Christmas trends 2022: Style darling’s Nadia Fairfax-Wayne tips for Yuletide

Style guru Nadia Fairfax-Wayne’s gives her tips on what’s important to get right when it comes to this holiday season.

Models Hayley Sing (L), Nadia Fairfax, Tash Jones and Flynn Evans at the new nightclub called 'Marquee' at The Star in Pyrmont, Sydney.

This Christmas will be only the second that Nadia Fairfax-Wayne has not spent at her grandmother’s, but the new tradition she’s building still has family at its core.

“I’m newly Jewish,” explains the creative director and former fashion publicist who converted to Judaism ahead of her marriage to financier Michael Wayne in 2021.

“When I converted, my rabbi encouraged us to still continue our old traditions, but to include my new family too. So last year was the first year I hosted my partner’s family for Christmas Day, which they don’t normally celebrate. It was really special.”

Nadia is quite a style maven.

When it comes to entertaining, Nadia is something of a doyenne.

It’s the reason local French linen brand Carlotta + Gee were keen to collaborate with her.

The resulting collection, Nadia Fairfax-Wayne x Carlotta + Gee, launched playful, vibrant tableware, napkins and placemats last month ahead of the silly season.

“Nadia is the ultimate host. We couldn’t think of anyone else we would rather do a napery collection with,” says co-founder Georgie Cavanagh.

And Nadia is delighted to have joined forces with the linen line.

“I think the idea for me, was to be able to create sort of a different moment for each dinner party or each celebration, so that your memories could be quite distinct,” adds Nadia.

“That’s why our tablecloths are double-sided, and our placemats are kind of like big, happy paint splotches, as I like to call them and they can be layered on tables or even benches as decoration.
“I love that they’re versatile and that people can use the same pieces over and over again in different ways to create new ideas and spaces.”  

Nadia now heads up fashion blog Fairfax Journal.

Nadia’s style credentials are extensive and occasionally, surprising.

For example, there was the long-term career in elite level gymnastics where she learned to appreciate flair and the power of an impressive finish, followed by successful stints leading the public relations team for Aussie fashion label Aje.

She heads up fashion blog the Fairfax Journal, and is oft lauded for her sartorial instincts and innate ability to mix and match.

“Apparently I subscribe to the maximalist trend,” laughs the 33-year-old, “although I never really think of it in terms of my style having a name.

“For me, whether I’m thinking about a tablescape or even something that I’m wearing, everything I do in life is about bringing joy. I think subconsciously I’m just really drawn to joyful things.

“I love loud, bright, vivacious things, and I love thinking about sharing the joy they bring me with other people in my life – or even strangers on the street.”

It’s this authentic warmth and generosity that’s earned Nadia a reputation as a charming and charismatic host. It’s also the backbone of any and all of the events she is behind. After all, she can’t rely on her cuisine skills.

“I can’t even boil an egg,” she laughs, “but my husband loves to cook, thank God, so I’m the organiser and the host, and he’s happy in the background whipping up a feast.”

Nadia: “I love my downtime.”

WELCOME CONNECTION

Musing on whether she’s an extroverted introvert or an introverted extrovert (“I’m not sure which one, but either way, I do still need my downtime”), Nadia says that while building on beautiful aesthetics and creating stunning spaces is fun, the real key to hosting is all about connection.

“Honestly, my biggest hosting tip is that when people are with you, enjoy them,” she says. “Enjoy their time. If people are sharing their time with you to make memories, the biggest gift you can give them in return is your connection and care. No one will remember the wine glass that was out of place or if something didn’t go as smoothly with the food – but people remember the care and how present you were. If you can manage to relax and make it about the guests, they will have wonderful time.”

One thing she does think hosts need to consider is a curated seating plan.

“I think people have forgotten that finessing a guest list and seating plan is an important skill,” she says.

“I’ve been at events where I’ve thought: ‘I don’t know if anyone actually thought about this!’ You don’t have to sit everyone next to someone they know, but you do need to put some thought into what people might have in common.

Ultimately, it’s about who is around the table sharing those moments.”

When it comes to the seating chart, you don’t have to sit everyone next to someone they know.

COLOURS OF THE SEASON

“I think we’ll be seeing a lot more colour and celebration than we’ve seen in previous years,” says Nadia. “Outside of the traditional colours, bold, playful hues will take centre stage.”

Ditch the evergreen (or plastic) for something home-grown.

“I always have an Aussie Christmas tree,” explains the creator, “it’s a little bit different but it makes me happy.”

Light meals and playful vibes.

“I think for so long we’ve tried to embrace a kind of global generic Christmas in this country,” she muses, “but there’s nothing better than going to the beach on Christmas Day, and really living up the summery, fruity goodness of December in Australia. “I think we’re going to be leaning into that more and more.”