We know that there is magic in the world. It is easier to feel with the smaller things in life. A magnificent cup of coffee, the first December box of Quality Street, Christmas reindeer antlers on your Labrador…..

We know that there can and should be magic at home. A feeling of shelter, goodness and it being your safe and rightful place. It is a difficult feeling to name, but we should know when our home is exactly where and who we should be.

We are currently in the maelstrom peak of decorating. Painting guest rooms, dining spaces and our hallways before we surrender to the intense mixing and mingling of the festive season. We want to prepare our public facing rooms that show who we are (or want to be) to the people we invite into our homes.

I have just finished decorating our home. It has taken so much longer than I thought – but once the brushes and rollers were packed away, I was able to bring in my personal magic.  Our cupboard of family memories was put back together. My ever-increasing collection of stones, feathers and sticks arranged in a way that makes me happy. All the books together and waiting to teach us something. Art hung, candles placed where candlelight needs to be and all our memory markers out and in new and delightful compositions.

I believe the biggest joy in decorating your home is in the gathering and placement of things that can only be you and yours. Enjoy this month, decorate to your heart’s content, keep some magic in your cupboards, windowsills and just behind you. Write your world large.

Totara was named after the mighty New Zealand tree– a tree of fables, morals, and magic. It makes me think of my childhood and, of course, my roots. Where I come from and why I choose to live in a home with the people, animals and objects that are unique to our family fable. It’s also a beautiful deep leaf green and I think magical as a colour.

 Cassandra x