Deck the hall

A towering tree laden with flowers forms the centrepiece of a magical family Christmas in this century-old hall-turned-home

- Bea Taylor

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.”