Styling Your Home for Christmas

Everyone loves gatherings and there is something comforting about the art of decorating all things ‘festive’ whether you are hosting Christmas, or not. But it can also equal stress over events that need to take place before the actual day even arrives!

For some it can feel like a challenge preparing a home in time for Christmas. Whether you are time poor, or a parent with a young family, it will require a fair amount of energy, effort and a good state of mind before you take on the task!

In addition, the decoration process requires imagination and most of us have the desire for something a little more personalised to reflect who we are and what Christmas means to us.

Adopting a Colour Theme

One of the many ways you can impart your own personality with a Christmas theme is to adopt a colour palette that works with your existing interior. For the non-traditionalist, the notion of avoiding the popular ‘red and green’ has never been so easy with ample ornamentation and trimmings out there.

Industry leader Pantone announced the colour of the year for 2024 as Peach Fuzz, a soft shade between pink and orange. You can be clever and introduce festive décor in this hue for some up to minute decorating, taking it to another level.

Styling With Bows

According to interior stylists and magazines, trending this Christmas are textural bows in velvet. Bows and ribbons are versatile and can enhance your tree or table scape and easy to make yourself. Pop them on top of your tree or tie small bows on to your branches. Use bows for your lunch or dinner plate or wrap them around a napkin when entertaining on the day.

By balancing a modern scheme with a traditional one, you will stay on trend and connect withy your space whilst still taking it into a new era. There are some funky decorations making a statement this season, perfect for those who prefer a non-traditional approach. Even so, I don’t believe you need to be unduly influenced by trends, but rather go with your personal taste and style. Let's face it, there is no better time than Christmastime to showcase with clever splashes of sparkle and light to flank next to your tree or sideboard, with engaging results.

Plan Your Theme

Think about sprucing up your decorations and decluttering your old ones. You will need basic practicalities to curate an oasis of cheer and harmony. To start, pull out your Christmas ‘stuff’ and go through and toss the ones that have clearly seen better days! Of course it is important to collect things that mean something to you, so keep the family heirlooms and sentimental trinkets collected over the years, just throw out the cracked or outdated decorations (especially if you are wanting to introduce a new concept).

There is nothing wrong with mixing and matching, however, keep the colour way consistent. If you prefer neutral decorations, think about introducing colour through the cushions in your home.

Evergreen Or Artificial Trees

Use fresh trees, garlands and wreaths whenever you can for a smaller carbon footprint than artificial trees. They also clean the air inside your home and remove dust and pollen. Do try to buy them from organic Tree Farms and ensure they are free from chemicals and pesticides. Yet, this is not always an option for some, and I love the fact that there is no right or wrong, it just comes down to personal choice and budget.

To some degree, and from a design perspective, it is perfectly OK to have an artificial Christmas tree. For the short time your tree will be up (usually 2-3 weeks) you may prefer to invest in a good quality artificial tree instead. Do try to get a PVC-free artificial tree, better for you and the environment. Most artificial trees are fire-resistant but not all –so remember to turn off tree lights of any kind when leaving your home or retiring for the night.

The pros and cons? Well the pros are you can customise it to your taste and pack it away by early January no mess. For a truly eco-friendly option (other than areal one) some people opt for a sustainably sourced reusable wooden or fabric alternative. Something to ponder on?

There are countless lush quality Christmas trees out there that look realistic, on any budget, and if you plan ahead you can purchase one online during the Black Friday sales.

Where to Place Your Decorations

If you are short on space, think about using your console or sideboard to house decorations. Consider displaying tabletop trees in varying sizes and colours. A quality realistically designed garland with fairy lights for an eye-catching effect will add an extra layer of interest and twinkle. Think outside of the square and hang on a wall or hallway.

You may also want to extend your decorations past just your living room or dining area. Think children's bedroom (they will love you for it) with decorative Christmas sheet sets and cushions. Or festive hand towels in the bathrooms to keep the buzz happening throughout the home.

Oh, and don’t forget a wreath for your front door for some curb side appeal to visually delight your guests (and neighbours). You could opt for a preserved, fresh, or an artificial wreath. Plenty of awesome choices available. Or, if you are not one to shy away from a challenge and like to be a little different and quirky, why not make your own wreath. A fun wreath that little ones can embrace made of tinsel, baubles or colourful ribbon is sure to delight if you hang outside their bedroom door.  If you prefer a fresh option with herbs, eucalyptus, pinecones, or lavender from your own garden this will also help the environment and the scent would be a breath of fresh air!

Scents

Speaking of scents, candles have always been an essential part of Christmas decorating, bringing light and love into a home. You can never have enough, and this is the time of year you can get away with lighting as many as you can handle. I do urge you to follow rules for candle safety. Always keep a burning candle within sight. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.. Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans and air currents. Keep burning candles out of reach of small children and pets.

Less is more in my book, and I like to keep it simple and spend the money on well-made decorations, rather than a box of 50 cheaply made ones. You can now buy shatter proof baubles for those clumsy moments.

Keep your valuable decorations carefully stored away in sturdy boxes specifically for your Christmas decorations - in a dust and mould free space in your home, and you will enjoy them for years to come. I was pleasantly surprised recently to see some clever storage zip up boxes for trees and decor in department stores and Bunnings.

Conclusion

Emerging an atmosphere of peace and calm for your home that will speak to you and bring you joy, is achievable with a little imagination and effort and the result will be well worth it.

But let us not forget that the most important part of Christmas is sharing special moments with the people who mean the most to us—family, friends, and loved ones. It’s also a time to think about those we hold close, whether they are with us in spirit or just out of reach.

This season encourages us to take meaningful steps to rebuild or reconnect with those we care about.

Merry Christmas!

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Article written by Marina Mura

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Find your ideal style| E: marinamura@moodblogs.com

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