And just like that, December is upon us! Last week, I revelled in the splendid Christmas lights and took a leisurely stroll around Central London; they truly are a sight to behold! If you find yourself making your way into town, be sure to plan your visit for after sundown to see them twinkling in all their glory. It's not much of a challenge, considering that by 5pm in London, it's practically night already!

Make Way for Christmas

Involving all the family members is a wonderful way to create lasting memories during this festive season. While most of us delight in putting up the Christmas tree, organising the ornaments is often a different story. These less-than-exciting tasks can become much more enjoyable if everyone pitches in. A great starting point is to declutter your space, making room for all those seasonal decorations. Set the mood with festive tunes playing in the background while you bake delicious biscuits. Having a blank canvas allows for better planning and helps you visualise your decorating ideas. Remember, you can rearrange, replace, and even temporarily remove furniture to create more room for Christmas cheer.

My friend and I used to have a lovely tradition of meeting at Selfridges for our Christmas shopping, gathering thoughtful gifts for our loved ones. Unfortunately, this year she has had surgery. Did you know that Selfridges offers Christmas crackers that are far more environmentally friendly? They also boast a delightful selection of ornaments, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your festive décor.

Shine bright

Before you begin your festive decorating, it's essential to check your existing Christmas lights. There is nothing worse than putting them up only to discover, too late, that some are not working. Allow yourself ample time to order replacements or make a trip to the shops if necessary. The last thing you want is a Christmas tree with sections lit up while others remain in complete darkness!

To bauble or not to bauble

Sometimes, ornaments can be lost or broken, leaving you short of what you need for the festive season. It's crucial to ensure you have everything required before you turn your home upside down with baubles, glitter, and garlands—trust me, you know exactly what I mean! A thorough inventory will save you both time and hassle.

This season, I have been inspired by the various Christmas trees scattered around town. Some are adorned with floral and botanical motifs, while others feature charming plush toys. The beauty of Christmas decorating is that the possibilities are endless! There’s nothing wrong with using traditional baubles, but if you're feeling adventurous, why not experiment with a new theme? Go bold and let your creativity shine!

Festive Wreaths

While we often focus on our Christmas tree, which is undoubtedly the largest decoration we typically display in our homes, it's equally important not to neglect the front door. A simple lit garland draped around it adds character and sets the festive mood right from the outset. Alternatively, consider making your own wreath or purchasing a stunning ready-made one. I personally do both. There is nothing like creating your own, but you never know if the creative juices will flow or not. Having a backup gives me confidence to just let my imagination run wild!

For added impact, if you have the space, flank your front door with planters adorned with twinkling Christmas lights. This thoughtful touch will bring your entrance to life and create a warm welcome for family and friends during the holiday season.

sitting by a warm fire

If you have a fireplace that will be in use during the holiday season, try to service it before the ornaments are out. We do not want you to freeze during the holidays. To make your life easier, you can add hooks on the mantlepiece and even on handrails. This will make adding lights, garlands and ornaments easier. Today, LED lights and batteries allow us to illuminate every corner of the house - the sky is the limit!

Nativity Crib

A long-standing tradition in my family passed down from generations is putting up a nativity crib. My grandma was the expert, she would create whole towns with rivers and mountains. It is a beautiful tradition. Once everyone has put up theirs, you would visit other people’s nativity scenes, some taking up whole rooms! In our London flat there is no space for such an elaborate productions, but we did manage to bring a tiny nativity crib from our honeymoon in Madagascar and it has found a special place on our Christmas tree.

Christmas Cards

During the holiday season we are due to receive a bit more post, or so one should hope! Most people display their Christmas cards as they come. The usual spots are mantle pieces and shelves.  How about hanging them from the ceiling with fish lines or sticking them on a wall, or your refrigerator door in a Christmas tree shape? It could be a fun activity to do with the children.

If you are struggling to find a unique gift idea this holiday season, I can help with my Christmas Virtual Interior Design Consultation gift voucher. Show someone how much you love them by giving them the gift of interior design, click here to find out more.