It may have felt a bit early to start planning for Christmas, but we couldn't have been more wrong!
The recently fully renovated Sofa.com Chelsea Showroom was the ideal backdrop for the event which focussed on preparing your home for Christmas and offering some unusual gift ideas. The works of Corinne Natel were on display, matching the new room sets to perfection.
Ideal Home editor Heather Young, who compared the event, shared 3 carefully curated mood boards with guests. These included a contemporary take on the classic red of Christmas by replacing it with deep magenta and how to create more space both visually and for your guests by pulling furniture away from the wall to give a sense of depth to utilising benches to fit more people around your table.
Lastly, she presented a timeless Scandi board which ideally lead onto Phoebe from Phohm who, for Christmas, create everything from dried flower wreaths to pampas Christmas Trees! Do also look at their online wreath making sessions.
Lisa from Acqua Di Parma, then introduced their newest collection and A Festival of Wonders. Her advice included how to scent your own home – to create a lasting impression on your guests’ sense of fragrance as well as, when not being sure what scent a gift recipient may like, selecting a timeless classic from a range is a sure way to delight.
Last but by no means least, Gallery Director Elinor Olisa, answered Heather’s questions on how to ‘Gift Art’. The top 3 tips were:
- HOW TO CHOOSE FOR SOMEONE ELSE
Match the art you choose to something uniquely special to the intended receiver. For instance, it could be as specific as a print of a celebrity they love through to finding an artist who has a connection such as where they are from or are based. - WHEN YOU WANT TO ALLOW THE RECIPIENT TO CHOOSE
Christmas, and especially this year, will have to include the word ‘budget’ and Elinor sought to reassure that art does not need to cost the earth but if you are struggling to find the perfect piece, buying a Gift Card from your favourite gallery is still a thoughtful present - HOW TO GIFT THE EXPERIENCE OF ART
Finally, the opportunity to ‘Gift The Experience of Art’ came up and Elinor explained how many clients choose to gift a future commission for a loved one. The gallery will produce a beautiful document to introduce the chosen artist and the concept of having a bespoke work created – perhaps a family portrait or painting of a special place – and following the festivities, you can share in the commissioning journey with a gift that will far outlast the celebrations of Christmas!
Thank you to everyone that joined us, our fellow panellists and to the team at the Chelsea Sofa.com – it was truly a night to remember.
