A Crafty Christmas

It's a crafty Christmas in Berkshire, from handmade ornaments, a warm cup of glögg (Swedish mulled wine) to dazzling dinner parties for friends and family. 

When I first moved to the UK from the US three years ago, I found the winters unwelcoming and dark—such a stark contrast to the sun-soaked seasons I was used to. But over time, I’ve come to embrace this slower, cosier time of hibernation, reflection, and creativity. Trading endless sunshine for misty mornings was no small feat, but now I see winter as a great time for staying indoors and indulging in my love of crafts.

This season, I’ve been working on several creative projects to bring warmth and joy into our home—and some of these treasures will even make their way to the upcoming Christmas Market in Caversham. Here’s a sneak peek:

Paper Houses

Having an engineer for a husband certainly comes in handy when crafting these charming paper houses! Each one is designed from scratch, painted with care using acrylics, and crafted to perfection. When nestled on the Christmas tree, with a light tucked inside, they glow like tiny, magical cottages—perfect for adding a whimsical touch to your holiday décor.

Ceramic Baubles

Hand-painted ceramic baubles (or "ornaments," as we call them in the US) have become a staple in my Christmas crafting. Adorned with festive floral designs and tied with elegant silk ribbons, these baubles double as thoughtful, timeless gifts. Whether hung on the tree or displayed in a cozy corner, they bring a touch of handcrafted beauty to the season.

Paper Wreaths

For friends and family abroad, I’ve found that paper wreaths make the perfect “flat and internationally-shippable” gift. Each wreath is lovingly created from recycled craft papers and old calendars, with intricate details cut and glued into place. I like to include space for a family photograph behind the "Happy Holidays" banner, turning it into a reusable keepsake that can brighten their holidays year after year.

Creative Christmas Tree

Our Christmas tree is a celebration of all things handmade, collected, and gifted. Each ornament tells a story, from cherished heirlooms to new creations fresh from my craft table. Together, they create a tree brimming with personality and charm—one that perfectly reflects our home and love for creativity.

Dinner Decorations

Winter is the perfect time to gather loved ones around the table for a cozy dinner party. In our home, Thanksgiving marks the transition to the holiday season, with autumnal themes giving way to full-on Christmas cheer by the end of November.

To brighten our north-facing living room, we put up the tree early, filling the space with light and festivity. Meanwhile, our dining table becomes a stage for simple yet elegant decorations:

  • Candles for warmth and ambience.
  • Fabric napkins, sewn from extra linen from my fabric stash or Anthopologie dishtowels, for a personal touch.
  • Seasonal fruit—persimmons, leafy clementines, or ruby red pomegranates—arranged as natural art pieces, their colors glowing in the flicker of candlelight.
  • Unique ceramics, whether hand-painted or collected from adventures abroad, are perfect for holding cookies, fruit, or other treats, adding a touch of story and artistry to the table.

Happy Holidays 

... From our cozy little home in England to yours, we wish you a Bright and Merry Christmas—and a wonderfully creative New Year! May your season be filled with plenty of crafty inspiration.