If you are Australian, you know Abbie Melle.

If you've sat anywhere flicking through Belle, Home Beautiful, Country Style, you will recognise her handwriting as a photographer. Her photos are soft, so so pretty & capture country life in particular so beautifully.

We were lucky enough to meet her in person last year. She's as special as her pics.

We wanted to introduce her and her sister, Grace Tamme, properly to you all.

Abbie, I feel so many of our followers would have adored your photos forever, but maybe don't know so much about you & your clever sister! Please tell us a little about you both. Who are you, what do you do, and what’s a day in your life like at home and at work ?

Oh thank you, Binny - that’s so kind! I’m Abbie Melle, a lifestyle, editorial and travel photographer originally from Australia. Earlier this year my sister Grace and I moved to England, to live in the beautiful city of Bath & it’s honestly been such a dream come true.I spend my days capturing beautiful homes, places & people for creative agencies, editorial clients & inspiring brands. My weeks are a mix of travel and shooting on location across England & Europe, or quieter days at home editing with hot cups of tea.In my free time, I love exploring local villages, wandering through open gardens, baking in the kitchen, or curling up with a good book. 

My sister, Grace, is a graphic designer and printmaker. She works at Meticulous Ink, a beautiful letterpress design studio in the heart of Bath, and also creates her own illustrations and prints using traditional techniques. Most recently, she’s become the in-house designer for a paint and ink-making company in South Wales, so there’s always a new project, idea, or creative challenge keeping her busy! (Grace's Instagram is @studiotamme) 

You’ve just swopped hemispheres; are you staying in the UK for a white Christmas or are you heading home this year? What is the plan?

We’re staying in the UK for Christmas this year, and very much hoping it might be a white one! One of our best friends is coming for the month and we’re planning wanders around the Christmas markets, cosy evenings at the pub, lots of baking at home, and brisk walks across the fields.

Your imagery always is absolutely delightful. With Christmas around the corner, how do you like to prepare your space for the festive season? Are there any traditions you love to maintain?

Being here in the UK for the lead up to Christmas feels so different to Australia and I’m so keen to embrace the differences. As the days grow shorter and Christmas draws close, we’re incorporating new rhythms - lighting candles as the dusk draws in, draping the mantlepiece with foliage & holly, placing a Christmas tree in our old Georgian windows and having soft lights lit constantly. 

What’s a favourite Aussie Christmas memory from your childhood that you still carry with you today?

Christmas was simple but sweet in my childhood, but without fail we would gather around a beautifully set table for a traditional roast dinner. Our mother installed such an appreciation for creating beauty in the home, especially around the table - with tablecloths, candles and flowers, and it’s something I’ve continued to love to do in mine.

When it comes to hosting over the holidays, do you have a go-to menu, recipe, or signature festive treat that always makes an appearance on your table?

I love cooking and hosting, and back in Australia my go-to over summer holidays was always a summer sponge with lots of cream and strawberries… for this winter holiday instead I’ll be making overnight cinnamon scrolls, roast chicken and lots of yorkshire puddings. 

What is something super special about holiday season in the UK you are looking forward to? (Liberty Christmas windows come to mind!)

Oh gosh, so many things! Everyone tells us the Bath Christmas Markets are incredible, so very keen to visit them, would love to spend a day in London exploring the stores, attend carols in the old Abbey and hoping against hope we might get some snow also!

If money was no object what is your perfect gift & perfect holiday destination?

More and more I’m valuing time with family and friends so the perfect gift & destination would be a weekend away in a gorgeous home, surrounded by the snow in Scotland or Switzerland, with roaring fires, delicious food and lots of board games.

What is your absolute favourite way to spend holidays? Ours is a huge pile of books & a beach right in front.

I so agree! My favourite holidays are filled with time to read, time to bake and quality time with family and friends, either in the country or by the sea. 

Abbie Melles five favourites from 2025: 
Instagram/Book/Substack/Netflix/Purchase?

Always inspired by the beautiful content from Nicola Huthwaite @nicolahuthwaite. 
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister - my little sister suggested it, and I devoured it. 
From a Kitchen in the Country by Marte Marie Forsberg, always so dreamy. 
Rewatching Downton Abbey because it only felt right too after moving here
. My Hunter Boots I bought the month we moved here and worn every week since.

Finally, as we wrap up the year, what’s a personal or creative highlight from 2025 that has inspired or delighted you?

This year, with the move to England and building a new life here, has held challenges but it’s also been so rewarding. Personally, I’ve been grateful for the growth that its held, for opportunities to stretch & push myself and see the positive results of doing so. Creatively, its been so inspiring to be surrounded by so much beauty and to work on some incredible shoots with dream clients - one in particular was being sent on assignment for Ponant Cruises, capturing a week at sea amongst the Greek Islands, so special!