The Weekly Edit

I know December can feel like a whirlwind. Between the shopping, the cooking, the decorating, and the endless to-do lists, it's easy to lose sight of what Christmas is really about—connection, warmth, and time with the people you love.

The truth is, you don't need a magazine-worthy home or a three-course meal prepared from scratch to create a beautiful Christmas. Some of my favourite festive moments have been the simplest ones—a table lit by candlelight, a recipe that tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen (but didn't), and the gentle ritual of pausing when everything feels chaotic.

This week, I'm sharing the shortcuts that actually work. The tricks that make your table look stunning without the stress. The recipes that taste incredible with minimal effort. And the simple rituals that keep you calm when the season gets busy.

Because here's the thing: Christmas is about connection, not perfection. It's about showing up for the people you love, creating moments that matter, and enjoying the season—not surviving it.



So let's make this Christmas easier, more beautiful, and so much more enjoyable.

1. Table Style Hacks

Your table is the heart of Christmas gathering. It's where conversations happen, where memories are made, and where people feel welcomed. The good news? You don't need fancy florals or complicated centrepieces to create something beautiful—especially when you have the gift of a summer Christmas.

Start with soft lighting. As the sun sets later into the evening, candlelight becomes magical. String lights strung overhead create warmth and intimacy.  Choose a simple colour palette: soft whites and sage green, cream and coral, or navy and gold. Layer your textures with summer in mind—linen napkins, wooden placemats, glass, ceramics. Add fresh summer flowers and greenery: dahlias from your garden, eucalyptus, ferns, or native foliage scattered loosely.

Think about the light and air of summer. Your table should feel like an extension of the season—fresh, bright, alive. Use lighter fabrics and brighter tones, and let the natural summer light be part of your design.



The magic isn't in the expense; it's in the thoughtfulness. A table set with intention, lit by candlelight, with fresh summer elements and natural textures—that's what makes people feel cherished.

2. Everyone Will Ask?

Let me share a secret: some of the most impressive dishes are the ones that look like you've spent all day cooking but actually took 20 minutes!

A stunning grazing board is my go-to. Arrange quality ingredients on a beautiful wooden board or slate—good cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, nuts, olives, crusty bread. Add a few homemade touches: candied nuts, a small bowl of honey, fresh herbs scattered about. It looks abundant and thoughtful, and honestly, assembly is the hardest part.

Or try a baked dip that arrives warm and impressive. Layer cream cheese, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of parmesan in a small cast iron or baking dish. Bake until bubbly. Serve with crackers or bread. People will ask for the recipe, and you can honestly say it took you 10 minutes to prepare.

The key is choosing quality ingredients and presenting them with intention. Your guests don't need complicated; they need to feel like you've thought about them. A beautiful board or a warm, flavourful dip does exactly that.



Bring it in something special—a cast iron, a beautiful dish, a wooden board—and suddenly it feels like a labour of love, even though it wasn't.

 3. Create Calm

Here's what I've learned: the busier December gets, the more important it is to create moments of calm. Not because you're weak or can't handle it, but because your guests will feel whatever energy you're holding.

If you're frazzled, they'll feel it. If you're present and calm, they'll feel that too.

So here's my ritual: when the chaos creeps in—when there's too much noise, too many tasks, too many people—I pause. I step outside for five minutes, or I light a candle, or play soothing Christmas jazz softly in the background.

Create small rituals throughout the day. A morning coffee in quiet before everyone wakes. A fifteen-minute walk. Lighting a candle with a scent you love. Putting on music that makes you smile. These aren't luxuries; they're necessities.

When you show up calm and present, everything else—the imperfect table, the simple recipe, the messy house—becomes beautiful. Because beauty isn't about perfection. It's about intention and presence.

4. Katy's Mini Edit

My Favourite Christmas...

...is the excitement building as we draw closer. The last of the shopping, the festive food and drinks, wrapping presents with Christmas music on rotation. There's this magical anticipation in the air—everything feels possible and full of joy.

A Christmas Trick

 Prep your table the night before. Gather foliage, set it beautifully, fold the napkins. On the day, you're just adding fresh flowers and lighting candles. It takes the pressure off and means you can actually enjoy your guests instead of stressing about setup.

Can't Wait For...

Packing for camping—remembering all the key items (and some of the unnecessary ones that make camping that much more enjoyable). Because that means summer holidays are only days away. I'm on the countdown!