The Opening Note
Before I ever embarked on a career in writing about interior design, I had always been passionate about color. As Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens, I’ve spent years exploring remarkable homes, curating seasonal projects, and discovering the small details that make a space feel alive. Over time, I’ve come to love one thing above all: how color can transform a home, particularly at this time of year, when celebration and festivity take center stage. My home becomes a place to gather, entertain, and revel in the joy of the holidays. Every corner feels more intentional, every detail more considered, as I embrace the season with friends, family, and a little sparkle.
For this eighth edition of The Very British Edit, I’ve focused on exactly that: the season when bold color transforms everyday spaces into festive retreats. Jewel tones – rich emeralds, ruby reds, and sapphire blues – take center stage, bringing warmth, drama, and a sense of joyous occasion to every room. I even completed three color courses at KLC School of Design, and it remains my favorite topic to write about: how vibrant hues can lift a room, energize a space, and make every gathering feel special. Color is, without question, one of the most important elements to consider in any home – it sets the mood, defines the space, and reflects personality.
There’s something magical about jewel tones at this time of year. They remind me of Christmas decorations, glowing candlelight, sparkling glassware, and festive textiles – all the little things that make a home feel alive with celebration. Tablescapes glow, glassware catches the light, and layered textures, metallic details, and rich fabrics make every space feel opulent yet inviting. I love how color can create a sense of theater, turning even a simple meal into a memorable occasion.
What I adore most about this season is how joy, hospitality, and style intertwine. Thoughtful details – opulent glassware, lush textiles, and vibrant accents – elevate every gathering, while the careful layering of Christmas colors makes the experience immersive and unforgettable. It’s about creating a home that encourages conversation, laughter, and lingering over food and drink, where every element has meaning, warmth, and charm.
This edition celebrates the joy of entertaining with intention, of embracing bold, beautiful color, and of making the home a festive, welcoming retreat. It’s a reminder that, above all, a house is not just a place – it’s a setting for connection, celebration, and the rituals that make the holidays feel truly magical.
The Edit: Decorating with Jewel Colors
Spotlight: Anthropologie
This week, the spotlight is on Anthropologie, a brand that has captivated me for years with its playful, curated approach to home and lifestyle. Founded in 1992 in Wayne, Pennsylvania, Anthropologie has grown into a go-to destination for anyone who loves to combine personal style with creativity, offering everything from clothing and accessories to home decor that feels thoughtfully collected. What I especially admire is the brand’s commitment to collaboration, working with both established and emerging artists to bring unique, covetable pieces into homes.
Over time, I’ve watched Anthropologie transform spaces with color, texture, and charm. Their jewel-toned glassware, layered textiles, and striking decorative accents bring an effortless sense of joy and personality to any room. For me, Anthropologie embodies the idea that home is not just a place – it’s a feeling, a backdrop for celebrations, gatherings, and moments that truly matter. Every time I style a table or add a finishing touch from their collection, it reminds me why I fell in love with interiors in the first place: the right color, the perfect detail, or a single playful object can completely transform the mood of a space.
What makes Anthropologie so special is the way it celebrates individuality and creativity. From vintage-inspired treasures to globally influenced designs, every item feels thoughtfully chosen, with a sense of whimsy and sophistication that elevates everyday life. Their home collection is especially exciting during the holidays, when tablescapes, glassware, and decor in rich, jewel-toned hues turn ordinary rooms into festive retreats.
I’ll be highlighting my favorite jewel-toned finds from Anthropologie to help bring that same magic into your home. From vibrant glassware to textured textiles and statement decorative pieces, these selections make it effortless to layer color, add depth, and create spaces that feel festive and inviting. Whether you’re entertaining, celebrating, or simply enjoying quiet moments at home, these jewel-toned picks are the perfect way to infuse warmth, personality, and a touch of holiday sparkle into every corner.
In the Queue
Next week on The Very British Edit, my attention turns to the details that truly define the holiday table. As Christmas approaches, the home becomes a place for gathering and celebration, and it’s often the smaller touches that make the biggest impact. I’ll be focusing on Christmas crackers, tableware, and festive textiles – the elements that bring personality, charm, and a sense of occasion to every setting, whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a full house.
The spotlight will be on Fortnum & Mason, a brand synonymous with timeless British elegance and joyful holiday traditions. Expect beautifully considered tableware, richly patterned linens, and Christmas crackers that feel as decorative as they are celebratory. These are pieces designed to elevate the table, spark conversation, and make festive gatherings feel all the more special.
If you love thoughtful tablescaping, classic holiday style with a playful edge, and details that make hosting feel both effortless and memorable, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.
