Putting the style into Christmas

The main problem with Christmas decorations is that they are a collection of; whatever didn’t break last year, a couple of new bits you picked up whilst out shopping and an old box full of random, unrelated, brightly coloured objects and a spot of tinsel. The result looks like the aftermath of an explosion in a Christmas gifts shop. That is why there is one rule and one rule only - decide on a theme and stick to it. It should then be applied to absolutely everything. Ideally, including wrapping paper. And remember, however tempting it may be, don’t sneak a couple of odd baubles into a display just because you can’t think of anything else to do with them.

Themes

You can choose any theme you like, but here are some themes you could follow:

Choose one or two colours only, such as white and silver, but use a variety of textures. Mix shiny with matt, as well as plain and heavily patterned decorations. White and silver is a classic, but subtle Christmas combination that has the advantage of a wide selection of decorations to choose from.

If you want something a little bit different, why not go for the tartan look. You can tear long strips off different tartans to make into generous bows and attach them to the Christmas trees and wreaths. You can also wrap it around white linen napkins for the Christmas dinner table.

Decoration tips

Now you have decided on your theme, here are a few tips on how to make the most of your decorations. Use brown paper and string with white labels to wrap presents and tie the smallest ones to the tree. Bring in ivy from the garden as a garland for the stairs.

Group a selection of old silver or glass vases, candle holders together on the table, rather than dotting around the home - this makes the setting look generous. If you have a balcony or garden view, use old candles or night lights in glass holders outside. Place in groups to liven up the dark afternoons. You can put candles in the middle of a wide vase if you pour uncooked rice or sand in first, in which the candle will stand on its own.

A selection of designer Christmas products.

Finding designer Christmas decorations is surprisingly difficult, but there are some out there. And they don't have to be all plastic and shiny. Below is a selection of some of the more unusual and elegant products on the market to inspire you. There is a beautiful, scented door wreath from The Real Flower Company, some gorgeous table decorations from The White Company and even some designer antlers from the Conran Shop. If you want something more colourful, take a look at the Conran Shop's paper trees. And, if you want some elegant wrapping paper ideas, try Jane Mean.

 

Wreath

The real flower Company - £118

Selfridges https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/the-real-flower-company-copper-gold-and-plum-scented-door-wreath_R03705202/

 

Table settings

Little White Barn - on sale £4.20
Mini Glitter Pinecones – Set Of 6 - on sale £10.50

The White Company https://www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/c/christmas

 

Tree decorations

Bazaar Set of 2 geometric baubles 10cm - £5 in sale

Habitat

https://www.habitat.co.uk/bazaar-set-of-2-geometric-baubles-10cm-1789506

 

Ice Flower palladium-plated tree decoration

6cm £45.00

Selfridges

https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/georg-jensen-ice-flower-palladium-plated-tree-decoration-6cm_R03668554/

 

 

Black star garland £29.95

Not On The High Street https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/houseinteriorsandgifts/product/black-star-garland?referredBy=plp

 

 

Silver Sparkle Antler Headbands Set of 8

Conran Shop https://www.conranshop.co.uk/silver-sparkle-antler-headband.html

 

 

Paper tree decorations

Large Curve Tree Decoration in Light Blue £19.50

Conran Shop

 https://www.conranshop.co.uk/large-curve-tree-decoration-in-light-blue.html

 

 

Giftwrap

Reversible turquoise Cand Canes gift wrap - £12.50

Jane Means

https://janemeans.com/collections/gift-wrap-papers/products/copy-of-reversible-green-candy-canes-gift-wrap-3-sheets

 

And don’t forget to enjoy yourself - Wishing all our friends in Westminster a very Merry Christmas.