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A Feast of Gold and Silver On the menu this Christmas? Sheer opulence and fantasy
Dressing up Chic Gifts
Christmas Lounging The trend for tradition Cocktails of red and black
Rediscover the elegance of tradition
N째3 - Christmas 2009
contents 4 8 12 N°3 - Christmas 2009
Editorial Sia Home fashion, the joyful style of a festive home It’s time to celebrate, to throw off the cold and grey of winter and for a wonderful few weeks indulge in a very merry time of fun and feasting, memories of which will keep us all going until the first rays of spring. This Christmas and New Year give your home an extra-special helping of the festive spirit. Don’t stick to the tried and tested, instead let your imagination run wild. Have fun doing something different - and then sit back and bask in the accolades of friends and family! In need of inspiration? SIA’s fabulous collection has everything you need to create a stunning home that makes everyone who enters feel happy and excited. We’ve thought of everything, from magnificent table settings and breath-taking floral art to exquisite Christmas baubles. This festive season is truly fabulous. Drenched in glamour and seduction, there’s an abundance of opulent yet modern decoration that makes it easy to transform a home into something truly amazing. Think masses of flickering candles, silvery baubles and sparkling lights, their glittering reflections fusing to create an atmosphere of utter luxury. Let the celebrations begin! I
Chief Creative Officer
A Feast of Gold and Silver
On the menu this Christmas? Sheer opulence and fantasy
Dressing up
Celebrate light the Scandinavian way
14
Tame the wild chic
16 18
of a Nordic winter
Chic Gifts It’s all in the detail
Christmas Lounging Cocktails of red and black
20
The trend for tradition Rediscover the elegance of tradition
contents 4 8 12 N°3 - Christmas 2009
Editorial Sia Home fashion, the joyful style of a festive home It’s time to celebrate, to throw off the cold and grey of winter and for a wonderful few weeks indulge in a very merry time of fun and feasting, memories of which will keep us all going until the first rays of spring. This Christmas and New Year give your home an extra-special helping of the festive spirit. Don’t stick to the tried and tested, instead let your imagination run wild. Have fun doing something different - and then sit back and bask in the accolades of friends and family! In need of inspiration? SIA’s fabulous collection has everything you need to create a stunning home that makes everyone who enters feel happy and excited. We’ve thought of everything, from magnificent table settings and breath-taking floral art to exquisite Christmas baubles. This festive season is truly fabulous. Drenched in glamour and seduction, there’s an abundance of opulent yet modern decoration that makes it easy to transform a home into something truly amazing. Think masses of flickering candles, silvery baubles and sparkling lights, their glittering reflections fusing to create an atmosphere of utter luxury. Let the celebrations begin! I
Chief Creative Officer
A Feast of Gold and Silver
On the menu this Christmas? Sheer opulence and fantasy
Dressing up
Celebrate light the Scandinavian way
14
Tame the wild chic
16 18
of a Nordic winter
Chic Gifts It’s all in the detail
Christmas Lounging Cocktails of red and black
20
The trend for tradition Rediscover the elegance of tradition
A FEAST OF GOLD AND SILVER On the menu this Christmas? Sheer opulence and fantasy At that magical hour when the clock strikes midnight on Christmas eve and also at the start of the new year, it’s time for your home to come alive with sparkle. Imagine candlelight dancing round the room, catching the gleam of mesmerising decorations that are inspired by the richness of the Byzantine era. At SIA we’ve artfully combined the traditional with the modern and then added a generous dash of baroque to create a new and brilliant contemporary style that makes it easy to create something spectacular. Bejewelled accessories are key to creating this mood of high opulence and glamour. Even the Christmas tree is a confection of twinkling loveliness. Here see the magical shoe of an Ottoman princess; there a shiny ball that holds another treat within. Together these small, but very special accessories make for truly magical nights. I
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A FEAST OF GOLD AND SILVER On the menu this Christmas? Sheer opulence and fantasy At that magical hour when the clock strikes midnight on Christmas eve and also at the start of the new year, it’s time for your home to come alive with sparkle. Imagine candlelight dancing round the room, catching the gleam of mesmerising decorations that are inspired by the richness of the Byzantine era. At SIA we’ve artfully combined the traditional with the modern and then added a generous dash of baroque to create a new and brilliant contemporary style that makes it easy to create something spectacular. Bejewelled accessories are key to creating this mood of high opulence and glamour. Even the Christmas tree is a confection of twinkling loveliness. Here see the magical shoe of an Ottoman princess; there a shiny ball that holds another treat within. Together these small, but very special accessories make for truly magical nights. I
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A cascade of
reflections cast a spell around the table
A glittering table is at the heart of this year’s festivities. Imagine a feast served upon a mirrored table, the ever-changing reflections giving even the everyday a fabulous sheen of high glamour. Dazzle with metallics as their ornate reflections spill round the table, sumptuous pattern upon sumptuous pattern to wonderful effect.
Undercandlelight, castaspellwith SIA’sspectacular GaleriedesGlaces. The gleam of gold and silver meet for a mood of delicious decadence, as glasses and goblets shining with metallic touches are accentuated by plates decorated in delicate platinum. Here is a table redolent with the richness and excitement of distant lands. Gorgeous. Smart idea: an easy way to create a table with a difference is to use pretty mirrored trays –their reflections will throw decorative patterns all around the table. I
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Reflections of glamour This season brilliance is a key trend, with a lavish combination of gold and silver vamping up the glamour factor. Metallic reflections, as seen with these lovely silver plated coffee cups, add layers of decoration for a table that is ultra-stylish and festive. The finishing touch? A ready-made small posy of flower heads placed in a small vase or glass. Easy chic. I
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A cascade of
reflections cast a spell around the table
A glittering table is at the heart of this year’s festivities. Imagine a feast served upon a mirrored table, the ever-changing reflections giving even the everyday a fabulous sheen of high glamour. Dazzle with metallics as their ornate reflections spill round the table, sumptuous pattern upon sumptuous pattern to wonderful effect.
Undercandlelight, castaspellwith SIA’sspectacular GaleriedesGlaces. The gleam of gold and silver meet for a mood of delicious decadence, as glasses and goblets shining with metallic touches are accentuated by plates decorated in delicate platinum. Here is a table redolent with the richness and excitement of distant lands. Gorgeous. Smart idea: an easy way to create a table with a difference is to use pretty mirrored trays –their reflections will throw decorative patterns all around the table. I
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Reflections of glamour This season brilliance is a key trend, with a lavish combination of gold and silver vamping up the glamour factor. Metallic reflections, as seen with these lovely silver plated coffee cups, add layers of decoration for a table that is ultra-stylish and festive. The finishing touch? A ready-made small posy of flower heads placed in a small vase or glass. Easy chic. I
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Dressing Up The whiteness of snow and frost are the inspiration for this winter’s loveliest decorations. This new elegance comes in the subtle play of contrasts - matt against shiny, pure white with flashing silver, and the strength of metallics juxtaposed with the delicacy of nature (don’t the blossoms set you dreaming of the spring to come?) And let’s not forget the ultra-chic contrast of plain glass set against the richness of a beautifully decorated Baroque candlestick. But don’t get stuck following a set of rules - enjoy creating your own style by using these contrasts anyway you choose. Also, why limit decoration to the Christmas tree? This is the time to dress your entire house in festive finery. It doesn’t have to be complicated. On a window-sill or table place an elegantly drooping branch dripping with baubles. And the simplicity of white flowers looks quite beautiful when placed in a gently textured metallic vase. See, there’s nothing to it.
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Smart idea: place your flowers in a vase filled with water (see image 2). Then cover the water with a layer of artificial snow. Not only will this protect the water from dust and evaporation, the ‘glacier’ effect will look trés chic. I 1 8
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Dressing Up The whiteness of snow and frost are the inspiration for this winter’s loveliest decorations. This new elegance comes in the subtle play of contrasts - matt against shiny, pure white with flashing silver, and the strength of metallics juxtaposed with the delicacy of nature (don’t the blossoms set you dreaming of the spring to come?) And let’s not forget the ultra-chic contrast of plain glass set against the richness of a beautifully decorated Baroque candlestick. But don’t get stuck following a set of rules - enjoy creating your own style by using these contrasts anyway you choose. Also, why limit decoration to the Christmas tree? This is the time to dress your entire house in festive finery. It doesn’t have to be complicated. On a window-sill or table place an elegantly drooping branch dripping with baubles. And the simplicity of white flowers looks quite beautiful when placed in a gently textured metallic vase. See, there’s nothing to it.
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Smart idea: place your flowers in a vase filled with water (see image 2). Then cover the water with a layer of artificial snow. Not only will this protect the water from dust and evaporation, the ‘glacier’ effect will look trés chic. I 1 8
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COOL PURITY In praise of white As in fashion, the gracefulness of white signals an understated yet confident sense of style. Let us inspire you to explore this most subtle of shades. Armfuls of arum lilies, the delicacy of snowdrops and the constant charm of the rose are perfect for this play of white on white. To make it even easier, SIA has created a range of ready-to-go bouquets to style up your home in an instant. Perfect. I
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COOL PURITY In praise of white As in fashion, the gracefulness of white signals an understated yet confident sense of style. Let us inspire you to explore this most subtle of shades. Armfuls of arum lilies, the delicacy of snowdrops and the constant charm of the rose are perfect for this play of white on white. To make it even easier, SIA has created a range of ready-to-go bouquets to style up your home in an instant. Perfect. I
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But Scandinavian culture is steeped in candles. They’re used prolifically right throughout the year to set a warm and welcoming mood, even more so as the nights draw in (some people even light a candle as soon as they get up, to start the day.) It’s hardly surprising then, to discover that, per person, the Scandinavians are the world’s highest consumers of candles!
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Celebrate light
the Scandinavian way
A few useful tips for lighting candles: if kept out of a draught, the wax will not run. To avoid black smoke, when the candle is still warm cut the wick leaving just 1cm. Do take care. Candleholders must be heat and wax resistant, don’t place them near flammable material and always keep them away from children or pets. Never leave a candle burning when you are not at home. 4
In northern Europe life revolves around light and both Christian and pagan traditions celebrate the coming of the sun that marks the beginning of the end of a Scandinavian winter. The Vikings celebrated ‘Jul’, the return of the light after weeks of darkness and today this festival has morphed into a day of festivities for Saint Lucy, the Italian saint of light, who was martyred in the fourth century after being put to death for feeding starving Christians. Missionaries spread word of her compassion and today, on December 13, she is remembered on what, in the old Roman calendar, is the shortest day of the year. The tradition first appeared in Stockholm in 1927 and was then adopted by all of Scandinavia after World War II. It is a day of great jubilation. The merry-making begins at breakfast time when the eldest of the family serves ‘Lussekater’ - saffron flavoured buns in a figure of eight shape. The yellow colouring is a sign of the sun while the shape is said to symbolise Saint Lucy’s eyes. In towns, processions of young girls walk through the streets singing the saint’s name. Dressed in white, they each wear a crown of four lit candles that represents the return of the sun as well as the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ during the crucifixion. Candles are an important feature of the festive celebrations of the region. They are at once the symbol of the rebirth of the sun and all homes are filled with their soft light. Grouped in threes they represent the Holy Trinity. Advent is marked by four candles – one for each week before Christmas Day. The number four also represents the four compass points as well as the four seasons of the year. I 12
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But Scandinavian culture is steeped in candles. They’re used prolifically right throughout the year to set a warm and welcoming mood, even more so as the nights draw in (some people even light a candle as soon as they get up, to start the day.) It’s hardly surprising then, to discover that, per person, the Scandinavians are the world’s highest consumers of candles!
1
Celebrate light
the Scandinavian way
A few useful tips for lighting candles: if kept out of a draught, the wax will not run. To avoid black smoke, when the candle is still warm cut the wick leaving just 1cm. Do take care. Candleholders must be heat and wax resistant, don’t place them near flammable material and always keep them away from children or pets. Never leave a candle burning when you are not at home. 4
In northern Europe life revolves around light and both Christian and pagan traditions celebrate the coming of the sun that marks the beginning of the end of a Scandinavian winter. The Vikings celebrated ‘Jul’, the return of the light after weeks of darkness and today this festival has morphed into a day of festivities for Saint Lucy, the Italian saint of light, who was martyred in the fourth century after being put to death for feeding starving Christians. Missionaries spread word of her compassion and today, on December 13, she is remembered on what, in the old Roman calendar, is the shortest day of the year. The tradition first appeared in Stockholm in 1927 and was then adopted by all of Scandinavia after World War II. It is a day of great jubilation. The merry-making begins at breakfast time when the eldest of the family serves ‘Lussekater’ - saffron flavoured buns in a figure of eight shape. The yellow colouring is a sign of the sun while the shape is said to symbolise Saint Lucy’s eyes. In towns, processions of young girls walk through the streets singing the saint’s name. Dressed in white, they each wear a crown of four lit candles that represents the return of the sun as well as the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ during the crucifixion. Candles are an important feature of the festive celebrations of the region. They are at once the symbol of the rebirth of the sun and all homes are filled with their soft light. Grouped in threes they represent the Holy Trinity. Advent is marked by four candles – one for each week before Christmas Day. The number four also represents the four compass points as well as the four seasons of the year. I 12
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Tame the
chic
wild of a Nordic winter
Nordic style is all about a relaxed casualness that softens a wilder and almost brutal aesthetic. A strongly naturalistic look, it’s resolutely modern but with decorative details that are evocative of the Scandinavian spirit, a way of life that has learned to embrace long harsh winters with a warmth and joie de vivre. So natural materials such as wood, especially fir, and bark are juxtaposed with the heaviness of metal but also the softness of faux-fur, and for a further unexpected contrast a skeletal animal head is used as a stark centrepiece. Then there’s light - a hallway immediately envelops one in welcoming warmth, decorated by a pretty pendant chandelier and lit Christmas tree, their shimmering points of light 1
bright in the moodier glow of candles and lanterns. Artificial ice in vases adds another surprising element to a striking display of fir branches and the addition of an oversized lantern gives a room a feeling of elegant grandeur.
Smart idea: decoration starts outside with the front door! Welcome your guests with a wreath made from twigs and softening foliage. I
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Tame the
chic
wild of a Nordic winter
Nordic style is all about a relaxed casualness that softens a wilder and almost brutal aesthetic. A strongly naturalistic look, it’s resolutely modern but with decorative details that are evocative of the Scandinavian spirit, a way of life that has learned to embrace long harsh winters with a warmth and joie de vivre. So natural materials such as wood, especially fir, and bark are juxtaposed with the heaviness of metal but also the softness of faux-fur, and for a further unexpected contrast a skeletal animal head is used as a stark centrepiece. Then there’s light - a hallway immediately envelops one in welcoming warmth, decorated by a pretty pendant chandelier and lit Christmas tree, their shimmering points of light 1
bright in the moodier glow of candles and lanterns. Artificial ice in vases adds another surprising element to a striking display of fir branches and the addition of an oversized lantern gives a room a feeling of elegant grandeur.
Smart idea: decoration starts outside with the front door! Welcome your guests with a wreath made from twigs and softening foliage. I
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Chic
Gifts
Luxury and sensual texture
soothe the rigours of winter
It’s all in the detail
Taking care of the smallest details makes for an extra-special Christmas – and this applies to gifts as well. It’s not just the choosing that’s important – the presentation is too, so why not take pleasure in the creation of something special.
The deeper the winter, the more one yearns for comfort and warmth. In the home, one of the easiest ways to warm the soul is with faux-fur, its wonderfully soft texture comforting against the skin. It’s versatile, and works with the traditional to create a cosy chalet chic or stylishly softens a more contemporary setting. Drape a throw over a sofa or place a cushion on a chair or even place a few on the floor in front of the fire for relaxed lounging. Candles are again crucial for creating an ambient mood and there are many different ways of elegant display. A twiggy wreath beautifully complements a glass candle holder and instead of just one candle in a lantern, how about grouping a few in assorted sizes. And why not also think about adding faux ice crystals, sand and pebbles for an extra dash of style. Easy to do - but they make such a difference. I
With just a little thought a simple package can be made into something that speaks of thoughtfulness even before the wrapping has been removed. You don’t have to be extravagant – the addition of a decorative heart is enough, or perhaps a scattering of pearls or something sparkly. Even a pine cone tied into a velvet ribbon will do the trick. I
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Chic
Gifts
Luxury and sensual texture
soothe the rigours of winter
It’s all in the detail
Taking care of the smallest details makes for an extra-special Christmas – and this applies to gifts as well. It’s not just the choosing that’s important – the presentation is too, so why not take pleasure in the creation of something special.
The deeper the winter, the more one yearns for comfort and warmth. In the home, one of the easiest ways to warm the soul is with faux-fur, its wonderfully soft texture comforting against the skin. It’s versatile, and works with the traditional to create a cosy chalet chic or stylishly softens a more contemporary setting. Drape a throw over a sofa or place a cushion on a chair or even place a few on the floor in front of the fire for relaxed lounging. Candles are again crucial for creating an ambient mood and there are many different ways of elegant display. A twiggy wreath beautifully complements a glass candle holder and instead of just one candle in a lantern, how about grouping a few in assorted sizes. And why not also think about adding faux ice crystals, sand and pebbles for an extra dash of style. Easy to do - but they make such a difference. I
With just a little thought a simple package can be made into something that speaks of thoughtfulness even before the wrapping has been removed. You don’t have to be extravagant – the addition of a decorative heart is enough, or perhaps a scattering of pearls or something sparkly. Even a pine cone tied into a velvet ribbon will do the trick. I
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Christmas lounging
Cocktails of red and black For those of you who want to do something different SIA’s new collection reinterprets the traditional festive colours of red and black. Forget what’s gone before – we’ve even discarded the Christmas tree! This time round decoration is about striking still-lifes that have immediate impact but that also last to the end of the night.
A goblet vase is filled with Christmas baubles for festive style with a twist. Red and black are made sexy with glossy shine and glittering colour, the darkness of black in contrast to the sensual hit of red. Oversized Medici vases in anthracite are filled with spectacular bouquets of flowers made of velvet, shimmering metal and studded with sequins. And for an extra lavish touch – and why not, it’s Christmas! – tea-light holders, dramatically luxurious in scarlet and a sensuous goblet shape. Smart idea: with a little imagination any glass container can become a beautiful candle holder. Just make sure the opening is large enough to let the heat escape safely. I 18
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Christmas lounging
Cocktails of red and black For those of you who want to do something different SIA’s new collection reinterprets the traditional festive colours of red and black. Forget what’s gone before – we’ve even discarded the Christmas tree! This time round decoration is about striking still-lifes that have immediate impact but that also last to the end of the night.
A goblet vase is filled with Christmas baubles for festive style with a twist. Red and black are made sexy with glossy shine and glittering colour, the darkness of black in contrast to the sensual hit of red. Oversized Medici vases in anthracite are filled with spectacular bouquets of flowers made of velvet, shimmering metal and studded with sequins. And for an extra lavish touch – and why not, it’s Christmas! – tea-light holders, dramatically luxurious in scarlet and a sensuous goblet shape. Smart idea: with a little imagination any glass container can become a beautiful candle holder. Just make sure the opening is large enough to let the heat escape safely. I 18
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The trend
for Tradition Rediscover the elegance of tradition.
There’s something comforting about a Christmas played out in green and red. They’re the colours of our childhood, of a tradition that goes back many decades. But to make things interesting, this year we’ve added an extra note of colour – a splash of white that gives red and green a fresh new look. So with rich bouquets of amaryllis is the white-hot crispness of a silver napkin ring and candelabra. Scarlet flowers and branches of berries add further shots of colour but again are placed in small silver vessels. And for one last idea: decorate each table place with a mini-bouquet of red roses that are ready-to-go. Smart idea: add an extra decorative touch to wine glasses by attaching a length of coloured ribbon and a matching small bauble to each one. Lovely! I
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The trend
for Tradition Rediscover the elegance of tradition.
There’s something comforting about a Christmas played out in green and red. They’re the colours of our childhood, of a tradition that goes back many decades. But to make things interesting, this year we’ve added an extra note of colour – a splash of white that gives red and green a fresh new look. So with rich bouquets of amaryllis is the white-hot crispness of a silver napkin ring and candelabra. Scarlet flowers and branches of berries add further shots of colour but again are placed in small silver vessels. And for one last idea: decorate each table place with a mini-bouquet of red roses that are ready-to-go. Smart idea: add an extra decorative touch to wine glasses by attaching a length of coloured ribbon and a matching small bauble to each one. Lovely! I
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Ofimps,elves and Santa Claus Each Christmas a host of cheeky imps and elves claim their place in the Scandinavian home. Those with beards and red bonnets - called ‘Tomte’ in Sweden and ‘Nisse’ in Norway and Denmark – hark back to the pagan origins of Christmas, marking the return of life as the days grow longer. No-one is quite sure of their roots but some believe these are the original representation of what is now Santa Claus (and it has to be said that the red bonnet and long beard do have a familiar feel about them.) Then there’s the grumpy gnome who protects the home and so is dutifully presented with a gift of rice pudding each Christmas Eve. The next morning the bowl is always squeaky clean - although that may be down to the house cat! Often these elves and gnomes are hidden round the house to be discovered by children long after Christmas has passed, keeping the joy alive through the first dark weeks of the new year. Smart idea: do as the Scandinavians do and make these figurines part of your Christmas. You’ll be surprised at the fun they bring! I
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The treasures of master
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craftsmen
In the past Christmas trees were decorated with bright red apples and oranges plus sweets and tapering candles. It was only in the nineteenth century, in the German town of Meisenthal in Moselle, that glass baubles were created. The story goes that in 1858 a drought left the area without fruit to decorate the population’s Christmas trees - considered a symbol of plenty as well as of life, to leave the tree bare was a terrible thing. The crisis was solved by a master craftsman who created beautiful glass baubles in the spherical shapes of fruit - and a new tradition was born.
SIA’s gorgeous creations pay homage to the fine craftsmen of the past. Each ball is hand-blown and then carefully hand-painted and decorated. Astonishing dexterity is shown by each craftsman to create wonderfully detailed decorations that perfectly capture the magic and delight of Christmas. I
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Ofimps,elves and Santa Claus Each Christmas a host of cheeky imps and elves claim their place in the Scandinavian home. Those with beards and red bonnets - called ‘Tomte’ in Sweden and ‘Nisse’ in Norway and Denmark – hark back to the pagan origins of Christmas, marking the return of life as the days grow longer. No-one is quite sure of their roots but some believe these are the original representation of what is now Santa Claus (and it has to be said that the red bonnet and long beard do have a familiar feel about them.) Then there’s the grumpy gnome who protects the home and so is dutifully presented with a gift of rice pudding each Christmas Eve. The next morning the bowl is always squeaky clean - although that may be down to the house cat! Often these elves and gnomes are hidden round the house to be discovered by children long after Christmas has passed, keeping the joy alive through the first dark weeks of the new year. Smart idea: do as the Scandinavians do and make these figurines part of your Christmas. You’ll be surprised at the fun they bring! I
4
The treasures of master
1
craftsmen
In the past Christmas trees were decorated with bright red apples and oranges plus sweets and tapering candles. It was only in the nineteenth century, in the German town of Meisenthal in Moselle, that glass baubles were created. The story goes that in 1858 a drought left the area without fruit to decorate the population’s Christmas trees - considered a symbol of plenty as well as of life, to leave the tree bare was a terrible thing. The crisis was solved by a master craftsman who created beautiful glass baubles in the spherical shapes of fruit - and a new tradition was born.
SIA’s gorgeous creations pay homage to the fine craftsmen of the past. Each ball is hand-blown and then carefully hand-painted and decorated. Astonishing dexterity is shown by each craftsman to create wonderfully detailed decorations that perfectly capture the magic and delight of Christmas. I
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Various products illustrated in this exclusive collection are subject to copyright protection. Their reproduction without written permission is prohibited. © 2009 Modèles et marque déposés. Toutes reproductions interdites sans autorisation écrite. Photos non contractuelles.
Photos : Grethe Arnstad - © F. Leveugle - 793340
www.sia-homefashion.com SIA S.A. 115 av de Dreux CS 80507 - 78377 Plaisir Ste Apolline Cedex – France. Tel: 33 1 34 91 08 00, fax: 33 1 34 89 30 09. email : infos@sia-deco.fr