Image - Will Horner

 Ashley Pratt's love of interiors saw her follow up a law degree with an internship at Australian House & Garden magazine, where she is now Senior Stylist. She shares a few beautiful images from the Christmas issue, along with an insight into her own seasonal style.  

Where (and how early!) do you find inspiration for the Australian House & Garden Christmas?
I have always loved the festive season. My birthday is a week before Christmas so even as a child I'd always look forward to that time of year. I think I'm constantly on the hunt for Christmas inspiration no matter what time of year it is. I find it in anything from mother nature, to a colour palette, fabrics and textures or a vintage image.

We have our first Christmas meeting at AH&G around the beginning of July. We start to brainstorm our ideas, create mood boards and pull them all together, with the shoots all finished by the end of September.

Image - Maree Homer

How would you describe your personal Christmas aesthetic?
I'm very much a classic Christmas person. I like a nod to the traditional but with a colour twist. My main decorating shoot All is Calm for the December issue of AH&G embodies my personal Christmas aesthetic. Think chandeliers, wrought iron and velvet with a palette of emerald green, dusty pink and gold.

I just decorated my terrace at home with the most beautiful vintage rusted chandelier ornaments hanging from my mantles, a classic eucalyptus wreath on the front door and some copper string lights and tiny patina acorns on my tree.

Image - Maree Homer

What's your advice on creating a Christmas table 'look'?
I love a Christmas table to feel layered and special. Start with some beautiful napery. I like 100% linen because of the soft way it falls. Choose a table cloth and layer up with chargers, dinner and entrée plates, beautiful stemware and a floral centerpiece. Use your special heirloom items and mix them with newer, sparkly pieces. Scatter some decorations or pine cones on the table and finish with place cards and customized menus for a real sense of occasion.

Image - Rodney Macuja

How will you be wrapping gifts this year?
This is my favourite thing about Christmas. I have a gift wrapping obsession. I collect ribbons and papers and keep them on display in my study at home. Each Christmas I come up with a new 'look' for my gifts. Last year I used a beautiful olive branch print paper and magenta satin ribbon with sprigs of greenery. This year I'll be wrapping my gifts in charcoal and gold paper with vintage frayed linen ribbon and tying a small glass ornament to each. I like the gift wrapping to be as thoughtful as the gift inside.

Image - Maree Homer

What's the best Christmas tree idea you've seen for a small space?
I have this problem myself. My little home, as beautiful as it is, can't fit the big traditional pine that we dream of. I actually just decorate a topiary tree that I have in my living room all year round. It sits in a vintage champagne bucket in front of an arched mirror so the copper string lights are reflected beautifully.

Are you a Pinterest fan, or do you collect inspiration another way?
I am a Pinterest fan but I feel I can get easily lost in that world and not resurface for a couple of hours. Its sort of addictive. Its great for little DIY Christmas ideas and table setting inspiration.

Image - John Paul Urizar

How will you be spending Christmas this year?
This year I'll be spending Christmas with my family at my parents' home. As much as I dream of a European Christmas for the style the Aussie one is quite beautiful too.

We'll sit on their balcony for a traditional late lunch looking at their view over the harbour. I'll style the table, dad will do the ham on the Webber, while mum cooks the sides and my sister makes the cocktails. My brother is living overseas so we'll miss him of course. On Boxing Day we'll watch the Sydney to Hobart from the same spot while eating leftovers.

Image - Maree Homer

What's your failsafe styling tip for Christmas?
I have two: Always put a wreath on your front door. It adds an instant festive first impression for your neighbours and your guests over the month of December. And secondly it's the perfect time of year to pull out your most treasured pieces. Whether it's vintage crystal or a beautiful smelling candle you've been saving. Its those special touches that sets Christmas time apart. 

See more of Ashley's style at her website The Living Details or follow her on Instagram @ashleypratt