When I first viewed Starre Corner I could instantly see that it would dress up perfectly for Christmas - one of my house hunting requirements and it has most definitely met up to its promise - Starre Corner definitely comes alive at Christmas. With small sash windows, low ceilings and limited winter daylight Starre Corner benefits from the joy of sparkly fairy lights, shiny glass Christmas tree decorations, twinkling crystal glasses in candlelight and green winter foliage filling the air with familiar nostalgic fragrances of Christmas' past.
Just like my elegantly knackered interior style my Christmas interior continues in the same vein. There is no last minute dash to pick up new decorations in the latest pantone colour but in preference antique and vintage baubles are rediscovered in the Christmas cupboard and old faithful table linens and mismatched tableware adorns the table along with homemade crackers and colourful candles. Christmas at Starre Corner is a very simple, relaxed, elegantly knackered affair with the aim of creating a laid back, warm and welcoming occasion with no air or graces.
Preparation is key to achieving a laid back Starre Corner style Christmas; Christmas cake is made in September followed by Christmas pudding in October. Handmade crackers are created in November, door wreath in early December with my daughters and I making handmade decorations if time and creativity allows. By the time December arrives I hope to enjoy all the local merriment and festivities on offer; Christmas tree festival in my local church, National Trust Christmas garden lights, trips to the theatre..... It's these little personal handmade touches and time spent making things with my family which go into making a Starre Corner Christmas magical and seamlessly effortless and maintaining the relaxed, comfortable, welcoming style I aspire to.
As a family we have developed Christmas traditions which we all share and enjoy and have missed some this year, living in the shadow of COVID restrictions. A visit to the small old fashioned cinema in town followed by a visit to the Christmas tree festival for mulled wine and mince pies normally sparks my Christmas spirit.
The Christmas tree involves a family visit to a nearby Christmas tree farm for lots of deliberation over which one is the best tree. Of course we always come home with one which is far too big. When I married my husband I married Mr Christmas and he came with his antique and vintage glass Christmas tree decorations. Not using them on the Christmas tree was never and option. Upon returning home from the Christmas tree farm my husband heads up operation Christmas tree. As a family we carefully unwrap each glass decoration and shrill with delight when we find unwrap our forgotten favourites.
The Sunday before Christmas is always party day; we throw open the doors to our local friends and neighbour as a thank you for all their support and friendships. It's lovely to see Starre Corner buzzing with merriment and festive cheer. Drinks flow, nibbles devoured and the feeling of Christmas envelops us. As much as I love the peace and tranquillity of day to day life at Starre Corner I love entertaining and letting others experience the warmth and characterful charm my little cottage has to offer.
After the party atmosphere fades away we enjoy a small intermate Christmas meal on Christmas Eve. Old table linens, mismatched china, candles, crystal glasses, and winter herbs dress the table in anticipation of a feast fit for kings in celebration and thanks for all the local farmer and food producers who work hard all year to offer us this bountiful feast.
A true feeling of pending hibernation washes over me over the festive season reminiscent of a book I read as a child; Brambly Hedge Winter. Every year is the same - the log store is topped up and fireside buckets are full to the brim with wood, coal and natural firelighters. Every nook and cranny is cleaned and dusted ready to hunker down in comfort and blankets and piled up near comfy chairs to keep the winter chill at bay. This along with festive decorations make for a most wonderful homely and slightly elegantly knackered Starre Corner Christmas.
Watch a video on a Starre Corner Christmas https://youtu.be/HD9PIlx5fPQ
Cottage Core Cabin
Cabin Core
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