Graceful TRADITIONS

Beautiful hand-blocked textiles and artisan pieces put a homely spin on Alexandra Young’s elegant country Christmas

- MAGGIE COLVIN

With 16 chickens, two dogs, Pixie and Noodle, Flossie the pony and three children, it is a mystery how Alexandra Young gets time to run her interior design business and decorate her house for Christmas so lavishly. She puts it down to plenty of help from her husband Simon and children, Isla, 15, Poppy, 14 and Digby, 11. "They accompany me on walks to nearby woods, foraging for fir cones, foliage and spying all sorts of other goodies. They found the moss-covered log which formed the centrepiece for the dining table. For other decorations, I use cuttings from the garden along with plenty of ribbons collected over the years. I try to keep it simple but lavish and lush, with fresh flowers and rose hips to give it life.' To ring some annual changes, Alexandra admits to treating herself to one new tree decoration every year.

As an interior designer, Alexandra's creative eye is constantly on the lookout for new ideas. A lot of artisan businesses popped up in lockdown - hence the homely original accessories like the hand-blocked printed tablecloth in the dining room, fun handpainted place cards and quirky candlesticks. 'Christmas without candles would be unthinkable. They add warmth and sparkle,' she adds.

Moving to the country was a carefully researched adventure for the family as Alexandra was concerned that Simon, if left to his own devices, would choose to live somewhere within easy reach of his city office.