Inside the paintings: the scenes behind our seven Christmas cards
My father spent his working life designing film sets, and you can see it in every Christmas card he painted. Each one is a scene, carefully staged, with a story playing out in the background if you know where to look.
Here's a closer look at all seven designs: what's happening in each, the details worth spotting, and who each card might suit. If you'd like to know more about the man who painted them, start with his story.
The Coaching Inn at Christmas
A warmly lit Tudor coaching inn welcomes travellers on a snowy evening. A horse-drawn carriage is pulling up outside, and villagers in winter coats gather in the glow of the lanterns. It's Christmas past at its cosiest.
Look for: the carriage arriving, and the lantern light spilling across the snow.
Perfect for: anyone who loves history, old inns and a traditional Christmas.
Market Square Magic
A bustling Christmas market fills the square beneath snowy rooftops, its stalls lit against the winter twilight. It captures the joy of a community out together in the run-up to Christmas.
Look for: the robin perched on a chimney, and the children pressing their faces to the frosted windows.
Perfect for: families with young children, and friends who never miss a Christmas market.
Skaters on the Pond
Set against a frosty woodland, children and families skate on a frozen pond while others sledge and laugh together. This is the liveliest of the seven: full of energy, movement and the simple fun of winter play.
Look for: the sledgers at the edge of the scene, and how many different figures are in motion at once.
Perfect for: outdoorsy families, grandchildren, and anyone who loves a crisp winter walk.
The Christmas Pantomime
A theatre bursts with colour as the pantomime cast take their bow before a cheering audience. As well as films, my father designed for the stage, including productions at the Mermaid Theatre in London, so it feels fitting that one of his cards is set in a theatre.
Look for: the "Christmas Greetings" banner hanging above the stage.
Perfect for: theatre lovers, anyone who goes to the panto every year, and people who work in the arts.
Carols by the Church
Snow settles on the roof of a medieval church and the cottages around it as villagers gather, lanterns in hand, to sing carols. The glow of sunset gives this peaceful scene its warmth.
Look for: the lanterns held by the singers, and the sunset light on the snow.
Perfect for: churchgoers, choir members, and anyone you'd like to send a more reflective Christmas message.
Carol Singers at the Manor
Outside a grand Georgian house, carol singers line up beneath the lit windows while warmly dressed figures gather to listen. A starry night and snow-dusted rooftops complete the scene.
Look for: the twinkling windows of the house, and the listeners gathered around the singers.
Perfect for: music lovers, fans of period drama, and anyone who loves grand old houses.
Family Christmas Eve
Inside a snow-topped home, family and friends gather by the Christmas tree, exchanging gifts and singing carols while children play with their toys by the fire. Of all seven, this is the one that feels most like the heart of Christmas: everyone together under one roof.
Look for: the children playing by the fire, and the presents changing hands around the tree.
Perfect for: parents, grandparents and the people you'll be spending Christmas with.
Can't choose? Have all seven
Every design is a 3D cut-out card, 21.5cm x 17.5cm, printed in the UK and supplied with an envelope. Mix and match any designs: buy 3 and save 10%, 5 and save 15%, or 7 and save 25%. Or take the whole collection as a set.
Best value
The Complete Collection: 7 Christmas Cards
All seven designs in one set. Bought singly they cost £33.25; as a set they're £25, with free UK delivery.
£25.00
Delivery is free in the UK on orders over £20, and orders are dispatched within 24 hours. To arrive for Christmas, please order by 20 December.
Still deciding what to say inside? Our guide to what to write in a Christmas card has 70 ideas, and Christmas cards worth keeping has tips on displaying them after the big day.
Sarah