Crafted to Last: Inhabit Hotels Join Forces with AARVEN for a Sustainable Christmas
This Christmas, West London’s trailblazing Inhabit Hotels, known for their pioneering conscious hospitality, has partnered with ethical lifestyle brand AARVEN to deliver a meaningful festive experience, supporting makers from Kenya, India and Uganda, and delivering beautiful hand crafted decorations which are sustainably made, using natural and recycled materials. The partnership also includes an eco gift wrapping workshop hosted by AARVEN founder Amy Fleuriot-Reade, celebrating creativity, culture and community during the festive period. Doing away with tinsel, plastics and items destined for disposal after a few weeks of use, Inhabit’s new set of timeless decorations will be cherished and reused year upon year – the ultimate sustainable solution to what has become a notoriously wasteful season.
Decking the Halls – the Sustainable Way
AARVEN has designed a bespoke collection of reusable decorations exclusively for the two Inhabit Hotels. The pieces set to transform the spaces into winter sanctuaries will include:
–Branch Trees, both large and table-top sized, made from gathered materials from AARVEN Co-founder Amy Fleuriot-Reade’s own garden in Northern Ireland-Handmade Indian recycled paper baubles in soft, earthy colours, suspended with velvet ribbons in dusty pinks and blues
– Brightly coloured Kenyan soapstone decorations and star-shaped vases
– Fairy-lit pine window frames adorned with delicate Ugandan straw snowflakes in pink, mustard, and navy
– Dried festive foliage, pinecones, and seed heads complementing the natural tones of the décor
From the reception to the restaurant and library areas, each space will be styled to evoke a warm winter aesthetic with thoughtfully crafted ceiling displays, shelf decorations, ethical brass candle holders, and premium LED candles, table settings, and presents wrapped in AARVEN’s signature hand-printed gift wrap. The Queen’s Gardens site will also feature wooden branch ceiling frames, with velvet ribbons and delicate decorations suspended above the foyer and restaurant area. At Southwick Street, decorations will cascade from light wooden frames and open meshwork, creating a magical yet minimalist festive canopy, blending seamlessly with Inhabit’s signature soothing interiors.
Meet the Makers: AARVEN’s Global Artisan Network AARVEN, meaning“friend of the people”, is a design-led ethical brand founded by change making adventurer Amy Fleuriot-Reade. With a deep commitment to sustainability and ensuring the smallartisans they work with receive a fair price for their work, AARVEN creates joyful, brightly coloured collections in partnership with over 30 artisan groups across Africa and India. Every product is made using natural or recycled materials, often shipped by sea to reduce carbon emissions, and adheres to Fair Trade-aligned practices. Each piece tells the story of its maker, blending craftsmanship, cultural heritage and purpose with beautiful and completely unique designs.
The Inhabit collection has been handcrafted by AARVEN’s artisan partners in:
Uganda: Snowflake decorations are handwoven from raffia and banana leaves by rural women, organised by community leader Ruth. Weaving fits around farming and childcare, and supports education and food access.
Kenya: Soapstone ornaments are carved in Kisii by a youth self-help group. Men carve the stone, women wash, sand and contribute to design – offering alternatives to child marriage and economic insecurity.
India: Baubles are made in Jaipur using recycled cotton paper. Each piece is handcrafted with a magnet closure for flat-packing and reuse, designed to last for years.
Ghana: Ethical brass candle holders are cast in Kumasi by George and his team, using recycled materials. With AARVEN’s continued support, George has built a home for his family of eight.
Live Unveiling with Eco Gift Wrapping Workshop
In celebration of the partnership, the new decorations will be officially unveiled by Amy herself at a special launch event on Saturday 15th November at Inhabit Queen’s Gardens. This open-door event is a moment to express gratitude to the makers, honour their skills, and share the beauty of a slow and more meaningful approach to the festive season. Guests will be welcomed with wholesome festive food and drinks from Inhabit’s partner restaurant Yeotown, loved for their nourishing and colourful plant-centric fare. Amy will be hosting an eco-conscious gift wrapping workshop, with recycled Christmas paper and natural accents to elevate your gifts sustainably. The event invites all to come and celebrate the season through creativity, connection and gratitude.
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