Eat, drink, & be merry!

Before we merry make, we decorate. These key elements still leave room for personal preference and make styling your festive tablescape simple.   REMEMBER: Christmas isn’t one size fits all – it’s entirely interpretive. Ignore the traditional customs and ask what Christmas could look like if it was all up to you. Utilise […]

Joyeux noël: French Blue

Nothing says chic gifting quite like an elegant collection of locally available beautiful and unique Christmas items. Each individual piece at homeware and gift store French Blue has a ‘Je ne sais quoi’ quality. Carefully curated under the expert eye of owner Catherine Matthews, vintage grain sack and linen cushions, exquisite European jewellery, […]

The perfect present

Welcome to your foolproof Christmas gift guide – these under $100 finds will fill the gaps from secret santas to stocking stuffers.

Christmas twinkle: Coco Gifts

We all know it’s better to give than receive. Easier said than done, because where do you find the perfect gift? Glance inside Coco Gifts’ Christmas window. In Liz Bloomfield’s gorgeous store, there is a trove of stunning gifts for special people who will think you are extremely clever for finding something so […]

Inside a Christmas house

Christchurch florist Millie MacAlpine found a way to lean into her festive obsession after designing a home with sweeping staircases and eight-metre-high ceilings set on six acres of rustic gardens. A self-proclaimed ‘Chris-a-holic’ (which you will come to endorse), Millie MacAlpine has always adored Christmas time. Designing and building the aforementioned property on […]

Built to last: McDonald and Hartshorne

In a world of evolving norms and everchanging trends, one thing remains… furniture. Whether buying new or digging around second-hand stores, buying high quality furniture is essential. At McDonald and Hartshorne, the team value quality, New Zealand made furniture. “Furniture should be an investment,” says administration manager Neke McDonald. “The bones of a […]

Plan today, swim tomorrow: NOVAspace Pools

Now is the perfect time to plan your new pool and be ready to enjoy summer – splashing, swimming, and socialising in your own backyard oasis. NOVAspace Pools, led by owner and designer Chris Thelin, specialises in the design, planning, and installation of high-quality fibreglass pools. With a full-service approach, Chris and his […]

Love your louvre: Louvre Solutions

Imagine having the luxury of continuing your outdoor summer soirées even after the sun goes down. Canterbury-based Louvre Solutions are experts in extending your indoor outdoor flow so you can extend your gatherings long into the evening. Whether entertaining, relaxing, or simply expanding your indoor area, the team can create a custom space […]

Fine furniture: Gavin Cox Furniture

You can’t beat quality, solid timber furniture that’s made exactly as you want it, right here in Christchurch. Handcrafting beautiful bespoke furniture from solid timbers is both an art and a science, combining artistry with a deep understanding of materials. If anyone understands this, it’s the team at Sydenham-based Gavin Cox Furniture, where […]

Treasure trove: Woolston Emporium

From antiques to eclectic accessories, curiosities and vintage clothing, discover a treasure trove of unique finds from 12 businesses under one roof. By definition, an emporium is a cornucopia of discovery and local shopping gem. The Woolston Emporium, captures this spirit beautifully. “Step inside and you’ll find a carefully curated collection of vintage […]