Stylist Kate Alexander creates the perfect Christmas Day
The frenzy of the festive season is left at the front door at Kate Alexander’s place. Inside, there’s a table adorned with platters piled with fruity jelly and glittery baubles that sends out good vibes all round. The stylist has spent years perfecting her colourful approach to the holidays that’s equal parts dazzling and laidback Kiwi cheer. “I love being with people who also get into the Christmas spirit,” Kate says. She adores adding a creative touch to all parts of the Christmas experience, from the pastel-themed table setting to the prettily wrapped presents for friends and family underneath the tree.
How do you and your family like to celebrate Christmas?
On Christmas Day it’s all about gathering to eat. But the planning and excitement is also part of the tradition. We share ideas about food and I’m usually in charge of table decorations. For the kids, I still do Santa sacks, even though they are both teenagers now. In the weeks before Christmas, I try to do something creative – whether that’s baking or wrapping gifts.
How do you get into the Christmas spirit?
I love being out with people who are also into the Christmas spirit. Every year I try a bit of online shopping, but it doesn’t have the same buzz. I also love wrapping presents and writing messages to each person. I also deliver a gift to my clients, which is a fun way to connect with people I haven’t seen in a while.
What colours and styles have caught your eye this Christmas?
My eye always goes to the bright and fun (Typo is great for that). I spied some fabulous, almost psychedelic decorations at Marks & Spencer, which are winging their way here. Urban Outfitters is also my go-to – they always have something unexpected. It amazes me how many variations there are and there seems to be a Christmas decoration for every personality now.
What’s your perfect Christmas meal?
Light, fresh and vegetarian. Fun and communal with many courses, so the meal lasts as long as possible.
What advice would you give to others for helping capture that festive magic?
Capture your guests’ imagination by going deep into a theme. Have fun with it. Add things that make them feel special. Last year I made deconstructed Christmas crackers – each setting had a small wrapped gift, a flower garland for their head and a question they had to ask the group.
What’s your process for decorating the tree?
Start with the lights by winding them around, then add other garland-type decorations. Next, add large baubles or ornaments and finally the smaller ones. I step back after every item is put on the tree to ensure the colour and size looks balanced, and to find the next gap to fill.
What are some of your favourite ornaments this season?
Farmers has the perfect white baubles – timeless and simple. I spotted a purple glittery clamshell by Sunnylife that would be fun for a beach-themed tree.
What’s on your wish list this Christmas?
A pale blue glass banana by Devyn Ormsby, I collect bananas. Any candle by the Virtue – the scents are transformative, and a new journal – I go through journals like toilet paper.
Setting the perfect table
Choose a theme. Put the basics on the table first, such as plates and glasses, then figure out how much space you have for decorations. I often put the food on another table, so the eating table has more room.
Don’t have anything too high that will get in the way of conversation. Anything taller than a glass should be kept slim, such as a candle.
Tables look good with a garland, something long to wind around the individual items to bring it all together, it might be foliage or a string of lights.
I like to add something fun to start a conversation – perhaps the name tags also have a poem or a question to pose.
Styling by: Kate Alexander. Photography by: Kate Battersby.
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