Our Stories

Hosting the Holidays with Stylist Gemma Keil

For Gemma Keil, Christmas Day is best enjoyed several times over—surrounded by good food, family and plenty of laughter. With relatives spread over multiple cities, the Sydney-based stylist is no stranger to entertaining, often hosting and attending numerous festive events over the holidays.

Gemma recently welcomed us into her home for a closer look at her festive celebrations, the Christmas table and all the magic that the holiday season brings. 

Above: Organically Grown Cotton Knit Cami, High Rise Denim Short, Organically Grown Cotton Blend Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Pocket Denim Short. Gemma wears Pocket Detail Shirt, Relaxed Fit Jean.

How do you celebrate the festive season? Paint a picture for us.

We like to stay put on Christmas Day, ensuring Santa doesn't get lost, and our house is perfect for entertaining. We stay in our PJs until late morning, opening presents and sipping coffee to counter the early wake-up.

Above: Australian Cotton Longline Garment Dyed T-Shirt, Verified Australian Cotton Standard Fit Stretch Chino, Organically Grown Cotton Knit Cami, High Rise Denim Short, Organically Grown Cotton Blend Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Pocket Denim Short.
Above: Christmas Stocking, Christmas Stocking, Pet Christmas Stocking, Organically Grown Cotton Knit Cami, Organically Grown Cotton Blend Shirt.
Above: Laila Queen Quilt Cover, Laila Pillowcase Pair, Laila Pillowcase Pair, Organically Grown Cotton Pocket T-Shirt, Organically Grown Linen Shirt.
Above: Christmas Stocking, Pet Christmas Stocking, Organically Grown Cotton Knit Cami, High Rise Denim Short, Organically Grown Cotton Blend Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Pocket Denim Short.
Above: Australian Cotton Longline Garment Dyed T-Shirt, Verified Australian Cotton Standard Fit Stretch Chino, Organically Grown Cotton Knit Cami, High Rise Denim Short, Organically Grown Cotton Blend Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Pocket Denim Short. Gemma wears Pocket Detail Shirt, Relaxed Fit Jean.
Above: Honeycomb 6ft Tree, Organically Grown Cotton Blend Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Knit Cami, Organically Grown Cotton Blend Stripe Pull-On Short.

We host a late, long lunch with family members, which is always a highlight. The kids play with their cousins and dip in and out of the pool all afternoon, adding to the festive atmosphere. It's a day filled with good conversation (as long as we stay off the topic of politics), gratitude and the wonderful smells of holiday cooking.

Above: Yarra Large Round Platter, Yarra Shallow Salad Bowl, Yarra Dinner Plate, Yarra Side Plate, Riviera Napkin, Nolan Cutlery, Alto Highball, Asha Oil Bottle Set, Asha Grinder Set, Talo Highball, Talo Tumbler, Vivi Wine Glass, Dana Tablecloth, Organically Grown Cotton Pocket T-Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Knitted Cotton Shirt, Broderie Dress, Organically Grown Cotton Relaxed Crochet Knit, Large Bubble Hoop Earring. Gemma wears Organically Grown Linen Yarn Dyed Blazer, Crystal Necklace.
Above: Organically Grown Cotton Pocket T-Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Knitted Cotton Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Relaxed Crochet Knit.
Above: Yarra Dinner Plate, Yarra Side Plate, Carol Cracker, Nolan Cutlery, Dana Tablecloth, Organically Grown Cotton Pocket T-Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Knitted Cotton Shirt.

How are you styling the table this time of year?

The table setting is definitely my domain. Last year, I created an interactive setup that was a hit with the kids. Instead of a traditional tablecloth, I laid out a massive run of butcher paper, wrote everyone's name in Sharpie, and set out crayons for the kids to draw and colour. I love incorporating lots of flowers and foliage into the decor, although it often leads to a friendly debate with my husband, who prefers to keep more space for the food.

Above: Vivi Wine Glass, Arti Board and Cheese Knife Set, Nolan Small Tongs, Asha Oil Bottle Set, Talo Highball, Yarra Dinner Plate, Yarra Side Plate, Carol Cracker, Nolan Cutlery, Dana Tablecloth.
Above: Yarra Dinner Plate, Riviera Napkin, Yarra Side Plate, Carol Cracker, Nolan Cutlery, Dana Tablecloth.

Shop the story

Above: Glass Bauble Set.
Above: Honeycomb 6ft Tree, Honeycomb 4.5ft Tree, Honeycomb 3ft Tree.
Above: Star Timber Decoration.
Above: Noel Wreath.

What about your home—are there any decorations, heirlooms or relics that make an appearance year after year?

As much as it may irk me as a stylist—always wanting to control the visual narrative—I've learned to pick my battles. The Christmas tree is not one of them. It's a big, glorious, non-themed melting pot of memories, adorned with handmade knick-knacks and memorabilia of the kids' favourite characters from the year, including mermaids, robots, dinosaurs and even a cameo from Elsa from ‘Frozen'.

Above: Noel Wreath, Organically Grown Cotton Chambray Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Knit Cami, High Rise Denim Short.
Above: Honeycomb 6ft Tree, Honeycomb 4.5ft Tree, Honeycomb 3ft Tree.
Above: Blitz Timber Decoration, Star Timber Decoration, Broderie Dress.
Above: Glass Bauble Decoration Set. Vivi Wine Glass.

What's one element you'd never host without?

A great selection of wine to accompany each part of the meal. I'm also partial to a fun cocktail aperitif to start off the entertaining.

Above: Broderie Dress, Organically Grown Cotton Pocket T-Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Knitted Cotton Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Cord Short.
Above: Flynn Ice Bucket & Tong Set, Flynn Wine Holder, Alto Highball, Daisy Flute, Vivi Wine Glass, Daisy Coupe, Vienna Tumbler, Daisy Nibble Bowl, Talo Tumbler.

What do you love most about this time of year?

There are so many things I love about this time of year: my out-of-office is on, long balmy nights, beach days, family time, a slower pace and endless mangoes.

Above: Laila Queen Quilt Cover, Relaxed Fit Jean, GOTS-Certified Organic Check Pyjama Set, Organically Grown Cotton Blend Ribbed Quarter Crew Sock.
Above: Above: Laila Queen Quilt Cover, Laila Pillowcase Pair, Laila Pillowcase Pair, GOTS-Certified Organic Check Pyjama Set, Organically Grown Cotton Blend Ribbed Quarter Crew Sock, Organically Grown Linen Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Pocket Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Cord Short, Rib Quarter Crew Sock.
Australian Cotton Longline Garment Dyed T-Shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Knit Cami, Organically Grown Cotton Blend Shirt.
Above: Recycled Nylon Blend Logo Rash Vest, Recycled Blend Stripe Board Short, Stripe Logo Swimsuit.
Above: Verified Australian Cotton Pique Polo, Organically Grown Cotton Relaxed Crochet Knit, Large Bubble Hoop Earring, Statement Cuff.
Above: CR Small Pocket Towel, Recycled Blend Stripe Board Short.