Last Monday I had the pleasure of escaping to the country with PANDORA, on what was the ultimate festive and magical get-away. Being such a fan of anything Christmassy; this was the epitome of all things joyous. I mean, wreath making and gift wrapping in front of the fire with ´Love Actually` on in the background, sipping on mulled wine and feasting on mince pies in a secluded cottage set on the stunning country grounds of Berkshire… It just doesn’t get much better than this.
PANDORA Vintage Fascination Ring
PANDORA Star Shine Ring
After checking into Cliveden House – located just under an hour away from London – we walked down to Spring Cottage, set right on the River Thames (dreamy), where PANDORA´s ‘Christmas Workshop’ was all ready and waiting for us. Needless to say, excitement levels were pretty high at this point! It was one of those magical Winter days – with not a cloud in the sky, glorious sunshine, frost on the ground and air as crisp as ice.
It was a welcoming delight to step into the toasty and cosy cottage with the open fire roaring away. We quickly settled in for our wreath making (my personal highlight). Christmas for me is all about giving something with real thought behind it; be it something handmade such as wreath, or something with a more special meaning behind it – such as a specially hand-crafted piece of jewellery.
For every year that goes by, Christmas becomes more meaningful and special to me. Don´t get me wrong; I LOVED Christmas growing up and was a pretty energetic (and eager) child throughout the holidays (especially during present time). But the older I get; the more it becomes about the festive memories created with family and friends. The time leading up to Christmas, the time after – the gathering of loved ones…
With all that is happening in the world at the moment, where our safe surroundings don´t always feel so safe and secure any longer, things you used to take for granted, have suddenly become somewhat unreliable; Christmas is the perfect escape for something warm, fuzzy and simply good in our lives. A time to celebrate and fully enjoy all the love, family and friends – and the joyous moments of giving and receiving…
After a festive day with arts and crafts down in the cottage, I headed back to my room (which as pictured, was pretty incredible), to re-charge and get ready for our Christmas dinner and drinks.
The tree was up, the drinks were flowing, and the table was set for our festive dinner. Dressed in all-black (of course) with a furry gilet to keep me cozy and warm. Perfect.
I woke up nice and re-freshed the next morning, with the sun beaming through the windows – to yet another glorious, crisp Winter´s day. But the bed was a bit too dreamy to get out of first thing... Can you blame me?
These are some of my favourite pieces from PANDORA´s Christmas Collection. I adore the classic hand-crafted feel, combined with the more contemporary design elements. Although I am usually a big fan of mixing gold and silver together; there is something about keeping it entirely tonal with all silver (especially during winter), which really looks so striking. Especially if you play around with different style elements; such as this vintage fascination ring, with the more modern star band – combined with the feminine matching floral pendant and earrings.
The PERFECT gift this Christmas.
PANDORA Ice Florals Pendant
PANDORA Silver Chain Necklace
PANDORA Vintage Fascination Ring
PANDORA Star Shine Ring
After a lazy (yet super cozy) morning, I finally ventured out in the fresh air, and went for a long walk along the river to clear my head before returning back to London.
Sometimes (well, most times), I really have to pinch myself on just how lucky I am; not only do I have the privilege on venturing on some amazing trips (this one with PANDORA included), meeting so many great people, discovering new places and sceneries – I am also incredible lucky to be going back to a warm and cozy Christmas with my family this year. Sometimes it´s far too easy to get caught up in every day stresses and take everything for granted, that one can easily forget and focus on what´s right in front of you – and how lucky so many of us really are.
I for one am beyond excited to enter 2017 (I´ve got a feeling it´s going to be a real good one).
Created in collaboration with PANDORA. All words, opinions, styling & creative direction are, of course, my own.
Great pictures and story! There’s nothing like a good Scandinavian festive xmas spirit to make you feel warm, loved, secure and to help you unwind. I know exactly what you mean with having your loved ones by your side during this season, that’s what it is all really about (even though a delicious dinner and a good present never hurt) ;)
Your piece just made me realize I always have a strong desire to wear a lot of jewels during winter and I always go jewel-shopping in December – I’m really into Aurélie Biedermann’s wheat jewels this year! Possibly because it is a great way to add color and spark into the daily greyish winter season :)
X L
PS: i ordered the 3 books by Jocelyn Glei (among which Maximize your potential), we’ll see the outcome! Excited to read them!
Author
Hi lovely Louise,
Thank you for your comment! I love jewellery all year around, but it´s always extra special in December :)
Hope you love the books!
Ax
Loving your necklace!
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
Author
Thanks Liv! x
This is really getting me in a holiday festive mood :) Love the rings and that coat!
http://dnamag.co
Author
Thank you!
Where is the fur coat from? Thank you
Author
It´s from Zara, new season!
Hi,
I’ve followed you for years and really enjoy your blog.
But lately it seems that every single post is to promote something. I miss the days of you posting interesting outfits that don’t involve plugging a product. Maybe we can have these as well as the promoted posts.
XX
Author
Hi Kerry,
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate where you are coming from – however I hope you can also understand that this is my full-time job – and in order for me to evolve and create interesting content – it does involve working with the brands I love (both on a sponsored and un-sponsored capacity). In turn, working with brands in this capacity; enables me to travel, experience and create all types of content – from outfits, travel, beauty, wellness… I do feel like I put a lot of effort in every post to create it my own; by shooting all my own content, styling all my outfits the way I would always wear it, and always writing it in my own way. I hope you feel that as well!
On another note – thank you for being so loyal for so many years – it means a lot to me! I would love to hear back from you if there is something specific you would like to see more of on the blog, and I´ll take it on board!
Best wishes,
Anneli x
Hey, i love this post, especially how you styled the jewellery with your outfits, casual vs the evening style dinner look. And the fur coat is absolutely stunning on you! Its not very chunky, just perfect!
Author
That is so kind, thank you! :)
Your Pandora ring is very beautiful!