A morning walk along the beach, a eucalyptus wreath at the door and seafood and salad for lunch. Claire Alexander-Johnston may be British born, but her Christmas celebrations are as Australian as they come.
The dynamic mother-of-four – who, thanks to her funny and honest accounts of life with young kids, has amassed a huge Instagram following under the handle @jetsetmama – spends each festive season with her young family at their beach house in the NSW coastal town of Brunswick Heads.
“It’s a classic Australian ‘bricks and tiles’ house from the ’70s, sandwiched between the river and the ocean,” says Claire. “When we’re here, we get to live this incredible outdoorsy life – surfing, swimming or ducking to the river for a stand-up paddle. It’s always loud, chaotic and colourful!”
A handmade wreath by Wilderness Flowers hangs at the home’s entrance. A Tigmi Trading bag rests on the custom bench.
The living room features a Joe sofa from MCM House, Sarah Ellison ‘Paloma’ coffee table and cushions from Bonnie and Neil, Eadie Lifestyle and These Walls. The resin clamshell is by Markett.
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Each Christmas morning, the young family wake up early for Santa sacks, coffee and croissants, before playing host to their extended family… and usually a few ring-ins! “We have an open-door policy after lunch, and it can get a bit out of hand,” Claire admits.
Vorsen chairs sit at the marble dining table, also custom-made. Claire sets it with Nikau plates and glassware and a yellow dish from Markett. A bunch of eucalyptus from Wilderness Flowers and a garland made from strips of cotton hang above.
In the kitchen, a wooden Christmas tree from Spotlight perches on the retro Smeg fridge. “I usually have a very maximalist style,” Claire admits. “But for our beach house we wanted something super pared-back and uncluttered so there’s less to keep tidy.”
Old English traditions mix in with Claire’s newly adopted Aussie ones – the previously mentioned seafood lunch is followed by a “proper” Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, carols are wholeheartedly sung, and once the kids are tucked up in bed, the board games commence. “No one gets out of the games!” she says. “It’s an essential part of Christmas.”
In one of the guest bedrooms, a large rattan wardrobe provides ample storage. The bed is made with I Love Linen sheets, while a vanity corner consists of a Fenton&Fenton pouf and Life Interiors mirror.
A rattan bedhead from GlobeWest continues the retro beach vibes, as do the Society6 framed print and Fat Shack Vintage lamp. A pink bedspread from I Love Linen and palm-print cushions from These Walls provide a glimpse of Claire’s maximialist tendencies. The stars on the wall are Tigmi Trading.
A self-confessed “Christmas control freak”, Claire puts a lot of thought into the day. “I start planning food from July,” she jokes. Her decorations change each year, depending entirely on her mood. “Last year I decorated a full-sized palm tree with fluoro balls and an obnoxious amount of tinsel. This year I’m feeling much more minimalistic and eco-friendly, using Australiana foliage and a pastel palette.”
A double vanity helps cater for a crowd! The shell vase and palm leaf are both Nikau.
The table is laid with masses of eucalyptus and gold charger plates to “make it feel a bit special”, while gifts are wrapped in butchers paper and upcycled ribbons. “I like to give my kids something they can use again and again, that doesn’t require batteries, because who can be bothered to find batteries and screwdrivers on Christmas Day?” she says in her typical sage style.
The balcony is Claire’s favourite spot. “I love the tiles with the terrazzo Fenton&Fenton stools, the hanging chair from Byron Bay Hanging Chairs and most importantly, the people watching.”
style tip
An outdoor shower is an ideal addition if you live by the beach. Include hooks close by to hang towels, damp cossies and wetsuits.
Passing shower Tiles by Sarah Ellison form the base of the outdoor shower. Yellow towel by The Beach People.
