No one wraps Christmas up like floral mastermind, interior decorator, and entrepreneur Diane Nittke of Ellermann Flower Boutique and her namesake interior company. Between decking the halls of Rosewood Hong Kong and masterminding florals for events, we caught up with the in-demand designer to discover her secrets to décor success and learn how to recreate her signature aesthetic using a festive edit of curios and tableware from Lane Crawford Home.

What are the key ingredients for a festive tablescape?

Flowers or botanical ingredients are a must. They add understated glamour and effortless elegance to everything, while seasonal foliage gives off a subtle and Christmassy scent. Table linen (especially good quality napkins), candles, and a personal touch such as a handwritten place card or small, thoughtful gift bring everything together.

What flowers are always on display at your house this time of year?

A mix of fresh and fragrant seasonal greenery including cedar (my favourite), juniper, pine, spruce, redwood, magnolia leaf, and seeded eucalyptus. I love the simplicity of fresh arrangements of greens. However, I compliment greenery with flower arrangements in line with my annual colour theme, which changes every year.

Your signature Ellermann aesthetic is rich, layered, and romantic. How can this be recreated at home?

Don’t limit yourself to traditional ‘tableware’. Include decorative pieces, curiosities, and surprising elements for a truly unique tablescape. The same applies to florals. Be creative with the choice of vessels. Flowers don’t only shine in conventional vases. Include them in your setting by creating botanical landscapes, by presenting them in bell jars or a collection of eclectic heirloom vessels.

You’ve been a leader of the luxury gifting industry for many years. What are some gifts you’ve received and loved?

I love to receive gifts that are personal and thoughtful. It’s not necessarily the value that makes a gift memorable. My sister always bakes a special German Christmas fruit loaf cake for me, and she wraps it in beautiful fabric and gorgeous ribbon. It’s a delight to receive it, and it really warms my heart. I have also been given flower shears with my name engraved on them, which was such a thoughtful and beautiful gift! I also love writing and have recently been given the most beautiful, monogrammed fountain pen, something I will treasure forever.

I always find that small details are the things that delight and show that someone cares: a unique way of packaging a gift or a thoughtful handwritten note that accompanies a present make them memorable for me.

What are your lighting and interior decor trade secrets to making spaces warm and inviting?

First and foremost, it’s the lighting that creates a warm and cosy atmosphere. Choose warm temperatures for your light sources and Christmas lights. I also like to use as many candles as possible.

Rather than distributing small bits of decoration all over your home, focus on a few areas that make a statement. That could be a mantelpiece you deck out or a console table you create a special feature on. And last but not least, I always include fresh seasonal greenery and florals. It’s the scent that warms our hearts.

What are essential elements for a beautiful and fun party at home?

A varied, interesting, and fun group of people; a cosy, welcoming atmosphere; and a relaxed host.

Pop Art

“For a picture-perfect afternoon tea, we started with a starched white tablecloth contrasted by black linen napkins. These offered the perfect colour palate to balance the gradating shades of pink and red used in the hanging installation and floral centerpiece. Afternoon tea is a wonderful opportunity to go feminine with floral design and accessories, and the multiple shades of carnations and mini poinsettias work beautifully together. We use chicken wire in lieu of oasis’ for floral creations as it’s kinder to the environment and like to ensure flowers are below eye level to keep conversation flowing. Chic monochrome touches like the Fornasetti plates, Bethan Gray coffee cups, and Laurence Brabant & Alain Villechange Carafe give a hint of modernism to the overall look; while the peppering of Vondels Christmas ornaments adds a little welcome humour to the table. Baccarat crystal for bubbles and delicate fondant creations by award-winning Butterfly Patisserie Chef Holder Deh at Rosewood Hong Kong are the perfect finishing touches.”

Whimsical Wonderland