From the Duchess
Christmas at the House begins with someone insisting we are doing very little this year.
Within a fortnight, there are fourteen people coming for lunch, a tree that requires structural assistance and a disagreement about whether the dog needs a stocking.
He does, obviously.
Fortunately, dressing for the occasion need not require quite so much negotiation. A beautifully made wool sweater, a suitably expressive piece of embroidery and something agreeable in your glass will take you through most of December.
Here is my guide to choosing a Christmas sweater you will actually look forward to wearing.
For Christmas Drinks: A Little Utter Nonsense
December brings invitations from people you adore, people you ought to see more often and people whose names your husband assures you will remember on arrival.
For these occasions, I favour Utter Nonsense.
Made in England from Scottish-spun lambswool, it supplies a useful opening remark before you have said a word. Wear it with velvet trousers, a silk skirt or your favourite jeans and an excellent coat.
Our green and pink version, worn by Taylor Swift, has already demonstrated that it travels rather well beyond the English drawing room.
For Christmas Day: Choose Your Words Carefully
A Christmas sweater should feel comfortable through presents, lunch and the moment somebody suggests a bracing walk.
The embroidery is a personal decision.
Bah Humbug suits those who complain about Christmas while quietly arranging every detail.
Baby It’s Cold Outside is particularly appropriate for the person who keeps adding logs to the fire.
Merry Christmas Darling is rather lovely across the breakfast table. Especially if accompanied by coffee.
Choose a colour you already enjoy wearing, then let the words supply the festive spirit. A good sweater should earn its place in your wardrobe for more than one afternoon.
Explore the Christmas collection.
For the Impossible Person: A Sweater With Their Name on It
We all know someone who is difficult to buy for.
They have excellent taste, very firm opinions and an unfortunate habit of purchasing whatever they want in November.
This is where personalised knitwear comes into its own.
A name, a meaningful date or a phrase understood by precisely two people can make a present feel wonderfully considered. An anniversary remembered. A family expression preserved. A private joke given a surprisingly respectable outing.
With House of FUND’s bespoke knitwear, you can choose your own words and colours. Our custom collection offers House statements in your preferred colour combinations.
What Makes a Christmas Sweater Worth Keeping?
Look closely at the material, the making and the details.
House of FUND’s lambswool sweaters are knitted in England using Scottish-spun yarn, with embroidery finished in our Cornish workshop. The softness, colour and character are things to enjoy every time you put one on.
I am particularly fond of Christmas clothes that acquire a history: the sweater worn when the pudding caught fire, when someone announced an engagement or when the dog discovered the cheeseboard.
Properly cared for, a favourite knit can return for many Christmases to come.
A Small Note About Ordering
Custom and bespoke pieces need time with our makers. Before ordering, check the individual product’s making time and the latest delivery information, particularly for gifts travelling overseas.
December has a habit of arriving rather suddenly.
I recommend making your decisions while everyone else is still discussing the guest list.
The Duchess
House of FUND — Eccentric English knitwear.