Country Style celebrates the diversity of modern country living. Brings to life the stories of inspirational people and places from around Australia - coast to coast. We visit amazing homes and gardens, travel through Australia's most vibrant regional centres and sample all the good things the country has to offer

WELCOME LETTER • As I read Claire Mactaggart’s Christmas memories for My Country Childhood – one of my favourite stories in the magazine – her description of being “packed” into the car

in this issue...

COUNTRY STYLE

YOUR PAGE • A MOTHER’S MIGRATION STORY IS A TREASURED MEMORY, SCULPTURES ARE A JOYFUL SURPRISE, AND A TEENAGE DAUGHTER’S SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GIFT – ALL THESE HAPPY STORIES ARE LINKED BY THE VITAL ROLE COUNTRY STYLE HAS TO PLAY IN THEM.

COMFORT AND JOY • OVER THE PASSAGE OF TIME, MAGGIE MACKELLAR HAS LEARNT THAT THE FESTIVE SEASON IS A DELICATE BALANCE OF JOY AND SADNESS.

homegrown • WHEN COVID-19 HIT, THE D’SOUZA FAMILY FEARED THE WORST FOR THEIR 20-YEAR-OLD SMALLGOODS BUSINESS. BUT SMART THINKING SAVED THEIR BACON – AND THEIR POPULAR CHRISTMAS HAMS.

GIFT OF LIFE • CAROL SEEGER’S ROOTS LIE DEEP IN VICTORIA’S DANDENONG RANGES – AND FOR THE PAST 31 YEARS, SHE HAS BEEN RESCUING THE REGION’S NATIVE ANIMALS.

when I was a kid... • FOR CHILDREN, CHRISTMAS GLOWS LIKE A BEACON. SOME OF COUNTRY STYLE’S FRIENDS RECALL THEIR MOST CHERISHED FESTIVE MOMENTS.

Celebrating together • A RESTORED HERITAGE HOME IN MOSS VALE, ’ NSW, IS AT THE HEART OF THE CLOSE-KNIT PERKINS FAMILY S GATHERINGS – AND THAT INCLUDES CHRISTMAS, OF COURSE.

ABOUT THE HOUSE:

MERRY & BRIGHT • AN ART DIRECTOR AND A LANDSCAPER HAVE CREATED A LIGHT, SERENE HAVEN ON THE COAST IN FLINDERS, VICTORIA, THAT PERFECTLY SUITS THEIR LAID-BACK LIFESTYLE.

ABOUT THE HOUSE:

NORTHERN LIGHTS • EVERY CHRISTMAS, JULIA VON HÜLSEN DECORATES HER HOME IN GERMANY WITH FAMILY HEIRLOOMS AND FLICKERING CANDLES.

BEING PRESENT • CHRISTMAS FOR HOLLY GOODMAN IS ALL ABOUT SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY AFTER A BUSY LEAD UP FILLING ORDERS FOR HER HAMPERS FROM HER CATTLE PROPERTY IN TAMWORTH, NSW.

That's a wrap • FROM ’ GIFTS FOR GARDENERS TO TOYS FOR TOTS, WE VE GOT YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SORTED.

All the trimmings • GATHER YOUR FAMILY CLOSE AND CELEBRATE WITH A TRADITIONAL FESTIVE FEAST.

About Jessica and Steve

flavours • A TABLE LADEN WITH THE BEST AUSSIE PRODUCE MEANS YOU’RE ALL SET FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON.

Fruits of their labour • FOR MARINA HAMILTON-CRAIG, GRANNY’S CHERRY STRUDEL ON THE TABLE SIGNIFIED A CELEBRATION AND THAT THE HARD WORK WAS DONE.

DECK THE HALLS • UNWIND FROM THE SEASONAL RUSH WITH SOME SIMPLE BUT SATISFYING CRAFT PROJECTS THAT ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH TO YULETIDE FESTIVITIES.

the style diary • FOR BUSINESS OWNER AND LIFELONG COUNTRY GIRL HOLLY GOODMAN, COMFORT AND STYLE GO HAND IN HAND.

Pretty polished • AUSSIE DESIGNERS ARE HOLLY’S WARDROBE STAPLE.

DRIFT AWAY • SLEEP IS IMPORTANT TO GOOD HEALTH, ESPECIALLY AT CHRISTMAS, THIS EXTRACT FROM NOTHING MUCH HAPPENS WILL HELP YOU DOZE OFF.

BOOK CLUB • A LINE-UP OF WONDERFUL BOOKS TO SUIT THE READERS OF ALL AGES IN YOUR LIFE THIS CHRISTMAS, BUT MAKE SURE TO KEEP ONE FOR YOURSELF.

AT THE MUSEUM • DISCOVER UNUSUAL PIECES FOUND IN THE PERMANENT COLLECTIONS OF GALLERIES AROUND THE COUNTRY.

COLLECTABLES • JOHN McPHEE ENJOYS A SATSUMA AS HE DELVES INTO CERAMIC HISTORY.

FIELD GUIDE • BROWSE OUR ADVERTISERS’ PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.

Christmas wishlist • WHERE TO BUY PRODUCTS FROM OUR GIFT GUIDE

A DIFFERENT DAY • DUE TO COVID-19, WE MAY NOT SPEND CHRISTMAS AS WE USUALLY DO – AND ROB INGRAM IS LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.