I’m a hopeless Christmas romantic. I just love all the traditions - even though most of them seem pretty insane in the height of an Australian summer. This year I'll be hosting the whole extended family (all 22 of us!) for lunch and I’m resolute on roasting a turkey - I don’t care how hot it is. (Hmm.. maybe with some iced eggnog cocktails?) In all my festive fantasizing about the perfect day, I’ve come up with a list of covetable Christmas buys – from the ideal outfit to the gifts I’m putting on my wishlist.

1. Jo Malone London Christmas Cracker

In my fantasy, my table is dressed with these chic Jo Malone London crackers. What decadence! The cute little gift box contains three of most celebration-worthy Jo scents – Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne (which is fresh, unisex and perfect for summer), Blackberry & Bay Body & Hand Wash (a mouth watering combo) and Nectarine Blossom & Honey Body Crème which is so pretty, floral and fragrant I often wear it instead of perfume when it’s hot.

2. Alice + Olivia Cotton Poplin Mini Dress

A simple white dress is perfection for Christmas day – it’s cool, fresh and functional, without being overdressed. (Just be careful with the cranberry sauce) I love this embroidered shift – white cotton is given a lift with a little fabric detailing and I love all the folky interpretations of white this season. Look for dresses with lace, embroidery, crochet or broderie anglaise to make them feel that little bit more festive.

3. Tom Ford Lip Colour in Cherry Lush

In my opinion, nothing says ‘festive’ quite like a red lip. It’s the ultimate nod to glamour and sophistication and the easiest way to instantly feel dressed up. I also think that donning a red lip for a party or dinner is a sign of respect. It shows you’ve made an effort and believe that your host is worthy of you putting your finest face forward. Tom Ford lipsticks are seriously glamorous bullets to pull out of your clutch.

4. Jo Malone London Pine & Eucalyptus Home Candle

Christmas candles are a wonderful way to subtly fill your home with festive spirit. This candle is so incredible – it emanates the fresh scent of pine needles and menthol-fresh eucalypts even when it’s not lit.

5. Ferragamo Custom Varinas

When I’m off beauty-duty (and on baby duty) I live in flats, so I was so excited when I was told I could choose my own colour combo of the classic Ferragamo Varinas. The grosgrain ribbon finishes it beautifully and I chose a pastel pink pair with a rose gold bow, but this patent red pair would make a striking statement with an all white ensemble on Christmas day.

6. My Red Lippy hat by Sarah Curtis Panama

Hats are probably one of the most important parts of your beauty routine as they protect you even more than sunscreen can. I love the story behind these hats – Sarah Curtis discovered she had melanoma when she was pregnant with her second son. When the hunt for a stylish hat with a big enough brim proved fruitless she launched her own panamas with a 12-14cm brim that promises to keep pesky UV rays at bay.

7.  MAC Keepsakes Smoky Face Palette

With three smokey eye essential shades, a cream colour base and powder along with two celebratory lip shades this is the go-anywhere do-anything palette. Love the pearly white finish and cameo feature on the front.

COMPLIMENTARY CALLIGRAPHY

Jo Malone London is also offering complimentary calligraphy when you buy your gifts from their boutiques in David Jones Elizabeth Street, Sydney and Bourke Street, Melbourne from Thursday 18th December – Saturday 20th December 2014 from 1pm – 4pm.

 

Story by Sigourney Cantelo; Layout Design by Amanda Chan; Sponsored by Jo Malone London.

Comment (0)

  1. December 11, 2014
    Lynne

    Would love one of those Jo Malone gifts for Christmas. London Pine and Eucalyptus! Sounds wonderful.

  2. December 11, 2014
    Elicia

    The Jo Malone Christmas crackers look beautiful. So much nicer than the useless toy and terrible joke we get in our normal crackers!

  3. December 17, 2014
    georgie

    Love those Christmas crackers! What a gorgeous idea!

  4. December 17, 2014
    Charlotte

    I’ve asked for a Jo Malone candle for Christmas – they’re my absolute favourite

  5. December 23, 2014
    josie

    I am so into Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir for Christmas.. It’s my official festive scent. 😉