A Christmas Like No Other: Paul’s December Diary
A Christmas Like No Other
Paul Thomas Founder & Creative Director, Paul Thomas-Jeffreys, looks forward to a Christmas with a difference in his December Diary.
Words by Paul Thomas-Jeffreys
Photography by Shaun James Cox & Julian Ward
Christmas 2020 is certainly going to be one we won’t forget in a hurry. With so much uncertainty, lockdowns and ever-changing tiers plus all the anxieties and stresses they bring, the words ‘Merry Christmas’ do seem a little hopeful. Even though it’s going to be so different this year, it needn’t be any less special. In fact, I often think times like these, times that shake us all up, make us more creative and imaginative, rather than lazily following the go-to traditions as per every other year.
“I often think times like these, times that shake us all up, make us more creative and imaginative, rather than lazily following the go-to traditions as per every other year.”
PAUL THOMAS-JEFFREYS, FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Many of us have put up our Christmas decorations much earlier than other years, wanting to make our homes as festive as we can, as soon as we can. It’s quite noticeable and lovely to see how Christmas wreaths have become so much more popular. We have been leading remote wreath-making classes and I hosted one recently to support our chosen charity for Christmas 2020; The Nurture Garden at Badgemore Primary School in Henley-on-Thames. It was strange knowing there were over 40 people following the class – some as far away as the US – whilst I was alone in our studio on Zoom! The resulting wreaths were truly beautiful and so resourceful and creative.
If you are not feeling in the creative mood, let us do it for you. We have designed a series of stunning, seasonal wreaths to choose from in three colour palettes: frosty silver, warm natural golds or rich red and green. In fact, we have created a whole collection in these three colour ways, ranging from little trees and seasonal bouquets to planters and garlands. We are able to deliver nationwide so do explore the collection and see how we can help you share festive wishes with flowers this Christmas.
Since lockdown eased here in the UK, florists have gone into overdrive getting hotels and restaurants decorated, often with very little time to make the magic happen. I am thrilled to say we have decorated The Ritz in London again this year with their famous tree standing proud in a new location at the base of the main staircase to allow for social distancing in the lobby. We also had the pleasure of installing the most wonderfully eccentric Christmas garlands in the beautiful Palm Court.
After a difficult year for the industry, it has been wonderful to see the flower market busy again, even queues on certain stands. New Covent Garden Market is so precious to the floristry trade and needs as much support as we can give it. It is the most inspiring place to be. I love running around putting colours together and developing new ideas, there is nowhere like it.
As this unforgettable year draws to a close, I wish you a very special Christmas. Keep safe and well and let’s welcome in the New Year with all the hope that this fresh start will bring us.
