CREATING NEW TRADITIONS
How will you prepare your home for the festivities this year? The more of our readers we speak to, the more we realise how many of you bring out your most treasured possessions to enjoy at Christmas. Whether it’s the best silver, the crystal glasses or the vintage baubles, these are often handed down through generations and never fail to rekindle fond memories from childhood – but it can also be refreshing to use or display them in new ways.
This issue, we’ve come up with some on-trend ideas for your antique and vintage favourites, allowing them to take centre stage in a contemporary scheme (p48). Elsewhere, we bring you a wealth of decorating inspiration, from five homes brimming with ideas (starting on p56), to wreaths and decorations that are simple to make with foraged greenery (p131). And don’t miss our guide to choosing antique, vintage and unique gifts (p35), our tips on buying antique and rare books as presents (p114) and our round-up of the best European markets for Christmas shopping (p137).
We hope this issue gets you into the festive spirit, and maybe also inspires some new traditions of your own! Wishing you a merry Christmas from all at Homes & Antiques.