A bleached-out palette, raw finishes and a less-is-more aesthetic are the hallmarks of this captivating home in Cape Town’s historic Tamboerksloof neighborhood. Its owner, Algria Ferreira-Watling, is one of South Africa’s most in-demand makeup artists. Her client list includes personalities such as Solange Knowles and Charlize Theron. Perhaps, because of her “bright lights and big names” job, Algria takes refuge in a look that is pared down and natural. The chatter of Algria’s day job fades into a delicious sense of quiet, and she is free to enjoy Christmas at her South Africa home with peace and tranquillity.
Christmas in South Africa with Algria Ferreira-Watlings
Algria’s house is an envelope of bare walls in bone and gray hues and original wooden features that have been sanded down and left unvarnished. She is careful to limit what she sees to a meaningful, low-key selection of personal and decorative objects displayed in thoughtful vignettes. Low-key luxuries in the form of candles that perfume the air with notes of amber, and natural color throws culminate in a whole that is effortlessly layered and emotionally affecting.
A Low-key Luxury Christmas in South Africa
Algria’s inspiration can be traced to her childhood. “I come from a poor background. We didn’t have material possessions, but there was always so much love,” she explains. “‘I work in an industry founded largely on traditional notions of beauty and consumption, but I’ve never desired ‘things.’ My dream was only ever to live with my family in a modest house that had a feeling of tranquillity. Why would I desire a palace when what I have is perfect?”
Christmas brings an annual occasion to create a special atmosphere for her husband Derek, son Dax, and close friends and family – a mood that is festive while staying true to Algria’s commitment to serenity. There are no trinkets or tinsels here, no pine in the corner of the living room, and none of the usual poinsettias. Instead: the gentle greens and lovely forms of local plants and edible herbs displayed as free-form wreaths, floating in repurposed clear glass bottles holding elegant taper candles, and as aromatic flourishes on gifts that have been wrapped simply in white or brown kraft paper and finished with twine.
A Touch of Glitter
Traces of shimmer – this is Christmas, after all – serve to highlight rather than overwhelm and bring to mind the flash of a dragonfly wing: gold craft wire binding handmade botanical garlands that hang, ready to be touched, from doorknobs; dried protea flowers and seed pods from the blue gum tree, spray-painted in antique gold; and vintage cutlery with all the charms offered up by the mottled patina of age.
Instead of a tree, Algria forgoes the struggle of getting a whole tree in and out of the house. She takes the seed stalk of an agave plant with its sculptural form, gives it a quick coat of gold paint. She then ‘plants’ it in a clear glass vase filled with sand. “Things found in nature, objects that have had many lives already, the soft wrinkle in a piece of linen… this is a constant source of inspiration for me,” says Algria. “Christmas is a time for luxury, but there’s no right or wrong interpretation of what that means. Faded and evocative or full-on and festive, as long as what you see makes you happy.”
Some Tips for Serene, Low-key Holiday Decorating
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Fill clear recycled bottles and pretty jars with boiled or distilled water to stop the water from clouding too soon. Let the water cool before using! Insert sprigs of local evergreens, or visit the florist for bits of eucalyptus, fern, and other kinds of greenery. Place elegant taper candles in the bottles for a well-set table or an atmospheric mantlepiece. Use gold and copper craft wire, or embroidery floss in your favorite hues, for a hint of shine and the subtlest shot of color.
Try Some Spray Paint
Spray paint is an easy way to get creative. Coat found objects from nature such as seed pods and dried flowers in antique gold and copper for an understated glow. Apply the same technique in creating the garlands using gold and copper craft wire.
Keep gift-wrapping simple and rustic.
Crinkle brown kraft paper and plain newsprint into tight balls and then spread out for use. You’ll be left with an organic, crushed linen look. Give each present its own unique treatment. Experiment with white and brown twine and use rosemary or thyme from the farmer’s market, as well as spray-painted seed pods as embellishment. Wrap the twine casually (and plentifully) for a more informal appearance. Save the twine after gift-opening and use it again.
Strings of fairy lights, a Christmas essential.
They can be left in vases, in the fireplace, draped over the mantle, around door frames or hanging from the ceiling in the corner of a room. A less-is-more approach is good here, too: just a few lights makes a quiet glow rather than a glare.
A Monochromatic Table Setting
Layer quiet colors and subtle textures: think shades of chalk, gray, charcoal, and bone; anchor the scheme with a beautiful linen tablecloth; set places with thrift-store cutlery, well-used linen napkins tied with hemp string, and handmade pottery (dark colors add drama); arrange a mix-and-match assortment of upcycled glassware for sprigs of greenery and candles.
A Deconstructed “Naked” Cake
Make two classic sponges (one large, one medium) and trim them into circular shapes. Layer only the tops of each cake with buttercream frosting (hence the term ‘naked’). Embellish with a fluttering of white edible petals such as roses or carnations.
Flourish Your Way
Wrap thick pillar candles of varying sizes with gold or copper craft wire for a personalized style flourish.
Story by Mandy Allen / Styling by Shelley Street / Photography by Greg Cox / Production by Bureaux
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