Now I have to confess that at this time of year my inner kitsch comes out. I rarely allow the Christmas tree into the house before 20 December and it’s out by 27th. There’s no tinsel and I would much rather have armfuls of natural green foliage and fairy lights than anything else.
But… but…. I do like to change the decor a little bit. To bring in something that I wouldn’t normally entertain. Or, perhaps, something that The Mad Husband wouldn’t normally entertain. Left to my own devices the kitsch might spiral slightly out of control. So while I would never, ever, ever be seen dead (or alive) in a Christmas jumper I’m not averse to a Christmas cushion. For December only that is.
And that’s where these lights come in. I wouldn’t want them all year round but I rather like the idea of them lighting the stairs or little corners of the house. God knows it might even keep the real ones out…
My mother has a set of wooden Santas cavorting about in various positions that I bought for her years ago. They come out every year and are arranged on the mantelpiece climbing over the china and swinging from the candlesticks. I imagine a similar scenario with these. Small kids can guess where they are going to end up this year and older ones can choose where they should go.
There are three different positions and they cost around £60 each – there are lots of places that sell them so you can shop around. I would perhaps have them peering out from the kitchen shelves, or around the mantelpiece and fireplace. Even outside a child’s bedroom to light the way for the big red man on Christmas Eve.
It’s all part of my second favourite interiors mantra -be brave and not too sensible. Perfect for this time of year don’t you think?
One other thing – I am the new Agony Aunt for houzz.com so do add your design dilemmas over there if you have anything you would like sorting out. Follow the link to see my latest column.
Cute but pricey. (Also, not available across the water so discussion is moot.)
I find these lamps horrific. But I love the monkey ones also made by Seletti.
Beyond ghastly…a rodent lamp….never ever!!
Kate these are wonderful! One ordered very promptly and might have to consider more than one…thank you.
Love the mice lights. I expect that they look even better when lit, and, sorry about this, but might even give them the ‘gliver’ wax treatment. Heresy or what!
I’m a decorate on the 24th take them down on the 27th’ sort of person too – surely, anything more dilutes the child in the land of Christmas/Narnia-like magic doesn’t it?