Kantha Indigo Addition quilt, $179.95, both from Ella & Sunday. Marquis by Waterford Markham
vase, $299, from Waterford Crystal. Large resin Christmas tree, $39.95, small resin Christmas tree, $24.95, and Clam Shell candles in Dark Blue, from
$19.95, all from Alfresco Emporium. Ravine throw in Forest, $299, from Waverley Mills. Ellis Fern cashmere/Australian wool throw, $240, from L&M
Home. Artisan ribbed vase, $229, Artisan Studio bulb ceramic vase, $149, and Indigo Artisan handcrafted vase, $189, all from Pottery Barn. ON WALL
Mistletoe and Leaf wreath, $50, from The Christmas Wreath Company. ON TABLE Connor dining table in Natural, $1499, from Provincial Home
Living. Somba medium vase in Ocean Blue Indigo, $645, and Koonam medium vase in Ocean Blue Indigo, $545, from Fairfax & Roberts. Vintage French
demijohn glass bottles, $220-350, from Dusty Luxe. Bloomingdales Jasmine table lamp in Pistachio, $800, from Bloomingdales Lighting. Parat bowl,
$175, from Alfresco Emporium. Christmas baubles, from $9.95, and Cypress Christmas garland, $149.95, from Pepperwhites by Tara Dennis. Jute
Laundry basket, $175, from The Dharma Door. Large Utility totes in Marine Blue, $625, and Tan, $625, from Haulier International. Lindfield duffle bag
in Khaki/Brown, $459, from R.M. Williams. Large jute basket in Natural, $199, from The Dharma Door. Vito Sky cushion, $99.95, from Weave Home.

GIFT GUIDE

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 83

GIFT GUIDE

84 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

The

ENTERTAINER

Practical and stylish, these kitchen must-haves are
a perfect match for hosts and passionate cooks.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Oil bottle in Sage Green, $120, from Esko. Enamel salad servers in Powder Blue, $70, from Bonnie and Neil.
Emma Bridgewater Scots Pine 1/2 pint mug, $49, from Finch & Lane. Medium round serving board, $60, from Hammond & Grange. Round two-cup
teapot in Steel, $210, from Mud Australia. L’escargot baguette basket, $199, from Maison Balzac. Harvest napkins in Natural Check, $26.90 (set of four),
from Wallace Cotton. Artisan 4.7-litre stand mixer Blossom design series 2022 KSM180, $1149, from KitchenAid. Ceramic fish plate in Baltic Blue,
$240, from Alex & Trahanas. Luisa Beccaria Blue cake stand, $369, from Rose Harvest. FACING PAGE, ON CABINET, LEFT TO RIGHT
Antique 20th-Century French pine chest of drawers, $3600, from Dusty Luxe. Poldina Pro portable lamp in Sage Green, $359, from Casa e Cucina.
Wolstead Mineral two-piece non-stick frypan set in Ivory, $299.95, from Kitchen Warehouse. Arabesque XL serving bowl in Thunder, $259, and
Arabesque medium bowl in Antique and Thunder, $71.50 each, all from Pepperwhites by Tara Dennis. Bohai Child stool, $74.95, from Alfresco
Emporium. Palmera marble mortar and pestle, $70, and Spencer wooden serving board, $54.95, both from Few & Far. Marumitsu Main plate in
Indigo and Grey, $79 each, and Marumitsu Wave bowl, $85, all from Bonnie and Neil. Small Portions Terra 12-piece dinner set in Storm, $318.95, from
Robert Gordon. Beechwood citrus reamer, $12 each, from Pepperwhites by Tara Dennis. Tamegroute vessels in Green, $190 each, from Barefoot
Gypsy. Nachtmann Palais cocktail glass, $250 (set of six), and Nachtmann Noblesse champagne glass, $120 (set of four), both from Riedel. Thallo Lake
napkin set, $59, and tablecloth, $130, from L&M Home. Mistletoe spray with Natural Bow, $29.95, from Christmas Elves. Misty linen tablecloth in Edge,
$279 each, from Casa e Cucina. BH Essentials Mini Mercury glass ornament set in Silver, $249 (set of 24), from Balsam Hill. ON SHELF, FROM LEFT
Aged Bronze stem candle holder, $78, from Love After Love. Wade Ceramics Gluggle jug in Grey, from $75.95, from Essential Ingredient. Perle
tumbler in Ink Blue, $31 each, from Pepperwhites by Tara Dennis. My Mugs in Jade and Limestone, $49.95 (set of four), from Robert Gordon.

The

LITTLE ONES

Surprise the youngsters in your life with presents
designed for fun, adventure and discovery.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Bonnie dress in Jungle Check, $69.95, from Nature Baby. Steel trike/balance bike in Olive, $199.95, from HipKids.
Moss Organic Terry sunhat, $39.95, from Wilson & Frenchy. Konges suitcase set in Champ Bleu/Fleurs, $54.95, and The Magic of the Ballet: Seven
Classic Stories by Vivian French book, $44.95, both from Small Wonder. Mini Kyomo Chapeau by Bobo Choses watch, $134, from Antipoda Co.
Sticky Lemon rainboots in Chrome Green, $97, from Smallable. Victorian dollhouse, $477.60, from Tiny Fox. Jellycat Gilbert the Great Blue Whale
toy, $195, from Lil Treasures. Let’s Go Fishing! magnetic game, $38.50, from Father Rabbit. FACING PAGE, ON WALL Flisat wall storage, $35,
from Ikea. We Know a Place by Maxine Beneba Clarke book, $24.99, and Terra Ultima by Raoul Deleo book, $45, both from Kinokuniya. Gurril Storm
Bird by Trevor Fourmile book, $27.99; Steve Irwin Little People, Big Dreams by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara book, $19.99; In My Garden by Kate Mayes
book, $24.99; I See The Sea by Julia Groves book, $26.95, all from David Jones. Daisies on Linen I and III A4 framed art prints, $69.95 each, from
Olive et Oriel. ON SHELF Shelf from Wastewood. Rattan Mushroom basket, $89 each, from Olli Ella. Nobodinoz bilboquet in Green, $39.95, from
Leo & Bella. Little Harvey hat in Amber, $69 each, from Will & Bear. ON SIDEBOARD Sage and Crème sideboard, $1950, from Dusty Luxe.
Piki rattan basket in Vintage Blue, $55 each, and See-Ya suitcase in Butterscotch, $189, both from Olli Ella. Winter Glow snow globe, $79.95, from
Villeroy & Boch. Snowy the Goose toy, $44 each, from Nana Huchy. Siebensachen Miss Monnipenni money bank, $205 each, from Top 3 by Design.
Extra large Robur wooden toy dump truck, $304.95, and Large Miles wooden tractor, $89.95, both from Happy Go Ducky. Raduga Grez wooden
circular stacking tower in Pastel and Natural, $73, from Leo & Bella. Merry Christmas Velvet garland, $99, from Pepperwhites by Tara Dennis.
Bobbi Kids’ gumboots in Sky Blue, $79.95, from Merry People. Joan/Leopard double-sided quilt, $399, from Society of Wanderers. Rattan Wonder
wagon in Vintage Blue, $220, from Olli Ella. Neddy the Teddy toy in Latte, $52, from Nana Huchy. Jellycat Bashful Pony toy, $59.95, from David Jones.
ON CHAIRS Vintage French solid pine chairs, $320 each, from Dusty Luxe. Liewood Basil Christmas stocking in Golden Caramel, $75, from
Leo & Bella. Winter Glow ornament drops, $34.95 each, from Villeroy & Boch. Woodwitch by Skye McKenna book, $22.99, from David Jones.
In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen by Kiran Millwood Hargrave book, $33.40, from Kinokuniya. Christmas tree shelf ornaments, from $19.95,
from Robert Gordon. Blue Stripe Shirting quilt cover, from $149, and Jumbo Spot pillowcase, $49, both from Castle & Things.

GIFT GUIDE

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 87

GIFT GUIDE

88 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

The

GARDENER

Give your green-thumbed friends hours of joy in the garden
with these handy gadgets, clever tools and decorative items.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Botanica IV framed art print, from $69.95, from Olive et Oriel. Ditsy cotton garden gloves, $16.95, from
Maisie & Clare. Billie clog in Slate Grey, $119.95, from Merry People. Masa stone pots, from $29.95 each, from Papaya. Kettle charcoal barbecue
in Rock’n’Roll Blue, $799, from Weber. Flowerpot mug, coaster, spoon set, $32.95, from Maisie & Clare. Tosca lanterns, from $395, from Papaya.
Esschert Design metal thermometer in Green, $19.95, from Botanex. Brytböna herb scissors in Light Green, $5, from Ikea. Sunday camp chair
in Forest, $200, from Zorali. Natio Sun Sensitive Skin sunscreen SPF 50+, $18.95, from Natio. FACING PAGE, FAR LEFT Northcote Pottery Blue
Holland planter, $66, and ‘Little Gem’ magnolia grandiflora, $125, both from Bunnings. Large tool rack, $40, timber fork and shovel set, $330,
scoop in Heritage Green, $68, hand trowel, $65, and hand fork, $75, all from Digadoo. Redecker Dutch-style hand brush, $34.95, from Saison.
Noel Christmas wood wreath, $66, from The Christmas Wreath Company. Northcote Pottery Green studded pot, $19.98, from Bunnings. Burnished
Metals ornament set, $699 (set of 35), from Balsam Hill. ON SHELVES, FROM TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT Harum rattan gathering baskets, $220
each, from Barefoot Gypsy. Mini White Christmas tree, $14 each, from Pepperwhites by Tara Dennis. Monaco Island Capri hat, $195, from Lorna
Murray. Burgon & Ball waterfall watering can in Slate, $147.50, from Urban Revolution. Burgon & Ball British Meadow indoor watering can, $43 each,
from Botanex. Senapskål White greenhouse, $19, from Ikea. Small Bird nesting box, $32.95, from Urban Revolution. Small Olivia pot, $12 each, and
Emma pot, $15 each, from Few & Far. Northcote Pottery pot, $19.98, and Rubber ficus, $21.85, both from Bunnings. Citronella & Lemongrass
outdoor candle, $49.95 each, from Ecoya. Socker bucket/plant pot in Light Green, $15 each, from Ikea. Garden Trading storage canvas bag, $53.90,
from Botanex. Ctenanthe setosa plant, $27.98, from Bunnings. Senada Sosa cushions in Celadon and Ocean, $89 each, from Tropique. Northcote
Pottery Italian terracotta pot, $2.31 each, and Zanzibar Gem plant, POA, from Bunnings. Salladskål watering can in Off-White, $39 each, from Ikea.
French timber stool, $320, from Dusty Luxe. Hunter Original Tall women’s boots in Lichen Green & Muffled Green, $260, from The Iconic.

The

READER

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Sheridan Kerrabee robe, $149.99, from The Iconic. The Hog Island Book of Fish & Seafood by Chef John Ash,
$60, from Thames & Hudson. Botanical Symphony Agapanthus cup and saucer, $39.99, from Ashdene. The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams,
$19.99, and Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, $32.99, from Dymocks. Silver table lamp with Rhapsody shade, from $29.95, from Alfresco Emporium. Amadeus
armchair in Peacock, $1399, from Provincial Home Living. New York Splendor by Wendy Moonan, $175, from Dymocks. Dream Makers by Guendalina Litta,
$130, from Thames & Hudson. Poplin pyjama set, $219, from Polo Ralph Lauren. FACING PAGE Barndo Reclaimed bookcase, $899, from Early Settler.
Knitted stocking, $25, from The Christmas Wreath Company. ON SHELVES, LEFT TO RIGHT French Blooms by Sandra Sigman, $90, Undiscovered
Victoria by One Hour Out, $45, and Dream Gardens by Michael McCoy, $70, from Dymocks. A Life in Pattern by Anna Spiro, $90, from Thames & Hudson.
Inspire by Willow Crossley, $62, The Life Eclectic by Alexander Breeze, $65, A Seat at My Table: Philoxenia by Kon & Sia Karapanagiotidis, $45, The
Flowerpot Forager by Stuart Ovenden, $32.99, from Dymocks. The Chocolate Spoon by The Silver Spoon Kitchen, $69.94, and Fish Butchery by Josh
Niland, $70, from Kinokuniya. Still Life by Amber Creswell Bell, $59.99, Architecture at the Heart of the Home by Jan Henderson and Dianna Snape, $59.99,
Bush Flowers by Cassandra Hamilton and Michael Pavlou, $59.99, Naturescapes by Phillip Withers and AB Bishop, $59.99, from Thames & Hudson. The
Poetry of Spaces by Sarah Andrews, $65, from Dymocks. Reclaimed by Penny Craswell, $65, and Super Bloom by Jac Semmler, $89.99, from Thames
& Hudson. New Rural by Ingrid Weir, $65, and Noma 2.0 by René Redzepi, Mette Søberg and Junichi Takahashi, $130, from Dymocks. Wisdom from the
Ancients by Emilie Savage-Smith and Simon Swain, $29.98, from Kinokuniya. The New French Look by Lauren Li, $49.99, from Thames & Hudson. Style
by Natalie Walton, $65, Extraordinary Escapes by Gemma Bowes, $49.99, and Home by the Sea by Natalie Walton, $60, from Dymocks. Country Style’s
Country Homes in Australia Volume II, $59.99, from Are Media Books. What You Are Looking For is in The Library by Michiko Aoyama, $32.98, and North
Woods by Daniel Mason, $63.23, from Kinokuniya. Wild Creations by Hilton Carter, $50, and Halliday Wine Companion 2024 by James Halliday, $45, from
Dymocks. How to Drink Australian by Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross, $79.99, In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, $33.40, We
Know a Place by Maxine Beneba Clarke, $24.99, Terra Ultima by Raoul Deleo, $45, and Around the Ocean in 80 Fish & Other Sea Life by Helen Scales, $55,
from Kinokuniya. Life in a French Country House by Cordelia de Castellane and Matthieu Salvaing, $110, from Dymocks. Living Outside by Sharon Mackay
and Diana Snape, $69.99, from Thames & Hudson. Blue & White At Home by Henrietta Heald, $90, from Dymocks. Eat Weeds by Diego Bonetto, $39.99,
from Thames & Hudson. On the Himalayan Trail by Romy Gill, $55, Pasta et Al by Alec Morris, $49.99, Hoppers by Karan Gokani, $60, from Dymocks.

TITLES LISTED AT DYMOCKS WERE SUPPLIED BY HARDIE GRANT

From fiction to factual, spoil the bookworms on your gift
list with a thrilling new title or two this Christmas.

Winter Glow tree, $39.95, Winter Glow tealight holder tree, $69.95, and Winter
Glow pastry box tree, $135, all from Villeroy & Boch. Cabin Floor cushion cover
in Natural/Navy, $130, from Canvas + Sasson. Ellis Fern Cashmere/Australian
wool throw, $240, from L&M Home. Harum Rattan gathering basket, $220, from
Barefoot Gypsy. Dimensional Pine garland, $75, and Matte Silver or Light Green
baubles, $39 (12-pack in one colour), from Christmas Decorations Brisbane.

GIFT GUIDE

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 91

“Deceptively simple and devastatingly
delicious, these coconut prawns are perfect
with a chilled sav blanc or a cold pale ale.”

FESTI V E LUNCH FOOD
Pair a Gilda of octopus, olive, anchovy
and peppers with a glass of bubbly.
FACING PAGE Steve’s sister-in-law,
Teri, inspired these crunchy coconut
prawns with a hot mint salad.

SEAFOOD, PORCHETTA AND SPUDS ARE ON THE CHRISTMAS
MENU FOR OUR COUNTRY COOK STEVE CUMPER.

PHOTOCHEF CAITLYN DOROTHY MCGRATH

PHOTOGRAPHY CON POULOS ST YLING LUCY TW EED

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 93

FOOD FESTI V E LUNCH
Fresh, hyperlocal produce will feature
in Steve’s Christmas Day recipes.

94 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY SUE STUBBS STYLING JESSICA BELLEF

I’M NOT SURE IF, back in the day, everyone

celebrated Christmas like the Cumpers.
For instance, did everyone else have
a pillowcase at the end of their bed so
Santa might chuck in a few small prezzies
that didn’t warrant wrapping or weren’t
significant enough to go under the tree?
Think, a Pez dispenser (with a few spare
magazines to replenish it), a yo-yo or
even a water pistol if you were lucky.
Maybe you received Dracula teeth?
Or a disguise kit with a pair of specs, big
nose and moustache? Hmm, with the
latter, if everyone got one of these
disguises, wouldn’t we all have looked
the same? Never mind.
One might surmise that my pillowcase
bounty could have been liberated from
any number of carnival show bags but,
to me, they were the amuse-bouche, the
pre-dinner nibble if you will, to the main
event awaiting me under the tree.
One year, I remember waking up and
tearily complaining to Dad that the mean
old Sandy Claws didn’t leave me anything
under the pine tree. Bleary-eyed, he led
me outside and into the laundry where, to
my delight, stood a Lima railway diorama
complete with engine, carriages, a tunnel
and control room. It took many soapy
baths to wash away the lingering smell
that the hot transformer had imbued me
with as I spent so long among its fumes.
Fast-forward to Christmas lunch,
usually at my grandparents’ house. The
kitchen table and chairs were so snug, it’s

a wonder we didn’t all become Rubik’s
Cube masters by osmosis; all having to
move in order to let someone in or out
(I usually just crawled under the table).
I would observe Grandma laying all
the plates out. Then she would dole out
all the vegies, type by type. Finally, she
would allocate the sliced turkey and ham.
I remember thinking at the time, “I bet
the spuds are cold ’cos they were the first
things she put on the plate.” I got a flea
in my ear for the ‘thought’, having actually
articulated it rather than keeping it to
myself. This was a pattern of learning
that has followed me my entire life.
We were privileged to enjoy a fruit pav,
as well as a boiled plum pud with custard
for afters, and I made sure to do both
of them justice. In the end, my bowl
resembled the aftermath of a skirmish
between a brigade of fluffed meringue
and a stout legion of darkened centurions.
Perhaps my Christmas memories are
no different from yours? Mine is not the
most reliable of recollections, however
the sentiment is wholly comforting
and for this I’m grateful.
As 2023 draws to a close, please follow
my tips for a successful Christmas lunch:
1. Fumigate the room with Pea Beu before
everyone sits down. 2. Serve the meal
as quickly as you can, so one of the kids
doesn’t ‘mark your score down’. 3. It’s
really not about the food, so try to relax.
I hope you can enjoy these festive
recipes. Merry Christmas!

Cheers, Steve

FESTI V E LUNCH FOOD
FACING PAGE Succulent roasted
Australian Pork porchetta goes
perfectly with sweet golden raisin jus
and a moreish spiced peach chutney.

TERI’S COCONUT PRAWNS
& HOT MINT SALAD

GILDA OF OCTOPUS,
ANCHOVY, OLIVE & PEPPERS

2 eggs
½ can coconut cream
3 cups panko breadcrumbs
3 cups coconut flakes
32-40 prawns, deveined (4 per person)
2 cups rice flour with pinch salt
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 chilli, finely sliced
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons shaved palm sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 bunch hot mint
1 bunch coriander
2 mangoes, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon finely sliced lime leaf
2 litres vegetable oil, for frying

½ cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise (or your
choice of any real mayonnaise)
1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley
Juice of ½ lemon
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt
Pepper
20 small cocktail skewers
200g pickled octopus, drained and
cut into 20 even-sized chunks
20 whole stuffed green olives
20 white anchovies, drained
20 guindilla peppers, drained

Serves 8-10

Mix the eggs and coconut cream
together in a bowl. In a separate
bowl, combine the breadcrumbs
and coconut flakes.
Coat the prawns in the rice flour.
Now dip them into the egg mixture,
before shaking off excess and then
dipping into breadcrumb mixture.
Reserve prawns until ready to fry.
Place the lime juice, chilli, garlic,
palm sugar and fish sauce in a bowl
and mix well.
Roughly chop the hot mint and
coriander, and toss over the mango
slices. Add the lime leaves, then pour
in the dressing. Let mixture stand.
Heat the oil to 1800C. Have some
paper towels at the ready to drain
the cooked prawns.
Fry prawns in small batches of
5 or 6 at a time. When they feel firm
and are golden, remove them to
drain on the paper.
To serve, place prawns on top of
a scoop of hot mint and mango salad.

Serves 8-10

In a bowl, add the mayonnaise,
parsley, lemon juice, smoked paprika
and seasoning. Mix well and reserve.
Have all your ingredients handy
before beginning to assemble the
Gildas on the skewers.
On each skewer, place the octopus,
then add the olive, then the anchovy
and finally the pepper. Repeat until
you have completed 20 Gildas.
To serve, smear the mayonnaise
mix on the bottom of a serving dish
and place the Gildas on top.

PORCHETTA, GOLDEN
RAISIN JUS & SPICED
PEACH CHUTNEY
Serves 8-10

1 x rolled, tied Australian Pork porchetta
(approx 1.4kg)
50ml olive oil
Salt
Pepper
3 cups of water
½ bunch sage leaves
100g butter
1 cup golden raisins
3 heads garlic, crushed
1 cup fortified wine
3 tablespoons plain flour
2 cups chicken stock

SPICED PEACH CHUTNEY

1kg fresh peaches, stones removed
1 lemon, halved

1 knob ginger, peeled and crushed
1 onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
350g brown sugar
1 cup malt vinegar
6 cloves, smashed
½ stick cinnamon, smashed
3 star anise, smashed
Pinch salt
Pepper

Preheat oven to 2000C.
Rub the top of the porchetta with
the olive oil, salt and pepper, then
place it in a roasting tray with the
water. Cook it until the fat on top
blisters and browns (about one hour).
Turn the oven down to 1500C and
remove the porchetta. Cover it with
foil and return it to the oven for two
hours – about 20 minutes before the
two hours is up, add the sage leaves,
butter, raisins and garlic. (Check if
there is still some liquid in the tray.
If not, add another cup of water.)
Remove tray from oven and transfer
porchetta to another dish to rest
under the foil.
To make the jus, place the tray on
the stove and heat. When starting to
sizzle, add the fortified wine and
scrape up all the caramelised bits.
Remove from heat and sift in the
flour – use a whisk to do so. Return
tray to heat and slowly mix in the
chicken stock until you have a smooth
paste. Gently cook this out for about
10 minutes, until it is velvety. Taste,
check seasoning, then strain.
For the chutney, place all of the
ingredients into a heavy pot with a lid
and cook on a low heat until peaches
have softened – about 25 minutes.
Remove lid and increase the heat,
stirring until ingredients become
syrupy (about an hour). Add a pinch of
salt and pepper. Let cool completely.
Slice the porchetta and serve the
jus on the side with the chutney.
NOTE: Chutney is best made
a day or two before serving. >

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 97

FOOD FESTI V E LUNCH

Miso-roasted sweet potato Wellington
is sure to be a crowd-pleaser on the
Christmas table. FACING PAGE Pork
fat-roasted potatoes and artichoke,
broad bean, pea and mint salad makes
a sensational side dish.
98 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

“This Hellenic-inspired dish is a warm
jumble of crispy potatoes, earthy artichokes,
sweet peas, broad beans and fresh mint.”

MISO-ROASTED SWEET
POTATO WELLINGTON
Serves 2

2 tablespoons red miso paste
1 cup mirin
1 teaspoon crushed ginger
100g caster sugar
1 cup water
1 large sweet potato, peeled
1 cup toasted sesame seeds
100ml vegetable oil
4 onions, finely diced
6 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon caster sugar
1 cup almond meal
2 sheets butter puff pastry
2 sheets nori
Egg wash
2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Mix the miso, mirin, ginger, caster
sugar and water together in a pot.
Bring to the boil, then reserve.
Preheat the oven to 1600C.
Trim the sweet potato to an even
barrel shape before rolling it in the
miso mixture. Place the sweet potato
on a tray lined with baking paper and
bake in the oven for about 45 minutes,
until soft and nicely caramelised.
While still warm, roll it in the sesame
seeds to coat it thoroughly. Reserve.
In another pot, heat the oil on the
stove. Add the onions and sauté them
for about 10 minutes, before adding
the garlic and the teaspoon of sugar.
Add a little water so that the mixture
won’t prematurely begin to brown.
Cook this until it is very soft and
translucent. Let it cool before mixing
in the almond meal. This mix should
feel like crumbly pastry.
Lay the first sheet of puff pastry on
a greased baking tray. Now lay one
nori sheet on it. Place a scoop of the
onion mix on the nori, and then place
the whole sweet potato on top of this.
Cover the sweet potato with the
remaining onion mix so it resembles
a sausage shape.
Now lay the other piece of nori on
top and add egg wash on the edges
of the pastry. Finally, place the last
sheet of pastry on top and press down
at the edges to ensure a firm seal.
Preheat the oven to 1600C.

100 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

Trim the excess pastry from around
the edge, so you have a cylindrical
shape. (If desired, reserve another
sheet of puff pastry to cut an intricate
trellis to lay over the top layer of the
pastry for some extra zhuzh.)
Add egg wash liberally to
Wellington and scatter with poppy
seeds. Bake Wellington in the oven
for about 45 minutes, until evenly
burnished. Let it rest for 10 minutes
before trimming the ends and cutting
into halves.
Reheat remaining miso mix and
serve on the side.

PORK FAT-ROASTED
POTATOES & ARTICHOKE,
BROAD BEAN, PEA &
MINT SALAD
Serves 8-10

1kg red rascal, kipfler, pink eye or other
waxy type of potato, skin on
1 teaspoon salt
150g rendered pork fat or pork lard
2 heads of garlic, crushed
1 bunch sage
Salt
Pepper
2 x 450g artichoke hearts in brine or oil
500g peas, cooked and chilled
500g broad beans, podded, cooked
and chilled
1 bunch mint, torn
½ bunch chopped dill
30ml red wine vinegar
70ml virgin olive oil
Salt
Pepper

Leave potatoes whole or cut into
even shapes. Cover with water in
a pot and add the salt. Bring to the
boil and simmer until soft but not
mushy. Drain well, allow steam to
dry them.
Preheat oven to 1800C.
Heat the pork fat in a roasting tray
in the oven. When hot, add the
crushed garlic and sage leaves. Add
the potatoes and swirl them around
so they get coated with the fat. Season
liberally with salt and pepper. Cook
until golden, then drain and serve.
For the salad, drain the artichoke
hearts well and transfer to a large

mixing bowl. Add the peas, broad
beans, torn mint and chopped dill.
Combine the vinegar, oil, salt and
pepper and pour over the salad. Mix
well, taste for seasoning, then serve.
NOTE: If desired, garnish dish with
sheep’s milk feta or fresh goat’s curd.

FRUIT MINCE PIE CASSATA
& MUSCAT TREACLE
Serves 8-10

Savoiardi biscuits – enough to line
a pudding bowl
500ml muscat
300g brown sugar
500ml vanilla ice cream
6 Christmas fruit mince pies
400g ricotta
100g caster sugar
½ cup toasted pistachios
½ cup dried, diced apricots
Zest of 2 lemons

Line the inside of a 25cm pudding
bowl with plastic wrap.
Place the savoiardi biscuits in a tray
and pour over half of the muscat,
allowing it to soak into the biscuits.
Then, carefully line the pudding bowl
with the soaked biscuits.
For the treacle, place the remaining
muscat and brown sugar in a pot and
heat to boiling. Let it reduce until it
is syrupy. Allow to cool, then reserve.
Let the vanilla ice cream soften
out of the freezer.
In a mixing bowl, crumble the
fruit mince pies so they are evenly
broken up. Add the ice cream and
mix thoroughly.
Carefully spread the ice cream
mixture over the biscuits, leaving
a hollow centre (large enough to add
the ricotta mix later). Place the bowl
in the freezer for 1 hour.
In another bowl, mix the ricotta,
caster sugar, pistachios, apricots and
lemon zest together. When thoroughly
combined, scoop this into the centre
of the ice cream mixture and return
it to the freezer for 1 hour.
To serve, invert the bowl onto
a plate and gently dislodge the
cassata. Remove the plastic wrap
and slice cassata into wedges. Serve
with muscat treacle on the side.

FESTI V E LUNCH FOOD
A gorgeous festive centrepiece, this
cassata with muscat treacle makes
clever use of tasty fruit mince pies.

“This cassata version combines the sweetness of muscat with
rich fruit mince pies and crunchy pistachios – delicious!”

R AISE A GLASS

CHRISTMAS IN ORANGE
WINE WRITER PETER BOURNE SAYS THE NSW CENTRAL
TABLELANDS HUB OF ORANGE IS A GOURMET’S DREAM –
AND NEVER MORE SO THAN DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON.
I’VE LIVED IN Orange for 18 years. It’s

been reinvented with a poolside cabana
and bar, The Peacock Room restaurant
and the Bela Vista Bar Supper Club.
A balmy evening outdoors with a glass
of 2019 Patina Chardonnay is heaven
on a stick (or in a glass).
A cosy alternative is Hey Rosey,
a bar worthy of Sydney or Melbourne.
Leigh Oliver mans the bar, while Hugh
Piper dishes up tasty snacks. Hugh
was on the pans at Potts Point’s Dear
Sainte Éloise before moving to Orange.
Sipping a glass of De Salis Cuvee (our
local bubbly specialist) while perusing
Leigh’s list for a quirky ‘lo-fi’ wine
transports you from Orange to a funky
bar in Paris, Milan or Copenhagen.
I’ll sneak out with friends to Printhie
Dining at Nashdale. It’s the perfect
place for a degustation lunch matched
with Printhie wines. However, you
can also ‘slum’ it on the deck with
a bottle of the Swift sparkling and
oysters that don’t come fresher.
This year, I’ll have a pre-Christmas
lunch at Antica Australis at Carcoar,
boasting a four-course menu for just 24
guests. It’s a husband-and-wife team

with Paolo Picarazzi in the kitchen
and Kelly on the floor. Paolo hails from
Ciociaria in Italy, his menu sourced
locally in the locanda style. Stories are
told, delicious food served and equally
delicious wines (BYO) consumed.
Christmas Day will be a family lunch
at home with whole ocean trout and
ham, supported by bread from Racine,
cheeses from The Essential Ingredient,
and meats from Cured. I have a soft
spot for the double-smoked legs from
Trunkey Bacon & Pork.
Champagne will kick things off
(a bottle of Andre Clouet 1911 this
year) with an expressive riesling
from Rikard to follow. Will RikardBell ferments riesling in oak in the
traditional German way. Then it’s the
Bloodwood ‘Schubert’ Chardonnay,
a classy pinot noir from Colmar
Estate, Jeff Byrne’s shiraz pinot
blend, and a bottle of Philip Shaw’s
Hoosegg Jade Moon cabernet franc.
The finale will be a Four Pillars
Christmas gin pudding paired with
their Christmas gin. Unsurprisingly,
supper will be a modest affair.

N.V. SWIFT CUVÉE BRUT,
ORANGE, $52

2021 BLOODWOOD
‘SCHUBERT’ CHARDONNAY,
ORANGE, $46

2021 BYRNE FARM SHIRAZ
PINOT, ORANGE, $45

PHOTOGRAPHY SIMONOGRAPHY

an easy number to remember as our
daughter’s birth coincided with our
move here. She’s just finished high
school and has reached the age when
she can enjoy a glass of wine or – her
preferred option – a cocktail.
Orange has changed dramatically
over those years, with more energy,
a multitude of cafes, smart restaurants
and hipster bars. The demographic
has changed, too, with an influx of
tree-changers of all ages. But there are
still plenty of utes in town with R.M.
Williams-booted drivers (men and
women) at the wheel of the latest and
largest models. The place is thriving.
Christmas here pretty much follows
the urban pattern, though the energy
and excitement build over an extended
period. In October, the Orange Wine
Festival and the Australian National
Field Days bring a flock of visitors,
while November is filled with school
and social functions before the hectic
run towards Christmas and New Year.
A favourite gathering spot is The
Oriana – a retro-cool ’60s motel that’s

Printhie winemaker Drew
Tuckwell is a maestro,
with this Cuvee (his 13th
disgorgement) a testament
to his skills. Swift bubbles
have been awarded ‘Best
Sparkling in NSW’ for the
last five years. Fresh apple,
white peach and warm
oatcakes with compelling
flavours and an energetic
finish. Perfect with those
oysters at Printhie Dining.

Rhonda and Stephen Doyle
planted their first vines 40
years ago and are revered as
two of the Orange region’s
founding winegrowers.
Stephen’s humour sees his
prestige white named after
Max Schubert, creator of
Penfolds Grange. Melon and
white nectarine with savoury
undertones, tightly woven
with a power-packed finish.

Canadian-born Jeff Byrne
spent 19 years in the
Hunter Valley before
moving to Orange in 2019.
He crafts this blend in
honour of Maurice
O’Shea, Mount Pleasant’s
legendary winemaker,
who labelled his version
‘Light Dry Red’. Expect
mild-mannered tannins,
juicy red fruits and
mouth-watering acidity.

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 103

PERFECT PUDDING
SUNBEAM CHRISTMAS
PUDDING

Prep: 15 mins + overnight cooling
Cook: 6 hours | Serves: 12

250g Sunbeam Raisins
250g Sunbeam Sultanas
165g Sunbeam Currants
125g Angas Park Prunes,
roughly chopped
125g Angas Park Mixed Peel
165g butter
165g caster sugar
1½ teaspoons bicarbonate
of soda
165g fresh white breadcrumbs
125ml milk
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
60g blanched almonds
1 medium carrot, grated
85g plain flour
¼ teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons mixed spice
2 eggs, lightly whisked
60ml brandy
165ml orange juice

f lavours

PICNICS, EATING OUT AND
TEA WITH PUDDING AT HOME.

In a large saucepan, combine
all dried fruits with 300ml
water, butter and caster sugar.
Stir well to combine, then
bring to the boil, reduce heat
to low and stir over a simmer
for 8 minutes.
Turn off the heat and stir
in bicarbonate of soda. Cover

and allow mixture to cool
completely overnight.
Soak breadcrumbs in milk
until just absorbed. Add to
the mixture with lemon zest,
almonds, carrot, flour and
spices. Mix well, then stir in
eggs, brandy and orange juice.
Grease the base and sides
of a 2L lidded pudding basin.
Spoon the mixture into
the basin, then smooth the
surface and cover with
a round of baking paper
before closing the lid.
Place a trivet into the
bottom of a large saucepan
and rest the pudding basin
on top. Fill the saucepan with
enough boiling water to come
halfway up the basin. Cover the
saucepan with lid, bring the
water to a boil, then reduce to
very low simmer and leave the
pudding to steam for 6 hours.
Check that the pudding is
done by gently pressing the
centre. If it springs back, it’s
ready (if not, re-cover and
steam for a further 30
minutes; repeat if necessary).
Allow pudding to cool in
the tin for an hour, then
invert onto a baking rack
to cool completely.

WORDS H A NNA H JA MES

BOIL THE BILLY

Desperate to drink Australian? Now you can enjoy a beautiful
homegrown brew with The Tea Centre’s new Australian Botanical Tea
range. Davidson’s Plum & Rosella is perfect for enjoying on ice; chai
lovers can indulge in a cup of Spiced Wattleseed; and there’s a classic
breakfast tea, too. The new range is available as loose-leaf tea and in
eco-friendly tea bags made from sugarcane. Visit theteacentre.com.au

mixed goodies

A gift of food is always a great choice
– and a hamper of goodies from rural
businesses is an even better one. Country
Culture has packed this pretty picnic basket
full of gourmet treats from regional
producers – thank yous guaranteed!
Visit countryculture.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY TASH CHAPMAN, BRODIE CHAN

It’s not Christmas without a scrumptious pud.

FLAVOURS

BOX OF DELIGHTS

When is boxed wine a premium gift?
When it’s from Bird & Barrel, which
curates drops from small-batch
producers both here and overseas, and
sends them off in sustainable cardboard
packaging or bespoke timber boxes.
It's sure to be a welcome delivery!
Visit birdandbarrel.com.au

WORTH ITS SALT

Aussies have been savouring
the flavour of Olsson’s sea salt
at the dining table since 1948
– and now the family-owned
company is lending its familiar
zing to your cocktail creations,
too. Dip the rim of your
cocktail glass into Olsson’s
brand-new Native Citrus
Cocktail Salt to add lemon
myrtle and pink plum flavours
to a classic margarita, or
infuse smoke and spice into
your Bloody Mary, Salty Dog
or Paloma with its Smokin’
Chilli Cocktail Salt. Bottoms
up! Visit olssons.com.au

dinner at 8

Gather the family together for
a Yuletide celebration without
making a meal of it – or at least,
without having to make the meal
yourself. Lake Macquarie is the
setting for the extraordinary 8 at
Trinity restaurant, which offers
a spectacular experience from the
moment you walk in. Decked out
with marble tables and greenery
galore, the grand dining room
opens out to expansive views of

SWEETER THINGS
Brighten up your
kitchen with these
super-sweet tea
towels, decked out in
colourful and classic
Aussie brands and
treats. Drying the
dishes has never
been so nostalgic –
or tempting for the
tastebuds. Made with
100 per cent cotton
and eco-friendly inks,
they’re a great gift
for family or friends
living abroad.Visit
wilsonpayne.com

the marina, which you can take
in while feasting on seafood
platters, pizzas, superb steak and
creative cocktails. If you think
you would never fork out $58 for
a cocktail, I hear you – I never
thought I would either! That was
until I tried 8 at Trinity’s exquisite
Golden Cadillac Margarita…
Visit 8attrinitypoint.com.au

OCEAN SPIRIT How can you sip a sensational gin and tonic this Christmas while helping
restore Queensland’s coral reefs? By pouring Grown Spirits’ Ocean Grown Gin, which donates
cash from each bottle sold to the Reef Restoration Foundation.Visit grownspirits.com.au
CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 105

FOOD FESTI V E TR A DITIONS

christmas classic

SUGAR, SPICE AND ALL THINGS NICE ARE IN THE MIX AT
TILLY PAMMENT’S HOME IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ST YLING TILLY PA MMENT

THE CONSTRUCTION OF a gingerbread house has got to be one
of my favourite childhood festive rites of passage. I have
extremely fond memories of making gingerbread houses with
my brothers and friends, although my recollection of them
being aesthetic masterpieces is probably wildly inaccurate…
What I do know, however, is that they were always structurally
sound. Not from any kind of design prowess on my part, but
rather as a result of my father (a long-time member of the
Doing-Things-Properly Club) insisting that they be stuck
together with toffee, not icing. He was (and unfortunately,
usually is) right. Toffee-glue is far stronger than icing. So
strong, in fact, that the toffee foundations lasted much longer
than the gingerbread slabs, which, weighed down with lollies,
inevitably collapsed after a few days!
Happily, the annual gingerbread house construction is
a tradition that lives on in our home. My kids, at five and eight, are both mad for it
– although it must be said that their keenness probably has more to do with their
love of garishly coloured lollies and sneaking icing straight from the piping bag,
than any real fondness for gingerbread. Nevertheless, it is a Christmas tradition
that I cherish, and one I hope will continue for many years to come. >
Follow Tilly on Instagram @tillys_table

106 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Makes one
Begin this recipe the day before you
assemble your gingerbread house.
GINGERBREAD

250g unsalted butter, cubed
175g golden syrup
220g light brown sugar
2 egg yolks
550g plain flour
½ teaspoon bicarb soda
¼ teaspoon fine salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground mixed spice
Coloured, clear boiled lollies, roughly
crushed (optional)

ICING

1 egg white
240g pure icing sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons lemon juice

TOFFEE

220g caster sugar
2½ tablespoons water

First, make the gingerbread template
using the measurements on the facing
page. I make my template out of thick
card so that it’s easy to trace around
with a knife when cutting out the
gingerbread. Take note of the pieces
that require you to cut multiples.
For the gingerbread dough, place
the butter, golden syrup and brown
sugar in a saucepan over low heat and
stir until the butter has melted and
the sugar has dissolved. Set aside to
cool until just warm, before whisking
in the egg yolks.

108 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

Place the flour, bicarb soda, salt
and spices in a mixing bowl. Whisk
briefly to combine before making
a well in the centre and pouring in
the melted butter and sugar mixture.
Using a wooden spoon, stir until it
forms a soft dough. Divide into two
equal portions and shape each into
a rough rectangle. Wrap in plastic
wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours,
or until dough is firm enough to roll.
When dough is firm, preheat oven
to 160°C (fan-forced) and line three
baking trays with baking paper.
Remove dough from the fridge. Use
a rolling pin to roll each portion out
between two sheets of baking paper,
lightly dusted with flour, until they
are about 5mm thick. Use templates
to cut dough into required shapes,
re-rolling offcuts as necessary
(this gingerbread re-rolls well; just
refrigerate the dough as necessary to
keep it firm enough to work with).
Place gingerbread pieces on lined
trays, leaving a couple of centimetres’
gap between each piece and making
sure to place the front and side house
panels on the same tray.
Put the trays back in the fridge until
dough is firm again. When firm, cut
the door out of the front wall panel.
Cut window panes out of the front,
side and door panels as desired.
Bake gingerbread in the oven for
8 minutes. Remove the tray with the
window and door panels, leaving the
other trays in the oven for a further
6-8 minutes, or until gingerbread

is golden-brown and cooked through.
Fill the window and door panes
with crushed boiled sweets (if using),
and return to the oven for a further
8 minutes, or until lollies have
melted and filled the window panes.
Once you have taken the
gingerbread out of the oven, but while
the gingerbread pieces are still warm,
use a sharp knife to carefully trim
off any warped or curved edges, so
that your gingerbread house will fit
snuggly together when assembled.
Allow gingerbread to cool completely.
When gingerbread is cool, make
the icing by whisking the egg white
in a medium mixing bowl until frothy.
Add the icing sugar and lemon juice
and whisk until smooth. You want
the icing to be fairly stiff, so that you
can pipe it without it running off the
gingerbread. Add a little more icing
sugar, if needed, to reach the right
consistency. Spoon the icing into
a piping bag fitted with a fine-tipped
plain nozzle and secure the end.
Pipe detail onto the flat gingerbread
house pieces as desired and allow to
set for several hours or overnight.
When ready to assemble the
gingerbread house, set yourself up
with a large serving platter or board
and all your iced gingerbread pieces
at hand. The house is glued together
with toffee, which forms a much
stronger foundation than icing, but
please take extra care as hot toffee
can easily burn you – this is not
a step for children to help with.

FESTI V E TR A DITIONS FOOD

Make the toffee by placing caster
sugar in a large frypan. Gently
pour over the water, making sure
to wet all the sugar. Place pan over
medium-high heat and cook, without
stirring, until sugar has dissolved.
Continue to cook, swirling the pan
occasionally, until toffee is a light
golden-brown.
Remove from heat and allow to
cool for a minute or so.
Carefully dip each end of the side
panels in toffee and attach to the

front and back wall panels. Hold in
place for a few minutes until set,
making sure to keep your fingers
out of contact with the hot toffee.
Stick the four roof pieces together,
again holding carefully until set.
If toffee is becoming a little stiff,
return the pan to the heat and warm
gently until runny again. Dip or
brush toffee along the top edges of the
house and gently sit the roof in place.
When set, dip the top edge of the
verandah piece in toffee and attach

to the roof. Allow to set. Check the
height of the verandah posts and
trim as necessary. Dip the tops of the
verandah posts in toffee and attach
to the underside of the verandah roof.
Finally, stick the front door in place.
Now, sit back and admire your
handiwork and try not to mind too
much when the kids want to stick
lollies ALL over it. It is a Christmas
rite of passage, after all!
To see the template, visit homestolove.
com.au/gingerbread-house-4445

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 109

JOLLY
DELIGHTS
PRESS PAUSE ON THE MADNESS OF THE FESTIVE SEASON AND
CRAFT YOUR OWN DECORATIONS FROM PRETTY PAPER.
WORDS JENNIE LA NTZ & CECILI A MÖLLER K IRCHSTEIGER
PHOTOGRAPHY CECILI A MÖLLER K IRCHSTEIGER

CHRISTMAS CR AFTS

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 111

CHRISTMAS CR AFTS

paper angels
Decorate your Christmas tree with beautiful handmade
angels in a range of festive colours and patterns.

4

1

2

3

5

6

7

Materials

•
•
•
•

Paper in a colour or pattern of your
choosing (use paper that is a little
thicker than regular wrapping paper)
Thick thread or string
Glue stick
A pencil or a compressed paper ball
for the angel’s head

NOTE: There are two ways to make
a paper angel: either with a round
fold to create the angel’s head, or
with a tiny ball.

1 Cut out 2 sheets of paper in

a colour and/or pattern of your
choosing. One sheet needs to be wider
than the other, while both should
be the same length. For example, the
large sheet can be A4 size and the
smaller sheet the length of an A4
sheet but only 15cm wide.

112 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

2 Fold the large sheet in half
lengthways, then twice more in the
same direction.
3 Unfold and use the folds in the sheet
as a guide to make straight folds for
your angel (see images above).
4 Now fold the sheet like an
accordion. Repeat steps 2-4 for the
smaller sheet.
5 If you want to cut a pattern on the
angel’s body, now is the time. For
instance, you can make the ends
of the accordion pointy or curved,
or cut little holes along the sides.
6 Follow steps 7-9 to make an angel
without a ball for a head, or steps
10-14 if using a ball.
7 Place the 2 accordions on top of each
other with a pencil in the middle
underneath. Fold the accordions over
the pencil so that they wrap around it.

8 Wrap a piece of string a few times

around the accordions below the
pencil and tie a knot to create the
angel’s head.
9 Remove the pencil, then unfold
the angel’s arms and dress. Now,
glue the angel’s dress together.
10 Fold the larger accordion in half.
11 Thread the ball that will become
the angel’s head onto a piece of string
and place the ball in the middle
on top of the smaller accordion,
which in turn sits on top of the
larger accordion.
12 Wrap the string around the middle
of the accordions, back up the other
side and through the ball once more.
13 Tighten the string to create the
angel’s arms and dress. Tie the ball
in place.
14 Glue the angel’s dress together. >

CHRISTMAS CR AFTS

garlands
These cheerful garlands are perfect for decorating your tree,
or why not hang them on the wall or above the dining table?
Materials

• Paper in a colour or pattern of your
•
•

choosing (use paper that is a little
thicker than regular wrapping paper)
Needle and thick thread or string
Glue stick

NOTE: If you need ideas for how to
shape your garland, cookie cutters
make perfect templates.

1 Cut out a template in the desired
shape and size for your garland.

2 If you have chosen a paper that only

has a pattern on one side, you’ll need
to glue the backs of 2 sheets together.
3 Trace the template onto your chosen
paper and cut out lots of it.
4 Make 2 small holes in each piece
and string them together on a thread.
5 Choose the distance you want
between each piece, then hang
your garland.
6 If you want to make a paper chain,
start by cutting lots of strips of paper.
Take one strip and glue it into a loop.
Next, glue another strip into a loop,
passing it through the first. Repeat
until chain is the desired length.

This is an edited extract from Stars & Snowflakes by Jennie Lantz and Cecilia Möller Kirchsteiger,
photography by Cecilia Möller Kirchsteiger (Murdoch Books, $32.99).

114 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY ABBIE MELLE STYLIST AINSLEY SULLIVAN

DECEMBER ISSUE
ON SALE DECEMBER 7

Christmas is right around the corner!
Our December issue has delicious festive
recipes, along with inspiration for stylish
table settings. Plus, we’ll announce our
2023 Legends of the Land winner.

SEE OUR GREAT SUBSCRIPTION OFFER ON PAGE 18 OF THIS ISSUE.

REGIONAL SHOPPING DUBBO NSW

C R E AT I N G A H O M E
JEMIMA ALDRIDGE OFFERS BESPOKE STYLE EXPERTISE AT
FORAY DESIGN STORE, HER NEW VENTURE IN DUBBO, NSW.
WORDS A LICE MOFFITT PHOTOGRAPHY A BBIE MELLÉ

116 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

Jemima’s impeccable attention to detail saw her
updating Foray’s entrance with panelled wainscoting,
a custom awning, timber architraves and European
marble using Tiles of Ezra, Porter’s Paints, and solid
brass elements. FACING PAGE Customers love
browsing the curated range of brands, including
Hale Mercantile Co, Baina, Stansborough, Kayu Studio
Real World, Southern Wild Co, Ochre Ceramics, and
Fourth Street. You’ll also find custom-made antique
pot lamps, vintage mirrors and brass planters.

REGIONAL SHOPPING DUBBO NSW

IN A ROW OF TRADITIONAL neighbourhood shops in South
Dubbo, amid a butcher and a dry-cleaners, is Foray Design
Store. It’s the latest venture in the Central West city from
Jemima Aldridge, best known for the fine leather goods
brand Saddler & Co she operates with her husband, Bede,
and as part-owner of boutique holiday cottage The Repose.
The new store has a similar aesthetic to Jemima’s other
projects and is only a short walk up the road from Saddler
& Co, which added to its charm. “I was looking for a space
that still had that feeling of discovery and I wanted people
to find out about it by word of mouth,” Jemima says. “But
I’m also enjoying feeling that sense of community, with
people walking past or dropping in on their daily stroll.
Even if they don’t visit, they can still be inspired.”
Foray opened in June this year after a renovation that,
as is often the way, took longer than planned. “The building
was very run-down with lots of small rooms,” Jemima, 38,
explains. “I’ve loved hearing stories from locals about the
old corner store with a pinball machine in the back that
was here 40 years ago. It has a beautiful facade with steps
up into it, but it was the old windows that really spoke to
me. We put new wainscoting and Italian marble tiles out
the front, and one of our employees at Saddler & Co is also
a welder, so he and Bede made a beautiful custom awning.
It was very much a team effort.”
Jemima and Bede, 39, moved to Dubbo 10 years ago and
initially lived just down the road from where Foray is
located. They now live outside of town with sons Caleb, 16,
Amos, 14, Reuben, 12, Hugh, 10, and Albert, eight. Jemima

says although it’s taken her a while to fall in love with the
flat, dry landscape of the Central West, she loves the pace
of life it offers: “It’s a regional hub, so we have everything
we need but there’s still that connection to the country.
I don’t feel isolated, I feel very much connected to a group
of interesting people who have moved here for all sorts of
reasons, and there’s also a solid community of local country
people who we love getting to know. The plains and the
vast skies mean the sunsets are different to anywhere else
I’ve lived and there’s space to see the beautiful night sky.
Where we live, the stargazing is just incredible.”
Jemima has recently started doing more independent
design consultations, so having a space to provide examples
and showcase the romantic, layered style she’s become
known for was part of the motivation to open Foray. “It was
also about me really settling into our regional life,” she
adds. “I had felt a bit of unrest in recent years, thinking
about what was next for me personally and finding a new
direction that was still in line with everything we’ve built
together. We’re also going into a whole new stage as a family,
with our boys getting older, so I wanted a space I could work
from – rather than working from home. I’m loving just
being present with them when I’m at home.”
Bringing well-made and hard-to-find pieces to customers
in regional Australia was another goal. Jemima curates
a selection of work from contemporary artists and makers,
but also sources antique and vintage pieces that have a story
to tell. “I love how they ground a space,” she says. “There’s
definitely a European slant to my style, but it’s more >

Jemima sources pieces from Australian
ceramicists Kim Wallace, Andrew Allen, Tash,
and Ochre. Foray also represents New Zealandbased sculptor and designer Gidon Bing, and
UK-based ceramics brand Illyria Pottery.

118 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Floral art by
Fiona O’Byrne sits among antiques and artisan
brands such as Casa Catinella, Lola James
Harper, J. Hannah, Rewild Co., and Studio Éter;
framed art by Kyah Wilson; the studio kitchen
holds an urn by Tash Ceramics, plates and cup
by Kim Wallace, candles by Ann Studio, and an
oak board by Exquisite Atelier; on the bed is
fine European linen from Hale Mercantile Co
and Stansborough wool. Art by Jeannie Dolan.

“Creating a home is a long-term journey of
searching and scouring until you find a piece
that really speaks to you and you fall in love.”

REGIONAL SHOPPING DUBBO NSW

CLOCKWISE, FROM ABOVE Foray stocks the Saddler
& Co Classic Leather Tote and Clutch in Caramel; Jemima
hangs a landscape piece by Kyah Wilson; a painting by
Jeannie Dolan sits near the front window, where a styled
table nook holds brass mills from Greece, beeswax
candles, handmade ceramics and fine linen.

120 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

informal for the Australian lifestyle. I find it interesting
how you can create atmosphere in a home through
candlelight, art, styling and layering interesting objects.
Creating a home is a long-term journey of searching and
scouring until you find a piece that really speaks to you and
you fall in love. I hope that’s what Foray provides for people.”
Jemima adds that she puts a lot of time, effort and passion
into creating an experience that resonates with people
in-store. “While online shopping has become normalised,
I hope people will have an experience here that’s beyond just
a product – even if they don’t buy anything,” she explains.
“Independent stores in regional Australia need to offer
that point of difference. The Foray space is always changing
and hopefully we’ll hold some workshops here in the future,
too. I like to leave a light on in the front window at night
so people can just pause and be inspired.”
Foray is a “dream come true” for Jemima and allows
her to immerse herself in her customers’ needs and wants.
“I love the bigger picture of what people are doing to their
homes, particularly locals who are renovating and
building,” she says. “It’s fascinating to learn what their
problems are, and figure out how we can assist with extra
touches and connecting them to unique makers.
“I want to help people achieve their vision for the space
they want, rather than just me sweeping in and taking over
a project. I think my niche is helping people edit what they
already have and love, then adding in beautiful pieces to
make it more cohesive and create a story.”
Follow @foray_design on Instagram.

2 0 2 4 DI A RY &
C A L E N DA R

on sale
now

Purchase today at selected newsagents, or online at magshop.com.au

STAYS BER R IM A NSW
Towering trees border the Lodge, which
has several indoor and outdoor settings for
downtime or entertaining. FACING PAGE
The Lodge’s master bedroom features an
inviting king-sized bed, vintage artwork,
an ensuite and a dressing room.

122 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

THE GREAT ESCAPE
THINKING OF GETTING AWAY THIS CHRISTMAS? HEAD TO
COROMANDEL HOMESTEAD BERRIMA. WITH TWO BEAUTIFUL
HOMES TO STAY IN, IT’LL BE A CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER.
WORDS KY LIE IMESON & LISA EASEY PHOTOGRAPHY A BBIE MELLÉ

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT
A box elder maple tree provides
shade outside the Lodge; wheelie
bin painting by Janis Clarke; fresh
garden blooms; enjoy a long lunch
at the Lodge, with wall-to-ceiling
windows overlooking the garden.
FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE,
FROM TOP LEFT Styled by Carlie
Philby of CP&Co, the Lodge is filled
with artworks, vintage curios, and
old volumes of Commonwealth
Law Reports that belonged to
Catherine’s father: “The Lodge
was the perfect spot for them
aesthetically”; cushioned window
seats beckon in the Lodge’s
lounge room, which also features
a portrait by Janis Clarke; the
Lodge’s elegant Queen Room.

124 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

BER R IM A NSW STAYS

AS YOU DRIVE THROUGH THE GATES and down the drive

lined with flowers and lush shrubs to Coromandel
Homestead Berrima, you find yourself exhaling. This
is the perfect place for large families or groups seeking
a relaxing countryside escape.
Located outside Berrima in the NSW Southern Highlands,
the one-hectare property is a passion project for owners
Catherine De Giorgio and Iain Melhuish, who purchased
Coromandel Homestead two years ago and have renovated
the two residences on site that were built in the 1980s.
“We have several projects in the pipeline, including
a glasshouse and a big vegie garden,” says Catherine.
The Lodge, the larger of the two dwellings, is
a weatherboard abode that accommodates up to eight
guests, with generous communal living areas. The lounge
room – also known as the Coromandel Great Room – is
centred around a vast sandstone fireplace, while the
dining hall overlooking the lawn and gardens beyond
is just made for entertaining, hosting up to 14 people
around the table – perfect for Christmas lunch.
Vintage and antique treasures create a sense of history
throughout the Lodge. “I wanted to fill the home with
personal pieces for a few reasons: because I love old things,
as a nod to the older style of the property, and to be as
sustainable as possible,” says Catherine. “Both homes
also have original artworks – many are by Olsen Gallery
artist Janis Clarke, my talented brother-in-law.”
The Lodge has four bedrooms in various configurations
– the master one with a king, the other a queen, the next >

“I wanted to fill the home with
personal pieces… I love old things.”

CLOCKWISE, FROM ABOVE Soak in the alfresco bath at
the Cottage; Catherine’s five-year-old son, Gabriel, adores
the neighbour’s friendly border collie, Del; three striking
paintings by Janis Clarke are displayed in the Cottage’s
master bedroom. The Georgia velvet king bed in Forest,
from Life Interiors, is topped with Sheridan sheets, a French
flax linen quilt cover from Bambury, and cushions from
Anthropologie. FACING PAGE, FROM TOP Get cosy on
the couch in the Cottage’s light-filled living area; fire pits
call for toasted marshmallows and a nice bottle of red.

with two king singles, and finally a king single and trundle
– and all the beds are topped with quality linens. I stayed in
the master suite and loved waking up and looking across the
lawn to the pond with ducks and other birds flitting about.
For even more space, Coromandel Cottage is a short
stroll from the Lodge, but remains private with its own
driveway and entrance. The timber A-frame cottage, which
sleeps four people, was built as the smaller accompaniment
to the Lodge, but boasts the same gorgeous features, such
as a fully equipped kitchen and living area, plus an outdoor
claw-foot bath for a leisurely soak amid the greenery.
You can book both homes, which works well for big groups
and families that want to spread out. I’d thoroughly
recommend it for a Christmas get-together.
The hero feature of Coromandel Homestead – named
after the ship that transported original owner Billy’s
ancestors to Australia – is its sprawling gardens.
Persimmons, pears, crabapples, cherry blossoms,
Japanese maples, romantic old roses and huge conifers
provide beauty and shade across the landscaped grounds.
You’ll also find a clay tennis court, fittingly named
Coromandel Tennis Club, for some friendly competition.
For a change of scene, explore the town’s antique stores,
art galleries and gift shops. Book at Eschalot, Berrima’s
lauded restaurant, for a superb meal and visit Bendooley
Estate to sample the region’s cool-climate wines.
Time to plan that big family getaway.
Book your stay at coromandelhomesteadberrima.com.au

126 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

BER R IM A NSW STAYS

“We have several projects in the pipeline, including
a glasshouse and a big vegie garden.”

FASHION

WHILE FARM WORK CALLS FOR JEANS AND BOOTS, MELISSAH YOUNT
LOVES A CHANCE TO DRESS UP. MEANWHILE, TESS TWIGDEN HAS
AN EYE FOR HANDMADE GARMENTS IN NATURAL FIBRES.
PHOTOGRAPHY H A NNA H PUECHM A R IN, TESS TW IGDEN
ST YLING CHERY L CA R R, TESS TW IGDEN

Tess Twigden and her daughter Marlowe
take a stroll at their four-hectare farm in
Ashbourne, SA. FACING PAGE Melissah
Yount with her border collie, Brandon, at
home in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Qld.

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 129

FASHION
CLOCKWISE Style-wise, Melissah
is inspired by American interior
designer Joanna Gaines; jeans
are a sturdy option for daily duties;
a trusty Akubra does the job.

MELISSAH YOUNT
PHOTOGRAPHER AND STYLIST, 40

Melissah lives on five hectares in West Woombye, Qld,
with her husband Benjamin, 38, and their children,
Brooklyn, 19, Peyton, 12, and Lochlan, 10. The family
also has two pet dogs, a motley mix of chickens, and
five Scottish Highland cows.
What do you love about the country? The slower pace
of life and the quiet. It has allowed me to tap into my
creative side, with space to grow in my hobbies. I love
the friendly people, the beauty of the rolling hills, and
being surrounded by the sounds of nature. Oh, and the
fresh produce straight off the farms.
How would you describe your style? I’m a girly girl.
However, I did learn fast that wearing dresses around
the farm wasn’t practical (after ripping about 10 while
climbing over barbed-wire fences). So, jeans are my
daily go-to, along with my well-worn Merry People
gumboots, with the occasional pretty dress thrown in.
What are your essential beauty products? I use Kora
Organics skincare and a good-quality sunscreen.
What’s your favourite fragrance? Chloé Eau de Parfum.
Do you have any favourite accessories? I love my
vintage-inspired, peach-coloured sapphire ring that
I got for Mother’s Day last year. I wear it every day.
What helps you keep a balanced life? Eating whole
foods. I try to make most of our food from scratch
and use local produce, but I’m also a busy mum so
I try to be realistic. I also like to do something creative
every day, whether that’s baking, photography, styling
or painting. Being creative is a fantastic stress relief.
What are you reading/listening to/watching?
I’m reading Ponder the Path by Francie Taylor, and
Conscious Creativity: Look, Connect, Create by Philippa
Stanton. I’m always listening to country music, new
and old. You can’t beat Luke Combs or Alan Jackson.
Where are your favourite local spots to eat? We have
a local cafe called Frankie’s that makes amazing coffee
and food. We also love to go to Ricks Garage in
Palmwoods, and Secrets on the Lake in Montville.
Where do you shop for homewares? We’re so lucky
to have an abundance of excellent local op shops and
antique stores. I also make my own styling pieces.
What makes your region a special place to live? We
have it all: beautiful beaches one way and rolling hills
the other; fresh produce at the markets; and locally made
cheeses and wines just 15 minutes from our doorstep.
How are you preparing for the festive season? I love
to make wreaths using flowers and foliage from around
the farm. I’ll also do a big fruity pavlova this year.
What will you do on Christmas Day? My sister will be
visiting and we’ll have a relaxed feast on our back deck.
For more on Melissah’s home and family, see page 48. >

130 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

1

2

3

4

5

embrace the elements
CHOOSE EVERYDAY ATTIRE WITH
A CLASSIC, SLEEK DESIGN.
PRODUCED BY SA R A H FA R AGO

1 Jagger Organic dress in Bone, $239, from Rowie the Label.
2 Element top in Hazel, $199, from Zoe Kratzmann. 3 Bobbi Ankle
boot in Sand, $149.95, from Merry People. 4 Casual belt in Dark Brown,
$130, from Saddler & Co. 5 Patch Pocket flare jean in Vintage Blue
Denim, $129.99, from Ceres Life. 6 Gladstone Gusset boot, POA, from
Wootten. 7 Andy Auburn fedora, $149, from Will & Bear. 8 Chloé
Signature eau de parfum, from $53 (10ml), from Myer. 9 Custom
Calligraphy ceramic stars, $18 each, from Marley & Lockyer.
10 Prairie dress in Autumn, $179, from Daughters of India.

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6

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CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 131

TESS TWIGDEN
BOWERBIRDS VINTAGE FOUNDER,
PHOTOGRAPHER AND STYLIST, 35

Tess lives on a four-hectare hobby farm on the Fleurieu
Peninsula, SA, with husband Tom, 36, daughters
Marlowe, seven, and Mae, five, plus kelpie-cross Ned,
cat Biscuit, seven chickens and 17 sheep.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP Tess
with daughters Marlowe and
Mae; as Christmas nears,
excitement is building on the
farm; a country Christmas.

132 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

What do you love about the country? The stillness,
space and quiet. Embracing the change of each season.
How would you describe your style? Classic, natural,
rustic, feminine. I’m drawn to unique, handmade pieces.
Are you interested in fashion? Yes. I studied journalism
at university, and fashion design at TAFE.
What’s the best style advice you’ve received? “Quality
over quantity”; “Don’t be distracted by following trends”.
What are your wardrobe essentials? Pieces made from
natural fabrics, especially linen. A linen dress with
pockets is always my favourite.
What are your favourite clothing labels? I love Ankoa,
Catherine Murphy, Eva Cassis, and Metta Melbourne.
Where do you shop for clothing and accessories?
Second-hand shops, markets, and small Australian
businesses both local and online – especially Oh Lucette
(@ohlucette_new_start), where I found my dream pair
of R.M. Williams boots.
What are your essential beauty products? I can’t live
without my Olive and Laurel Oil Soap by Aleppo Soap
Company, and Facial Serum by Soap Opera.
Do you have any favourite accessories? My handmade
Fiona Schofield straw hat, R.M. Williams leather boots,
Merry People boots, and Sarah & Sebastian jewellery.
What helps you keep a balanced life? Evening walks
as a family down our dirt road is always the time of day
I look forward to. Our dog and cat join us, too!
What are you reading/watching/listening to? One of
the most interesting books I read recently was Destined
to Die Young by Sally A. Hoedel. I’m also enjoying
So Long, Marianne: A Love Story by Kari Hesthamar.
Where are your favourite local spots to eat? Carolyn
at The Pickle Pot Strathalbyn makes the best sausage
rolls and Portuguese tarts.
Where are your favourite spots to shop for homewares?
My Bowerbirds Vintage shed shop: @bowerbirdsvintage.
Other vintage ladies I love are: Vanessa @the_stillroom_;
Rosie @tinker_shop_; Rachel @vintagecarouselsa;
and Biankah at The Collektive @biankahmiller.
What makes your region a special place to live? Our
home is our slice of paradise. It’s been a lot of hard work
and it has filled us with big dreams. We do not take for
granted the incredible opportunities we have.
How are you preparing for the festive season? I’ll be
making paper decorations for the tree, and we’ll eat
a delicious pavlova for dessert on Christmas Day.
For more on Tess’s home, see page 58.

FASHION

1

2

3

wild romance

DREAMY, FLOATY FORMS ARE
GIVEN A RUSTIC EDGE.
PRODUCED BY SA FFRON SY LV ESTER

4

1 Kyra midi dress in Wine, $179, from Daughters of India. 2 Capital dress
in Coconut, $369, from Zoe Kratzmann. 3 Grace tie-back dress in
Ecru, $69.95, from Designer Kidz. 4 The Natural Home by Wendyl
Nissen book, $39.25, from Booktopia. 5 Forrest dried flower wreath,
$140, from Bracken & Berry. 6 Wicka Camden tapered rattan basket,
$79.95, from Temple & Webster. 7 Bobbi kids’ gumboots in Chocolate
and Black, $79.95, from Merry People. 8 Garden Glory straw hat,
from $375, from Fiona Schofield Millinery. 9 Insignia diamond signet
ring, $720, from Sarah & Sebastian. 10 Linen Pinafore Pinny dress
in Mustard, $55.20, from Little Clothing Co Shop on Etsy.

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8

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CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 133

HE AVEN SCENT
CRISP OR FRUITY? WOODY OR ENERGISING? SURPRISE YOUR LOVED
ONES WITH A BEAUTIFUL NEW FRAGRANCE THIS CHRISTMAS.
PHOTOGRAPHY W ILL HOR NER PRODUCER & ST YLIST K ATE LINCOLN

BEAUTY

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Gucci Flora Gorgeous Magnolia EDP, $265 (100ml), from David Jones, combines patchouli essence,
magnolia essence and dewberry. Spring Flower, $399 (75ml), from Creed, pairs peach with jasmine and soft floral notes. Be
transported to exotic shores with Amouage Lineage’s heady mix of ginger, frankincense, pear and benzoin, $499 (100ml), from
Libertine Parfumerie. Tocca Maya EDP, from $74 (20ml), from Mecca, fuses florals such as wild iris, blackcurrant and patchouli.
Enjoy invigorating citrus and sweet pear in The 7 Virtues Lotus Pear EDP, $139 (50ml), from Sephora. Goldfield & Banks Sunset
Hour Perfume Concentrate, $239 (100ml), from Sephora, delivers a spicy aroma mixed with subtle florals. Made from 93 per cent
natural ingredients, Clarins Eau Ressourçante Treatment Fragrance, $80 (100ml), from Adore Beauty, features cardamom, clary
sage and iris. Chloé Atelier Des Fleurs Cedrus EDP, $207 (50ml), from David Jones, has a smoky, woody scent layered with musky
tones. Kayali Lovefest Burning Cherry 48, $129 (50ml), from Adore Beauty, offers an intoxicating blend of rose, black cherry and
bergamot. Fruity and delicious, Ellis Brooklyn Sweet EDP, from $51 (10ml), from Mecca, melds cashmere, orris and white amber.
BH Essentials Mini Mercury Glass Ornament Set in Silver, $249 (set of 24), from Balsam Hill. For a similar ribbon, try Dymocks.

CHRISTMAS 2023 COUNTRY STYLE 135

BOOK CLUB
IT’S A SUPERB YEAR FOR NEW RELEASES TO GIVE AS PRESENTS.
REVIEWS ANNABEL LAWSON

FOR THE GARDENER
NO DIG
Charles Dowding, Dorling Kindersley,
$59.99
Dowding’s first book came out
decades ago and it was about
gardeners’ myths; the theories that
soil scientists have since exposed
as false. For his 12th book, the
publishers have done him proud.
The book is beautifully bound in
linen with ultra-stylish woodcuts.
Dowding’s satisfaction shines
forth in every photo as he builds the
layers – “you don’t have to weed first”,
and mulches with compost – no extra
nutrients needed because they’re
there in the soil, which you leave
undisturbed so that fungi and
bacteria can do their alchemy.
Who knew that the efforts of the
virtuous with their spades could be
superfluous to requirement? Healthy
vegetables and sturdy flowers grow
with minimal energy expended.
There are detailed instructions
for 80 species.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT
FOR THE KEEN COOK
ANYTHING YOU CAN COOK,
I CAN COOK VEGAN
Richard Makin, Bloomsbury, $49.99
“Explore a world where vegans can
eat whatever they want”… of course,
it’s not true. Makin has the brio of
a voice-over pushing mops in ad
breaks. However, these recipes do
deliver colour, texture and variety.
If your present is for a complete
beginner, the Blackout Cake is where
they should start. (Blackout? Those
black window coverings during WWII
when butter and eggs – absent from
this recipe – were in extremely short
supply.) This squidgy, oozy number
can compete with a konditorei
sachertorte on Vienna’s Ringstrasse.

136 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

Makin prefaces each recipe with
a pep talk. And by the way, he’s
invented an ‘egg yolk’ formula which
forms a neat and glossy circle in the
pan atop a tofu wafer masquerading
as an egg white.

A BIOGRAPHY THAT
SETTLES THE SCORE
WIFEDOM
Anna Funder, Hamish Hamilton,
$36.99
Alone among the tonnage of fiction
that came out of WWII and the
Cold War, Orwell’s Nineteen Eightyfour still lingers. With AI inserting
itself into our homes, the spectre
of Big Brother has never been more
imminent. And an entire generation
of schoolgoers studied Animal Farm
in Year 12. So, a new biography of
George Orwell is always welcome.
Funder, a lawyer, has a novel
approach. She focuses on Orwell’s
wife, Eileen. The point of departure
was a cache of letters found by the
nephew of Eileen’s lifelong and
dearest friend, Norah Symes Myles.
In the first part of Funder’s
biography, Eileen and George tough
it out in a cottage without power.
George believes he is a genius. Eileen
believes he is a genius. Eileen gives
up her own research. She cooks,
cleans, and acts as George’s secretary.
The front room/shop which George
wrongly imagined would give them
an income must be supplied, the
bookkeeping kept up-to-date, and
someone must serve at the counter.
Who but Eileen?
So, she can’t slip away for respite
at her brother’s large house with its
eight servants. (Why is Eileen poor
and Laurence rich?) Then George
goes off to the Spanish Civil War.
Eileen went, too, and held down a key
post at HQ while George did his
unhelpful best in the trenches.

Eileen’s was one of three names on
Hitler’s Barcelona hit list. This
section of the story is electrifying.
You feel as though you’re there.
Funder has a further revelation.
Previous biographers have chosen
to believe that the unattributed
daring and competent feats in
George’s reports were his, but they
were, in fact, Eileen’s. (Not quite
fair of Funder to make this an act
of misogyny on George’s part:
anonymity was standard practice in
case a report fell into enemy hands.)
The last chapters are about Eileen’s
fate after she and George adopted
a baby boy, but were unable to care for
him due to her death at the hands of
an incompetent anaesthetist. George
searched for a replacement for the
Wonder Woman he’d hidden from the
public eye. No takers, until the end.
For his hospital wedding to Sonia
Brownell, George got out of his
pyjamas and into a velvet jacket. He
died three months later. Funder’s
expertise at joining up the dots and
filling in the blanks is a triumph.

FOR THE FRIEND WHO
HAS EVERYTHING
COLLECTING ART DECO:
FROM FINE ART TO
EPHEMERA
Peter Sheridan, Bakelite, $79.99
Sheridan collects not merely for
beauty and rarity, but to show how
the Art Deco movement, which
emerged in the 1920s, spilled over
into mundane objects such as Bakelite
radios and thermos jugs. Chic angles
and an upward thrust are the spirit
which drives Art Deco. Bakelite,
which could be moulded into any
shape and mass-produced cheaply,
is the quintessential medium.
At the other end of the spectrum,
signature items in crystal, bronze
and chryselephantine – a Lalique

BOOKS
Vintage French pine trunk, $420, from Dusty Luxe. Small resin
Christmas tree, $24.95, and large Christmas tree, $39.95, from
Alfresco Emporium. Burnished Metals ornament set, $699
(set of 35), from Balsam Hill. Gift wrap and ribbon, stylist’s own.

scent bottle, a sinuous topless chorine
– now fetch phenomenal prices.
However, posters and children’s
books are affordable collectables.
If you’re just an enthusiast, modern
copies of the distinctive jewellery
and ceramics are not hard to find.

OLD BRAND NEW:
COLOURFUL HOMES
FOR MAXIMAL LIVING
Dabito, Hardie Grant, $60
The first thing that strikes you when
visiting colder nations is rampant
colour. On the walls, blazing coral,
peacock blue, emerald green and
wallpaper with textured, giant motifs.
On the ceiling, patterns and dappling.
In the yard, concrete paving painted
white and then stencilled (a lot easier
than tiling) with bold grids and
dizzying asymmetries.
Will the colours clash? Won’t it
look cluttered? Will it pall? See for
yourself in Dabito’s new book. He calls
it “eclectic maximalism”. Gorgeous.

THE BOOKS FOR YOUNG
CHILDREN ARE
OUTSTANDING THIS YEAR
A PACK OF YOUR OWN

PHOTOGRAPHY ALANA LANDSBERRY STYLING KATE LINCOLN

Maria Nilsson Thore, Pushkin, $24.99
An unnamed dachshund loves fancy
hats, clever crosswords and the aroma
of coffee. He collects vintage sticks,
and on the wall there are half a dozen
premium bones – mounted. His
uppity tastes go down badly with the
dogs on the street. He is loooonely.
Then, one day there’s a knock on the
door. It’s a stranger – a poodle whose
attitude to life is blessedly similar to
the dachshund’s. They have so much
fun together. At night, the poodle goes
back to his own house, but he’ll be
there again in the morning.

LOST
Mariajo Ilustrajo, Frances Lincoln, $25
A polar bear finds himself in the
London Underground… no, this is
not the first line of a joke, it’s the first
page of a delicious piece of fiction

aimed at the very young. Everyone
on the Underground is looking down
at a phone. They ignore Bear. Then,
a little girl takes him to her house;
her mother, still staring at her phone,
is oblivious.
It’s lovely, but Bear wants to go
home to the North Pole. No problem.
With the help of her laptop, his new
friend organises a helicopter, which
takes Bear back in a sort of sling
hanging from the undercarriage.
His relatives and friends (note the
melting ice) are somewhat puzzled
by the toy rabbit Bear is clutching,
but overjoyed to have him back.

THIS ONE’S JUST FOR YOU...
THE LAST DEVIL TO DIE
Richard Osman, Penguin Viking,
$34.99
Total and utter bliss. Osman’s debut
novel, The Thursday Murder Club,
catapulted him to worldwide fame.
Audiences were baying for more. This
is the fourth in the series. Osman’s
four amateur sleuths, who operate out
of a retirement village, are complex

and portrayed with extraordinary
depth and awareness. Freed from
pressuring millennials and gen-Xers,
his ‘gang’ burn rubber and kick butt.
There’s Elizabeth, ex-MI6 who
carries a loaded gun and can break in
and enter without a warrant. Two cops
look on wistfully. Stephen, Elizabeth’s
beloved husband, is losing brainpower
week by week (the merry mayhem
pauses as we dip into this sad reality).
Joyce is a mixture of ditsy domestic
goddess and the one who reads a crisis
fast and knows intuitively what to do.
Ron is… well, Ron.
Psychiatrist Ibrahim still practises,
but before very long you’ll feel that
he shouldn’t. His patient, Connie,
masterminds crime from her prison
cell and their sessions are not so
much therapy as expert coaching
in underworld networking.
There are six deaths, only one from
natural causes. For one unpleasant
victim, no weapons, just brawn – hup!
and over the parapet. Whether his
killer goes down or goes free is only
one of the questions that will keep
you on the edge of your seat.

FIELD GUIDE

FIELD GUIDE

SUMMER FAVOURITE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

UNIQUE FINDS

Explore Zebrano’s collection of
new-season garments, including
the beautiful Lili Dress, designed for
sizes 14 and above. zebrano.co.nz

Gien tableware collection L’Archipel
Sentimental, designed by Jean-Charles
de Castelbajac, is available exclusively
at Côté Nord. @cote_nord

Monty and Moo stocks a gorgeous range
of Australian-made products, gift
items, and clothing in classic styles and
natural fibres. montyandmoo.com.au

DREAMY DESIGN

HAPPY FEET

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Sleep tight with Beddie’s cheerful
Flower Child range of 100 per cent
cotton bedding, packaged in reusable
drawstring bags. beddie.com.au

Inspired by nature, Glerups’ soft, warm
slippers, shoes and boots are made
from pure felted wool and come in
a range of colours. glerups.com.au

From New Year’s Eve on Sydney
Harbour to the spectacular sights of
Jerusalem Bay, experience True North’s
festive itinerary. truenorth.com.au

GARDEN DELIGHTS

FLOOR SHOW

FESTIVE SPARK

Cast in bronze in Australian foundries,
these life-size rooster and hen
sculptures make fun garden additions.
williewildlifesculptures.com.au

Interfloors’ Sisal fibres range,
including European Tortoiseshell Sisal,
pairs timeless style with hard-wearing
versatility. interfloors.com.au

Brighten up your Christmas Day with
the pure cotton Arabella nightie/dress
with four tiers and pockets. Available
in sizes XS-3XL. pjmiller.com.au

138 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY OLIVER OLDROYD

BROWSE OUR ADVERTISERS’ PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.
ES..

287 Comur Street, Yass, NSW
02 6226 1240

shop@merchantcampbell.com
www.merchantcampbell.com.au

For $10 off 1st order enter code: CSNOV23

gatheredgoods.com.au

Sustainable homewares and jewellery
handcrafted in the Hunter Valley

WALLYANDEVA.COM.AU

COUNTRY EMPORIUM

For unique and beautiful handmade
homewares, soft furnishings, jewellery and
gifts personally curated from around the
globe and around the traps

European Linens & Artisan Giftware

Elevate your Christmas with

Specialist suppliers of
genuine Italian ceramics.

brangayne’s 2017 méthode traditionelle.
837 Pinnacle Road, Orange NSW www.brangayne.com

rawhome.com.au

paradisoceramics.com.au

B U T T O N W O R K S
A U S T R A L I A

15% OFF
with code

ҴҸ

flavourfully australian

Acknowledging Australia’s unique culinary heritage

P rou d l y A us t r a l ia n M ade
H om e & G if tw ar e
w w w . b u t t o nw o rks. c o m .au

Indigenous Australian Ingredients + Traditional European Recipes = 21st Century Gourmet
www.timberwolffires.com.au

buttonworksaustralia

WWW.CURRONG.COM.AU

Eastbourne Art’s Designer range of Christmas Tea Towels.
100% linen. 50x70cm. View our everyday Homewares range.

doorbowco.com

www.eastbourneart.com.au

HOMESTOLOVE.COM.AU/COUNTRY-STYLE

CHRISTMAS 2023 COU
COUNTRY
NTRY ST Y LE 139

COUNTRY EMPORIUM

A luxurious range of knitwear
carolinegleesonwool

www.carolinegleeson.com.au

Zephyr, 50 Mary St, Noosaville and Eumundi Square, Eumundi Market
www.zephyrwares.com
1800 804 776
Zephyrloungewear

Comfort & Elegance
with Bay Road Clothes.

bayroadclothes.com.au

E
SUSTAINABL
FASHION

15% off for
first order:
CS15

Australian made Merino sleepwear direct from the farm.
Wholesale enquires welcome.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 02 9282 8369

sleepymerino.com.au

sleepymerino

COUNTRY EMPORIUM

AN AUSTRALIAN
BRAND QUALITY
C E I L I N G FA N

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Quietest ceiling fan in Australia

Visit 89 TAMWORTH STREET - DUBBO
P: 0427 830 033
W: FORAYDESIGN.COM.AU

FA N C I T Y 1 3 0 0 1 8 7 3 4 9 fa n s c i t y . c o m . a u
Free shipping Australia wide

L A K EE R
H
LEAT

Autumn

The Montauk Lighting Co.
brings Australia distinctive,
quality feature lighting,
created by acclaimed
international designers
including Ralph Lauren,
Kelly Wearstler and AERIN
through Visual Comfort,
along with Tom Dixon,
Haberdashery, Tigermoth
Lighting, Hudson Valley
Lighting and Authentage.
Let us help you
make a statement in light.
montauklightingco.com
08 9380 6239

VISIT LAKELEATHER.COM.AU TO
PERUSE OUR CAREFULLY
CURATED COLLECTION OF
QUALITY LEATHER GOODS,
CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

HOMESTOLOVE.COM.AU/COUNTRY-STYLE

Featuring the ‘Rivington’ Billiard
Chandelier by Ralph Lauren Home

THE

MO NTAUK
LI GH T I NG
C O.

CHRISTMAS 2023 COU
COUNTRY
NTRY ST Y LE 141

COUNTRY EMPORIUM

AUSTRALIAN MADE KNITWEAR

slow ethical
fashion

100% Cotton
Hand Block Prints

E: info@uimi.com.au
T: 03 9495 1746

uimi.com.au

wholesale
& retail

Noosa QLD & Mullumbimby NSW | 0412 246 550 | soulsonglife.com

TO ADVERTISE CALL 02 9282 8369

sustainable clothing & gifts | knitwear specialist

COUNTRY EMPORIUM

Linens - Cushions - Wallpapers

ethical | sustainable | curated

barbaraodonovandesign.au

open 7 days | fromdust.com.au |

from__dust

Use code countrystyle15
countrystyle15
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Sleepwear • 100% Cotton

www.damaskbedlinencollection.com

10% discount for all Country Style
customers, use code: CS10
blueduckhome.com

HOMESTOLOVE.COM.AU/COUNTRY-STYLE

blue_duck_home

CHRISTMAS 2023 COU NTRY ST Y LE 143

COUNTRY EMPORIUM

An Eclectic Collection
of Australian and
European Labels you
will love....
Designed and made in Australia.
Chantilly Lace Boutique houses
a unique collection of Australian
and European Labels, offering
timeless and statement pieces
for all occasions.
USE CODE COUNTRYSTYLELOVE AT
CHECKOUT TO RECEIVE 10% OFF

chantillylaceboutique.com

Pure linen and cotton
designs made for stylish
women of all ages.

P: 07 3424 5641 E: sales@daronne.com @daronnenaturelle
www.daronnenaturelle.com

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DRESSING
EVERY DAY
made EASY
Australian Made
Size 6 to 20
Natural f ibres
Curated Capsules

Timeless and refined
7 Alma RD, New Lambton, NSW
curiousandbrave.com.au

TO ADVERTISE CALL 02 9282 8369

littlecollinsclothing.com.au

willowandreed.com.au

COUNTRY EMPORIUM

Beautiful products for baby, child
& mama’ located Bathurst, NSW

lose yourself in a world of exploration and delightful discovery.
we have curated a collection of unique items to excite your senses.
visit us in historic kalbar – less than an hour from brisbane.

george st, kalbar, queensland · www.empirerevival.com.au
tutto b e l l o.com. a u

Eva Cassis
Australian Made Slow Clothing.
EUROPEAN FLAX, Oeko-Tex
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15%R̆\RXU
¿UVWRUGHU&60

www.evacassis.com.au

Wellness Enriched
ed
with Natural
mineral waters
HIGHLANDERMINERALS.COM.AU

Scan here and feel
the flow with our
Wellness playlist
on Spotify

New Season Arrivals in store and online
A range of beautifully designed
trans-seasonal items made well in
natural or breathable fibres.

Situated in two great Queensland bayside
locations, Cleveland and Manly.

labelsbythebay.com.au

HOMESTOLOVE.COM.AU/COUNTRY-STYLE

 



  



 

CHRISTMAS 2023 COU NTRY ST Y LE 145

COUNTRY EMPORIUM

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Authentic French
styled market
baskets for all your
carrying needs.

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2ducktrading.com.au

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Artisian block printed
gathered lampshade
for every home

TO INSPIRE THE
WANDERER AT HEART

Painting 1968-1972
© Successió Joan Miró

HOMEWARE

FRENCH DESIGN COLLECTIONS
HOMEWARES & FASHION
Tapis de Tarragona 1972
© Successió Joan Miró

10% discount
with code-

countrystyle10

pipandhaze.com.au

www.oceantostable.com
@oceantostable

presence
presen ceonlin e.com . au

www.jmpshop.com.au

A beautiful boutique in Hamilton country
Victoria offering a curated range of designer
women’s clothing, accessories & homewares.
presence_hamilton | presence.com.au
178 Gray St Hamilton VIC 3300 PH 03 5571 1669

TO ADVERTISE CALL 02 9282 8369

Outdoor Cushions by Jules Pansu I PARIS 1878
O
CÔTÉ NORD • FRENCH DESIGN STORE
181-193 High Street, Willoughby North NSW
0417 699 011 @cote_nord

sleep | wear | bath | gift

West Australian designers
+ makers of beautiful linen
bedding and clothing.
Our emphasis is on
timeless design.

10% off with code:
10COUNTRYSTYLE

betsyblonde.com

www.bedtonic.com

COUNTRY EMPORIUM

Creating distinctive
high-quality jewellery
using vintage objects and
gemstones combined with
traditional metalworking
techniques, Betsy
Blonde’s designer and
maker, Jaqueline Betsy
Lord, forges her diverse
products from within
Victoria’s lush Otway forest
on Gadubanud Country.

Pretty pj sets
Pretty French Country
in stock,
order now so you nighties, pure cotton
don’t miss out! nightshirts for men &

women, boxer shorts, shirts,
shirt dresses & more.

Behaves like a real diamond
Prices from $30

TRAVELJEWELS.COM.AU

Upstairs in the
Grand Arcade, Bowral
Open Mon – Fri 10am-1pm

www.pjmiller.com.au
Phone (02) 4862 2520

Women’s Fashion | Accessories | Shoes
www.evvecollective.com.au

112 Bathurst St CONDOBOLIN NSW
0427 098 931
@evvecollective

Brands we love
POL, Once Was, Kachel,
Trelise Cooper, M.A. Dainty
and so many more!

confettiemporium.com.au

UNIQUE BOUTIQUE STORES
Fashion, Accessories,
Nightware, Gifts,
Baby & Flowers

15% off
Use code
CS23

*minimum spend $50

Online | Montville | Mooloolaba
hello@bellecollectiveandco.com.au

www.bellecollectiveandco.com.au

HOMESTOLOVE.COM.AU/COUNTRY-STYLE

CHRISTMAS 2023 COU NTRY ST Y LE 147

COUNTRY EMPORIUM

MinT Gallery & Gift Shop
A unique collection of Tasmanian Makers

beautiful handcrafted sculptural sprinklers

QUALITY - UNIQUE - DESIGN

Bay of Fires Tasmania by Luke Websteri Images

Visit our website to see our quality
Tasmanian made collection

mintgallerysthelens.com

www.waterspirals.com

600mm/24”
Garden Frog Birdbath

Ideal for private, public & memorial gardens

“Multiple Award Winner”
at the Chelsea Flower Show, London
The Hive Gallery – Open 10-4pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Café Open until 3pm (Closed Sundays)

williewildlifesculptures.com.au

FLEXIBLE STEEL GARDEN
EDGING WHICH BENDS TO
VIRTUALLY ANY SHAPE FOR
LAWNS, DRIVES, PATHS,
FLOWER AND VEGETABLE BEDS.
EverEdge® is easy to install (no extra
pegs or joiners), suits all soil types and
is available in a variety of colours and
depths. EverEdge is made from 1.6 mm
gauge mild steel galvanised and powder
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www.everedge.com.au

The best
selection of
potted and
bareroot roses
Australian
agent for David
Austin, Delbard
and Barni roses

Order online on wagnersrosenursery.com.au or call us on 08 8739 3321
TO ADVERTISE CALL 02 9282 8369

COUNTRY EMPORIUM

ORDER
NOW FOR
CHRISTMAS
DELIVERY

GIVE THE GIFT OF,
BEAUTIFUL, NATURAL
HANDCRAFTED BASKETS
THIS CHRISTMAS FROM
WICKA, AUSTRALIA’S
PREEMINENT SOURCE OF
SUSTAINABLE STORAGE
AND HOMEWARES.

WICKA.COM.AU

Shop the Winter 23/24 Capsule Collection
Offering Free Shipping with Code: CSNOV

www.blancheski.com

From garden to apothecary; from our hands to yours.
@meadowsweet_farmhouse
meadowsweetfarmhouse.com.au

Australian Grown Merino Wool.
Smart, Sustainable & Machine Washable.

Beautiful lifestyle and
apparel products for the
whole family (& your
special furry friend)
made from natural and
COUNTRY15
sustainable wool.
for 15% off
your next full
priced purchase.
Valid until
29 Feb 2024.

Little Woollie
Makes
Yarn Store

Amazing yarns from around
the world, online and in store on
the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.

thewoollybrand

merinoandme.com

thewoollybrand.com.au

littlewoolliemakes.com.au

0491 944 821 | info@merinoandme.com

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For little people with big
dreams & wild hearts.
Our pieces reflect fun times
had on our beautiful Australian
countryside, that are designed
for play, special occasions, and
making beautiful memories.
littlewindmillclothingco.com

HOMESTOLOVE.COM.AU/COUNTRY-STYLE

Swings for all ages
Australian made since 1993
0414 551 895

www.swingz.com.au

PLANTABLE CARDS

CHRISTMAS 2023 COU NTRY ST Y LE 149

COUN TRY A ND COA STA L R ETR E ATS

Prestige Property | New South Wales

HOME & HEARTH

Vacation Stays
Discover a one-of-a-kind private estate nestled
within 105 acres of picturesque bushland
in the Central Coast Hinterland NSW.

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
PROPERTY EXPERTS
• Real Estate Sales
• B u y e rs A g e n t s
R u ra l , l i fe s t y l e & re s i d e n t i a l
• 2 5 y e a rs o f l o c a l e x p e r i e n c e
3 7 3 B o n g B o n g S t B o w ra l N S W 0 2 4 8 6 2 4 4 8 8
h o m e a n d h e a r t h p ro p e r t y . c o m . a u

Relax, Unwind and Rejuvenate
Only 15 minutes from Bathurst, but seemingly 1000
miles from anywhere, our stylish and comfortable
2 - bedroom private cottage accommodation, with full
kitchen, sunny verandah, and cosy outdoor fire put,
could very well be your next favourite country escape.

admin@theredhillnest.com.au | 0410 648 183

Mangrove Mountain - Central Coast Hinterland NSW

www.theredhillnest.com.au

ironbarkranchco.com

You’re welcome

WEDDINGS AT MOIRA.
Say ‘I do’ at our beautiful
homestead. Moira Station
weddings are infused with
rustic beauty, rich history and a
multitude of convenient spaces.
2636 Cobb Highway,
Mathoura, NSW, 2710
0407 093 111

moirastation.com.au

LUXURY HOSTED GETAWAY

Feel a thousand
miles away, enjoy
sophisticated country
living, and be amazed
by the world’s
widest canyon and
surrounding World
Heritage wilderness,
just over the Blue
Mountains from Sydney
in the Capertee Valley.
Break free for a unique
country getaway
bellebois.caperteevalley
bellebois.caperteevalley
11 Brymair Road, Bogee NSW 2849 | 02 6397 5700 | stay@bellebois.com.au | bellebois.com.au

TO ADVERTISE CALL 02 9282 8369

Close to The Bay of Fires,
4 star apartment style accommodation
55-59 Cecilia Street St.Helens,
TASMANIA Australia 7216
P: +61 427 122 655
E: info@72ec.com.au
W: bayof f iresapartments.com

For a tailored experience please contact us on: 0422 303 311, 02 6332 4447 | christine@bishopscourtestate.com.au

Bishops Court Estate, 226 Seymour Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | bishopscourtestate.com.au

IN LUXURIOUS COMFORT
AND UNIQUE STYLE

62 Byng Street Orange NSW 2800
P 02 5317 8200 | info@byngstreethotel.com.au
WWW.BYNGSTREETHOTEL.COM.AU

Heritage Accommodation | Creative Retreats
Art & Photography Tours | Weddings & Events
56 Main Street, Warooka, SA
ballararetreat.com.au

Terra Mia
at Macedon

terramia.com.au

If you’re seeking somewhere
relaxing and tranquil to
unwind, there’s no better
place than Terra Mia.

New South Wales | South Australia | Victoria

Stay

COUN TRY A ND COA STA L R ETR E ATS

intimate, charming and romantic, you’ll find bishop’s court estate,
a superb heritage property set in an acre of parkland gardens is
the perfect luxury regional wedding and elopement destination.

Macedon, Victoria | airbnb.com.au/h/terramia | email: info@terramia.com.au | Phone: 0417 370 989

HOMESTOLOVE.COM.AU/COUNTRY-STYLE

CHRISTMAS 2023 COU NTRY ST Y LE 151

E VA N DA L E - TASM A N I A

New project
previous owner of the
award winning
Red Feather Inn

Unique luxury accommodation, features every comfort and style, sleeps up to 10. Perfect for groups of friends or family wanting a memorable stay in a beautiful
location. Located in one of Tasmania’s most historic villages, adjacent to the popular Clarendon Arms pub. Eat, drink, stay. Four minutes from Launceston airport.
Charleston Cottage enquiries
& bookings - Clarendon Arms

www.clarendonarms.com.au

Tasmania | Queensland

COUN TRY A ND COA STA L R ETR E ATS

Charleston Cottage

CHRISTMAS
SPECIAL

10% OFF

BOOK NOW AND
TRAVEL LATER

Paronella Park Experience
& Taste of the Tablelands Tour
valid up until 31/3/2024

Luxury and Private Holiday Homes & Villas Creating exceptional holidays for more than 25 years

For Reservations 0499 506 576

BOOK DIRECT for BEST PRICE +61 7 4098 1418 | SUPPORTING AN AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS | executiveretreats.com.au

tropictours.com.au

TO ADVERTISE CALL 02 9282 8369

ON A RELAXED, SMALL-GROUP TOUR!
TOURS TO PUGLIA, THE ITALIAN LAKES
AND THE DOLOMITES IN 2024

Book now | info@italiantours.com.au | italiantours.com.au | 02 9358 4923

FRANCE 2024

Life is for Living.
Join us and Get out Here!

COUN TRY A ND COA STA L R ETR E ATS

Experience the best of Italy

Women Want Adventure

ULTIMATE SCOTLAND GOLF TOUR
20-31 May 2024
Guaranteed Old Course Tee Times
5 star, boutique, small group tour of 16 guests only

Escape & Explore

Looking to disconnect and recharge?
Swim with Whale Sharks and
snorkel vibrant coral reefs. Camp
on secluded beaches. Watch
breathtaking sunsets and experience
the magic of Ningaloo Reef.

hello@golfandtours.com | 02 9956 3866

www.womenwantadventure.com.au

HOMESTOLOVE.COM.AU/COUNTRY-STYLE

www.golfandtours.com

CHRISTMAS 2023 COU NTRY ST Y LE 153

COUN TRY SQUIRE

PROPHET TO PROFIT
YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED that it’s Advent calendar time
again. Don’t play dumb with me. Christmas Day used to be
the pinnacle of retail insanity until the advent of Advent.
We owe it to those intuitive retailers the Germans, who,
back in the 19th century, created an innocent-looking way
to stretch the Christmas spend-fest into an entire season.
In the days even before German ingenuity gave us the
self-propelled wheelchair, the Aldi discount supermarket
chain, the diesel engine, and bratwurst in beer with
onions, German protestants created a way to count down
the whole month leading up to Christmas.
The January Feast of Epiphany was known as Advent
from the Latin word for “arrival”, referring to Christmas
and the coming of Christ – now better known as the coming
of Santa. A pictorial calendar featuring doors, drawers,
cupboards or windows, each labelled with a December
date, could be prised open to reveal a celebratory gift
– a delicacy, a toy, a gratuity, a treat… or even a portrait
of the very member of Santa’s men’s shed who would be
personally selecting the contents of your Christmas
stocking. I can still picture the little bugger who rewarded
me with an uplifting holy text to add excitement to the
spirit of Christmas.
The Advent calendar strikes a particular chord with
me this year because my doctor and my pharmacist
have conspired to make me the recipient of something
called a Webster-pak. The Webster-pak, a sort of Advent
calendar for those who aren’t travelling too well, is
They won’t do much to perpetuate the spirit of Christmas,
prepared by a pharmacy group working in conjunction
but they’re great for liver function and blood clots.
with hospitals and doctors to dispense prescriptions
The modern Advent calendar is different, too. Early
for the treatment of those with long-term conditions
Advent calendars were explicitly focused on the Christmas
and short-term memories.
story. The German Protestants would
NT
ADVE
Some decades ago – if I had
collect straw to place on a nativity crib
“TODAY, THE
been a good boy – I would be
or hope to receive tiny candles to help
CALENDAR CONCEPT
allowed to approach the Advent
HAS BECOME A POPULAR decorate a simple shrine.
calendar and open the window for,
Today, the Advent calendar concept
MARKETING DEVICE.”
say, December 15. If a picture of
has become a popular marketing
cinnamon shortbread stars appeared, I could go to the
device – even at the luxury end of the market. Skincare
biscuit barrel containing the aforementioned stars to
products, perfumes and jewellery all appear on Advent
snaffle one… and perhaps even two.
calendars to promote the launch of new ranges. US retailer
But, in much the same way that the coming of Santa
Saks Fifth Avenue offers 18 high-end calendars with
has replaced the coming of Christ, the Webster-pak treat
prices ranging from $65 to $3500.
has changed somewhat. Today, for instance, the WebsterHowever, with inflation clouds gathering, the economy
pak’s 28 little transparent windows tempt me with such
may have one more twist. The next generation of Advent
goodies as 5mg of Amlodipine, 5mg of Apixaban, 30ml
calendars may yet feature December dates printed on
of Lactulose, and 5mg of Saxagliptin… to name but a few.
boarded-up windows. But the season goes on…

154 COUNTRY STYLE CHRISTMAS 2023

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY ABBIE MELLE
BACKGROUND PHOTOGRAPHY SAM MCADAM-COOPER STYLING PHOEBE MCEVOY

COMMODIFYING CHRISTMAS IS AN
AGE-OLD TRADITION, SAYS ROB INGRAM.