For some people Christmas comes around all too soon, but for others, it can neither be too soon or too often. Jacquie, or ‘Kitty’ as she is now more commonly known, definitely belongs to the latter category, which is probably just as well, because all things Christmas and indeed Easter, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or really any kind of celebration are her business.

TEST There’s Christmas cheer aplenty in the hallway

There’s Christmas cheer aplenty in the hallway

TEST A huge wreath tied with a wide red and white ribbon welcomes visitors

A huge wreath tied with a wide red and white ribbon welcomes visitors

TEST Festive treats are laid out on the living room coffee table

Festive treats are laid out on the living room coffee table

TEST A striking silvery white Christmas tree is illuminated by frosty blue fairy lights and hung with crystal snowflakes, silver ice skates and milky white snowmen

A striking silvery white Christmas tree is illuminated by frosty blue fairy lights and hung with crystal snowflakes, silver ice skates and milky white snowmen

TEST “I love cooking and entertaining,” Kitty confirms. “They’re not just for show, we always have friends and family here over the holiday, so I shall have to get cracking soon. My birthday is on Boxing Day too, so we always have a double celebration”

“I love cooking and entertaining,” Kitty confirms. “They’re not just for show, we always have friends and family here over the holiday, so I shall have to get cracking soon. My birthday is on Boxing Day too, so we always have a double celebration.”

TEST A console table is covered with a red and white gingham runner and a three-tiered sweetmeat stand displays a collection of large baubles as well as a red and white stripy-stockinged peg doll

A console table is covered with a red and white gingham runner and a three-tiered sweetmeat stand displays a collection of large baubles as well as a red and white stripy-stockinged peg doll

TEST The dining table in the living room is laid with Christmas crockery as well as cranberry glasses and a gold tablecover strewn with faux berries and silver stars

The dining table in the living room is laid with Christmas crockery as well as cranberry glasses and a gold tablecover strewn with faux berries and silver stars

TEST Juicy tangerines and mince pies sprinkled with glitter await guests nestled together on Kitty’s Christmas crockery

Juicy tangerines and mince pies sprinkled with glitter await guests nestled together on Kitty’s Christmas crockery

TEST

TEST The sitting room window is draped with Christmas bunting, while on the counter in the kitchen, the festive baking books and bowls are at the ready

The sitting room window is draped with Christmas bunting, while on the counter in the kitchen, the festive baking books and bowls are at the ready

TEST

TEST Kitty’s children’s room is just as colourful as you might expect, and of course, has its own Christmas tree

Kitty’s children’s room is just as colourful as you might expect, and of course, has its own Christmas tree

TEST The bed in the master bedroom is covered with an Italian handmade quilt festooned with vivid pink and red blousy roses on one side and delicate rosebuds on the reverse

The bed in the master bedroom is covered with an Italian handmade quilt festooned with vivid pink and red blousy roses on one side and delicate rosebuds on the reverse

TEST Kitty’s workroom is home to birthday and Christmas cards adorned with paper cut-outs and vintage mother-of-pearl buttons as well as neatly arranged envelopes, ribbons, crisp tissue paper and shiny Cellophane

Kitty’s workroom is home to birthday and Christmas cards adorned with paper cut-outs and vintage mother-of-pearl buttons as well as neatly arranged envelopes, ribbons, crisp tissue paper and shiny Cellophane

TEST There's no shortage of pretty ribbons

There's no shortage of pretty ribbons

  • Botanical Florist Seal 01732761500
  • Coldbreath Butchers Seal 01732761040

  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether
  • styling: Lucy Fleming

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