Deck the hall
Your Home and Garden|December 2019
A towering tree laden with flowers forms the centrepiece of a magical family Christmas in this century-old hall-turned-home
Bea Taylor
Deck the hall

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.

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.

المزيد من القصص من YOUR HOME AND GARDEN مشاهدة الكل
GET MERRY
Your Home and Garden

GET MERRY

Everyone will go crackers about these festive dinner favourites and the delicious trimmings

time-read
8 mins  |
December 2024
A brief history of...The Lips sofa
Your Home and Garden

A brief history of...The Lips sofa

How to straighten up and free yourself from negative behaviour patterns

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
BREAKING BAD HABITS
Your Home and Garden

BREAKING BAD HABITS

How to straighten up and free yourself from negative behaviour patterns

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
MOMENTS of JOY
Your Home and Garden

MOMENTS of JOY

Sue Pat's whimsical stationery cleverly captures the wonders of Christmas

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
GIFTS of the EARTH
Your Home and Garden

GIFTS of the EARTH

An excerpt from garden and interior designer Michael Mansvelt's longawaited book Everyday Opulence

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
All WHITE NOW
Your Home and Garden

All WHITE NOW

A fresh, coastal take on the classic white Christmas starts with a backdrop of relaxed vintage style. On top, layer shades of white from rich cream to crisp snow, offset by foraged shells and coastal flora also spray painted in white, then worked into wreaths and other essential festive decor elements.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024
COASTAL CHRISTMAS
Your Home and Garden

COASTAL CHRISTMAS

A writer is all about enjoying a cruisy, coastal celebration with family and friends

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Happy place
Your Home and Garden

Happy place

A shed on the garden's edge became healing renovation project

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
ALL IS BRIGHT
Your Home and Garden

ALL IS BRIGHT

Colour is key in Kip&Co co-founder Alex McCabe's vibrant home over the holidays

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
BOLD & ECLECTIC
Your Home and Garden

BOLD & ECLECTIC

In an excerpt from The Makers, writer Pandora Sykes' home is a cosy and chic statement in fearlessness with colour and patterns

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024