On a colder than average Friday night at the end of November, the Pinstripes & Peonies elves descended upon The Wallace Collection after hours to bring a touch of Christmas magic throughout the historic museum. 

Taking inspiration from the newly opened exhibition, Caravaggio’s Cupid, this year's festive designs are full of richly warm tones with shades of plum and burgundy offset by decadent hints of gold and include nods to the artist’s homeland of Italy. 

The numerous Christmas trees throughout the venue are lavishly filled with a selection of baubles and carefully selected trinkets inspired by Caravaggio’s paintings, particularly ‘Victorious Cupid’, whose likeness can be seen in miniature gilded frames hanging from the branches. 

In keeping with the exhibition and to create a holistic approach to their design, Pinstripes & Peonies also considered nineteenth century Christmas traditions, where dried fruits, nuts and flowers would adorn the Christmas trees and garlands, such as pomegranates, which were deeply embedded in Italian culture of the day to symbolise abundance, love and piety. 

This rustic and natural aesthetic to the celebrations can be seen in the showstopping focal piece of the festive display at the front of the museum. The colonnade entrance is framed by asymmetrical pillars lavishly created with assorted seasonal foliage and decadently filled with berries, fruit, pinecones and just a few extra-large baubles (it is Christmas after all..!) 

This is the third consecutive year that Pinstripes & Peonies have worked alongside The Wallace Collection to design and create this festive installation and it is definitely a must-see on the London Christmas scene.