A London Christmas with Photographer, Ina Levy
Ina Levy is a photographer and director based between London and New York. Working across fashion, portraiture and travel, she brings a love of film photography, colour and storytelling to her images.
Her eye for atmosphere extends to The Burrage House, the Victorian home in London she shares with her husband, Benjamin, where vintage finds, rich textures and personal objects reflect their lives and travels. Find Ina on instagram here
How do you set the scene for a festive gathering? Walk us through your signature Christmas table styling.
I always start with something I’m absolutely loving at the moment. It could be a porcelain set, a colour palette or a particular piece. Last year, I built the table around a blue and white Victorian porcelain set; the year before, it started with a dusty pink tablecloth. This year, I think it will be all about crochet and lace. I inherited a collection of incredible pieces, which I’ll pair with vintage glass and porcelain. Nothing is ever perfectly matched. I love mixing different eras, colours and patterns so that it feels personal rather than like a perfectly styled set.
At this time of year, bringing the outside in feels essential. How do you integrate natural elements into your Christmas decor?
I’m fortunate to have large French doors in my dining room that open onto the garden. Last year, the most magical moment was when five foxes came to our door during dinner. We always have a real Christmas tree and plenty of candlelight.
Scent has a powerful link to memory and mood. What is your absolute favourite olfactory moment during the festive season?
It’s always the moment we bring the Christmas tree inside. I love the smell of pine.
VERDEN’s Festivum Scented Candle captures a joyful, seasonal blend of warming woods and spices. What makes this scent resonate with you at Christmas? Where and when do you burn it?
I love placing candles in our fireplaces. The glow of Festivum looks so beautiful and festive, and creates a cosy atmosphere without having to light a full fire.
Which VERDEN piece are you gifting this year, and who are the lucky recipients?
Definitely the Magnesium Bath Salts and Nocturne Sleep Mist. I’ll be giving them to some of the lovely people I work with, who very much deserve a moment to relax.
How do you create a sense of sanctuary during the busy holiday period? What does your ideal festive evening wind-down look like?
The holiday period is always busy for me, including with work. I mostly shoot on location, so there are often lots of flights for spring campaigns. I try to make those journeys as calm and relaxing as possible, and I always travel with my sleep mist. It brings a little sense of calm and familiarity wherever I am. I even spray it on my pillow when I’m spending the night on a plane.
What colour palettes or tactile materials are inspiring your design moodboard this Christmas?
I have an incredible crochet tablecloth with a lily motif that I’ll be using on my festive table this year. I’m really drawn to shades of brown at the moment, so I’ll probably bring those in through candles, alongside plenty of antique silver. I absolutely love how silver looks against vintage crochet. I’m also drawn to organic forms, especially shell shapes.
