Our 2024 Christmas Collection with Nina Fuga
Inspired by the rare breeds, wildlife and foliage found on our farm, Daylesford's 2024 Christmas collection features whimsical illustrations by Italian artist, Nina Fuga. Creatively re-imagined across linens, crockery, festive food and gifts, each piece is made with Christmas celebrations in mind.
Read our Q&A with Nina Fuga below to discover the stories behind the designs, the artist's own Christmas traditions and favourite pieces.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU AT CHRISTMAS?
To share the dinner table with the people I love.
WHAT'S YOUR EARLIEST CHRISTMAS MEMORY?
Trying to catch Father Christmas laying the presents. I never caught him.
IT'S NOT CHRISTMAS WITHOUT...
...loved ones and long candle lit evenings spent cooking and eating old family recipes.
What's the best gift you've ever had?
A pair of vintage French candlestick holders, they dress every dinner table in a very special way. My father gifted me a pop-up book that transformed into a doll's house, it came with paper sheets of tiny furniture and people to cut out. I never managed to build any of it, it was too precious.
Do you have any unique Christmas traditions?
Passing on the family recipes and parlour games after dinner. Every year, my cousin who lives in Venice hosts the family on Christmas Eve. We have a long dinner and each of us prepare their special dish, before we gather around the tree to open presents just before midnight. My cousin is an avid games enthusiast, playing board games that he has collected through the year is one of the favourite traditions.
What’s always on your Christmas table?
Candles and crackers, even in Venice I introduced this tradition and now, Christmas dinner isn’t possible without everyone showing off their paper crowns!
What was your favourite element to draw from this collection?
The luscious wreath and the playful animals, dancing about and celebrating Christmas in a mischievous way. They have so much character and I feel there is something universal about them.
Which piece in the collection are you most excited about?
The ceramics collection, I have a deep connection with the craft and the material. I have a vast collection of ceramics that keeps growing each year, I can’t stop buying old and new handpainted unique pieces. I also love the advent calendar.
What’s on your Christmas wishlist from Daylesford?
The Advent Calendar. The design has been an incredible journey to create, it was the first commission after I gave birth to my daughter, Flora. It was inspired by the animals and farm life at Daylesford during Christmas, the whimsical and festive atmosphere and the warm colours of Christmas lights and decorations, in contrast with the cool shades of English winter landscapes.