Amber Baker x ECOYA

Meet Amber Baker: editor, creative, mother of two girls, and the definition of effortlessly stylish. Known for her sharp eye, warm presence, and ability to balance high-end taste with real-life relatability, Amber has become one of New Zealand’s most influential voices in fashion and lifestyle.

As one of the country’s youngest Editors-in-Chief, she’s built a loyal, highly engaged community of like-minded women — the kind who appreciate great design, considered beauty, and that perfect mix of luxury and attainable everyday finds. Now on maternity leave and in her ‘at-home era’, Amber continues to share the small, beautiful moments that fill her world with her daughters and husband: from wardrobe favourites and chic homewares, to beauty rituals, travel tips and everything in between.

We asked Amber to share how she does Christmas - and, to no one’s surprise, she hosted the chic-est Friendsmas. From the way she styles her home (and long lunches) to the little details she loves, here’s how Amber Christmases.

 

 

Q. What’s the feeling you try to create at home when December rolls around? 

Tasteful festive magic.

Q. Are you a “tree goes up on 1 December” person, or an “as soon as possible” person?

December? The tree was up the first week of November…

Q. How would you describe your Christmas style — chic and minimal, bold and colourful, or more nostalgic and collectable (or D, none of the above)?

D! Before kids I was more minimal and refined, but now I want to create a nostalgic look and feel for my girls while keeping it elevated. I’m trying to walk the line between traditional ‘jolly’ and chic charm.

Q. What’s one Christmas styling tip you swear by that anyone can copy at home?

Honestly, just beautiful festive bows with long ribbons. Put them anywhere. Don’t underestimate what you can do with a metre or two of classy fabric from Spotlight.

Q. What role does fragrance play in setting your Christmas mood at home?

A huge role! Scent is such a nostalgic trigger. I’ve always loved the Fresh Pine scent, it’s iconic and a must-have in our home as we have a beautiful faux tree. The smell makes me feel like a kid on Christmas morning too.

Q. What’s your hero signature for the table: linens, florals, glassware, candles?

I think a really luscious linen tablecloth with the warm flicker of a candle does wonders for elevating at-home events — and anything that can give the table some height. Height equals drama, so different levels of food or cake stands, or long-stemmed florals.

Q. Do you have a go-to colour palette for Christmas, or do you switch it up each year?

I’ve certainly switched it up in the past (remember when we all did the hydrangea tree?). I’ve set a bit of a traditional palette now with the girls, but I can see it may evolve as they get older and embrace new elements into our décor. But I must say, I stick to a minimal palette, 2–3 colours max.

Q. When it comes to hosting, what’s one thing you do that makes hosting feel easier and calmer?

I love to host and entertain, but I am not a natural in the kitchen. Cooking doesn’t come easily to me, so I always have champagne on hand to calm my kitchen nerves and make my guests relax too.

Q. You’re known for mixing high-end and attainable pieces. How does that show up at Christmas?

Probably by the diversity in bags and boxes under the Christmas tree. We’re still a realistic family household, I just live too far beyond my means!

Q. What’s a must-have in your Christmas morning routine?

Treats for breakfast. I would always have some sort of fancy sweet treat in my stocking every year, and my mum would bake pain au chocolats. Because I have a sweet tooth, there is no stopping that tradition…

Q. What’s one thing you do for yourself at this time of year?

I get as much sun (safely, with SPF and a hat of course!) and salt water as I can. Being by the beach or poolside is how I unwind. I try to spend every lunch nap getting vitamin D.

Q. Your girls are still young - any traditions you’re excited to build with them?

Just creating that magic feeling that never really leaves you. We are big on imagination in our house, fairies, mermaids and Santa are all highly encouraged, so I’ll carry that storytelling magic every December until they beg me to stop as young adults, I’m sure.

Q. What’s your ideal Christmas evening once the chaos calms?

Not very glamorous, but probably tucking the girls in, going over the favourite parts of the day, and then watching the sunset with my husband.