I've already mentioned my fondness for 'The Holiday', if I had a choice of somewhere to cozy up over the holidays it would be Iris' quaint little English cottage, however, if I could choose to have a holiday party somewhere, it would be Amanda's open and airy home in LA. The holiday parties synonimous with the season, are one of my favourite parts - that chance to get together, celebrate life to its fullest. One of the things I always looked forward to the most growing up was the big party my parents would throw every year. Almost two hundred people would gather together to eat delicious treats and sing carols. Our house was a hub of activity and I always found it so exciting.

One of the best things about the holidays in a warmer climate is the ease between indoor and outdoor entertaining. Amanda's gorgeous Spanish style home fits the bill perfectly - I can just imagine filling the space - especially outdoors - with lots of lanterns and candles to give the whole place a beautiful glow.

I love the simple, unfussy decor throughout the home - however, in my opinion, it could use a little extra sparkle - a Christmas tree and some twinkling white lights would do just the trick...

I love that the space is so open, yet there are lots of little areas for people to have their own private conversations and interactions.

I think the oversized entrance hall would be a lovely place for the tree, or even a great place to set up a little mini bar to greet everyone and offer them a festive drink as soon as they come in. (Or maybe keep it open, and who knows - by the end of the night it could become a make-shift dance floor.)

At my party (at Amanda's house), this whole dining table would be spread with delicious snacks - with other little stations set up throughout as well.

Unfortunately, at the end of the night even the greatest parties must come to an end but you'll have a calm oasis to retreat to (if you've seen the movie you may remember it even comes complete with automatic black out blinds, in case you're feeling a little less fresh the next morning...) And of course, it couldn't be my pick without a beautiful bath tub - to lie back and set adift on memories of holiday bliss from the night before...

One of mine has been to watch 'The Holiday" every year with my sisters since we first saw it. I have such a fond memory of a magical December evening with my sisters and watching this movie together. I remember looking across at them and realising we were all smiling as we watched. One of the things I loved most about the movie was the fantastic sets. I could always see myself living in Amanda's L.A home with it's clean modern style, gorgeous fuschia bougainvillea (reminds me of the home I grew up in), and orchids, orchids everywhere! (Although I fear they'd commit suicide in my house...) Right now, I rather feel like escaping to Iris's delightfully cozy English cottage in Surrey.

The space is immediately warm and inviting, warm soft light draws you in.
Exposed beams add a rustic touch, rich tapestry rugs, hanging lanterns and lamps umbrellas, a light jacket and green Hunter boots have you all set to go out and enjoy the countryside.

The space is packed full of English country charm - adorable little vignettes and personal details everywhere you look. It's even decorated for the holidays! Normally I'm an all white lights kind of girl, but here I just love the Santa Christmas lights and bright red bulbs.

(Doesn't Cameron's outfit and that gorgeous creamy sweater just look so cozy?)

Probably my favourite feature of this inviting cottage are the fireplaces in almost every room - can't you just imagine catching up with a loved one over a warm cup of tea beside the fire right in the kitchen after a long walk in the common?

No room for another fireplace in the bathroom - is this the most adorable bath tub ever?
I think quite possibly so...

I love the charm of this cottage, but there were so many little little details in this film that have me smitten, I'll be sharing some more as well as some details from Amanda's home in L.A a little later.

This little movie tradition has become one of the things that start off the holidays to me,
can't wait to watch it again this year!

Hope you're all enjoying a lovely weekend!
xo

{Photos from: HookedonHouses (an amazing source for so many favourite films!) , AllMoviePhotos}