Coral Atkinson, founder of Velveteen Babies on her family’s Christmas plans…
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Coral Atkinson is the founder of children’s interiors brand Velveteen Babies. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband and their three children, Felix, Barney and Willa. Here, she shares her family’s Christmas plans and talks about everything from how she plans to decorate the house, to what’s on Santa’s sleigh.
How do you plan to celebrate Christmas this year and will anything be different during the pandemic?
We’ll be at home as usual, though normally our house is the hub of the extended family, this year our celebrations will no doubt be smaller than usual, but I’ll try my best to bring as much magic as possible.
What are your family’s favourite Christmas traditions and how do you get ready for the festive season?
Everyone loves their turn at our advent calendar – I fill the little bags with small treats and chocolates and we take it in turns to do that each day. Ours is from Scandiborn and I’ve got some pretty hair clips from Rockahula for Willa’s days on it.
We all love decorating the tree – ours was from Next although we’ll probably sneak a real one in somewhere too, and I try my best not to be a control freak over it! Every year we add a few new decorations and ours are by Meri Meri and a few Velveteen Babies garlands too! I’ve also got a brilliant Gathre mat from Scandiborn for it to sit on.
How will you be decorating the house and your Christmas table?
I’ve gone for a white and pastel extravaganza this year, non traditional but really magical. I discovered papersnowflake.co.uk last year and filled our kitchen with them, they are amazing! For the table, more beautiful Meri Meri treasures and festive table favours by PLAYin CHOC, they’ve done a gorgeous Christmas set which the kids will love.
I used to be a VM for a department store and creating the Christmas windows was always the highlight of my year – hanging beautiful lighting reminds me of that time and I always go to Lights4fun online for all that twinkles.
What is Santa bringing on his sleigh this year?
Willa has a dreamy doll’s pram and Maileg mice from Scandiborn at the ready, I’m already excited to see her face when she opens them! I love Scandiborn for all the kids, it’s always my go-to for gifts for them.
Willa loves little trinkets and accessories so I have some lovely hair accessories from Rockahula for her stocking and her Angel doll from Meri Meri will enjoy a ride in the new pram, and she’ll be sashaying about in her wings all day no doubt too.
Who’s in charge of cooking lunch and what will you be eating?
I’m in charge but quite enjoy the challenge, and I like being near to the fridge for a festive tipple to get me through. We stay fairly traditional but I do insist on extra pigs in blankets and I’m never without Yorkshire puddings on Christmas day!
Christmas PJ’s or party outfits?
My kids would live in PJ’s given the opportunity, so Christmas PJ’s all the way. The Bright Company is always my go-to and this year I’ve gone for the beautiful moon design. They last forever and are the best quality. Willa has got some beautiful dresses from The Middle Daughter and Smock London so she’ll have plenty of opportunities for a few outfit changes!!
And finally, favourite Christmas indulgence?
A large glass of Baileys on ice as soon as the children are fast asleep in bed!
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