Alex Walls of A&C Homestore's perfect Christmas

Interiors whizz Alex Walls is the co-founder with husband Corban of designer homewares brand A&C Homestore. The Auckland-based mum-of-two tells dish about a special new addition to her Christmas tree… and her most unusual gift ever.

How do you usually spend Christmas Day?
It’s a time for family, cooking and entertaining. I love to challenge myself to make a selection of new dishes each year, which means I do spend a lot of the day in the kitchen!

Do you have any special Christmas/festive period traditions?
For a few years our family used to make our own personalised Christmas crackers, which was so fun. This year I am going to make a ‘letter’ decoration for each family member, so at Christmas they get to put their letter on the tree to know they are special and part of the family.

A&C Linen Table Cloth - Khaki

What do you love to prepare and eat on Christmas Day?
Like many, we always have the traditional glazed ham…starting at breakfast with some beautiful breakfast croissants.

Then we’ll move into a grazing-style lunch of cheeses, fruits, breads and probably some more ham. And it’s always a tradition to have a big bowl of fresh cherries on Christmas day.

For dinner, you guessed it… more ham, plus a lovely home-cooked barbecue accompanied by fresh summer salads.

Who does the cooking usually on the day itself?

Previously, my mum would take the lead; however I seem to have slowly taken over the responsibility, which is fine by me. Cooking for family and friends is one of my favourite things to do.

Most treasured Christmas item?
I have lots of beautiful decorations that my mum has passed down to me, including some really cool nutcrackers and unique wooden dolls who smoke when you put incense burners in them. Hard to explain, but they are really special.

Worst/best Christmas gift ever?
A sack of potatoes paired with a baked potatoes recipe book!

A&C Homestore enlai baskets

What are you hoping someone gives you?
You can never go wrong with a day of pampering.

Favourite Christmas album / movie /song (s)?
So many! I love almost all Christmas carols and songs…. I am that annoying person who sings Jingle Bells in June. My favourite movies are Home Alone, Polar Express (with the kids – Austen and Goldie), The Grinch and The Holiday.

A&C Homestore
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