A Christmas Tale
A Christmas Tale combines a traditional Christmas atmosphere with the charm of a classic country house. Dark colours, tartan checks and antique-style ornaments create a rich, layered look. Yet the trend never feels too formal or heavy. Playful Christmas characters, woodland animals and subtle references to familiar festive stories keep the atmosphere welcoming and full of character.
Colours Inspired by an Old Library
The A Christmas Tale colour palette consists of pearl, light gold, Christmas red, oxblood, pine green and emerald. These classic Christmas colours come together to create a warm and timeless look.
- Pearl: This soft, pearlescent shade has a subtle sheen reminiscent of antique porcelain, old letters and candlelight glowing through a room on a winter’s evening.
- Christmas red: This warm shade of red appears in bows, gift wrapping, tartan patterns and smaller decorative details.
- Pine green: This jewel-like green brings to mind velvet and antique gemstones, developing a beautiful lustre whenever it catches the light.
Together, these colours tell the story of a classic Christmas. They feel familiar and nostalgic, yet luxurious and festive at the same time. It is as though you have stepped into a room where Christmas has been celebrated for generations and every ornament holds a treasured memory.
A Christmas Tree That Tells a Story
With A Christmas Tale, the Christmas tree can be richly decorated and wonderfully atmospheric. Begin with baubles in dark green, red and pearl, then add gold ornaments to bring a touch of sparkle. Combine glossy and matt baubles to create extra depth and interest.
Loosely weave tartan ribbons between the branches or use them to create several large bows. Repeat the checked pattern on a few baubles and fabric decorations. This creates a recognisable theme without making the tree feel too busy.
Then comes the most enjoyable part: choosing ornaments that tell a story. Hang an owl beside a stack of miniature books, give a Christmas elf pride of place and hide a letter to Father Christmas amongst the greenery. Little dogs, children reading and traditional Christmas characters also work beautifully within this trend. By hanging decorations at different depths within the tree, there will always be something new to discover.
Tartan, Books and Ornaments with a Story
You will also find plenty of unusual characters within this theme. An owl watches over the bookcase, a dog in a green jacket waits patiently beside the Christmas tree and a Christmas elf looks as though it has stepped straight out of an old storybook.
Typical decorations for A Christmas Tale include:
- Christmas baubles in pearl, light gold, Christmas red, oxblood, pine green and emerald;
- ribbons, bows and Christmas stockings featuring tartan checks;
- traditional Christmas characters, elves and animals dressed in festive clothing;
- ornaments shaped like letters, books and envelopes;
- stacks of old books and decorations featuring ornate lettering.
Tartan is one of the most distinctive elements of A Christmas Tale. Checked patterns appear on ribbons, bows, stockings, cushions and Christmas baubles. Tartan in shades of red, green, beige and dark blue works particularly well with this style. It gives the interior a warm country-house feel and provides a beautiful contrast to shimmering glass and gold.
Find Inspiration at the Garden Centre
A Christmas Tale shows us that the most beautiful Christmas stories do not only exist in books. You can create them yourself, right in your own home. Combine classic Christmas colours with tartan, characterful figures and personal decorations. Find inspiration at the garden centre and write your own Christmas story this year, filled with warmth, festive cheer and moments to treasure.