Christmas

Creative ways to wrap a gift voucher

What's a Christmas feast without the snap of a cracker?

Elf on the Shelf is an entertaining way to count down to Christmas (and keep the kids behaving).

You may want to take notes from these very merry interiors.

Interior designer Catherine Evans shares her Christmas decorating tips.

Uninhibited use of colour and pattern delivers a home that’s merry and bright – and not just at Christmas

No old, battered tins of shortbread in sight, thanks.

Keep your fresh or potted Christmas tree looking its best throughout the festive season!

If a real Christmas tree isn't available to you this year, try one of these alternatives.

A perfectly composed cheeseboard is the perfect finish to any meal these holidays. Or, skip the main and go straight to the cheese

Light up your holiday spirit with these festive candles that smell as good as they look.

From puzzles to candles, plant pots with faces and funky coasters, here are 20 gifts under $50 to give (or put on your wish list) this year

Let there be light this Christmas

Count down to Christmas with these gorgeous advent calendars

Capture the magic of the holiday season with these festive decoration ideas.

Impress even the pickiest of recipients with these Christmas gift ideas.

This selection of small but perfectly formed prezzies all fall within a $30 budget.

Stumped for a gift? Try these thoughtful Christmas presents We’ve collated some of the best Christmas gift ideas that anyone would love. For those who desire a thoughtful experience or love all things beauty and homewares, these great gifts will help you tick off your Christmas shopping list. Beauty of Christmas Clinically proven, sustainably packaged, […]

Christmas spent together – that’s the real bargain, but you can also make it a stylish dining experience that won’t break the bank with The Warehouse Set the scene for a cherished festive meal with a beautiful seasonal tablescape. Not only will the table be a feature of the many Christmas photos (#Xmas 2023), it’s […]

Gifts they’ll love that don’t break the bank  Are you seeking an affordable yet thoughtful gift for your loved ones this Christmas? These gifts under $50 will delight and impress your friends, family and co-workers. Whether they’re home decor enthusiasts, beach holiday lovers, food connoisseurs or appreciate life’s little luxuries, we have something for everyone. […]

‘Tis the season for a beautifully decorated tree! As we count down to the most wonderful time of the year, it’s time to start thinking about one of the celebration’s highlights: Christmas tree decorations. If you’re wondering how to decorate a Christmas tree to make it the star of your home, we have you covered.  […]

Danish interior design shop owner Ann-Sophie Ulka’s home is decorated in colours that give lots of positive energy. Come December she dials up the festive cosiness factor with beautiful and feminine pastels Meet & Greet Ann-Sophie Ulka Faust (entrepreneur and owner of the interior shop Fabrek), her husband Kasper (CEO of Fabrek) and their sons, […]

Gina Fabish is always on the lookout to create Christmas magic for her family. The scene in their 100-year-old villa living room is a festive one, from the robin’s egg blue wrapped presents under the tree to the warm glow of the candles adorning the character-feature fireplace and the green garland that drapes over the […]

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 […]

Fun for the young ’uns The kids will have so much fun with these gifts from Santa.

Start with a backdrop of creamy, dreamy white, then layer in rich shades of cafe au lait and burnt toffee to create warmly welcoming festive decor. Complete the easygoing feel with decorations made from dried leaves, flowers and grasses Sweet treat Decorating the table for the Christmas feast with family and friends is always a […]

Choose something that serves a purpose and gets a job done For the person who prefers to have something they need on their list, not wants.

Luxury is about wants and pampering, not needs From pampering presents, gorgeous jewels to luxe bed socks these gifts are perfect for your mum, aunt or grandma.

Decorate your gifts with as much care as you did in choosing them, then watch as eyes light up on spying these perfect offerings Crepe paper is vastly underrated. Cheerful and bright, we’ve pushed it to its decorative limit and got the very best out of it by fashioning tassels, fringes and twirls for Christmas […]

White, gold, blue, pink or traditional green – branch out with a new specimen this year From fluffy pines to bold blue and soft pinks, if you’re in the market for a new Christmas tree, these are our top picks! Birch forest LED light tree, $329, from Galtons Christmas World. Home of Christmas 2.4m majestic […]

Fill them with treats the family will actually love. The highlight of any Christmas lunch – aside from the ham – is arguably the Christmas bon bons. With the budget already stretched on presents and food, why not save yourself a little by fashioning your own crackers? Not only will these give your table a […]

A Christchurch mum has turned a favourite holiday tradition into a business that spices up the lives of Kiwi families at Christmas As the holiday season draws closer, Hilary Bothwell turns on her oven, ready to get into the swing of things. The Christchurch confectioner is the founder of The Gingerbread Company, serving up gorgeous […]

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas present? Here’s some inspiration that will surprise and delight A bunch of happiness The Wild Rose specialises in locally grown and market fresh flowers that can be delivered New Zealand wide. With unique Flower Gift Boxes that come with your choice of personalised cookies, bubbles, video messages and […]

Christmas is a time when all the family get together to celebrate the festive season. Here’s what to plant, sow and grow before the masses descend Your checklist for getting the garden in shape for the festive season: Step-up deadheading of flowers. This removal of fading blooms means the energy that the plants would have […]

Get set for Christmas with a setting to impress for less Tap into new style this holiday season, whether you’ll be gathering around the dining table or in the sun by the barbecue, the picnic table, or the pool. Dazzle with colourful tableware No matter how the roast potatoes turn out, your Christmas feast will […]

Have a great day in the countdown to Christmas with an advent calendar Christmas-lovers rejoice, the countdown to the big day is nearly here!  If making your own advent calendar isn’t quite your idea of fun, these advent calendars will be sure to make the Christmas countdown almost as fun as the actual day. Gisela […]

Gifts under $10 for smiles all round Everyone will wish you were their secret santa with one of these picks! Avobath bath bomb, Big Blue bath bomb, Creamy Candy bubble bar, from $9 (each), from Lush. Tiger cushion, $5, from Kmart. Pūwherowhero coaster, $7.90, from Iko Iko. Urban Gardener soy blend fragrant candle, $9, from […]

An Auckland restored villa has blossomed over the past three years and is now the merriest of places to be for the Goddard family. For Josh and Fiona Goddard, Christmas this year will be their most exciting yet. For the first time, they get to celebrate as a family of four, including adorable toddler Billie […]

In artist Maiko Nagao Irvine’s newly renovated home DIY comes naturally – as do the Christmas decorations In 2018 Maiko Nagao Irvine and Mike Irvine’s Birkdale home in Auckland graced the cover of Your Home and Garden magazine. Small, cosy and filled with Maiko’s ingenious DIY projects and interior hacks, it was perfect for their […]

Decking the halls is a great mood enhancer, so try some of these on for size Throw some shade The creatives of the world will always seek to find new ways to represent the Christmas tree. This is a brilliant and easy take on it. Take five parasols and fix them in various states of […]

Looking for a cracking gift to give the foodie in your life this year? Here are 10 delicious ideas we know they’ll have on their wish list Clockwise from top left: Beldi tapered wine glasses in cobalt, $13 (large) and $13.50 (champagne), from Father Rabbit. Pallares Solsona kitchen knives, from $50, from Father Rabbit. 28cm […]

Celebrate the Yuletide in classic Christmas style Left to right: Winter Wonderland rocking horse decoration, $8.99, from Adairs. Home of Christmas pear shaped finial tree decoration in red, $7.99, from Farmers. Home of Christmas glass circus bauble, $19.99, from Farmers. Home of Christmas glass deco finial in gold, $14.99, from Farmers.  Left to right: Home […]

Whether it’s dripping with orchids, peppered with hydrangeas, completely adorned with sunny-coloured flowers or decorated with the dried variety, these five floral Christmas trees are blooming with inspiration  We are so lucky to enjoy beautiful summer flowers at Christmas time. Jess Britten’s floral Christmas tree uses hydrangea, cosmos, dahlias, scabious, achillea, delphinium and cow parsley […]

Subdued greens and curvaceous, organic shapes create an understated natural Christmas style that is both relaxing and joyful Deck the halls For a modern interpretation of the traditionally bright and bold garland, wind strands of delicate foliage (olive branches look lovely) around handrails or curtain rods. A trail of thoughtfully wrapped gifts tied with sumptuous […]

As the weather warms in the Antipodes, a nature-loving interior designer and her family in Sussex celebrate the cosy pleasures of an English Christmas When searching for zero cost, sophisticated festive styling ideas, interior designer Maria Le Mesurier, the creative force behind WoodEdit, likes to make her home Christmas ready using nature’s best. “Dressing our […]

Ditch the plastic and enjoy the thrill of the Christmas countdown with a DIY advent calendar that’s choc-filled with festive activities

Make gifting presents personal this year and try out these simple wrapping alternatives 1. In fabric With scarves currently trending and some gorgeous versions readily available in shops, these make the perfect, stylish wrapping. Find a small box and place your voucher inside. Fold the scarf into a triangle shape and place the box in […]

A tired-looking bungalow is given a fun-loving touch, resulting in a home that boasts creative colour and easy flow for a young family If there’s one thing about renovating, it’s that – if done right – a little can go a long way to creating a functional home that is pleasing to the eye. When […]

Deck the walls, bake Santa some biscuits, wrap the presents but above all decorate and craft like your life depends on it. Here’s our guide to the two weeks before Christmas. Day 14: Decorate the tree Whether your tree is living or re-usable, perfect symmetry is the name of the game and lights should be […]

According to a gift-wrapping expert. Part of the magic of Christmas is the sight of beautifully wrapped presents nestled under a tree, so what do you do when you inevitably come across a strangely-shaped gift? Here, we share our top tips on how to wrap awkwardly shaped Christmas gifts, from an expert. When it comes […]

Candy-coloured hues stand-in for traditional red and green to ignite festive feelings and summery celebrations The traditional green and red or frosted white and gold colours may call forth those Yuletide feelings and prompt the need to break into raucous rounds of carols, yet we can’t help but feel our summery Kiwi Christmas deserves something […]

Everyone has a spare ladder hanging out in the garage. Drag it out, it has a Christmas role to play this year. Erena Te Paa shows us how A wooden ladder is the perfect fit for this minimalist, handcrafted look. Make sure it has rungs on both sides. Fasten fishing wire to your chosen baubles […]

The perfect frosty craft project for little ones! Fact: the festive season is more fun when you drape your home with Christmas decorations – and never more so than when they’re homemade!  To lend a frosty, traditional Christmas feel to your home, why not make some paper snowflake decorations. There are plenty of ways to […]

You could be mistaken for thinking this is an artwork. In fact, it’s an advent calendar that you can plant. Here’s how you can make your own Stylist Erena Te Paa is known for her unforced but incredibly elegant modern style. Her home is her calling card – all natural ease and welcoming spaces. Your […]

December is filled with decorating, shopping, dining and entertaining. To help make the festive season a little less stressful, we’ve rounded up 10 Christmas hacks to help get you through 1. Hacks to keep your tree alive Make sure your tree makes it to the 25th still looking fresh and perky by giving the trunk […]

Channel the beach and seaside bliss in this simple, yet beautiful, natural Christmas look A single repeated decoration on the tree echoes the simplicity of this room decorated in calm greys and rich woven texture. The mood A few simple touches make this neutral sage and cream living room feel festive without disturbing the atmosphere […]

Hang them on your wall, door or tree, these 10 DIY Christmas garlands are easy to make and will add a bit of chic festive spirit to your home 1. Christmas pudding garland Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned Christmas pud? Even if it doesn’t make it onto your Christmas table, this time-honoured festive desert […]

Heritage style meets contemporary cool in a spacious and airy home where heirlooms mix easily with modern design classics Meet + Greet Jess Britten, 29 (stay-at-home mum, formerly in PR and events), Warren Durling, 32 (chief operating officer of Dovetail Studios), and Stevie, 1. Tree styling tips Lights first and plenty of them! Nothing says […]

Channel natural materials, sunset colours and home-made decorations for this relaxed boho Christmas style. Check out how to get the look below Create a relaxed Christmas morning vibe with handmade details and plenty of cushions for lounging. The tree To go with the natural materials and boho vibe of this 1970s-style space, we paired rattan […]

You’ll be blushing when you see this elegant pink and gold Christmas style. Play it up with powder pink flowers for the tree and silk ribbons on all your gifts Powder pinks, shiny gold and soft white are a recipe for elegance and warmth. Set it all aglow with candles and fairy lights. The mood […]

Fi suggests some pre-loved goods that would make ideal presents – and reveals her favourite places to go hunting for them Let’s face it, not everyone likes vintage shopping, or has the time or ability to source the good stuff, so why not put your op-shopping skills to work on behalf of friends and family, […]

Everyone deserves the gift of a quiet moment, especially after the Christmas rush For those who need to rest and relax over the Christmas break, these 20 gift ideas are just the thing. Take a look below: [related_articles post1=”111761″ post2=”111742″]

For those who love to ponder, wander and create, these gifts will surprise and delight Treat the traveller, the creator or the ponderer in your life with one of these 22 gift ideas. From sweet pencil cases to inspiring books and even a chic terrazzo yoga mat, these gifts are sure to do the trick. […]

From blue branches to floating trees made from baubles, our favourite stylists and creatives share their Christmas style secrets and how they’re decorating their Christmas trees this year Erena Te Paa The queen of elegant, beautifully executed DIY projects has proved once again why she holds this title. Erena Te Paa‘s floating Christmas tree is […]

Gorgeous homeware for the homebody or interiors obsessive (even if that happens to be you) Stuck for what to get the interior lover and the homebody in your life? They’ll love any one of these 21 gift ideas, take a look below: [related_articles post1=”87096″ post2=”87028″]

Say ‘so long!’ to sparkly red and green – channel a contemporary Christmas theme with a touch of terrazzo Timeless terrazzo in shades of brown and beige adds an earthy feel to a neutral yet welcoming space. The tree We’re still loving the trend for all things terrazzo so made some air-dried clay decorations with […]

Wrap this year’s presents in beautiful reusable packaging for a luxe feel and minimal Christmas waste 1. Fabric wrap The Japanese wrapping method (furoshiki) can be adjusted to suit gifts of all shapes. Any pretty fabric works, or a use a scarf or a linen napkin that will form part of the gift. Slip a […]

Fun present ideas for the young and the young at heart From games to craft projects, these cute 21 gifts are just what the young at heart are wanting this Christmas. Take a look at these fun present ideas below: [related_articles post1=”111708″ post2=”87028″]

A towering tree laden with flowers forms the centrepiece of a magical family Christmas in this century-old hall-turned-home At this time of year, that cheery Christmas carol Deck the Halls takes on a literal significance at Jess Britten and Warren Durling’s Auckland home. They’ve been converting an old hall in Ponsonby into their family home […]

Stuck with what to give your friends and family this year? Save the time scouring the shops and spend it making your own DIY Christmas gifts  1. Tile planter box Got a plant lover in the family? Make them a chic planter box using contemporary, stylish tiles and if you’re feeling particularly generous, gift them […]

Be inspired this Christmas by the wonderful array of decorations from Farmers that complement every style – from traditional takes to novelty items – to create special vibes that everyone will love Whether you’re looking for a whole new look or you need inspiration for that special bauble you buy every year, this collection of […]

The owner of this chic apartment decorates for Christmas with a traditional yet minimalist aesthetic in mind One of the pleasures of Christmas is the chance to revisit the past, retelling old family stories, sharing memories of people and times long ago, and digging out all those festive ornaments you’d almost forgotten about, some of […]

Take your cue from Mother Nature this Christmas and incorporate a palette of bright blooms into your festive decor New Zealander’s are lucky enough to have a summer Christmas. Therefore instead of wintry snow-capped trees, pine cones and holly, we get to make the most of summery, bright blooms for our Christmas decor. Here’s how:  […]

Soft gold and burnt orange Christmas decorations are a sophisticated pairing. Alex Walls shows us how to give this retro colour combination a modern take A Kiwi Christmas has no sleighbells ringing, chestnuts roasting on an open fire or Jack Frost nipping at your nose. However, there is a warm glow from our summer sun […]

Give your Christmas a handcrafted touch (and save yourself some dollars) with these gorgeous little projects 1. Bell garland Don’t keep bells and other baubles just for the tree. Thread them onto a piece of twine or string and tie a knot to hold them in place. What we used: White porcelain tree, $34.90, sage […]

The countdown to Christmas never looked so glam. Here’s how to make this luxe DIY advent calendar, plus tips on how to decorate your tree to match DIY blue and gold advent calendar You’ll need: Kaisercraft Box Advent Calendar kit Kaisercraft Starry Night 12 x 12-inch paper pad Navy paint Gold washi tapes in miscellaneous […]

Create an inviting atmosphere for guests by adding touches of festive flair to your front door and mantelpiece. Here are 6 simple and stylish Christmas DIY projects to try this December Resene ‘Ayers Rock’ 1. Dried flower wreath An arid, desert-inspired wreath creates a visual feast at your front door. You’ll need: Dried flowers and […]

Make entertaining your family and friends simply effortless this holiday season with these quick tips for smart appliances There’s still time to enlist the help of the latest in kitchen technology for festive entertaining, especially if you’re making special dishes to impress your guests. Here are five tips to make hosting a breeze. 1. Clean […]

The completion of a major renovation has provided this Waiheke Island family with the perfect backdrop to showcase their botanical-inspired Christmas style Meet and greet  Gemma Yeoman, botanical stylist at Flora n Fauna, Greg Yeoman, director and designer at Stormwater360, and Ivy, 5, plus Cha Cha the cat. The Waiheke home of this botanical stylist […]

Every year we feature beautiful houses on Homes to Love, decorated in stunning Christmas style. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best to inspire you this December  These 10 homes decorated for Christmas will inspire all the festive feels We’ve had a look through our Christmas archives and found the top 10 houses filled […]

Very Kiwi and just a little bit glam, you can create the ultimate festive camping, or glamping, experience using elements from nature This glamping set up will make you want to have Christmas outdoors There’s nothing more Kiwi than a campsite Christmas where the living is easy. Take the stress out of the holiday season […]

After 11 builds this couple have completed their latest masterpiece on a Dunedin hilltop that blurs the lines between architecture and art This hilltop Dunedin home is this couple’s 12th new-build Art is a vital part of Doug and Shelley McConaughy’s life – they collect it, Shelley creates it and their home is an extension […]

There will be flowers in the tree and tones of red and pink around the house. We chat to Kelly Karam from Blush Flowers about how she does Christmas Here’s how florist Kelly Karam from Blush Flowers decorates for Christmas Blush owner and florist Kelly lives in Ōrākei, Auckland, with husband Richard and 9-year-old son […]

  Come summer, the winners of The Block NZ, Amy and Stu will be heading out to an idyllic camping spot to stay in their cute yellow caravan, Roberta After a relaxing meal with their family in Gisborne, The Block New Zealand winners Amy and Stu head off for their favourite part of Christmas – […]

Winners of The Block NZ Amy and Stu will be spending Christmas in their favourite place: their personal slice of heaven in Gisborne. See the rest of their sunny, colourful home below.  See how The Block NZ winners Amy and Stu decorate for Christmas It goes without saying that proud Gisbornites (“Gizzy hard!”) Amy Moore […]

Entertaining over the holiday season? Make every meal an occasion to remember with these unique table settings These 8 Christmas table settings will make your dinner party unforgettable Christmas is the time for family and friend get-togethers. Food and dinner parties often play an important role and normally in the form of a long lunch […]

When the YH&G team gathered for a Christmas lunch, they pooled their talents to create the ultimate festive table setting. Check out our top tips for sharing your special moments Getting together with the people in your life to mark the end of another year is one of the best things about the holiday season. […]

Business meets leisure at florist Milly Van Der Hoeven’s open-plan Pirongia haven, where flowers bloom with abandon and the holiday season is rooted in family traditions Here’s how a flower farm florist celebrates Christmas at home For Milly Van Der Hoeven, Paul Johnson and their three kids, it’s not Christmas until their home is filled […]

Alex says goodbye to one set of Christmas traditions (and decorations) and shows us how she’s investing some new ones this year with the help of a clever local ceramicist AC Homestore’s Alex Walls shares her rustic Christmas style For me, Christmas is going to be a bit different this year – the family home […]

With a Scandi-look Christmas tree wall hanging, presents wrapped in brown paper and native foliage in vases, this Muriwai Beach home’s Christmas style is simple yet stylish This Muriwai Beach home is all about laid-back Christmas style When Dharlia and Ty Lynch returned from an extended OE in Margaret River, Western Australia, deciding where to […]

Step into island time when you channel a tropical Christmas style in your home this year. Here are some styling hacks and where to shop the look Here’s how you can make a tropical Christmas tree with wallpaper If you have a laidback, tropical vibe going on in your home, you may be inspired by […]

“Green just doesn’t cut it anymore,” a design influencer told Good Morning America in response to why black Christmas trees are trending this year Black Christmas trees are the latest trend and people are confused Last year it was pineapple Christmas trees and this year it’s black Christmas trees. It seems that traditional green pines […]

Unsure what to get friends or family this year? These DIY gift ideas will ensure your present has a memorable personal touch 1. Flower frame  Framing dried flowers into a simple frame is a great budget-friendly gift idea. Method: + Pick flowers in the morning when they have just opened. Immediately after cutting, plunge stems […]

A simple length of velvet-look fabric can be the starting point for an array of Christmas projects. Try your hand at one of these easy yet luxe-looking decorations 4 creative ways to use luxe orange velvet as Christmas decor Santa Stocking This simple project can be whipped up with a sewing machine in around 30 […]

Christmas can be a wasteful time of the year, but these ideas for gifts and some sustainable shopping tips will help you achieve eco-friendly Christmas gift-giving this year Here’s how to do eco-friendly Christmas gift giving this December When shopping: Simplify the season. Buy fewer presents and less food, and opt to travel as little […]

Looking for gift ideas for the big kids? Here are some bedroom decor, retro-inspired tech and fun games guaranteed to get those youngsters amongst it 27 great gift ideas the big kids will love this Christmas From stocking stuffers to the big gifts from Santa himself, this list of present ideas is perfect for trendy tweens […]

Seeking some Christmas decoration inspiration? Take a tour of this simple peach Scandi Christmas living room – complete with easy styling hacks to try at your place Here’s how you can shop the peach Scandi Christmas style A neutral scheme promotes ease of living and gives you the freedom to add a few hints of […]

Get into the spirit of giving with these six thoughtful Christmas gift ideas that give back to causes and others in need This December choose these thoughtful Christmas gifts that give back to others If you want to buy gifts for your friends, family or colleagues, why not look for something that allows you to […]

Tinsel doesn’t just have to hang on a tree, these four DIY projects will convince you to use it in all parts of your festive set-up Here are 4 different ways to decorate with tinsel this Christmas Napkin Rings Save a few pennies with tinsel napkin rings. Cut a length of tinsel (about 25cm long) […]

Cute toys, books and accessories to inspire tiny adventures, these sweet present ideas are the gifts little kids will want to get from Santa this year 25 cute gifts little kids would love to receive this Christmas This list of sweet present ideas for the little ones will have them adoring Santa even more (if […]