HOME AND AWAY Sparkling festive decor, wherever you are

At home... DREAM IT FESTIVE INSPIRATION CELEBRATE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD, AND MAKE IT A DAY TO REMEMBER WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY  Photography CATH MUSCAT Styling TILLY ROBERTS

A comfortable lounge setting invites guests to kick back and relax

MAKE IT

PAINTED TIMBER COFFEE TABLE, SEE PAGE 73

ABOVE Lytworx low voltage party lights with remote in Warm White, $39/pack of 10, I/N: 0175773. Northcote Pottery 50cm terracotta egg shaped pot, $48, I/N: 0044460. Mimosa ‘Solaris’ 1 seater lounge in White, $299, I/N: 0259861, and corner lounge in White, $999, I/N: 0259867. Mimosa raffia throw cushions with 3 buttons, $25 each, I/N: 0266721. Coffee table, see page 73 for DIY instructions. Printed gift wrap, see page 70 for DIY instructions, tied with Grunt jute twine, $3.20/75m, I/N: 4310292, cotton shop twine, $3.20/75m, I/N: 4310293, and 3mm cotton macramé cord, $6.60/50m, I/N: 0133145. Marquee ‘Drinks Cooler’ 30L galvanised ice bucket, $19.98, I/N: 3190639. Mimosa ‘Woolamai’ round market umbrella, $139, I/N: 3192696, and 45cm slimline market umbrella accessory base in Charcoal, $54.90, I/N: 0124009 (not seen). Christmas tree, Dural Christmas Tree Farm, duralchristmastreefarm.com.au. Pale and tasselled cushions, Adairs, adairs.com.au. Christmas baubles, Kmart, kmart.com.au. Ribbons, Spotlight, spotlight.com.au. Glass jars, The Reject Shop, rejectshop.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

ABOVE Matador ‘Palladium’ 4 burner gas barbecue, $799, I/N: 0173249. Northcote Pottery 50cm terracotta egg shaped pot, $48, I/N: 0044460. Mimosa ‘Bordeaux’ teak sling dining chairs, $169 each, I/N: 0184574, and ‘Malibu’ 210cm x 95cm dining table, $419, I/N: 0177347. Printed gift wrap, see page 70 for DIY instructions, tied with Grunt jute twine, $3.20/75m, I/N: 4310292. Mimosa ‘Woolamai’ round market umbrella, $139, I/N: 3192696, and 45cm slimline market umbrella base in Charcoal, $54.90, I/N: 0124009. Mimosa raffia throw cushion with 3 buttons, $25, I/N: 0266721. Weeping fig plant in Northcote Pottery 50cm terracotta egg shaped pot, $48, I/N: 0044460 (plant sold separately). For background seating area product details, see previous page. Christmas baubles and tinsel, Kmart. Pale cushion, Adairs. All other products, stylist’s own.

RIGHT Small serving table, see page 73 for DIY instructions. Wagner 3.65m x 2.74m heavy duty canvas drop sheet (used as a mattress cover), $41.74, I/N: 1660158. Mimosa raffia throw cushion with 3 buttons, as before. Ribbons, Spotlight. Christmas baubles, Kmart. All other products, stylist’s own.

MAKE IT

SMALL SERVING TABLE, SEE PAGE 73

A table set near the lounge allows for a seamless move from daytime dining to unwind into the evening

ABOVE Find a shady spot on the verandah to enjoy time out

MAKE IT

PAINTED TIMBER DAYBED, SEE PAGE 73 Keep in mind...

n Never leave lit candles unattended. n If hanging battery-operated indoor lights or decorations outdoors, do not use in wet weather and bring inside when not in use.

ABOVE Kit Out DIY indoor Christmas bunting with battery-operated lights, $25, I/N: 0323813 (batteries not included). Woolly bush plant in Pinnacle 15L metal bucket, $16, I/N: 4460519 (plant sold separately). Daybed and small serving table, see from page 73 for DIY instructions. Wagner 3.65m x 2.74m heavy duty canvas drop sheet (used as a mattress cover), $41.74, I/N: 1660158. Mimosa raffia throw cushions with 3 buttons, $25 each, I/N: 0266721. Marquee 50cm x 50cm outdoor cushions in Navy, $14/each, I/N: 0274565. Waxworks citronella bucket candles, $12.98 each, I/N: 3340370. Small wood storage crate, $9.90, I/N: 0214211. Christmas baubles, Kmart, kmart.com.au. Pale cushion, Adairs. Ribbons, Spotlight. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

Make Santa’s little helper’s job easier! Dress up a barrow for transporting all those prezzies

Gorilla Carts 115L poly dump cart, $139, I/N: 0129998. Printed gift wrap, see page 70 for DIY instructions, tied with Grunt jute twine, $3.20/75m, I/N: 4310292, and cotton shop twine, $3.20/75m, I/N: 4310293. Monarch 1.5m x 1.5m leak-proof canvas drop sheet (used as a cart liner), $18.85, I/N: 1660397. Ribbons, Spotlight. Tinsel, Kmart. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

... or awayKEEP CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT HOME, WITH SPARKLING FESTIVE DECOR AND A SUMPTUOUS PICNIC 

MAKE IT

HACK A GAZEBO WITH SHEERS AND GLITTERING DECOR FOR A MAGICAL PRIVATE LUNCH SPOT

Create Christmas in the park – or even just in the garden – with a shaded area you can decorate in romantic style

ABOVE Marquee ‘Roma’ 3m x 3m non-permanent gazebo, $139, I/N: 3192522. Windoware ‘Misty’ 2230mm x 1400mm sheer eyelet curtains in Misty White, $15.50 each pair, I/N: 1262215, hung using Barelli chrome shower curtain rings with rollers, $7.86/pack of 12, I/N: 4820987. Kit Out DIY indoor Christmas bunting with battery-operated lights, $25, I/N: 0323813 (batteries not included). Marquee ‘Troca’ 3 piece steel bistro setting in Grey, $95, I/N: 0260530. Woolly bush plant in Pinnacle 15L metal bucket, $16, I/N: 4460519 (plant sold separately). Mimosa raffia throw cushions with 3 buttons, $25 each, I/N: 0266721. Printed gift wrap, see page 70 for DIY instructions, tied with Grunt jute twine, $3.20/75m, I/N: 4310292, cotton shop twine, $3.20/75m, I/N: 4310293, and 3mm cotton macramé cord, $6.60/50m, I/N: 0133145. Monarch 1.5m x 1.5m leak-proof canvas drop sheet (used as a picnic rug), $18.85, I/N: 1660397. Christmas baubles and tinsel, Kmart. Ribbons, Spotlight. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

MAKE IT

FESTOON LIGHT STANDS, SEE BELOW

ABOVE Light stands made using Bastion ‘Quik Set’ concrete, $8.70/20kg, I/N: 0760335, HomeLeisure 3L plastic buckets in White, $3.80 each, I/N: 4460026 (not shown, see below), 900mm hardwood garden stakes, $18.99 each/pack of 6, I/N: 0239948/0255910 (we used 2 packs) and Pinnacle 10L metal buckets, $8.52 each, I/N: 4460518. To make, mix concrete with water according to the instructions on the packaging. Fill small plastic buckets with concrete, position stakes in the centre and leave concrete to set. Once dry, check stakes are firmly placed. Put plastic buckets in silver buckets. Hang lighting between stakes, using Blu-Tack or sticky tape to keep them secure.

ABOVE Low tables, ambient lighting and comfy, stylish cushions add a touch of luxury to outdoor dining

Keep in mind...

n Never leave lit candles unattended. n If hanging battery-operated indoor lights or decorations outdoors, do not use in wet weather and bring inside when not in use. n Ensure party lights are suitable for outdoor use and keep power leads out of the reach of children and well away from water. Tuscan Path 370mm half barrel wooden planters, $33.98 each, I/N: 2890296, painted with Dulux ‘Duramax’ spray paint in Flat White, $13.90/340g, I/N: 1400715. Mimosa raffia throw cushion with 3 buttons, $25, I/N: 0266721. Wagner 3.65m x 2.74m heavy duty canvas drop sheet, $41.74, I/N: 1660158. Glass jars, The Reject Shop, rejectshop. com.au. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

ABOVE AND OPPOSITE Lytworx glass festoon party lights in Warm White, $56.82 each/8 bulbs, I/N: 0201014 (we used 3 sets). Festoon light stands, see opposite page for DIY instructions. Wagner 3.65m x 2.74m heavy duty canvas drop sheet (used as a picnic rug), $41.74, I/N: 1660158. Coffee table and small serving table, see from page 73 for DIY instructions. Printed gift wrap, see page 70 for DIY instructions, tied with Grunt jute twine, $3.20/75m, I/N: 4310292, cotton shop twine, $3.20/75m, I/N: 4310293, and 3mm cotton macramé cord, $6.60/50m, I/N: 0133145. Mimosa raffia throw cushions with 3 buttons, $25 each, I/N: 0266721. Marquee 50cm x 50cm outdoor cushions in Navy, $14/each, I/N: 0274565. Waxworks citronella bucket candles, $12.98 each, I/N: 3340370. Pale cushions, Adairs. Striped fabric and ribbons, Spotlight. All other products, stylist’s own. 

n Never l

Never place food directly on a painted surface; always use a serving plate or bowl

Cook up a moveable feast that showcases colourful, super-fresh seasonal produce

MAKE IT

SEE PAGE 79 FOR OUR DIVINE FESTIVE BEACH PICNIC RECIPES

Printed gift wrap, see page 70 for DIY instructions, tied with Grunt jute twine, $3.20/75m, I/N: 4310292, and cotton shop twine, $3.20/75m, I/N: 4310293. Everdure by Heston Blumenthal ‘Cube’ portable charcoal barbecue in Graphite, $180, I/N: 3180829. Mimosa raffia throw cushions with 3 buttons, $25 each, I/N: 0266721. Coffee table, see from page 73 for DIY instructions. Wagner 3.65m x 2.74m heavy duty canvas drop sheet (used as a picnic rug), $41.74, I/N: 1660158. Tuscan Path 370mm half barrel wooden planter, $33.98, I/N: 2890296, painted with Dulux ‘Duramax’ spray paint in Flat White, $13.90/340g, I/N: 1400715. Glass jars, The Reject Shop. Striped fabric and ribbons, Spotlight. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Festive feast

Fire up the charcoal grill for a Christmas spread to top the lot

Kamado Joe ‘Classic I’ charcoal grill with Divide & Conquer, $1,499, I/N: 0258244*

Butcher’s Axe ‘Tacos Grandes’ seasoning and ‘El Fuego’ Mexican style hot sauce gift pack, $24.99, I/N: 0333669

Sabco BBQ & grill scrub cloths, $4.99/pack of 2, I/N: 0312054

Kingsford charcoal briquettes in Applewood, $14.99/3.62kg, I/N: 0162307

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for a gourmet feast! We love a barbecued Christmas dinner, delivering old world tradition with a laidback Aussie flavour. To elevate a barbecue to suit the occasion, all you need is a Kamado Joe charcoal grill.

STAR OF THE SHOW

Whether you’re searing or smoking, the Kamado Joe ‘Classic’ delivers the distinctive flavour of a charcoal grill, which turns everything from prime steak to your weekday sausages into a special occasion meal. The distinctive shape of the Kamado Joe replicates a wood oven, evenly distributing heat and flavour for unsurpassed results. While the egg shape makes it an easier fit for any size of patio, the 18-inch cooking surface means you’re not short of grill space – it can even handle the Christmas ham! Plus the Divide & Conquer two-tier system means you can create two temperature zones within the grill, giving you enormous flexibility to cook a range of festive fare, all at the same time. It’s also available in 24-inch and 13.5-inch models, so there’s a Kamado Joe to suit every family.

HELPING HAND

Creating the ultimate Christmas feast is all about mastering flavour, and with a charcoal grill, this starts with your choice of fuel. Kingsford applewood charcoal briquettes infuse your food with the mellow, sweet taste of applewood, which is a delicious match for a classic Chrissy ham. Feeling more adventurous? A little hot sauce or spicy seasonings might be just the thing to liven up the Christmas table, or else tuck a Butcher’s Axe gift pack under the tree for future culinary adventures.

After all the crackers are pulled and the ham devoured, don’t forget to give your faithful grill the gift of a good clean. Sabco BBQ scrub cloths will get the barbie back to sparkling in no time, ready for the next festive occasion.

CHERRY MUSTARD SMOKED HAM

Serves 16 Prep 10 mins (+ cooling & 20 mins resting time). Cooking 3 hours

370g jar cherry jam ¼ cup (60ml) sherry vinegar ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 2 whole star anise 8kg full leg ham

1 Combine cherry jam, vinegar, sugar, mustard and star anise in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 mins until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil, then remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly. 2 Meanwhile, place the ham on a clean work surface. Use a small sharp knife to cut through the rind 8cm from the shank. Run a thumb under the rind to separate from the fat. Peel back, sliding your fingers under the rind to remove. 3 Use a small sharp knife to score the fat diagonally at 3cm intervals to make a diamond pattern (don’t score the fat too deeply as it can slide off during cooking). 4 Prepare the Kamado Joe with Kingsford applewood charcoal briquettes, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Heat to 120°C. Place ham on the rack and brush with half the glaze. Cover and smoke, brushing the ham with remaining glaze every 20 mins and adding extra briquettes as needed, for 3 hours or until the ham is caramelised and heated through. Set aside for 20 mins to rest.