At this time of year, that cheery Christmas carol Deck the Halls takes on a literal significance at Jess Britten and Warren Durling’s Auckland home. They’ve been converting an old hall in Ponsonby into their family home for the past three years. But where simplicity and minimalism normally reign, festive frivolity takes over from 1 December.
“I’m all about the bells and whistles. It’s ridiculous, but it’s so much fun,” says Jess, who is the daughter of the late legendary engineer and motorcycle designer John Britten.
“It’s a time when you get to do all the things that may feel a bit frilly and excessive the rest of the year,” she says. “You can cook all those beautiful meals you’ve had on your list, drink the wine, decorate your house and fill it with loved ones… Sounds like the perfect holiday to me.”
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
“The more the merrier” has always been the motto at Britten family Christmases. Extended family, travellers and anyone without their own celebrations to go to were always welcome additions to the table.
These days, big family Christmases are still the norm, with two turkeys and a ham always on the menu. Why two turkeys, you might ask? Because of the Britten Turkey-Off, of course; a Christmas turkey-cooking competition between Jess’ mum, Kirsteen Britten, and her sister, Carolyn Reid.
“Every year they each cook a turkey and the family chooses whose is best in a blind taste test,” explains Jess. “They pretend it’s fun and games, but I’m sure there’s underlying sibling rivalry at its heart. Luckily we have a big family, so the turkeys always get demolished.”
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2019 من Your Home and Garden.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2019 من Your Home and Garden.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Baby, it's cold outside
How to embrace winter mornings
THE HIGH NOTE
Opera costume and set designer Tracy Grant Lord is setting the scene for her best show yet
Wintering OVER
The 10 best things you can do for your garden and plants this winter
A fresh change
A couple move cities to embrace a new lease of life, not just for themselves but for a 1920s home as well
SAVING GRACE
Keen to care for the planet, a savvy designer revamped a harbourside home destined for demo with a light touch - no bulldozers required
A triumph of COLOUR
This year's Resene Colour Home Awards winner couldn't fit in with their neighbours so they went all out instead
Bowl me over
Nothing is more comforting than a hearty soup on a chilly day, especially when you add next-level accompaniments.
Scents of place
A peek at Auckland designer Kristine Crabb’s tropical paradise
In the FRAME
Using Resene wallpapers or murals as a framed print is a fantastic way to add drama
Second time AROUND
A stylish renovation, 10 years after the first one, has transformed this bungalow into an open-plan oasis