There’s something quietly satisfying about taking down your Christmas decorations. The house exhales, space reappears, and suddenly your home begins to feel like itself again. But the way you pack everything away matters more than we often admit. Storing your Christmas decorations incorrectly leads to tangled lights, chipped baubles, flattened wreaths, and that impending sense of dread when December inevitably rolls back around.

The best Christmas decor storage is about more than preserving sentimental items; thoughtful systems mean less time rummaging, fewer frantic last-minute replacements, and a smoother transition from festive maximalism back to everyday living. It’s also an opportunity to reclaim valuable storage space in a way that feels considered rather than chaotic.

Whether you live in a compact apartment or a family home with a loft, the principles remain the same: protect what’s fragile, compress what’s bulky, and label everything with your future self in mind. Here’s how to store Christmas decorations properly — so next year’s decorating feels like a pleasure, not a chore.

How to Store a Christmas Tree

"Even though they are one of the largest and bulkiest Christmas decorations we own, artificial Christmas trees are often treated with the least care," says home organization expert Meaghan Kessman. Once you've taken down the decorations, "Before packing the tree away, take time to compress the branches neatly, folding them inward rather than forcing them flat — this helps maintain shape and reduces breakage," she adds.

The best solution when storing a Christmas tree is with a dedicated Christmas tree storage bag (like this one from Amazon). These are typically made from heavy-duty fabric with reinforced handles and zips, designed to protect branches from dust, damp, and crushing.

If space is tight, look for upright storage bags that allow the tree to be stored vertically in a garage or cupboard. For loft storage, ensure the tree is completely dry before packing to avoid mold, and avoid placing heavy boxes on top.

"If you have a real tree each year, invest instead in a tree recycling bag or wrap to make disposal cleaner and less messy — your floors will thank you," adds Meaghan.

How to Store Christmas Ornaments

Storing Christmas ornaments and baubles requires the most careful handling, especially if you’ve collected special pieces over the years. The key is separation. When ornaments knock against one another, chips and cracks are almost inevitable.

"Purpose-built ornament storage boxes with individual compartments are ideal, particularly for glass or ceramic decorations," says Meaghan. "Look for adjustable dividers so you can accommodate different shapes and sizes. If you’re repurposing boxes you already own, line them with acid-free tissue paper [like this from Amazon] or soft fabric, and wrap each ornament individually."

According to Meghan, you should store heavier ornaments at the bottom and lighter, more delicate pieces on top. It’s also worth grouping decorations by color or theme — not only does this protect them, but it makes next year’s decorating far easier.

Label boxes clearly on multiple sides, and avoid storing ornaments in places prone to temperature extremes, such as uninsulated garages or sheds.

How to Store Christmas Lights

Christmas tree lights have a unique talent for tangling themselves into impossible knots — even when you’re convinced you packed them carefully. The solution lies in winding, not stuffing.

"Before storing, check each set works, and discard or recycle any broken strings," says Cathy Orr, professional organizer and KonMari consultant. "Then wind lights neatly around a purpose-made reel [like this one from Amazon], a piece of cardboard, or even a length of stiff tubing. Secure the ends with twist ties or reusable cable ties to prevent unraveling."

Clear, shallow storage boxes are ideal for lights, allowing you to see what’s inside without opening every container. Keep indoor and outdoor Christmas lighting separate, and store any transformers or remote controls in labelled zip bags alongside the corresponding stored string lights. This small step saves an extraordinary amount of frustration next December.

How to Store Christmas Wreaths

Christmas wreaths are surprisingly delicate. Whether fresh, faux, or dried, their shape is easily crushed, and poor storage can leave them permanently misshapen.

"The best option is a wreath storage box or circular container that allows the wreath to lie flat without pressure," says Cathy. "Hanging wreath storage bags [like this one from Amazon] are also effective if you have vertical space in a cupboard or garage. For faux wreaths, a light dusting before storage prevents debris from settling into foliage over time."

If you store multiple wreaths, place a layer of tissue paper between them, and avoid stacking more than two or three together. Fresh wreaths are best composted once the season ends, but dried wreaths should be kept in a cool, dry place, such as a Christmas zone, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

FAQs

How Can You Protect Christmas Decorations in Storage?

When it comes to storing Christmas decorations, it's not only about what you put them in, but also how you put them in.

"If your ornaments aren't delicate or glass, you can probably get away with wrapping them in tissue or bubble wrap and packing them into a box," says Amy Trager, certified professional organizer and owner of Amy Trager, LLC. "But, this will take added time to pack and unpack every year."

Mary Jo Contello, certified professional organizer and owner of Organized by MJ, places bubble wrap inside her large, clear storage container to help cushion ornaments. This further prevents everything from moving around and adds an extra layer or two of security. "I like to put bubble wrap on the bottom and top of the divided sections, creating some extra padding," she adds.

Don't have bubble wrap handy? It works just as well with scraps of fabric. That said, Liz Halvorsen, owner of Mess to Bliss, LLC, recommends you avoid using newspaper. "The ink can rub off and stain," she warns.

Where Should You Store Christmas Decorations?

When it comes to where to store your Christmas tree and decorations throughout the year, Mary Jo Contello says, typically, people look to the attic, garage, or basement.

"I like to store all my holiday decorations in the same area so they are easy to find each year when possible," she adds, "but if ornaments are very fragile, they sometimes end up on the top of a closet or inside my home."

Can You DIY Christmas Decoration Storage?

Of course! "If you don't want to invest in an ornament box, wrapping ornaments well and storing them in any container will work," says Amy Trager. "But, it will make packing and unpacking a more laborious task."

Some other examples of ways you can DIY the way you store your Christmas decorations are by repurposing containers you may have lying around the house, including ice cream tubs, boxes received in the mail from packages, and even clean egg cartons.

Storing Christmas decor well is an act of quiet self-care — one that pays dividends year after year. With the right storage containers, a little patience, and a clear system, you'll avoid making mistakes when storing your Christmas ornaments and protect not just your decorations, but your time, space, and sanity.

I've been fond of minimalism for years. Not the exaggerated kind where everything is bare walls and empty shelves, but the kind of decluttering and minimalism that allows you to live in harmony with the stuff you use, need, and love.

After Christmas, this balance can take a bashing, whether it's due to the temptation of holiday sales, an influx of lovely gifts, or the busy nature of the season, where maintaining a clutter-free household may fall to the side.

To help you keep your post-Christmas clutter at bay, I asked minimalists and professional organizers for the top five things they recommend decluttering immediately after Christmas, as well as why. Once these things are removed from your space, you'll instantly feel lighter.

Holiday Decor

Whether it's decluttering holiday decor that didn't see the light of day this year or making decisions bauble-by-bauble while taking down the tree, minimalists often comb through their decor as soon as possible before storing it away post-Christmas.

According to Meghan Coccchiaro, aspiring minimalist and professional organizer at Organized by Meg, an easy way to begin decluttering and resetting a home in winter is to focus on removing what is broken or no longer serving its purpose.

"These items can include torn Christmas tree tinsel, unruly ornament hangers (so annoying), broken ornaments and decor as well as chipped serving ware, ugly or oversized Christmas mugs (or just too many), used up and burnt out candles, bare garland, broken Christmas tree light strands, and stained and worn out linens like dish towels, oven mitts, table runners, throw blankets and tree skirts," says Meghan. "I don't save anything edible including Christmas tree candy canes. I also get rid of nearly empty cookie sprinkles and the cookie-cutter shapes I never choose."

Doing this will leave your decoration storage ideas so much nicer to use, only containing what you enjoy having around in your space.

Unwanted Christmas Gifts

It can be tough decluttering unwanted gifts directly after the holidays. You've only just received them and may feel a pang of guilt at the thought of giving them away. But in the eyes of minimalists, gifts aren't an obligation: they're about thought and gratitude, which has already been exchanged, and that's far more important than keeping material goods you don't need or want.

Besides, if your unwanted gifts don't align with your life or what you love, one of the benefits of decluttering is your unwanted stuff could bring joy to others instead!

"If I received gifts I didn't want or don't need or love, I try to return them right away for store credit, or reset my home for the New Year by selling them or donating them if they're not worth my time to return," says Meghan. "I also put aside certain gifts to re-gift them another year or for another occasion."

When I receive unwanted gifts, I put them aside in a box like these x2 30L Underbed Storage Boxes from Amazon to save for local toy and gift drives that crop up each year. It's become a tradition, so each Christmas I donate last year's items. Though selling, re-gifting or donating are all great options if you don't want to hold onto the stuff for that long.

Holiday Cards

Paper clutter piles up faster than you'd realize. What can begin as one or two stray flyers in an entryway can quickly take over a floor. The same sentiment carries through to holiday cards, where a few on the mantle can become boxes collected over the years, or stacks scattered all over the house.

Minimalists take time after their immediate holiday celebrations to curate their card collection, recycling anything that doesn't add value. It isn't ungrateful to part with cards - remember, the physical thing isn't what counts, but rather the thought behind the gesture.

Ellen R. Delap, a certified professional organizer and owner of Professional Organizer.com, shares the importance of this form of decluttering.

"Minimalists are always keeping an eye on their paper clutter. They are reviewing what has come in the mail and deciding what to keep and how to keep it, including holiday cards. If this form of maintenance isn't done, a person can be overwhelmed by paper clutter and break their paper management system. Minimalists know that keeping their systems intact helps them all year long, so it's best to declutter unwanted holiday cards as soon as Christmas is over."

I keep a medium-sized box similar to this Magnetic Gift Box from Amazon for my holiday cards, as someone who personally finds value in their sentimentality. Though I do my best to edit down what I'm keeping, asking myself what makes each card feel special and whether I'll want to read them in years to come,

Kids Toys

If you want to ensure your home won't be taken over by toys in 2026, decluttering old ones while "in with the new" is the way to do. It's akin to the one-in-one-out-rule, where old possessions are donated or discarded when a new one that's the same or similar enters the space.

So if your little ones received some lovely toys and gifts this year, encourage them to consider donating ones they've outgrown to others who can enjoy them. Your playroom, living room and kid's bedrooms will be thanking you!

As Jennifer Truesdale, a certified professional organizer and the owner of STR8N Up Professional Organizing Services, explains: "After Christmas is the perfect time to declutter a kid's bedroom or playroom by eliminating toys as any new toys received will be getting all the attention and letting go of the old will be easier to make decisions on.

"When choosing what to let go of, the first factor would be if there were any safety concerns. Look for broken toys, sharp edges, loose pieces that could be swallowed, or any other forms of damage. Extreme wear can also be time to let items go as they might be starting to fall apart. Many toys are also outgrown as the children age and are just no longer needed."

If it helps ease the process, thank each toy as you let it go to help mentally close the chapter it spent in your child's life. Combing through a home's toy storage doesn't have to be a sad thing, just the start of something new.

Wearable Items

That dress gathering dust, the five hats you never reach for, and those shoes that are the wrong size that you still can't part with. Whether these items are ones you already owned which you don't wear due to closet mistakes or gifts that don't match your sizing or style, now's the time for them all to go.

Decluttering clothes items as soon as possible post-Christmas will inject a breath of fresh air into your closet and cupboard space, ideal for entering next year with a calm mind.

"It’s often nice to purge and redefine closet space with items that will still be used, serve purpose, and you enjoy them," adds Jennifer. "It's also the perfect time to declutter old clothing if you got new wearable items as gifts that could replace them."

If you have a lot of decluttered items to donate, sell or discard, picking up a spacious bag like the Sweet Needle Heavy Duty Laundry Bag from Amazon can be incredibly useful for gathering everything together.

If you want to declutter your home after festivities are over but don't know where to start, I highly recommend trying out the floor decluttering method. It encourages you to begin by tackling any clutter on the ground, which is highly impactful.

The season of giving is upon us, and with it can come clutter. It's a blessing to receive gifts of any kind from loved ones, but it can be tempting to leave these gifts strewn around the house to put away at a later date.

With the rush of New Year and a fresh start "later" can become a month away, then two, or perhaps five. It's easy to fall into the trap of leaving gifts laying around as they don't have a "home" in our house like the rest of our stuff.

To help you to avoid falling into this trap, I asked an organizing pro for their tips on how to organize your home and its newly-acquired things straight away, as well as why each idea is so effective. You won't be tripping over piles of presents come 2026.

Choose a Time to Do it

One of the main reasons clutter can accumulate is not setting a clear block of time in your life to actively reset your home in winter post-holidays. According to Mary Jo Contello, dedicating an evening or two in the near future to organizing your Christmas gifts can make a huge difference to your space, as well as allow you time to give any new items a home.

"If you are off for the holidays, I highly recommend tackling organizing any Christmas gifts before returning back to your normal schedule," says Mary. "Dedicate an evening or day to confront the task, or perhaps if you're busy you could do it on January 1st as a way to reset your home for the New Year."

Setting a reminder on your phone to do this, or sticking a post-it note like the 800 Colored Sticky Notes on Amazon can serve as a great accountability partner to begin organizing your stuff.

Immediately Take Stock

When you open your Christmas gifts, you'll more than likely know in your gut how you felt about the items. Did they excite you, or did you think to yourself "this sadly really isn't very me"?

Mary encourages people to tune into this voice and harness the benefits of decluttering by allowing yourself permission to let go. The first step is to create piles of things you wish to discard, then ask yourself some prompts.

"If a gift is something you just do not need or want, can you re-gift it? Can you return for store credit? Can you donate it to a non-profit for an auction? Or can you just donate it?" says Mary. "Remember as Marie Condo says, the joy is in receiving the gift. This doesn't mean you have to keep it."

Doing this will help prevent piles of clutter from forming in your home, filled with those items you know you don't need to store.

It can be tough parting with a gift. You may feel obligated to keep it, or feel a pang of guilt at the thought of giving it away. If you really don't feel ready to let a gift you know deep down you don't need go, dedicate a small storage idea to keep them together, like this Fabric Storage Box With Lid from Amazon. This way they're all in one place, and come next year you can see if there's anyone else in your life that would love them.

Practice Decluttering Rules

After sifting through your gifts, you should now only be left with the stuff you wish to keep. Before going around your home organizing them away, you may wish to cast an eye over the categories of stuff you received and implement the one in one out rule. For instance, if you received two lovely new sweaters you can't wait to wear, you might want to check if there are two old ones you're happy to donate to the thrift store. Bearing in mind, the Didn't Know decluttering rule can help with this, where you declutter items if you forgot you owned them in the first place.

Doing this can help to prevent clutter from building up, which can become stressful for your future self.

"You should be mindful about putting items away, and one of my favorite ways to do this is by using the one in and one out method," says Mary. "For example, if you received a new clothing item, then let an old clothing item go so you have the space for it. If your kids received new toys, have the kids let a toy go or maybe even try for two toys if you're hoping to have a clearer playroom."

When I declutter, I like to keep spacious containers near me like the Foldable Storage Cubes from Amazon to collect together my discards through the four-box decluttering method. From there, I then decide what to sell, what to donate, what to keep, and if there's anything in poor enough condition to trash or donate to be turned into rags.

Find Homes for Your New Stuff

Lastly, it's time to actually organize away your new stuff into homes. It can be tempting to just gather gifts into bags and put them in a cupboard to address later, but taking time to take care of your new possessions by incorporating them properly into your life will feel far more orderly.

Mary recommends asking yourself what category your items are under once again, and organizing gifts away accordingly.

"If it is a seasonal item such as summer - put the new item with other like items so you will remember and be able to find it when the season comes around. If it is part of the current holiday season - then pack it away with your Christmas decorating ideas and be prepared to use it next year," says Mary.

If it's a book, add it to your bookshelf. If it's a toiletry, bring it over to the bathroom cabinet or where you get ready. You may find an item or two is harder to home than others. At this point if you're sure you'd still like to keep it, it's best to place it where makes most sense.

For instance if you said you wanted to get into gardening and were gifted a lawn aerator, the shed or your organized garage make far more sense in terms of storage than keeping it cluttering up the entryway.

You'll know when your items are organized away properly because you will know where everything is, as it aligns with your current organizing systems.

If you've found yourself with too much extra stuff after Christmas, it may be worth implementing the 'four-gift rule' next year. The rule limits the amount of gifts a person gives and receives, and can work as a great way to prevent clutter for you and your loved ones.

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is gift-giving. It's a chance to channel my love language and show my close circles just how much I care. And while what's beneath the wrapping matters more, I pay plenty of attention to the material concealing the presents under my tree. This year, I'm taking notes from the Jenner sisters.

If you're still on the lookout for cool ways to wrap your presents this Christmas, I recommend looking to Kylie and Kendall. Although each sister has gone for a totally different vibe, both styles are equally enticing in their own ways.

So, whether you're a minimalist with your gift wrap or you prefer a maximalist take that instantly captures attention, these are the two styles these celebrity sisters are fashioning right now.

Kylie Jenner's Christmas Wrapping 2025

Starting off strong, let's talk about Kylie's leopard print presents. Now, this is what I call statement gift wrap. Decorating with animal print is a bold take, and it's just the thing you need to give a simple Christmas tree a little extra oomph.

To achieve this look, all you need is some leopard print wrapping paper, or perhaps some fabric. If you prefer a finish that's soft to the touch, this Leopard Print Upholstery Fabric from Amazon will do just the trick. Or, for smaller gifts, you can even use this Soft-Weight Leopard Scarf for an extra present within the wrapping itself.

No pesky tape needed, all you have to do is wrap the base of the present first and then secure a knot at the centre of the gift. After this, you can fashion the tied ends of the fabric into a gorgeous bow to top the gift off. Et voila!

Kendall Jenner's Christmas Wrapping 2025

Now, onto Kendall Jenner's minimalist chic gift wrap. This is exactly the kind of wrapping aesthetic I would use for the gifts under my family tree. If you ask me, it's clean, classic, and unfailingly charming.

To channel Kendall with your gift wrap, you'll need a roll of simple brown paper. This Triplast Brown ECO Paper is Amazon's Choice, and available in plenty of dimensions to fit your presents like a glove.

Tying the presents together is a trio of red thread that looks slightly thicker than your regular sewing twine. This Everlasto Solid 'Beautiful Bakers Twine' in burgundy is the closest thing I've found. With this look, I recommend using the twine to wrap around twice or thrice, depending on how many threads you'd like at the top. You can then gently spread each thread apart and secure it with a knot.

Neatly tucked under each gift is a cutting from what I presume to be a Christmas tree. This is a great way to tie the look together. And bonus points if you use clippings from a fragrant Christmas tree for a perfumed finishing touch.

And finally, Kendall seems to have stamped her presents, so each gift reads 'Merry Christmas'. I love the elegant script on this Merry Christmas Rubber Stamp from the Luck & Luck Store. However, if you'd like to select a different font and message, you can get yourself this Personalized Wood Stamp from Stamp By Me. It's a small investment that will come in good use every single year.

More Christmas Gift Accessories to Shop

If you want something that's a little more elaborate than Kendall's brown paper presents and a little softer than Kylie's leopard print, how about this stylish studded wrapping paper DIY? It marries cool chrome and soft velvet perfectly.

Decorating for the holidays means making your home as cozy, festive, and trimmed as possible. The tree is sitting proudly in the living room, the stockings hung by the mantel, and your throw pillows have been swapped out for festive alternatives. But what about the outside of your home? I must admit I’ve never given much thought to outdoor Christmas decor beyond a wreath on the front door.

Though it might be a touch too late to make any drastic changes (I hope your decorations are all but sorted by now), Richard E. Grant’s giant outdoor baubles might have just inspired my whole scheme for next year. Or, possibly a last-minute addition if you have company coming over or have an extravagant party planned?

Either way, he recently shared a glimpse into his spirited garden, full of oversized ornaments hanging from the trees. And the result? A whimsical yet surprisingly stylish winter wonderland. It’s exaggerated, yet elegant. A Christmas decorating idea that feels right on brand for Richard E. Grant.

Now, when I think of making your backyard look Christmassy, it typically involves giant inflatable snowmen or blinding lights that your neighbors will quickly grow to hate. But Richard's idea feels way less kitsch.

I think the key to getting this look right is in the kind of baubles you choose. Oversized is definitely the quickest route to the luxurious aesthetic. Oversized Christmas baubles feel larger than life — playful, yet refined. Stick to a monochrome color scheme for added glamour, and I wouldn’t recommend going past two shades with such an extreme size.

You could also opt for varying bauble sizes and adding some sparkly options in or just outdoor Christmas lighting to make it feel more magical. Want to sneak some into your own scheme? Here's the styles I'd shop (or, at least, bag for next year).

Looking to the celebs for more inspiration? Selena Gomez’s Christmas tree is another celebrity decor moment I was dazzled by this year. We’re talking foodie bauble galore and kitschy Christmas heaven!

We are officially six days out from Christmas. In the words of festive icon Mariah Carey herself, it’s time. While you may have spent months poring over the perfect placemats, place settings, menu, and decorations, it's often the more practical hosting essentials that can be forgotten about until the last minute.

And let's be honest — it's hard to stay organized over Christmas. Things happen. You likely bought all your presents well ahead of time, but may have forgotten to replace the last of your tin foil (don't worry, you can still get a 300m roll from Amazon delivered before the big day).

But what else might you have missed? I've compiled a list of all the essential items that you won't want to be tasked with cooking a Christmas meal without. And most importantly, I've checked my list (twice) to ensure they'll all be delivered before the 25th.

If you have all your essentials sorted, but still haven't decided how to style your table, this stunning 'orange tree' table centerpiece is an easy DIY made using fruit and a bit of foam you can still pick up from Amazon.

They say never judge a book by its cover, but what about panettone? As Christmas prep enters its busiest stages yet, with Christmas Eve now only a few days away, I am wondering whether it's time to give even my favorite festive dessert the design upgrade. And no, I promise there is more to it than a desire to turn a fairly humble dish into an Instagram moment.

Just last week, writing about the Italian Christmas traditions that, since I was a child, have accompanied me in the runup to the holiday period, I caught myself thinking about the implicit importance that everyday essentials — from dried fruit and nuts to baked goods and, for the more atmosphere-oriented readers, a couple of candles — acquire this time of the year.

Much like those traditions, which vary from household to household, becoming a reflection of every family's story, choosing which panettone to share with our relatives, friends, and loved ones every year may sound like a banal, unimportant action at face value. But if there's one thing that's never banal for us Italians, it's taste.

Remembering how, in my nonna's house, even the simplest of cardboard boxes is seen as a gift worth keeping, so long as it's shiny, eye-catching, and colorful, I asked myself: could beautifully packaged panettoni help reduce some of the gifting-induced, disposable waste that clutters our homes during the winter break?

From Art Nouveau-y, golden tins all the way to three-digit-worth, velvet-wrapped precious boxes, this Christmas 2025 panettone edit looks to the beloved festive staple as something more than what it is. Presenting you with nine limited-edition dessert cases (and in the priciest of instances, even tote bags and jewel box-like caskets) not only filled with the finest festive bakes, but also easy to repurpose as storage come the end of the holidays, each of the below panettone design editions unite style, function, and flavor into striking containers that'll keep your memories safe.

Did You Know...

That Italians Often Enjoy Panettone Dipped in Coffee?

Well, now you do and therefore have no excuse not to replicate the treat for either merenda or breakfast in your own house, but not before taking your peek of shiny, colorful moka pots, or according to Livingetc's design writer, Maya Glantz, "coffee brewing, made superior".

At the end of the day, the best panettone is the one that gets shared in a warmly relaxed moment with your loved ones and families, finishing before you even get to have a bite of it. So rather than just focusing on the delicacies you'll be serving up this Christmas, why not ensure the atmosphere of your home is as festive and sensory engaging as it can be?

You could steal a tip or two from culinary artist and chef Imogen Kwok or, instead, try your hand at 'scentscaping' your next dinner party to explore how fragrance and culinary taste combined can serve as the premise to an unforgettable night.

While we all love exchanging presents with loved ones over the festive period, there’s one element of gift-giving that can be a real source of stress: wrapping. Do you know how to wrap gifts well? Do you opt for paper and ribbons, gift bags, or how do you approach an awkwardly shaped gift? And then there's the aftermath... where it all goes straight in the bin. Well, say goodbye to ripped paper, endless reams of tape, and late-night wrapping. Using a plant pot and saucer set to hold gifts eliminates waste, looks good, and even doubles as an extra gift. Win-win-win!

Instead of measuring wrapping paper or blowing half your budget on boxes, simply fill the planter with gifts, place the saucer on top as a lid, and tie a ribbon around it to hold it in place. It looks stunning and is an effective, time-saving way to wrap your presents when you’re already far too busy perfecting your mince pie recipe.

Not only does it cut down on waste (I try not to think about how much wrapping paper gets shoved in the bin at the end of Christmas), but the recipient can then use the planter in their home or garden. All types of planters work, and look great finished with a velvet ribbon — I can't believe I haven't thought of it sooner.

So now you’ve got the wrapping sorted, it’s time to think about the presents to go inside. If you're still stuck, the 'Four Gift' rule is a great way to find presents that are both creative and useful, and are guaranteed to spark joy in the recipient.

There's something in the air this year when it comes to Christmas decor, and things are taking a nostalgic turn. In some instances, this means a throwback to the 80s, or 90s, or whenever your childhood Christmases took place, but in others, we're taking it way, way back.

Emerging trends like fruit or vegetable centerpieces acting as Christmas table decor appeal to that sense of 'history' that's permeating festive aesthetics this year, and I've spotted one idea over all others that creates a Dickensian Christmas feast feel that's just right for 2025 — the orange tree.

It is what it sounds like — a stack of festive oranges in the conical shape of your Christmas fir tree — and makes for a dramatic, theatrical centerpiece for your table. I can't find an exact historical reference point for this styling trick, but it looks the part, doesn't it?

And, the best thing about it? At this time of year, when decorations start to sell out (well, the good ones at least), you can largely make it last-minute with a trip to a market or grocery store, if you get a few things in order ahead of time. I tried my hand at making one, to see exactly how easy it is (and it's pretty easy), but there are a few things I wish I'd known from the beginning.

How to Make a Orange Tree Centerpiece

You'll need:

• A polystyrene or floral foam cone, I got these ones from Amazon, which still deliver before Christmas.
• Basic wooden cocktail sticks, like these from Amazon
• Oranges (I used 44 that came with leaves) or any other fruit or vegetables you can stick a skewer through.
• Foliage, cranberries, or pinecones, to fill gaps if necessary.

1. Arrange Your Oranges by Size

The likelihood of all of your oranges being the exact same size is small if, like me, you buy them in boxes. Too much size differentiation might cause you problems, but a small amount will actually help your tree in the end.

It's worth arranging them in size order from the outset. You'll want to use the larger oranges at the base, and the smaller oranges towards the top.

2. Fix Into Place With Cocktail Sticks

The method for fixing the oranges into place is to simply push a cocktail stick into the bottom of the orange and then into the foam cone. You'll need to hold the cocktail stick between your fingers firmly when pushing into the foam, to stop it sliding too far through the orange and out the other side.

It's important to note that because you're piercing the skin of the orange, these aren't going to last as long as they would have otherwise (though they'll smell amazing), but it's a good excuse for friends and family to actually eat them from your Christmas table centerpiece after your meal is done.

3. Spacing Is Tricky

Because you can't perfectly measure how many oranges will fit around your cone, spacing can be a bit tricky, and you may end up with some gaps. If one side of your cone ends up having a bit more of a 'seam' where the oranges join than the other side, don't worry, we'll make a design feature of that later on when we fill the gaps.

4. Build Up to the Top

Simply go around level by level until you get to the top of the cone. Using the smallest oranges you have, create a level of four oranges around the very top of the tree. You may have to angle the cocktail sticks slightly more downwards, rather than straight into the foam, as you get higher and the foam gets less wide.

Pick a pretty orange for the top level, preferably with a stalk, as you may want to tie a ribbon around it as though it's a tree topper.

5. Fill in the Gaps

It's inevitable that you're going to see some foam through the gaps between the oranges, and some will be more noticeable than others. Here's where you've got a bit of choice: you could choose to fill just the gaps that show the most, or do something in each gap, a little more uniformly.

I chose to use oranges that came with foliage attached, so I used spare bits that had fallen off some of them to plug up the holes. I've seen other examples using other fresh foliage, herbs, cloves (as though the oranges are Christmas pomanders), or even cascades of fresh cranberries, which all feel like very festive finishing touches.

And there you have it. I love this idea because it's a way to bring height to the table, and a flat tablescape is a cardinal Christmas table styling mistake. This centerpiece has a sense of abundance that feels so perfectly apt for your Christmas feast.

If you are well-versed in internet lore, then you will, of course, know that Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are known for the adorable ways they show up for one another. The latest proof? Benny's TikTok showing off how he decked out their Hollywood home for Christmas — complete with pickle jar and NYC bagel ornaments, a separate 'beauty-themed tree to honor our Rare Beauty Queen, and an extensive Christmas village.

It's no wonder I'm suddenly dreaming of kitschy Christmas. It's not like kitschy Christmas decor has ever really gone out of style, more so that we have become accustomed to celebrity holiday decor edging towards the overtly over-the-top and unattainable, or the distinct opposite, with an ultra minimalistic look. So, I find it rather refreshing to see a celebrity home sporting the cozy, kitschy, somewhat wacky Christmas decorating ideas I grew up with.

The best part? It looks fabulous, of course (it's Selena Gomez we're talking about here). There is just enough tinsel mixed with tradition, and playful meets polished to make this setup feel as stylish as it is fun. Is it too late to buy a few more kitsch baubles for the tree? Hey, it's not Christmas yet!

So what makes Selena and Benny's colorful, Christmas tree decor so endearing and not at all tacky? A lot of it has to do with the honest personality present within the spread. The baubles sport motifs of all of the couple's favorite foods, and the tinsel and the bejeweled tree skirt nod to Selena's glamorous style. You can tell its reflective of what makes them feel happy and cozy at the holidays — and isn't that what the festive season is all about?

And it doesn't just stop at the main Christmas tree. There is an automated train that runs around the bottom of the fir, a holiday village with buildings from famous TV shows and movies, and (possibly my favorite detail) a pink 'beauty' tree in Selena's bathroom full of ornaments that represent her iconic Rare Beauty brand.

Livingetc's stylist, Iokasti Sotirakopoulou, says, "I think this decor is brilliant — it's playful, over-the-top, and full of personality. Christmas is the perfect excuse to bring drama, mix quirky ornaments, tinsel, and tiny villages, and really make your tree feel theatrical, joyful, and unapologetically fun."

To recreate the look in your own home, in a way that still feels luxurious and 'grown-up', she recommends, "Layering ornaments in different sizes and textures, and definitely repeat a few bold pieces to give the tree (and space) rhythm, cohesion, and balance in design."

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's Christmas decor tour may have finally made a true Ktischy Christmas convert out of me. However, I know it still might not be everyone's style. If you are looking for some last-minute, more traditional holiday decor ideas, then perhaps Victoria Beckham's 'lazy' Christmas tree is more your speed.

When I posted my Christmas tree for this year online, I got a lot of messages asking the same question: how did I get the dried orange slices I'd used for the garlands across the tree and mantelpiece so perfect?

The answer? I didn't. No way, with the number of dried orange slices I needed for my Christmas decor idea, was I going to spend hours, days, weeks drying them out in the oven. No, I bought them in bulk bags from the local floristry wholesalers, and I have no regrets.

However, learning about how it has gone so wrong for so many people who have tried the method to dry out oranges in the oven, I got a little curious. Could I have actually done it myself?

Well, after days of testing, I can honestly say, yes it is harder than it looks. My first batch was too brown, my second, not dried enough, but starting to catch. They didn't have the same pleasing shade of orange as the store-bought ones, but I'm beginning to think those ones are dried using a completely different process and piece of machinery. However, after some trial and error, I finally arrived at what I'd deem as 'satisfactory', picking and choosing different elements from different tutorials across the internet, none of which, by themselves, had worked.

Here's the method you can try if you still fancy making some last-minute decorations (though, honestly, I'd buy a bag of them still, if I were you).

How to Make Dried Orange Slices in the Oven

I was using a fan-assisted oven, but the rule, I'll guess, is the same across different types. Low, and slow. I put my oven on its lowest possible heat setting (technically a defrost setting), and we are going to slowly dehydrate them for hours (and hours).

1. The Orange Matters

There's a sentiment that the firmer the orange, the easier it's going to be to create dried orange slices from, and while I, at first, thought that this was because oranges are more sugary the softer they are, it's actually because they're less liquid at this point, meaning a faster, less intense drying process. However, it's worth noting that smaller, sweeter options (think clementines or tangerines) are more sugary, and probably aren't going to work.

2. Cut Into Fine Slices

A firmer orange is actually easier to cut, meaning you can cut finer slices , which again will help speed up the drying process. The thicker the slice, in my experience, the more likely it would not dry out properly.

3. Dry Manually

As well as the oven drying out your oranges, you'll need to give them a little help, too. After first cutting them, I dried both sides with paper towel until they no longer felt wet to the touch. My top tip? Continue to do this as you go, along the next steps, removing as much excess moisture from the surface as possible.

4. Flip Regularly

For my first attempt, I flipped the slices over every hour, as a tutorial suggested, but for the attempt that worked best, I did it every half an hour instead. This seemed to stop them from browning as much, retaining the most orange color. Remember, when you flip for the first few times, it's worth using paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Leave the oven door open while you flip them, to let it cool down slightly, and to let any moisture escape.

5. Play the Long Game

At the lowest temperature on my oven, it took at least six hours for these slices to get to the point where I felt they were dry enough. If they're not dry enough, and are still sticky or bendy, chances are your orange slices are going to go mouldy before the end of Christmas. Not very festive.

6. Leave Them to Dry Out Completely

The oven's job is over at this point, but you can now leave your orange slices out to dry naturally, overnight, to get them as dry as possible. Now your dried orange slices are ready.

Can You Use Lemon Juice to Dehydrate Oranges?

Yes, another trick to dry out your orange slices without having to worry so much about them browning is to soak them first in a solution of water, lemon juice, and salt, which will give you a more guaranteed orange slice at the end, but also requires a few more ingredients and processes.

I love this trick for more natural, nostalgic Christmas decorations, and with the plus side of making your home smell more Christmassy, too. Plus, once you're done with them at the end of the season, you can simply compost them.

Obviously, the slap-up roast dinner is the undisputed headliner of Christmas Day, but a beautifully dressed table is often the quiet scene-stealer. Think napkins folded origami-like into evergreen trees, flickering candlelight, statement runners, a found-foliage centerpiece, and berries and baubles galore. It all comes together to transform your ordinary dining table into a stage worthy of the delicious feast you’ve been dreaming about tucking into for weeks (even months).

But an oft-overlooked addition to the table? Festive place settings. They’re one of the easiest yet most effective Christmas table decor ideas to have in your back pocket to really wow guests without breaking a sweat. Not only do they effortlessly elevate the look of the table, but they also add that personalized, considered touch that makes every guest feel important.

Before you start rifling through the printer paper in a panic, I have to say I’ve become rather obsessed with how creative you can get with festive place settings. Below, I’ve gathered my favourite options — all still in stock, all still able to land on your doorstep before the big day.

With these unique place settings locked in, you are officially the hostess with the mostess. And if you’d like to take your hosting to the next level, here are more Christmas hosting dos and don’ts you might not have thought about. Now is the time to scrub up!

I'm the last person to pass up on a seasonal candle or room perfume, but there's something about Christmas that makes me want to bring in some natural scenting mediums, too. And the main character of your festive scentscape should definitely be your tree.

It's a brilliant way to naturally make your home smell like Christmas. But that's only if you end up styling the most fragrant festive tree varieties in your home. And if you're wondering which cultivar reigns above the rest, the experts tell me that fir is your bet at a wonderfully scented space.

But if you can't get your hands on a mini fir at this time, there are some other woody trees that will help aromatize your house. Let's get into it.

Which Christmas Tree Smells the Best?

"One of the best parts about buying a real Christmas tree is the scent. We have a lot of customers who can't remember what type of tree they buy every year, but they know it when they smell it," says Matt Bowman, founder of Tradition Trees.

"Most Christmas trees are full of essential oils that we associate with the season. However, the fragrance of the Fraser Fir is a clear fan favorite. It has a clean, piney smell with some citrus undertones and is a very aromatic tree that can fill the whole home."

Since our seasonal fragrance trend of the moment is winter woods, you can't beat a beautiful fir tree fragrance weaving through your home. And if you're yearning for a tree rich in scent, this Nordmann Fir Pot Grown Christmas Tree from GardenersDream or this Fresh Potted Non-Drop Luxury Nordman Fir Christmas Tree from Gardening Express are festive options.

Other Fragrant Christmas Trees

Let's say word has gotten out, and your local nurseries are fresh out of fir trees; there are some alternative fragrant Christmas trees you can lean on for a little perfuming help.

Pine trees are a particularly popular choice around this time of year. You'll commonly see this scent stamped on seasonal candles and diffusers, but a real, fresh pine tree will always be the superior scenting medium. If you like the idea of this variety as the aromatic centerpiece to your home, this Christmas Stone Pine Tree from Gardening Express should be on your radar.

Alternatively, spruce trees are also great at making your home smell good. Featuring a rich and classic woody fragrance, these trees also feature whispers of citrus notes that balance the earthy aroma. This Luxe Bruce Bundle from Patch Plants includes a potted blue spruce pre-styled with fairy lights and mini baubles.

Tree-Scented Home Fragrance to Enhance Your Space

Now that you have your scented Christmas tree, it's important to know how to extend the fragrance experience by keeping your tree as healthy as possible. Our guide on how to make a real Christmas tree last longer will be your manual to a scented home well past December 25th.

Beyond the table decor we see year after year — think foliage centerpieces and party-ready silverware — there are many more creative ways to set the festive scene with a playful and personal touch, not least with hand-drawn place settings.

And while the prospect of drawing or painting directly onto a crisp white tablecloth would rightly instill fear into the non-artsy types among us, bespoke table stickers are the genius solution that has our Christmas table decorating ideas covered. "Tablecloth stickers are this year’s ultimate cool-girl aesthetic for elevating your Christmas tablescape," explains Morag Hislop, the founder of event styling company Our Table.

"They add an instant sense of fun and create a playful, modern vibe your guests will love," she adds. "From personalized names to bespoke illustrations, these details transform your tablecloth into a one-of-a-kind design made exclusively for your celebration."

And there are plenty more tablecloth sticker designs to shop ahead of Christmas, which we've rounded up below. If you're leaning towards not using a tablecloth this year, but still want to style place settings, there are card and ribbon options below, too, that are just as fun.

Tablecloth stickers are a great way to add impact to your Christmas table and are sure to make your guests smile. Beyond Christmas, they would also work wonderfully for New Year's Eve celebrations.

If you're on the lookout for more stylish buys for your table, our Christmas table collection will have you covered with modern pieces that ensure your festive display is far from predictable.

Colorful Christmas lights can seem, well, tacky, and for many, the image of their multicolored LED glow can feel like something we left in the past for good reason. But Poppy Delevingne and Sophie Ellis-Bextor are both using their Christmas trees this year to argue otherwise.

Both celebs have opted for a colorful string of lights over white this December, and they are not the only ones. ‘Vintage’ or nostalgic Christmas decor trends have been everywhere online. It should be unsurprising that this time of year has people looking back to childhood memories as an inspiration for decor.

Within the trend, colorful lights have their own variations, and there might even be ways to make them work that avoid the unsettling neon-blue glow that puts so many people off.

“Whether it's the Ralph Lauren Christmas trend, the retro 90s, or a more traditional, even gothic glamor, there's a sense of comfort in these ideas,” says Livingetc’s editor, Hugh Metcalf. “I think that it's the same for colorful Christmas tree lights, too. They're so reminiscent of childhood, and a take on Christmas decorating that isn't trying too hard to be chic.”

This feeling comes across in Sophie’s mix of warm-white and colorful lights that emit a cozy glow that make even me, a noughties baby, nostalgic for 90s. Colorful tinsel, strings of beads and over-sized Santa-head baubles all add to that so-much-it-kind-of-works feeling that tacky nostalgia often brings out in us.

Poppy’s tree is a little more modern and pared back, with fewer baubles and enough space for a great tree shape to show itself off.

However, Hugh has a preference and believes Sophie’s tree is a better example of how to do this trend right. He explains, “I still think blue lighting is a cardinal sin, even at Christmas — Poppy's would be so much better without that background blue glow that feels weirdly digital and makes the room feel cold.”

Sophie, who released a Christmas song '(Christmas) Time' this year, avoids this effect by mixing a string of warm lights in with her colorful ones. Hugh also notes, “she's committing to the look with the tinsel garlands and whimsical decorations, without pushing it too far and overcrowding the tree. It's a bold look, but it's well executed in this instance.”

Get the Look

Even if colorful lights haven't completely over, if you still want a taste of nostalgia, here's some suggestions that will bring a similar feel to your tree.

Nothing says retro Christmas quite like the humble paper chain. This nostalgic DIY was a staple of so many childhoods, bringing simple joy to your home when draped across the ceiling or looped around the room. This year, however, the paper chain has been given a decidedly chic upgrade, and it's all thanks to ribbon.

That's right — ribbon garlands are the latest trend to grace social media, and we're totally besotted with the idea. The simple decoration — once crafted using wrapping paper, newspaper, or colored card at best — now feels instantly luxe and beautifully tactile thanks to the rich texture of ribbon. Whether velvet, satin, or even tuille (or a combination of all three), this colorful, charming twist on a Christmas classic adds so much character to your home.

You probably don't need a detailed step-by-step on how to make a paper chain of any kind, but we're here to give you the lowdown on executing a ribbon garland properly, plus ways to style one of the most charming Christmas decor ideas of recent years. Here's everything you need to know to elevate this classic DIY using reams of colorful ribbon.

Like many, I have fond memories of making what felt like miles of paper chains as a child. I'd sit at the dining table with colored paper, a pair of scissors, and PVA glue, working until I had a chain long enough to decorate the whole living room. Beautiful though it was, it was inevitably tatty by Christmas day, torn and unravelled in places. That's why this year, I'll be making a ribbon chain instead.

This simple switch gives a luxurious upgrade to the humble paper chain, meaning it will actually last beyond the 25th (and with the right care, for years afterward, too). Thanks to a moment of social media virality, this genius craft has become the decorating trend of 2025. (One British gift store has even sold six miles of ribbon as a result of the craze, according to the BBC.) It's a simple yet effective way to give the classic paper chain a textured, quality look, and it's still as easy to DIY.

I originally saw the idea courtesy of Emma Howard, the founder of Mother of Pearl Handmade, a small business that makes children's clothing — and, now, home decorations. After posting a video of her ribbon chain garland idea earlier this year, the reel quickly caught traction. It now has over 25,000 likes, with the decoration consistently selling out on her site.

"When I first had the idea, I went into a haberdashery in Manchester and sourced the colors that I wanted," she tells me. "I chose Renaissance colors: rich burgundy, gold, and pink. They just all work really well together."

As a seamstress, and since Emma sells the product ready-made, her garland chain links are carefully sewn together. "Mine are thoughtfully constructed and made properly with a seam," she explains. But it is easy enough to make a ribbon garland yourself at home with just a glue gun to hand; it just won't be quite as durable.

To do so, start by choosing your ribbon. A group of three or five complementary colors works best, and you'll need to make sure they're all the same width. Velvet is usually the preferred fabric thanks to its beautiful texture and subtle luster, but you could also use satin or silk.

Once you've cut your ribbon to size, simply fold it over to create a loop as you would a regular paper chain, and fix the two ends using glue. Repeat the process, attaching ribbon links until you have your desired length. You can then use the ribbon chain to decorate a Christmas tree, spruce up your Christmas mantelpiece, or deck the living room ceiling.

Emma opted for the latter in her home. "I bought some little clear hooks from Amazon, and I've stuck them up on the ceiling, stringing them above my kitchen island," she explains. "They just draped beautifully." She also plans to string a garland on the Christmas tree. "I'm going to keep adding different widths or contrasting fabrics to add interest," she adds.

Not so in the spirit for DIY? There are plenty of elevated 'paper' chains you can buy ready-made, too. Here are some of my favorites.

A ribbon garland is more than just a textural upgrade on the paper chain. It's a fun, budget-friendly decoration to DIY in the run-up to Christmas, and it promises to imbue your home with joy this season.

Looking for more Christmas craft ideas to keep your hands busy? Try creating your own wreath, making origami paper stars, or even printing your own wrapping paper with another childhood favorite — potato stamps. After all, handmade Christmas decorations always bring more love, joy, and festive spirit to a home than any shop-bought ornament.

A single classic Christmas tree in the corner of the living room doesn't quite cut it these days. Here at Livingetc, we're always on the lookout for ways to make Christmas tree decor bigger, better, and more impactful each year, and 2025 has delivered a trend we’re convinced every great host will be embracing this season: A cocktail tree.

Yes, you read that right. Those cocktail stands you see at all the swankiest soirées can, in fact, be transformed into a stylish "tree" where the glasses stand in for ornaments. It's the best way to add some festive flair to your home bar ideas, and all it takes is some faux foliage, a set of stylish glasses, and a few beautiful ribbons. Better still, it will only take a matter of minutes to make.

Whether you're hosting a gathering for your whole neighborhood or just inviting your nearest and dearest over on the 25th, this charming DIY is sure to get your guests talking. Here's how to create the chicest festive decor idea that even the Four Seasons hotel chain has done this Christmas (yes, really!)

We like to reinvent our Christmas decor ideas every year, because let's face it, the classic decorations can get a bit same-y. While beautiful additions to a festive home, mantelpiece swags, balustrade garlands, and door wreaths crop up in virtually every home across the country. If you want decor that truly wows your guests, you need to think outside the box.

A Christmas cocktail tree is a guaranteed way to do just that. It combines one of the chicest drink serving ideas with classic fir tree decor to create a charming yet functional take on a tabletop Christmas tree.

We first spotted this clever idea on Michelle Lei Pinlac's Instagram. The home stylist shared a reel where she decorated her cocktail stand with some faux foliage and some velvet ribbons, and the finished result couldn't be more chic.

"I spotted this cocktail tree stand on Amazon and thought, 'why not turn it into a mini Christmas tree?'" she tells us. "I layered some faux cedar stems [try these Juniper clippings from Pottery Barn] upside down on each tier to build out a Christmas tree silhouette. I then added a bow on top, popped in some coupe glasses, and it transformed into the cutest festive moment!"

This simple, quick DIY is sure to elevate your festive hosting and make a great conversation starter for guests. Using the cocktail stand as your base, all you need to do is add sprigs of faux foliage, folding the wire stems so that they hang from each spoke of the drink stand. To help secure them and finesse the shape, Michelle also uses zipties above each spoke segment to hold the foliage together.

To finish the look, Michelle then ties a bow on top of the tree, as well as slimmer ribbons at the base of each cocktail glass. Although she doesn't add string lights to her tree, you could also drape some battery-operated lights (like these from Amazon) across your tree's branches; just be sure to wrap them tightly around the central base to avoid any accidents when removing a cocktail.

There's no denying that Michelle's cocktail tree is a charming addition to a seasonal soirée this time of year, but can we really call cocktail-adorned trees a trend? When one of the world’s most iconic luxury hotel groups embraces the idea, we’re inclined to say yes. This Christmas, the Four Seasons Hotel at Tower Bridge in London unveiled a full-scale martini tree installation in its Rotunda Bar — a cocktail tree brought to life in glamorous, full-sized form.

The 12-foot Christmas tree is a real spectacle. Pictured above, it's clad in elegant Beluga Martini glasses on the edge of each branch that sparkle in the light. "Each year, Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge seeks to capture the spirit of the season in a way that feels truly extraordinary. This year, in collaboration with Beluga Vodka and the exquisite decor by Renatto Ribeiro, the offering has brought the magic of the unexpected and the playful," says The Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge's head of bars, Michele Lombardi. "Martini glasses hanging from the tree instead of baubles, sparkling in the light instantly, create a sense of celebration, fun, and entertainment."

While a full-sized cocktail tree remains a pipe dream for most of us, it proves that this drink-themed decor is truly making its way into the mainstream. And as Michelle proves, you don't need a glamorous hotel foyer to embrace this charming, playful trend in your own home.

Here's how to recreate this Christmas trend in your own home.

If you're looking for a fresh, fun way to bring festive flair to your hosting this Christmas, a cocktail tree is sure to impress. It's charming, playful, and guaranteed to get people talking. Better yet, not only will it take less than ten minutes to make, but it will also cost you less than the cocktail components themselves.

Cocktail tree complete? Shop finds for your Christmas table to truly elevate your dining experience. With these finishing touches, your Christmas gathering promises to be the sort of celebration that guests won't forget.

There’s a set collection of flora we traditionally associate with Christmas: fir trees, mistletoe, holly, poinsettia — the list goes on. However, anything, really, can conjure the festive season if you wield it in the right way, and dried floral arrangements are no different.

Just take designer and tastemaker Pearl Lowe, for example, who often uses dried flowers to decorate her home, but especially at Christmas. You'll find them in the tree, wrapped around the bannisters, but, perhaps most impressively, in bold displays across her fireplace mantels.

"My fireplace arrangements are very romantic, whimsical, and a little bit over the top. I love creating displays that feel abundant and nostalgic, almost as though they’ve been gathered over time," Pearl tells me. "I adore dried flowers for Christmas because they bring such warmth and nostalgia," the designer adds. "They have this lovely, muted palette that complements vintage Christmas décor perfectly. And of course, they last, so you can create something magical in December and enjoy it long after the festivities are over. There’s something incredibly charming about their faded beauty."

"The look is soft, layered, and vintage-inspired —nothing too perfect, always with a touch of faded glamour."

It's an idea that reflects wider trends in Christmas decor this year — who wants perfection? However, there is an art to the imperfect, especially if you want to create an installation as beautiful as Pearl's.

Pearl’s best advice for achieving the Christmas fireplace look? "Not to overthink it," she explains. “Let the flowers fall naturally and then build up the arrangement in loose layers.”

The antique-like, vintage color palette of browns, pinks, and reds complements her blush pink walls, while feeling soft and cohesive. "I always start with structure, adding in larger pieces like dried hydrangea heads, then weave in softer elements like amaranthus, honesty, and dried grasses," Pearl explains.

Adding ornaments and lights to a dried flower arrangement will help it to feel extra festive. Baubles with sparkly or reflective finishes work well to really lift the flowers and embrace their warm tones.

As for the flowers to supplement your design, Pearl's signatures are "hydrangeas, lunaria (honesty), amaranthus, nigella pods, and seeded eucalyptus. They create beautiful movement and depth without feeling too heavy."

"For background texture, I love using dried grasses, seed pods, and small sprigs of preserved eucalyptus. They add softness and movement behind the hero blooms without stealing the spotlight. Dried larkspur, oats, and broom also work beautifully for adding quiet structure and that lovely, airy feel."

While Pearl's design makes a large statement in the home, decorating with dried flowers can easily be recreated on a smaller scale. A bouquet in a vase or a small flower arrangement around a mirror can have a similar effect.

Below are some ideas and suggestions on how you can apply some of this whimsical Christmas charm to your own decorations.

The great thing about dried floral arrangements is that they can be reused beyond just the Christmas period, but if you prefer fresh blooms, why not find out exactly which unusual choices one of London's coolest florists is using for their Christmas table this year?

If you are anything like me, an Italian-born-and-bred expat eternally longing for warmth in gloomy London, the image of a snow-covered, wintry Italy won't be the first to spring to mind when thinking of my country. Instead, you'll be left daydreaming at the slightest mention of its coruscating beaches, picturesque village views, and the simplest yet delicious seasonal ingredient featured in a self-respecting summer feast, drizzled in olive oil and glaring in the sunshine. Still, you've got to believe me when I say that, despite its balmy appearance, Il Bel Paese holds the secret to some of the craftiest, most sustainable, and, therefore, timeless ways to make your home feel chic, festive, and cozy in wintertime.

Don't get me wrong: Italian Christmas decor isn't always synonymous with tasteful, but that shouldn't surprise you. After all, we are known for being loud and proud — and the most anticipated celebration of the year can be no less. Still, ask me, and I will tell you your festive season setup should be one thing: an eye-catching, memorable reflection of your own sense of style, interspersed with memories collected and carefully cherished over time by yourself, your loved ones, and your family.

That's what, more than 20 years since they became a part of my life, still makes the five Italian Christmas traditions listed below worth cultivating, even now that I live in England. Not only do multiple of these easily replicable DIY hacks spare you from having to buy new ad-hoc Christmas ornaments every year that comes, but many of them are fully natural and, therefore, less wasteful. Others even retain a place of their own inside your modern home decor once the festive frenzy comes to a close.

Largely made by hand — either through baking or by gathering fruit, branches, and foliage that capture Italy's vibrant culture into seasonal installations — when not collecting preciously cared-for family heirlooms and ephemera, each of these under-the-radar decorative tricks recasts tradition through an unexpected, quirky twist. So, before it's too late for you to act on, discover five alternative Christmas decorations from Italy sure to ignite conversation and catch your guests' eye, all while staying quintessentially true to your home. Oh, and meet the international creative studios who are not just getting them right, but also elevating them to brand new heights in their own work.

1. “Corone dell'Avvento” — Handmade, Natural Advent Wreaths & Bowls

One of the most vivid memories I have from my early years in Italy is gathering around the table with a few greenery branches (a few cuts of bay and rosemary for natural home fragrance was a non-negotiable touch), pine cones, and foliage picked up at the local park with my mom to prep our own Advent bowl — or wreath — the weekend before the official Christmas 'countdown' started. Assembled by hand by styling your evergreen plants of choice inside a ceramic bowl stuffed with spongy, malleable foam blocks (like these from Amazon), and complete with four candles, or otherwise 'woven' atop a wood or rattan board, this easily personalizable Christmas centerpiece would keep us company for four weeks.

Each candle in the assemblage represents one of the so-called 'Advent Sundays' and is lit to spread more and more warmth into your home as Christmas Eve approaches. A visual reminder of the festivity run-up, an Advent bowl or wreath is practically cost and waste-free, provided you have already got some candles and a ceramic vessel fit for (re-)use in your house. As demonstrated by Hamburg-based interior designer Johanna Wiemann's elegant reinterpretation of this popular Italian Christmas tradition, it makes the perfect excuse to let a natural touch into your living room. Some ceramic bowl designs, like this therootsfolk available on Etsy, come with integrated candle holders, while, if you're opting for a bolder, more minimal, and metallic look, Copenhagen-based ferm LIVING and STOFF Nagel have plenty of options ready for you.

2. “Addobbi di Pane e Marzapane” — Baked Bread & Marzipan Christmas Baubles

My second favorite Italian Christmas tradition to have been given the design treatment dates from even further back, namely, to the time I used to make edible festive ornaments from bread and marzipan with my grandmother and my mom. Both baked goods have a huge role in Italian cuisine and wider culture, with the latter — specifically, in the form of marzipan 'fruits' — being often gifted to people throughout the Christmas period, and even put on display inside centerpiece-style bowls. As for bread, it is the element that never misses on our tables, and so I have always found decorating a Christmas tree with hangable little bites the most authentically Italian festive activity.

Jokes aside, it's time to take safe-to-eat Christmas decorations seriously, and French design trio Studio CoPain is setting the bar high. For this holiday season, Sidonie Lepetit, Léa Bardin & Lucile Barbier have created ornaments made from a special recipe "inspired by traditional bakery techniques," they told me over email. Relying on nothing else than "ingredients you can easily find in your pantry," they assure, Studio CoPain has sculpted the dough into chic and delicate handcrafted pieces that'll save you from panic-buying and accumulating unnecessary baubles just for fear of your Christmas tree looking bare. Instead, "each of these unique ornaments brings a warm and appetizing atmosphere to your home, inviting you to celebrate craftsmanship by putting revisited traditions up your Christmas tree," they explain. Let's get baking!

3. “Presepe” — Nativity Scene

People outside of Italy might not necessarily be familiar with the presepe, but for families still styling one inside their home at Christmas, these curated nativity scene displays — in the most extreme cases, sprawling masterpieces gathering natural moss, stone, and water alongside striking light effects for a theatrical festive experience — are a real team effort. Varying from household to household, they always include a few mandatory elements, namely, 'the Holy family', composed of Mary, Joseph, and, come Christmas Eve, baby Jesus, all captured in a manger, and animals like sheep, an ox, and a donkey, often accompanied by shepherds.

The presepe represents a big part of what Christmas looks like in Italy, and is possibly the most quintessentially Italian of all Christmas decorations. Still, it's hard not to think of it as a little outdated, particularly for people wanting to incorporate it into more minimalist interior schemes, or hosts keen to make its religious connotations less literal in the result.

So... Presepe in or out? Judge me not, but I feel Lone Fox's Drew Michael Scott might have just solved the dilemma for us all. Besides launching one of the craftiest holiday shops of the season, with plenty of collectibles currently discounted, the social media-famous interior designer and antiques aficionado has just unveiled a Christmas tree made "from the pieces I love most: vintage, warm lamps, and a whole lotta texture!", as he wrote in a recent Instagram post.

Not only does it look original and totally unexpected, dotted as it is with one-off sculptural lights, natural branches, pearl strings, vases, and wood, as well as wrought iron details. But, featuring animal and angel sculptures, too, it only subtly hints at the atmosphere of the original nativity scenes, keeping away from the tackiness of it. Win-win. People interested in artful, abstract renditions of it will be able to find them on Etsy, thanks to the creations of artisanal platforms like SzkloGlass, available in both wood and glass.

4. “Cimeli di Famiglia, Bomboniere e Fotografie” — Family Heirlooms, Wedding Favors, and Photos

Let me get this straight: I wasn't able to retrieve any images that captured this Italian Christmas tradition at its best, though design and lifestyle influencer couple Chris Loves Julia's Christmas tree came as close to it as I could get. The idea is pretty straightforward: rather than purposefully going on the lookout for festive ornaments, in the past, some Italian families — and particularly, my grandparents' generation — got accustomed to decorating their Christmas tree with some of the shiniest, most heartfelt trinkets, heirlooms, jewelry, wedding favors, and framed photos they had hanging around the house year-round.

Temporarily repurposed as seasonal decor, these beloved objects and precious home additions — from miniature silverware spoons and passed-down toys to pearl necklaces, velvety ribbons, and more — suddenly gained a whole new function, becoming an active, twinkling protagonist of the Christmas life of their household.

With Pottery Barn unveiling its very own picture frame Christmas ornaments this year and plenty of other houses (we see you, Oliver Bonas and Crate and Barrell) getting in on the trend, and Chris Loves Julia themselves boasting spoon-shaped crystal drops, frames, and toy-like touches on their Christmas tree, it seems fair to say it: another old habit is back in vogue. And so, bring on your yellowed family portraits, bonus point if styled inside stunning Murano glass (spoiler: you can also use entire Murano glass sculptures), polish up your silver and gold, and if you haven't got anything to pull the trick, start collecting now: from Alighieri and Christofle to rising design disruptors, ferm LIVING, Natalia Criado and Completeworks' Anna Jewsbury, today's coolest craftsmanship houses have got something for all. No, this is not something only your nonna would do anymore.

5. “Decorazioni in Frutta Secca, Pigne e Agrumi” — Nuts, Pine Cones, and Citrus Fruit as Decor

Last but not least on this sustainability-aiding list of Italian Christmas ornaments (and traditions) is the simplest of them all: reframing the country's abundant citrus fruit, pine cones, and nuts as festive decor. This is something I have been doing with my own family for as long as I can recall, and while pine cones and dried nuts literally need to be arranged into serving dishes or bowls to exude that wintry atmosphere into the home, the orange, grapefruit, and lemon side of things is a little more fiddly — but certainly worth dedicating a DIY afternoon to.

To craft your own citrus Christmas decorations, simply slice your fruit of choice, pat each slice dry, and bake them on a low oven setting (around 200°F/90°C) for hours, flipping occasionally until dry but not brown, creating beautiful, fragrant slices for ornaments, garlands, or potpourri. My personal favorite side of it all is glazing each slice in melted candle wax, which gives each piece that magical, 'frosty' effect. Feeling lazy? We get it. Luckily for you, both Fortnum & Mason and Etsy have heaps of ready-made alternatives for you to pick from. So, will you able to beat the retro-fueled, maximalist aesthetic of Leben Riebe (aka @vintageholiday)'s Christmas tree this year, as seen above?

Before You Go, Buon Natale!

If there's anything we can all take home from this contemporary design revamp of the Italian Christmas traditions that defined my childhood, it's that, really, anything can be used to imbue your home with character this season — as long as it reflects who you are.

So forget the usual Italian Christmas ornaments and those used worldwide: from a Bauhaus-inspired, wheeled planter to a chrome-clad, multi-purpose, bold tray, Buchanan Studio's latest collab with Swiss, modernist storage colossus USM, the KISS-MAS collection, too, proves that, this Christmas, anything goes! Just make your voice and style be heard, and use what you have.

There’s a particular pleasure in a beautifully set Christmas table — the kind where every detail feels intentional and considered. This year, alongside layered linens and mismatched glassware, hosts are embracing a new essential: the table gift.

A small, exquisite token placed on each setting, it’s the successor to the traditional Christmas cracker — more stylish, more thoughtful, and far more likely to be treasured long after the last roast potato has been eaten. Think of these pieces not as party favors, but as take-home design moments: a scented miniature guests will actually want to use, a beautifully boxed chocolate that feels almost too pretty to open, or a tiny decorative object that would look great as part of their own Christmas table decor.

We’ve edited the season’s most elegant finds, complementing a considered table without overwhelming it. Each is smart enough to sit proudly on your place settings, and compact enough to slip into a handbag on the way home.

Whichever of these gifts you choose, think of it as the final layer of your Christmas table collection: the piece people notice first when they sit down, and the little moment of delight they take away with them when they leave.

Because Christmas dinner, in truth, isn’t only about the menu or the decor. It’s about the atmosphere you create. A beautifully chosen table gift carries that sentiment forward, transforming a simple place setting into a memory, long after the candles have burned down.

I'd argue that no holiday space is complete in the absence of a pretty Christmas tree. It is the centerpiece of focal foliage, around which the rest of your seasonal decor comes to life — whether it's a mini potted fir or a freshly cut spruce.

And while there are so many wonderful Christmas tree ideas to brighten up your home, I find that the tree itself plays a crucial role in your holiday stylings. Since fresh trees are undeniably a notch above their faux counterparts, learning how to care for your Christmas tree is key.

So, here's an expert guide to caring for a real Christmas tree so it lasts past its typical expiry. Let's discuss!

1. Buy Your Tree From a Quality Farm

Matt Bowman, founder of Tradition Trees, tells me that one of the most important factors when looking for a tree that lasts long is to source one from a high-quality farm.

"Big box retailers are doing mass numbers of trees, which means the process of growing the trees, cutting them down, loading them, and getting them to hardware stores across the country usually equates to lower quality," he says.

"The trees may be packed on top of one another, meaning broken or damaged limbs, longer periods without water, early cuttings, and more time on trucks and at lots. Personally, we get all our trees from local family farms and bring them straight down to our lots so they live long."

Choosing a well-kept, quality tree will make even the most minimalist Christmas decor look especially pretty. And if, like me, you live in a city with an unfortunate lack of proximity to tree farms, I recommend visiting your local nursery and even flower markets for a chance at finding a healthy tree.

2. Prioritize a Fresh Cut

When it comes to caring for Christmas trees, Matt tells me that a fresh cut is a pro-tip that will make all the difference. "I recommend making sure your tree gets a fresh stump cut before you install it," he advises.

"We do this at our lots before we load it onto our customers' cars to take home, or with our delivery service, we do it right on the truck before bringing it inside your home."

Essentially, he explains that cutting the stump helps open the tree's veins, so it can more easily drink water. And a hydrated tree is a happy tree, so this is a step you shouldn't miss. You can cut your tree stump, further, when you get home if it wasn't freshly cut, and this will help too. A small tree saw, such as this one from Amazon, will do the job.

3. Position It Away From Heat

You might not think of placement when you consider Christmas tree styling mistakes, but given the fact that it could impact the overall health of your festive foliage, I recommend factoring it in.

"When setting up your Christmas tree, my advice is to avoid styling it near a heater or fireplace, since you want to keep it away from heat," Matt says. "Heat can dry out the tree and cause it to lose its bristles or fall out of shape."

Like many popular houseplants, your Christmas tree will thrive in a cool, shaded corner, away from direct sunlight, and with a healthy distance from any heat source.

4. Keep Your Watering Consistent

Angharad James, gardening expert and brand manager at Baby Bio, says that once your tree is in place, the most important thing you can do is water it consistently.

"A real Christmas tree can absorb around 200 ml of water a day, and even more during the first week when it’s at its thirstiest," she says. "Keeping the stand topped up helps prevent the trunk from drying out, which is key to stopping needles from dropping prematurely.”

Keep in mind that the bigger the tree, the more water it'll need. Depending on whether you have a mini version, like The Jingle Bell Tree from Bloom & Wild, or a larger one, like this Nordmann Fir Large Full Real Cut Christmas Tree from B&Q, it's best to adjust your winter watering schedule accordingly. A Christmas tree stand that holds water can be a saviour if you're absent-minded. Try this one from Amazon, for example.

5. Maintain Optimal Humidity

Around this time of year, your indoor garden will have to endure a drier growing atmosphere. And this can be tricky when you're dealing with real trees and other Christmas plants, too.

Maintaining humidity is another measure you can take to help your real Christmas tree last longer. Creating a DIY humidifier for your houseplants is a trick that works just as well in the summer and winter.

Alternatively, you can also invest in a good humidifier for your plant-heavy rooms. This Dreo Humidifier is highly rated on Amazon at 4.4 stars. And it features an ambient light and an option for essential oil diffusion when it's not taking care of your plants.

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FAQs

Does Sugar Help a Christmas Tree Last Longer?

No, sugar and sugared water do not help a Christmas tree last longer. Plain water is your best bet at keeping your Christmas tree hydrated and healthy. "And make sure to use room temperature water," says Matt. "Nothing too hot and nothing too cold."

The only other plant that comes close to taking center stage in a festive home is the Christmas cactus, and our guide to caring for this plant will help you cover all your bases.

The Christmas break is supposed to be a time for relaxation and enjoyment. One thing we don’t want to spend our precious holiday time doing is tidying.

Unfortunately, the post-Christmas period is often dedicated to decluttering your house and trying desperately to find space for an excess of new gifts. However, the Four Gift Rule is designed to encourage present buying that makes the receiver’s life easier, rather than gifting presents that clutter the house or are left in cupboards and forgotten about.

Instituting this rule might be the key to reducing the number of things cleared out in the new year. We spoke to organization professionals to hear more about how this rule can improve the gift-giving experience, for both the giver and the receiver.

What Is the Four Gift Rule?

The Four Gift Rule is essentially an outline to follow that both limits the number of gifts you buy and maximizes the utility and relevance of each present. You can also opt for creating a Christmas zone to keep relevant gifts in check.

Originally designed as a framework for parents buying presents for their children, the Four Gift Rule can easily be applied when shopping for a partner, friend, or family member.

This is how each present breaks down.

Gift One: something they want

Gift Two: something they need

Gift Three: something to wear

Gift Four: something to read

Amélie Saint-Jacques, founder of Amelie Organizes, explains why this rule is so helpful when shopping: “Having built-in categories of gifts can be very inspiring. It gives us a framework when we come up with gift ideas."

She continues: “Limiting the number of gifts can also help us envision how it will fit in our home and in our life, so that we don't buy something cumbersome. And of course, being mindful of what we buy helps us to save money.”

How Does the Four Gift Rule Reduce Clutter?

The four gift rule not only gives you inspiration for your shopping, but it also has the major practical benefit of producing less clutter in your home than a large haul of less thought-out gifts, and makes space for those easy home organization ideas.

“By limiting the number of gifts a family receives to only those of significance, it will considerably reduce the number of items that would randomly accumulate in drawers and closets," Tina Priestly, the founder of Ready, Set, Refresh, tells me. "A gift purchased in accordance with the Four Gift Rule will most likely be appreciated and utilized because it has a specific purpose attached to it. Additionally, this method encourages families to value the quality of gifts over the quantity.”

What Are the Other Advantages to the Four Gift Rule?

But beyond the post-Christmas clutter, applying this change to your gift-buying strategy has other advantages. Tina explains: “The Four Gift Rule is financially advantageous to shoppers because they can shop with a purpose rather than based on impulse.

Additionally, the Four Gift Rule can also help "promote a sense of gratitude among both children and adults, rather than excessiveness. It encourages the spirit of giving personal, meaningful gifts, thereby enhancing the joy associated with gift-giving.”

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If you're looking for some inspiration on how each of these gift categories can be filled creatively, then I've put together some suggestions just for you.

The purpose of this rule is to choose things very personal to whoever you are buying a gift for. So, we’ve left gift number one (something they want) blank for you to fill.

But here are some ideas for something practical they may need, wear, and read.

There's plenty of other decluttering issues that can crop up around this busy period, but our guide on how to get sorted for the big day is sure to help you tackle them.

As the saying goes, 'out with the old!' I'm a firm believer of removing things that no longer benefit me or my home. Now, that's not to say I throw things out without thinking, but ahead of the holidays, I like to remove any items that no longer hold space or serve me. Think of it as a self-reflective decluttering session.

The festive season opens doors and opportunities for a pre-Christmas decluttering session — whether it's decluttering my bedroom, living room, or even kitchen. It's the perfect time for a seasonal refresh and clear out. But don't just take my word for it; it seems that these experts agree with me.

Making way to a joyous Christmas season and unloading the unwanted, I asked professional organizers what things to throw away before the festive season begins, and here's what they had to say about it.

1. Old Pantry Items

It's time to give your small pantry a clean out! One of my favorite things to do before family and friends arrive is checking through food items to see what may or may not still be of use and, in turn, make space for a few essentials that I'll be needing during hosting season. And these experts seem to agree.

"Preparing for Christmas is about quick, easy wins, which will make space in your home for hosting and holiday fun," says Laura Price, founder of The Home Organisation. "Target the areas that are going to make the biggest difference to how you use your home, and leave the full overhaul until the new year. Create space for all of the holiday food and drink by decluttering your pantry cupboards."

Laura says it's best to get rid of any expired food first, and those packets and tins that have sadly made their way to the back of the food line. "If you find you have three open bags of pasta, decant them into one, and create space so you can keep your worktops clear to make cooking easier and hosting more fun," she adds. Treat yourself to some glass pantry jars from Amazon if it makes the prospect more appealing.

Di Ter Avest is a lifestyle and home Coach, founder of the Organize Yourself Healthy method, and owner of Di is Organized seconds this and says, "You know how the back of the pantry becomes a little 'graveyard' of spices, half-used baking mixes, and mystery cans? December is the month to clear all of that out."

On the plus side, visual decluttering your pantry will make things so much easier to navigate when hosting and give you the chance to clear out all the junk and opt for healthier options.

2. Broken Toys

Oftentimes, kids' rooms are prone to collecting clutter, and as great as toy storage can be, dumping everything into one box (including a few broken bits) will only lead to more clutter and an unwanted overspill of old toys, which is why throwing broken toys before Christmas rolls through is a must!

"It's always worth having a quick whip round the children's playroom or bedroom to scoop up broken toys or unloved toys before the next round of Christmas presents arrive," explains Laura. "If you can, encourage the children to get involved. It's a great time of year to encourage them to donate the toys they've outgrown to children who would love to play with them."

Nothing screams bonding more than getting rid of the old to make space for the new, am I right?!

3. Coat Cupboard

When it comes to hallway storage ideas, a coat cupboard can easily fall under the horrors of too many coats. So before guests arrive, ensure you keep things in check and as tidy as possible, and yes, that means getting rid of random and old clothing that may have found its way in there too. Or, simply storing seasonal finds elsewhere.

"The coat cupboard can get out of hand at this time of year, and if you have guests coming round, it can easily get overloaded," Laura advises. "Have a quick check through to make sure that the summer coats are put away elsewhere, and that the winter coats are still the ones you like and use."

4. Expired Toiletries

Before the festive season hits, it seems that these organizers agree on one thing: removing old, expired, and no longer used toiletries.

Poppy Duffree, professional organizer and founder of Organised Interiors, says with beauty products and toiletry sets being a gifting favorite, this time of year, it's "now the time to clear out toiletry products that are expired, or you know you'll never use again."

She continues, "Ensuring you only have products in your bathroom cabinets that you use creates a much more enjoyable experience for morning and evening skincare routines."

"We all have that drawer or basket full of lotions, body sprays, old bath salts, subscription box samples, etc. It adds up fast," adds Di. "And honestly, if you haven’t used a product all year, you’re probably never going to."

Seems like it's time to declutter your bathroom ahead of your guest's arrival.

5. Unused Gadgets

"A streamlined kitchen is essential for the time of year we spend more time entertaining," Laura tells me. She says it's best to declutter your kitchen and remove any gadgets you haven’t touched in the past year, as well as duplicate utensils and tired cookware.

"There'll be less time spent rummaging around in drawers and cupboards trying to find the kitchenware you need and more time to focus on the things that matter most," she adds as a final note.

FAQs

What Is the Best Way to Declutter Before Christmas?

According to Poppy, the best way to declutter before Christmas is to approach your home as if you’re doing a winter reset. "Begin by clearing surfaces — coffee tables, consoles, kitchen counters — so that the addition of festive decor doesn't make the space feel cluttered," suggests Laura.

She continues, "With December being such a busy month, finding short periods of time to clear small areas is the best way to approach decluttering. The closer to Christmas we get, the more events and tasks we have to do, so finding those moments as early on, will help you feel more prepared for the festive season."

Now that you've purged and cleared out those unnecessary items ahead of Christmas, why not focus on setting up the rest of your home with some stylish Christmas decor ideas?

For lots of us, styling a Christmas table is a fun opportunity to create a memorable display for guests to enjoy, whether you're into classic red and green decor or prefer a more unexpected approach.

Either way, Christmas table decorating should not only add festive cheer to your home, but it's important that it works practically once everyone is sat around the table. But, according to experts, certain choices can disrupt the flow, block conversation, and even make your setting appear dated.

Below, we've rounded up six of the most common Christmas table styling mistakes, as told by interior stylists and designers, for you to steer clear of this festive season — along with the more functional and stylish alternative approaches, of course.

1. Following Trends Too Closely

Your Christmas table should be fun and experimental, but following interior design trends too closely is a common mistake that can distract from a personal feel. "It’s tempting to collect festive inspiration all season long, but trends come and go, and Christmas isn’t the moment to experiment wildly with a style that isn’t yours," says Jen Leigh Watkins, the founder of table decor company Host the Event.

"Staying true to your own aesthetic keeps things timeless and avoids last-minute regret," she adds. Plus, holding trends at arm's length can make the whole process feel less overwhelming, avoiding the need to shop for endless new pieces. "You don’t need to overhaul your decor; small seasonal updates can modernize what you already own," says Jen.

2. Over-Styling Your Table

While it can be tempting to go all out with your table decor, experts warn that over-styling to the point where it feels excessively curated can make things feel too formal and uncomfortable. "Your guests can be too afraid to put down their wine glass in case they ruin your tablescape," says Serena Pitchers, founder of design studio Your Interiors Friend.

"In the same vein as a welcoming home design, a little imperfection can go a long way in projecting a less formal atmosphere," Serena adds. "Layer simple elements such as altar candles in glass jars, tea lights in mismatched trinket dishes, and tall dinner candles in candlestick holders or even glass drinks bottles, with the luxury being in the amount of them rather than the cost of the holder."

3. Not Sticking to a Color Palette

Choosing a loose color palette for your Christmas table can be a helpful way to keep things cohesive. According to interior designer Birdie Fortescue, not sticking to one "can make even beautiful decorations feel chaotic".

"I always start with a grounding element, such as a rich red or green tablecloth, and then build upwards with candlesticks, napkins, and natural foliage that sit well together," says Birdie. "Try to stick with two focal colors and add small highlights of additional tones, and this will maintain a calm and cohesive overall look.”

That said, you don't need to stick to tradition when it comes to Christmas table color palettes. According to Morag Hislop, the founder of event styling company Our Table, something more playful can add a modern touch. "Embrace unexpected pairings", she says. "Think earthy brown with soft pink, mauve with butter yellow, or plum with a moody red."

4. Choosing Candle Holders That Feel Dated

Candle holders are a must-have for any festive tablescape, but choosing those that feel dated can throw things off. "Forego the pinecone and berry-themed candle holders in favor of pieces that feel timeless and elegant," says Morag. "Colored glass, brass, stainless steel, or simple clear glass holders all bring a sense of sophistication."

"When it comes to candlelight, more is more. The soft, flickering glow is essential for atmosphere and instantly elevates the entire dining experience," she adds. "For an additional layer of warmth, weave small portable lamps through the florals to create pools of light and depth throughout the table."

5. Overcrowding Your Table Decor

"A common mistake is filling the table with so many festive decorations that the practical elements — plates, glasses, serving dishes — become an afterthought," says interior and table stylist Anna Blakely of Truffles and Ruffles.

"While abundance is part of the magic of Christmas, the table still needs to function beautifully," she says, adding that creating a boundary of some sort can be a helpful way to stop things from becoming impractical.

"I like to build a central 'runner' that feels full but streamlined, leaving plenty of breathing room around each place setting," she adds. "Low arrangements — foliage, small bud vases, and taper candles — create atmosphere without obstructing space."

6. Centerpieces That Are Too Tall

Lastly, don't make the mistake of using centerpieces that are so tall they obstruct sightlines. This is a commonly-made mistake when decorating with festive floral or foliage arrangements, which can make it difficult for conversation across the table.

"Large floral arrangements can look dramatic, but are often impractical for a seated dinner," says Anna. "Instead, keep centrepieces low and linear," she says. "If height is desired, I recommend tall, slim tapered candles that maintain sightlines while still adding elegance."

Looking for some more inspiration? Bring your display to life with our shoppable Christmas table collection that's full of stylish and unique finds — from napkins to plates.

All the Christmas decorating trends doing the rounds right now are — like most of the interior design trends that have been big this year — pretty maximalist. There are bows, there are kaleidoscopic colors, and there is the 'Ralph Lauren Christmas look', which is essentially as much tartan, red velvet, dark green trimming, and gold twinkles as you can artfully get into one room.

But there is one micro-trend that is starting to gather pace, and the 'veiled Christmas tree' is making a little bit of noise over on TikTok. But, compared to the aesthetic shout of Ralph Lauren, it's purposefully just a whisper — a hazy, gauzy, dreamy approach that takes its inspiration from minimalism and historic fashion photos more than anything else.

The interior designer Róisín Lafferty has created one for her Róisín Lafferty Gallery space in Dublin, an ethereally beautiful take on the more traditionally decorated tree. Roisin has always been somewhat of a trailblazer — she is the only designer in the six years I've edited Livingetc to have her work appear on the cover twice — and it's no surprise she's trying this when the rest of the world is quite literally tied up in bows. Her interiors have always been luxe, pared back, about the material and the finish rather than being filled with things.

"Rather than relying on heavy ornamentation, the idea was to create something sculptural and poetic," says Róisín, and all this tree really holds is lights and a veil. Yes, it's a bit bridal, yes, it's a bit out there, and yes, it's the prettiest Christmas decorating idea of the year.

What Is a Veiled Tree?

A veiled tree is a surprising, and surprisingly beautiful, way of decorating your home. It's a little bit bridal, and very artistic, but very easy to do.

All you need is a Christmas tree (real or otherwise), strings of fairy lights to wrap around its branches, and then a large piece of tulle to wrap around the tree. You can tuck it into the branches to keep it secure, but you might want to use a few discreet clips to keep it in pace — especially if you have pets (as this will be far too tempting for cats.

The Inspiration Behind the Veiled Christmas Tree

As you can see in this wider shot of Róisín's gallery space, above, her references often come from art, history, and the fashion world — the latter of which was what inspired her to wrap her tree in gauze.

"The veiled Christmas tree was inspired by the soft, romantic world of the fashion designer Simone Rocha; particularly her use of nude and blush tulle," says Róisín. "I’ve always loved the way she balances strength and delicacy, and I wanted to capture that same tension in a festive context."

Just like Róisín will spend weeks searching for the perfect piece of stone to use as a hero piece in her interiors work, so here she wants the tree itself to be the main focus rather than any ornamentation. "The tree becomes almost like a couture piece," she says. "Wrapped, veiled, and slightly mysterious, the tulle softens its silhouette and adds a dreamy, ethereal layer."

How to Achieve a Veiled Tree

Róisín says it took her only about 30 minutes to successfully veil her tree, though she adds that "it would have been less if I'd had a taller ladder!"

To achieve the look, she worked with a fine layer of tulle in a soft, muted nude tone and draped it gently over the tree, allowing the fabric to fall naturally so it felt effortless rather than overly styled. "The key was finding that balance between structure and looseness; letting the tulle create movement without overwhelming the form of the tree itself," Róisín says. "It was actually super easy - trying to make it too perfect was what would have made it hard. It's better to be loose, starting from the bottom and wrapping it up from there." She says she struggled only when it came to the top - partly due to her ladder length, but also because it's the most fiddly part. "This bit was kind of like a hood," Róisín says, of how she folded it over on itself.

"The biggest lesson was that you need far more fabric than you initially think, especially if you want the drape to feel full and generous," Róisín says. "I think we used about 14 meters of extra-wide tulle. And tension is everything: too tight, and it feels constricted; too loose, and it loses its elegance. Once we found the right rhythm, the whole tree transformed into this beautifully veiled, sculptural presence."

Why a veiled tree fits right into current interiors trends

This veiled look speaks to a broader shift we’re seeing towards softness, layering, and atmosphere in interiors. "People are leaning into texture and tactility, choosing materials that bring emotional warmth rather than pure decoration," says Róisín. "There’s a real appetite for pared-back elegance; pieces that feel thoughtful, crafted, and a little unexpected."

The draped tree taps into that mood. "It’s minimal but expressive, simple but dramatic," adds Róisín. "It’s an evolution of the gentler, more romantic aesthetic that has been resonating throughout interiors this year."

How to decorate alongside a veiled tree

It would seem strange to have a very minimalist veiled tree next to a brightly colored Christmas fireplace and a tartan runner on the coffee table. Instead, to enhance rather than overwhelm its subtle beauty, keep the rest of the room refined, too.

"I think less is more," says Róisín, who created this very sculptural garland for the fireplace in the same room as the tree, its palette ultra pared back. "Lots of natural foliage, volume and structure on mantlepieces and then layered with candles all of different thicknesses and heights. You really don't want any other more classic Christmas decorations (like baubles and angels and snowflakes) but just sprigs and more twinkly lights."

What you need to make a veiled tree

I'm sorry, but if you're not taking on the festive season with 'Christmas zones' in your home, you're doing it wrong. Call me type A, but this time of year can get especially chaotic, and this trick will help take some of that stress away.

Now's when we should rely on easy home organization ideas the most, and the concept of creating Christmas zones is one that you should not miss out on. It's all about sorting your home into task-dedicated spaces to keep clutter under control, and it really does work.

Don't believe me? Here's more on what Christmas zones are, how they help, and most importantly, some inspiration on what types of areas to consider when organizing through this expert approach.

What Are Christmas Zones?

Cathy Orr, professional organizer and KonMari consultant, explains that Christmas zones are areas in your home that you establish to keep your holiday tasks, supplies, and activities separate, sorted, and stress-free.

"Rather than lumping everything you have to do together, establish stations that divide areas into purposeful zones. Each zone has its own function," she says. "This helps you keep everything straight while you’re working through your space."

Considering this is the time of year when you have guests to entertain, dinners to host, and stockings of gifts to wrap, carving out Christmas zones will make the season and its busyness a breeze to handle. Not to mention, it'll make your Christmas decor stand out and take centre stage by helping your space stay organized.

How Do Christmas Zones Keep Your Home Organized?

Cathy tells me that she sets up Christmas zones every year because it’s easy for things to get lost in the holiday shuffle. And while pre-Christmas decluttering rules can help, a little traffic mid-celebration is almost inevitable.

"It also allows me to work on several projects simultaneously. For example, I may be in the middle of purchasing gifts while working on my holiday cards at the same time, and deciding what to serve for Christmas dinner," she says.

"My Christmas zones allow me to move from project to project. I keep everything separate, in the state I left it until it’s completed, and can easily see where to pick back up again. It’s also a great visual to see how much I've accomplished and how much more needs to be done."

I recommend taking this approach, especially so, if your six-week organizing schedule for Christmas ended up being busier than expected, with some corners of your home feeling slightly busy.

What Christmas Zones Should You Create?

Firstly, you can create a gifting zone. This is a crucial step in organizing your gift wrap, and it will also help you keep all of your presents and the accessories you need to spruce them up in one neat zone. Let it be where you store holiday cards, ribbons, gift bags, wrapping paper, and even a little stationery kit.

Next, you can establish a Christmas decor zone. Ideally, this should be arranged during the time leading up to your ultimate decorating day, and it can include internal zones, like one for your Christmas table collection, one for your stylish wreaths, and so on.

I also recommend including an entertaining zone in your home. Rather than a space carved out to host, this area will serve as a space for all things hosting. My favorite way to keep this zone covert is to transform it into a hosting closet with all the necessities to impress unexpected guests.

Cathy also recommends making space for an errands and returns zone. "When I am on my way, headed out the door, I grab my box of errands and returns and act on each one," she notes. "Doing this on a regular basis keeps things from getting missed or forgotten." So, this Christmas zone is a great connecting space for your gifting zone. Once you're done wrapping your presents and writing your cards, they can be transferred here. Plus, you can also pop any items that need to be returned here, too. My advice is to plan for this zone to be closer to your entryway for a strategic approach to organization.

Stylish Accessories for Home Organization

If you're still feeling overwhelmed by all of the seasonal chaos in your living space, our guide on how to deal with clutter ahead of Christmas will help you regain control of your home so you can host in merry peace.

Romanticising life’s small moments has never been truer than in Athena Calderone’s Thanksgiving table. Casually folded linens, rustic, earthy vegetables, and cascading fruits come together to form a tablescape worthy of a Grecian fresco. But what makes this food styling so sumptuous to look at?

In my opinion, this buffet table is a perfect example of storytelling and layered composition. When you think of food styling, you probably picture obnoxiously large tweezers placing micro herbs onto Michelin-starred plates. But these days it’s far from the truth. As a food stylist, most of my work revolves around storytelling and creating natural food scenes in rather unnatural circumstances — in other words, making the ‘right’ kind of mess. Athena’s buffet table is no exception.

Though on the surface it may look casually thrown together, this styling takes time and consideration. It’s all about combining the right layers, colors, and textures to achieve an effortless and inviting look. If you want to achieve Athena’s look at home for the holidays, perhaps for your Christmas table decor, take a look at my step-by-step guide to food styling a casual yet showstopping buffet table.

Layering Linens and Fabrics

Materials and base layers are the first port of call for achieving a beautiful holiday table like Athena’s.

First, look at the natural tone of your dining table. Dark woods always look great against food, especially in the evening when candlelight can pick up the food’s natural highlights. Lighter solid surfaces work well, too, but make sure the tone is neutral. If, like me, your dining table has seen better days, opt for a neutral or dark linen tablecloth. Linen’s natural slub and organic texture will make your table feel inviting and warm, rather than the formal feel of white tablecloths or busy patterns.

Though organic textures are desirable for a scene like Athena's, try to avoid anything too rustic, such as hessian. While it adds nice texture, too much can make the table setting feel staged and novel. Keep the linens approachable, practical, and washable.

If you have a long trestle-style table, a central linen runner is a great choice to frame your food selections. You can even use a small tablecloth and gather it into informal pleats to narrow it for your table. Try draping it around your dishes to form Grecian-style drapes similar to Athena’s design.

Curate Vegetable Centerpieces

Full of naturally diverse textures and colors, vegetables are, in my view, a hugely underrated Christmas table centerpiece.

I love their natural character and architectural qualities – a bunch of gnarly carrots with their naturally tufted tops will always put a smile on my face. But what I love in particular about Athena’s display is her use of the produce's natural tones and how it forms the base of a harvest-inspired palette. The rich dark purples, shaded greens, and golden yellow highlights all come together to form a cozy autumnal setting that complements the served food.

But choosing the right vegetables is crucial to making this design a success.

When curating your vegetable centerpiece collection, first ensure your picks will complement your harvest color scheme. Then, look for a combination of larger vegetables that can stand on their own, and smaller pieces that can be grouped. For dark greens, I'd suggest cavolo nero, Savoy cabbage, and romanesco cauliflower; purples can be covered with red cabbage and figs (both beautiful when cut in half); for golden yellows, look for courgette flowers and russet apples — bonus points if you can find apples with their stems and leaves still in place.

Designer Kelly Wearstler also created a beautiful holiday table with vegetable centerpieces, too, if you're after further inspiration.

Create Height and Narrative

Creating height in food is usually one of my trickiest tasks, but it’s essential in leading the audience’s eye around an image. You want to create a story and narrative for the audience to follow, and the same principle applies to your tablescape.

For buffet tables, height is far easier to achieve in comparison to traditional dining table set-ups, where you need to consider guests being able to see one another. Tiered plates, cake stands, and footed bowls are a great starting point. From here, you can experiment with creating taller, more abundant piles of food and draping the food over the edges to break the crockery lines — this will give you a more informal feel.

Bunches of grapes are ideal for draping over footed bowls — leave a few grapes scattered around the base of the bowl, as if they’ve just gracefully fallen, to achieve a true Renaissance style.

One of my favorite ways to style breadsticks is in a ceramic jug. It adds instant height to a table, makes it easy for the diner, and the spiral the breadsticks create when upright is unlike any other food. I’ve used ceramic beer jugs before, but even a textured ceramic vase or tall mottled glass would work.

Historically Inspired Lighting

If there’s one thing I know for certain, there’ll be no overhead dining room lighting on at my holiday gatherings.

We all know how important lighting is in influencing mood and atmosphere, and in Athena’s table setting, candlelight plays a crucial supporting role to the produce. Here, candles aren’t just for atmosphere; they’re used to frame the food and play on a historical feasting scene.

Rough cast-iron candlestick holders create a beautiful juxtaposition against the more elegant silver footed bowls and long tapered dinner candles. In an evening setting, matching the candlestick holders to the table color will give the impression that the candles are floating within the scene too, gently picking up the food’s highlights and leaving heavy Renaissance-style shadows. If opting for candlesticks, try to find wax colours that are darker than the classic ivory candles. Mid greys and browns will allow the food to be the real highlight.

Lighting is a great way to play with different heights on your buffet table as well. Go tall with tapered candles, or pick up low lights around the table with scattered tea lights. In my experience, the more informal you are with the lighting, the better. Pick tea light holders or candles in all different heights and materials, and scatter them along the table. Just be sure to keep them out of the line of reach for your guests; no one needs a burnt hand when they’re trying to pick up an olive.

Complementary Foliage

Though we want the food to be the focus, flowers and foliage can certainly support the scene — especially if they’re seasonally appropriate. Steer clear of bright blooms; they fight against the naturally wintry scene. But architectural branches, leaves and catkins can add texture that complements your food offerings.

Sticking to the same tonal palette as your produce is going to be your failsafe here. Just like in Athena’s kitchen island, the autumnal reds, oranges, and neutrals in the foliage are mirrored around the table in the cheese, bread, and even the golden honeycomb. The neutral stoneware vase blends into the lighter worktop, highlighting the saturated golden tones of the leaves and berries.

If you’re unsure where to start, look at your surroundings and what’s available in your garden and exterior. Orange Pyracantha is a wonderful hedge shrub adorned with orange berries this time of year. Silver Birch trees will have delicate catkins scattered along their branches, too. Placed in a large vase, they'll add great texture without pulling too much focus.

'Tis the season for all things hosting, and with the festive thrills ringing on our doorstep, it's important to make a note of a few kitchen hosting dos and don'ts this season. After all, making a great impression is what the hostess with the mostest wants, right?

Small space hosting, especially in the kitchen, is no easy feat. With the mess and clutter that accumulate after cooking, it's easy to forget a few things along the way. I mean, I get it, it's the pressures of hosting. But this season, let's try to get it right. Kitchen hosting can feel seamless if done right, and as always, there are a few simple ways to do just that.

But don't just take my word for it. To better understand the kitchen dos and don'ts of hosting this Christmas, I called in a tablescaping expert and a few designers to give me the lowdown on how they take on this festive holiday season. Without further ado, here is everything you need to know.

1. Avoid Keeping the Host Isolated From the Fun

Hosting a dinner party during the busy festive season can be quite challenging. I, for one, sometimes struggle to be present when hosting, as I often get caught up with cooking and serving guests, but this year — I vow to make things a little different. The best way to do just that? Prepare ahead and give myself some grace. Dinner parties are all about having fun after all, right?

And interior designer Rebecca Hughes seems to agree. She says some modern kitchens are arranged like backstage areas, where everything happens out of sight, and often the host disappears behind a wall of tasks. Instead, Rebecca says it's best to "set up small moments in the kitchen for guests: a drink station, a nibble board, a place where they can participate lightly without getting in the way. Suddenly, the kitchen becomes a joyful shared space."

2. Don't Forget to Set Up a Drinks Station

Setting up a home bar station will give you peace of mind when guests arrive, so you do not have to spend your time walking around with a tray of finely crafted drinks. Instead, let your bar set up do the talking.

"Set up a help yourself drinks station to prevent yourself from being on duty all night," says Sarah Coleman, tablescaping expert and founder of BEYOND THE TABLE. "Think festive cordials in tall glass pitchers, a large ice bucket with wine and beers, plus an artfully styled tray of glasses for guests to help themselves."

Speaking of stylish bar trays, this stunning Talasa Rattan Tray from OKA will make the perfect addition to your bar station.

3. Don't Forget: Less Is More

"When decorating your kitchen, choose what you really love," says Rebecca. But how exactly does the designer do this during the festive season?

"I’ll forage for foliage in the garden or pop to my local florist for seasonal greenery," she tells me. "It’s wonderfully simple and a joyful way to ease into the spirit of the season. I also like to switch up the ribbon color to reflect the year’s chosen palette indoors — an easy way to make everything feel cohesive."

Adding a Christmas plant to your kitchen is also a great way to add color to your space. You can set up a row of wonderful blooms either on your kitchen island, countertop, or even your kitchen windowsill.

4. Don't Leave Surfaces Messy and Cluttered

Now, before guests arrive, knowing how to declutter your kitchen is a must. Remove any unwanted items and store them away, because there is nothing worse than a cluttered kitchen worktop when family and friends arrive, am I right?

And as Katharine Pooley, an Interior designer who loves to host, tells me, "A well-designed kitchen needs order, everything should have a ‘home,’ and return to its place after use."

Katharine continues, "I like to use consistent and labelled storage jars, hide-away appliances, and keep cupboards closed when not being utilized. I recommend investing in clever storage solutions to make life easier and maintain a flow when entertaining: coffee drawers, toaster drawers, cupboards with bespoke shelving — even hooks in the inside of cupboard doors can help organize textiles."

Keeping surfaces calm and clutter-free means you can enjoy your time hosting more, after all.

5. Don't Over Cater

"In the spirit of preparation and organization, I think it's important not to overcook," Katharine emphasizes. "Prepare good dishes well rather than trying to do absolutely everything."

To do this, ensure you know your guests and audience and cater to dietary requirements beforehand. "I love to have a few containers handy to send my loved ones home with a little box to enjoy later, and if I am hosting at the Coach House, the rest goes to the chickens," Katharine adds.

But of course, you're also going to want the best cookware at your disposal when cooking up the finest Christmas meal, so ensure you've got it on lock before your dinner party begins.

FAQS

I Asked the Experts: What Is Your Favorite Hosting Hack?

"My favorite kitchen hosting hack is to empty the fridge of any drinks and plonk it in a bucket outside, it stays cold and allows for valuable space inside," explains Rebecca. "Also, I try to prep as much as possible ahead of time, so I can actually enjoy being with everyone rather than rushing around." The designer says she often makes a big jug of something festive, sets out glasses and a few nibbles before guests arrive, and then strives to keep the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming.

As for tablescaping expert Sarah, she says her favorite kitchen-hosting hack is to set up a few trays in advance so everything can be moved in and out as needed. "I’ll have glassware and drinks arranged on one tray ready to bring out, napkins and cutlery neatly folded on another for easy access, and a final tray with coffee cups and a milk jug for later in the evening," she tells me. "It makes prep and setup so much quicker and more relaxed, and the trays can simply be tucked out of sight to deal with the next day."

Lastly, Katharine tells me it is important to take pleasure in every recipe when hosting and that "it is paramount that if you wish to get a perfect result, you must cook each dish with love!"

Now that you've got your kitchen hosting dos and don'ts on lock, why not look towards the rest of your home and set it up with some of the best Christmas decor ideas? Go on, I know you want to!

Christmas is probably the busiest time of year for your home. Banisters draped in garland, mantels dotted with tapers, trees flooded with ornaments, and so forth. Unfortunately, it's Christmas stylings like this that could be affecting the energy of your home.

Yes, your Christmas decor ideas could be bringing you inauspicious energy by opposing the principles of Feng Shui. So, I spoke to some expert practitioners, and they've laid out seven mistakes that could disrupt the harmonious ambiance of your home.

Now, let's get into it so you can amend any Feng Shui faux pas and return your home to its lucky festive era.

1. Putting Holly in the Wrong Place

Maxine McKenzie, Feng Shui practitioner and co-founder of Yinteriors, tells me that while holly is beautiful, the sharp leaves bring a spiky, slightly aggressive energy into your home.

"This is great for protection at the front door, but less ideal in intimate or communal spaces," she explains. "In my home, I avoid placing holly in the family area (middle left of the home from the front door) or the love and relationships area (back right), because the prickly vibe can influence dynamics."

She also warns against decorating with holly by the dining table for similar reasons. Instead, she recommends placing holly in the entryway or using a tiny amount mixed with softer foliage from Christmas plants like fir and eucalyptus.

2. Stringing Lights in the North-East and South Zones

No Christmas-scape is complete without glowing illuminated strings. But, Feng Shui consultant Zoë Vita James tells me that it's best to avoid placing lots of bright Christmas lighting in the North-East or South of your home.

She says that you can locate these zones by standing in the geometric centre or the heart of your home and finding the North-East and South spaces from this vantage point.

"Both these areas hold precarious temporary energies this December 2025, which are best left unstimulated by bright lights or noise," she notes. "If you do have your Christmas tree in either of these locations, go with metallic spherical baubles, such as in silvers and golds, as a great way to heal this current energy and enjoy Christmas at the same time!"

3. Over-Relying on Throwaway Decor

According to Max, Feng Shui loves authenticity and natural materials. "Too much plastic, glitter, and disposable decor creates environmental waste and low-vibe energy," she explains.

"A more elevated and conscious look leans into natural, recyclable textures such as handmade garlands, dried oranges, paper decorations, natural ribbon, and foraged greenery, which is much better for the Feng Shui of your home."

Trust me, there are plenty of simple steps to take for a more sustainable Christmas that will make your home feel more grounded yet stylish and protect the energy of your space.

4. Blocking Your Entrance and Pathways

Max tells me that the simplest Feng Shui rule is also the most transformative — don’t block the flow. "If you're planning outdoor Christmas decor, do your best to keep the pathway clear," she advises.

"Inside, make sure the tree, gifts, and garlands look beautiful without obstructing the hallway or high traffic areas. When people can move easily, the energy can too, and the whole home feels calmer, lighter, and more inviting."

Free-flowing energy aside, keeping clear pathways is essential for easy Christmas hosting. You don't want to be passing hors d'oeuvres and swirling glasses of wine while simultaneously maneuvering around an obstacle course of decor.

5. Perfuming with Heavy Synthetic Scents

"Festive fragrance is gorgeous, but highly synthetic candles and room sprays can feel heavy and overwhelming. Plus, they don’t always create the healthiest atmosphere for your home," says Max.

"I always suggest going natural where you can. Cinnamon, orange, clove, pine, and frankincense instantly lift the mood, and simmering citrus peel with spices on the hob gives you that nostalgic Christmas scent without filling the air with chemicals."

You can also make a Christmas scent boil or decorate with eco-wax scented candles that feature natural fragrance oils in your quest to make your home smell like Christmas.

6. Loud Festive Energy with Zero Elemental Balance

"It's no secret that Christmas is full of loud, fiery energy. There are bright reds, twinkling lights, candles, log fires, music, and chatter. It’s joyful, but it can leave a home feeling like it’s permanently turned up to full volume," says Max.

"Balance that intensity with grounding earth tones or cooling water colours. Amber, terracotta, and rust give a softer warmth without losing the festive glow. Black and deep blue cool the mood and add a calm, mystical edge."

She also finds that a palette of frosty whites, ice blues, and soft mints can create a fresh contrast in your home. These Christmas color palettes will make your home feel cozy while avoiding any Feng Shui mistakes.

7. Decorating with Spikey Ornaments

Lastly, Zoë tells me that a common Feng Shui Christmas decorating mistake includes fashioning your tree and your surrounding spaces in spikey ornaments.

"I recommend steering away from anything too pointy on your tree or elsewhere, to avoid creating ‘sha chi’, also known as poisoned arrows in Feng Shui," she warns. "Instead, classic round baubles are my favourite, and if you’re a maximalist at heart, then you can use soft bows of velvet ribbons for a really decadent and abundant look!"

Currently, I'm obsessed with Anthropologie's tree topper bow, but with the coquette trend reigning strong, there's a range of holiday bow decor to choose from. And when it comes to tree accessories, supersized baubles are the way to go.

And there you have it, the seven Feng Shui Christmas decorating mistakes you should amend in your home for a joyful energy this festive season. And if you want to start the new year on a harmonious note, our guide to interior trends that are bad Feng Shui will help you design a living space that feels light and happy.

Come December, you'll see poinsettias everywhere. Lit up in Christmas displays, daintily potted in lush homes, lined by flowers in grocery stores, and the list goes on. These flowers are beloved around this time of year, but little do people know there's more than just one type.

You might know poinsettias as the potted plants with bright red bracts and striking dark green foliage below. But there are some other types of poinsettias, including a ruffled rendition, that can set your Christmas plants apart from the rest, and give this classic festive addition a bit more of a modern twist.

Here's the lowdown on the five cultivars of poinsettias worth bringing into your home and styling up for the festive season and thereafter.

1. Marble Star Poinsettia

"The marble star poinsettia is a gorgeous and unique variety that features salmon pink leaves edged in a cream color," says Sandi Liang, Palmstreet plant expert. "They offer a bit of pizazz and add a stylish touch to any dinner table or entryway."

Whether it's for Christmas table centerpiece ideas or simply to add some festive color to your indoor garden, marble star poinsettias are a pretty choice. Plus, there are plenty of ways to reuse poinsettias after Christmas. And the marble star's pastel colors make it a versatile, evergreen addition.

This Pink Poinsettia from Plants4Presents is a charming choice. Just remember to avoid overwatering so you're not left wondering why your poinsettia leaves are turning yellow.

2. Freedom Red Poinsettia

Shane Pliska, houseplant expert and CEO of Planterra, tells me that the freedom red poinsettias are another popular type. While the red version is the most common style, however, he points out that it's available in pink, white, and other mixes, too.

"This variety went on to sell in the hundreds of millions after being produced on the Paule Ecke ranch," he says, referring to the family responsible for originally cultivating boisterous poinsettias and setting the trend.

If you love the look of this variety, this Red Poinsettia Christmas Real Plant in Hatbox from Next should be on your radar. To help them look lively and vibrant for months to come, make sure to stay on top of your poinsettia care.

3. Noblesse Poinsettia

"The noblesse poinsettia is the newest mass market variety from the Dutch firm Dümmen Orange, the successor and owner of the Paul Ecke Ranch legacy," says Shane. "The noblesse is bright and striking in red, and like the 'freedom family', has a range of colors."

This type of poinsettia sports a similar, more classic look with red bracts trailing into dark green leafage. The noblesse is especially favored for being strong, flourishing, and visually vibrant.

If you're unable to bring this specific variety home, then the Poinsettia in a Kubu Basket from Marks & Spencer is a brilliant option that emulates a similar aesthetic.

4. Winter Rose Poinsettia

According to Sandi, the winter rose poinsettia is another type worth exploring in your indoor Christmas garden. "This poinsettia variety has petals and detailing that make it an elegant decorative piece that can be enjoyed every year," she says.

"Whether enhancing your own living space or gifting someone special, I find that the winter rose poinsettia brings a sense of elegance and festive joy to any home it sits in."

Shane also recommends these unexpectedly low-maintenance plants, saying: "These poinsettias are distinctive for their curled, rose-like bracts. Plus, the winter rose is a great and unique conversation starter, as it hasn't caught on in a big way just yet."

Although currently sold out, a testament to their charm, these Winter Rose Poinsettias from GardenersDream are worth signing up for.

5. Jingle Bell Poinsettia

"The jingle bell variety of novelty red poinsettias was the first to feature rich red bracts speckled with pink and creamy white. The striking color contrast makes them among the loudest of poinsettias, invigorating your senses like the first snowfall," says Sandi.

"To make the most of your poinsettias, I recommend providing them with bright, indirect light and steady water, ensuring that they're moist but never soaked."

Shane also recommends indulging in the jingle bell variety, saying: "These naturally patterned bracts resemble festive confetti. And I love this poinsettia style for modern home interiors."

Festive Planters for Poinsettias

If you're in the mood for something different or you're just keen to accessorize with more festive plants to brighten up your space, I recommend indulging in some types of holiday cactus, too.

November is a busy time for me, to say the least. I spend most of it perched atop ladders as my company designs and installs Christmas decor for luxury hotels, stylish bars, and beautiful restaurants across the UK.

The thirty days of November fly by in an absolute flurry of stringing twinkling lights around giant trees, adding an abundance of foliage to huge lengths of garland to be draped around grand staircases, hanging hundreds of wreaths in windows, and embellishing everything with red berries, velvet bows, and glass icicles. All of this is to create the perfect Christmas decor backdrop for hotel guests to enjoy the festive season and hopefully provide a little bit of magic and that special feeling you only really get at Christmas time.

December arrives, and as the larger commercial projects near completion, my focus, like most people, turns to how I’m going to decorate my own home for the holidays. My company got its start because I’ve always loved decorating my own home for Christmas. While the projects we work on have grown much larger over the years, here are some of the go-to tips for decorating a Christmas tree, and how I always rely on them to bring that 5-star hotel look home for the festive season.

1. Don’t Be Scared to Mix Fresh and Faux

I often use faux garlands and stylish wreaths as a base structure for designs; their strength and durability mean you can create eye-catching shapes and the most dramatic cascades that will hold up throughout the festive season. I’ll then add in fresh foliage, offcuts of real Christmas tree branches, hazel, willow, and masses of eucalyptus; this adds texture and really elevates the full look. With anything fresh, it will, of course, dry out in December, but for me, this looks really beautiful and absolutely adds to the charm.

That said, faux greenery and branches have come such a long way in the last few years, with the best-quality ones looking astoundingly real. The top-quality ones are a bit of an investment, but you’ll use them year after year again, and the same goes for your Christmas tree. I’m often asked what’s better — a real or an artificial Christmas tree? To be honest, I don’t have a definitive answer as I use both types depending on the tree’s situation.

I absolutely love using real trees for their scent. Still, in my own home (a Victorian terrace in London), we’re quite tight on space in the living room, with the only available location for the tree being within the bay window, right next to our living room’s only radiator. A few years of trying with real trees and being basically needle-less by mid-December, and nine years ago, I bought a high-quality, ultra-realistic artificial tree, which is still going strong. Like my garlands and wreaths, I’ll add real foliage, branches, and twigs, and even some ivy tendrils foraged from the garden to my artificial tree. If these additions look a little too dry towards the 25th of December, I often swap them out.

If you are going for an artificial tree but want that realistic look, always remember to cover up the metal tree stand. I see so many beautifully decorated trees that are, to me, slightly let down by the fact that the metal legs of the stand are still on full display (well ahead of them being obscured by an abundance of wrapped-up gifts, of course).

There are so many great tree skirts on the market right now, but you can also use other items to hide that stand, and that takes us to our next tip.

2. Always Be Playful

I always like to add unexpected elements and items that will delight and surprise people in my trees, and particularly around the base of the trees.

One of my hotel clients, the stunning Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, was the former headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, so we like to place vintage-style ride-on cars at the foot of the trees, a nod to the building's history, which also adds a sense of playfulness. I think that’s such an important aspect of creating Christmas magic, you want everything to feel luxurious, but you also want to have a bit of fun with it.

Play with scale, place ginormous baubles beside trees, huge holiday bows atop your Christmas wreaths. We tend to use a lot of stripes; there’s something so jolly about them. Buy lengths of velvet fabric to swag and drape much like you would ribbons; this amplifies that luxurious feeling and adds a sense of drama to your decorations, which is always a good thing.

Don’t forget the tree topper as well, it’s such a great opportunity to delight — we’ve used everything from antique armillary spheres, neon flamingos, hanging model seaplanes, giant mirrored moons, and the cutest little hot air balloons to top off the tree.

3. Think About Key Moments and Complement Your Spaces

When we’re decorating a hotel for Christmas, we like to think about how guests journey through the hotel and where the key moments are for them to be wowed by the decorations, and I think that’s a great way to approach decorating your own home.

Planning to host a dinner party? Have a think about your guests' journey: an abundance of exterior lights can, of course, create an impressive first impression, but when your invitees enter your home and make their way to the dining table, are there areas that could be made a little more merry? Sometimes it’s the simplest things, like a few beautiful glass baubles grouped on a console or coffee table, or even a vase of red berries on a sideboard, that really add to that festive wow factor.

When choosing your decorations, consider how you will complement your existing home décor. I really look at the space I’m decorating and work to enhance the interior design and architectural features, ensuring I’m not competing with or even overshadowing them. What’s the mood and overall feeling of the space? If your Christmas decorations work in harmony with the decor of a room you’ve already poured a lot of love into, then you’re on the right track.

That said, it’s also important to have a bit of fun, and the festive season provides the perfect opportunity to be exuberant and cheerful. Have a think about what you want and need from your home over the Christmas period, and then really just go for it. The biggest luxury is being able to spend time in a space that you’ve decorated perfectly for your own tastes and that you absolutely love.

It's officially December, so you know what that means — it's time to put up the Christmas tree. I vividly remember from my childhood the ordeal of getting the tree set up, baubles down from the attic, and string lights strung just right. It was always chaos followed by an unbeatable feeling of holiday cheer. But why not streamline the decorating madness and skip right to the merry?

Knowing how to sling the lights for an all-over twinkle, positioning the baubles in an even spread, fluffing the fir to the fullest degree... These are all important steps when decorating a Christmas tree. However, to further hone your Christmas tree decorating craft, knowing where you typically misstep is just as important. And for that, I spoke to designers to discover the biggest Christmas tree styling mistakes they see people make.

Christmas trees are all about ringing in the season and bringing a touch of twinkling festive magic to your space. Everyone wants that postcard-worthy holiday space, and avoiding these three Christmas tree styling mistakes will help you get there. So, here's what to avoid.

1. Uneven Lighting

The biggest challenge when it comes to Christmas decor is stringing the lights on the tree. In my experience, it always starts strong, but then you forget to space correctly, and suddenly you find that the top of your tree is dazzling, but the bottom is left sparse.

“One of the biggest mistakes I often see is uneven lighting, with people starting halfway up the tree or only looping lights around the surface, neglecting the lower and inner branches," Chloe Barrow, interior design expert at Laura James, confirms.

Uneven lighting can interrupt the natural flow and balance of the tree. When lighting is uneven, the eye is immediately drawn to one area, rather than the overall silhouette, which can make the tree look flat.

Instead of getting yourself in a knot (literally), Chloe suggests following this Christmas tree lighting hack: "Start from the bottom and weave the lights through the inner branches to create a warm, even glow that sets the festive tone." When the lights are tucked towards the back, there is less surface area to cover (phew), and you'll end up with more branch room to let your ornaments take center stage.

2. Overcrowding Your Baubles

When it comes to decor, many of us fall into the trap of going OTT with every festive decoration we own, thinking more is always better. I get it — my family keeps collecting baubles each year without getting rid of the old. But, however nostalgic this may feel, it can quickly become a big Christmas tree styling mistake.

Chole explains, "Overcrowding can make the tree feel chaotic and stressful rather than cozy and inviting." This is especially true if ornaments are crowded together or clash in color, as it can cause the branches to become lost, making the tree feel confused rather than intentional. Which in turn leads to a less relaxing and comfortable living room.

When hanging your baubles, holiday bow decor, tinsel, or foliage, "opt for a cohesive color scheme or allow adequate space between baubles to allow the branches room to breathe," says Chloe. Need a little extra inspiration? Finding the appropriate Christmas tree bauble ratio rule for your fir is a solid place to start.

3. Forgetting to Fluff

Fluffing your fir branches is an essential step, no matter what type of Christmas tree you have — real or faux. Not only does it make your tree feel fuller, but (especially with real trees) it can help prevent ornaments from falling off the tree and breaking as the branches settle and lower.

So before you begin decorating, "Take time to fluff every branch, working from the trunk outwards, to make your tree look abundant and evenly shaped," says Chloe. Once the structure is set, add baubles, ribbons, and other finishing touches, ensuring that your tree is balanced and beautifully considered.

Getting your Christmas tree just right should be a time for celebration, not a time for stress. To sidestep any holiday hangups, avoid these Christmas tree styling mistakes and bask in the glow of a well-adorned tree.

Still need to grab a last-minute evergreen? Habitat's faux Christmas trees have been the buzz of the season.

The countdown to Christmas is on, and if you're anything like me, you still have a lot of gifts left to buy. What can I say? I've been so focused on getting the house in order, trimming the tree, and making dinner party plans that I have yet to get started on my secret Santa list. Now the big question: What to get everyone...

When you have a lot of design-forward people in your life, choosing the perfect gift is intimidating. The goal is to find something that will be an elevated addition to their home, not something they'll hide away and have to bring out the next time you're over. And who better to ask for design-forward gift guidance than interior designers themselves? (Arguably, the hardest people to buy gifts for.) Well, I did just that, and this list has everything from serveware to coffee table decor to cookbooks and candles.

Let's be honest, I still have all my gifts left to buy. So was this article slightly self-serving? Maybe. But in my opinion, you can never have too much inspiration (just ask our interiors editor, Emma Breislin, who recently shared 50 gifts for the design-inclined). We know our loved ones well, but what do you get the design-obsessed person in your life who seemingly has everything? Well, here's what the designers are hoping to find under the tree this year.

Looking for more designer-approved Christmas decorating inspiration? Don't worry, Livingetc is one step ahead of you. We recently asked how interior designers are decorating their homes for Christmas, and there is everything from unique color palette plans to highlight your family's traditions.

In my personal opinion, winter is the most important time of year to fragrance your home. It's when you hunker down indoors, dust off your hosting hat, and perhaps when you need small flourishes to get you in the season's spirit and distract from the chilly weather and fleeting sun.

I find that knowing how to make your home smell good can significantly impact the ambiance of your living spaces. And there are so many ways to perfume your indoor environment so it reflects the Christmas vibe. From the best candles to simmer pots, wax tablets, and so on...

Without further ado, here are my favorite tips and tricks to make your home smell Christmassy and cozy.

1. Scented Candles and Reed Diffusers

First, let's talk about the most popular way to make your home smell like Christmas — candles! These glowy home fragrance mediums are incredibly versatile in fragrance, and they offer up soft, shadowy auras of light that feel fitting for winter.

When choosing scented candles for a dinner party, for example, there are a couple of directions you can take, depending on your current scent buds. You can take inspiration from the fragrance trend of the season with winter woods, or opt for a more classic route with inclusion candles.

And if you're keen to experiment with scented candles, then I recommend sniff-testing some savory home fragrances that fit your festive menu. But if you're stumped, you can't go wrong with a nostalgic scent like this Gather Candle in Peppermint Stick from Anthropologie, or this Under the Mistletoe Reed Diffuser from Habitat.

2. Simmer Pots

If you're looking for ways to make your home smell like Christmas naturally, you can't go wrong with stovetop potpourri or simmer pots. "This is a healthy and holistic way to fill your home with a holiday aroma," says fragrance expert Taylor Kelly.

"You might be seeing a lot of TikTok videos showing different combinations of fruits and spices right about now, and it really is a great option! I love combining orange slices, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary or even pine leaves."

Taylor finds that it's a great way to introduce a home fragrance that's reminiscent of the sweetly perfumed air of a Christmas market. And if you're sold, here are some Christmas scent boil recipes you're going to want to follow.

3. Scented Ornaments

A new home fragrance format that has turned out to be a total game-changer is scented ornaments. Specifically speaking, it was these scented Christmas ornaments from NEXT that opened my eyes to a whole new world of making my home smell like Christmas.

These pretty pieces of Christmas decor bring aesthetic and fragrance value to your space. Plus, they're such a treat if you want to make your fake Christmas tree smell real.

This Ceramic Star Natural Diffuser from NEOM Wellbeing is perfect for a minimalist Christmas tree. This set of Scented Ornaments in Birmanie Oud from Creed is ideal for a perfume-obsessed, elevated boy apartment trend.

4. Wax Melts and Tablets

"Another charming way to make your home smell like Christmas is by introducing wax melts and tablets to your space," says Jo-Ann Nitzsche, fragrance expert and founder of Ralph's Orchard. "These gentle home fragrance formats help to weave seasonal scents through your home subtly."

These Cinnamon Buns Wax Melts by Mitzees Melts sound like a gourmand's dream. Or you can experience a menu of scents with this Etsy-bestelling Christmas Wax Melts Set from JaaM&Co.

I recommend using them with these stylish candle warmer lamps, or this fabulous Glass Wax Melt Burner from Amazon. And if you want to go completely flame-free, then wax tablets, like this set from William Morris At Home, are your best bet.

5. Decorative Potpourri

Potpourri is a more decorative take on how to make your home smell Christmassy with zero flames necessary. And while a bowl of dried spices can look a tad traditional, there are ways to mod this fragrance format up.

"If you have a little more time, you can make your own winter potpourri," says Karen Larochelle, founder of Fig & Fire. "Use oven-dried sliced oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, mini pinecones, and a sprig of pine or rosemary. You could even 'dust' some eco-friendly glitter on top for a snow-kissed look."

When it comes to potpourri, personally, I like to keep it simple. A small bowl of these Scented Pinecones from The Milford Collection is a brilliant way to make your entryway smell welcoming.

6. Baking Christmas Goodies

If you fancy yourself a chef, then try baking and cooking up some seasonal treats to make your kitchen smell invitingly festive. For savory fragrances, I love the idea of baking some camembert and serving it up on a charcuterie board, or committing to the cause by roasting a turkey.

And then there's an endless number of saccharine bites you can make if you have a sweet tooth and nose. Think cups of hot cocoa, warm apple galettes, or an authentically festive plum cake.

While the choice for recipe-testing is completely your own, all I ask is that you do justice to the vision and look to elegant cookware brands to make your scented plates look as good as they smell.

7. Fresh Garlands

Although Christmas plants are great at livening up and lending a more earthy finish to your space, unfortunately, they don't do so much for the fragrance of your home. However, you can always keep the green vibe and bring in a splash of scent by making a stylish Christmas wreath with fresh cuttings.

DIY your own garlands for a scentscape that trails down your staircase, over your mantel, and around the door. Utilize fresh pine, birch, and eucalyptus branches, like in this Woodlands Garland from Appleyard London.

And inject some citrus and spice by dotting it with dried citrus slices or wedges, and cinnamon sticks. My pro-tip is to take notes from David Lawson's Christmas wreath garland trick for a focal feature that captures attention through design and takes it home through scent.

FAQs

What Fragrances Make a Christmas Scent?

Some key fragrance families speak to the spirit of Christmas. "I recommend looking for scent notes like fir, cypress, cedarwood, clove, and orange," says Karen. "Those woodsy-citrus blends instantly feel like stepping into a winter forest, which is my personal favorite vibe at this time of year."

There's nothing wrong with sweetening the deal, either. You can look for home fragrance formats with peppermint, chocolate, caramel, and gingerbread, too. But if you like your scents simple, then a subtle vanilla and wood mix is unfailingly pleasant.

It's not too late to make your home smell like Christmas by tapping into home fragrance advent calendars. But if your favorites are sold out, then this Gift-Boxed Scented Candle Set from H&M and this Winter Solstice Scented Candle Gift Set by SKANDINAVISK are equally magical in-stock alternatives.

Christmas trees have always been a symbol of family tradition and holiday cheer, but a dedicated Netflix special for curating the perfect holiday aesthetic is the kind of next-level extra you can only expect in the internet-obsessed 2025 era. I respect the hustle. I must admit, though, the first few minutes of Meghan Markle's new Christmas special, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, felt a little too... traditional. What I really wanted was to see her show off.

I'm relatively new to the show and her design personality in general. And while the opening scenes of her skipping through a Christmas tree farm and the general earnestness throughout each episode are a bit to get used to, it's wholesome, full of beauty, and I left with some pretty solid Christmas decorating ideas (even though, yes, they were shared only a few minutes in).

In line with what I've gathered about Meghan's sense of style, her tree is pretty classic; a blend of elevated traditional design and family memories. Her way of decorating a Christmas tree is nothing out of the ordinary (lights strung towards the back, baubles in front), but what I like is that it confirms the trusted recipe, making it easy to recreate yourself. Though I was able to steal a few new tips and tricks from her.

So what lessons exactly did I take from Meghan's Christmas special? Well, the type of Christmas tree to choose was the first big thing. While not everyone can enjoy the experience of going to a Christmas tree farm to source a live tree, even if you opt for a faux one, Meghan shares that an eight to nine-foot tree is the ideal height. Full and fluffy branches with a perfectly formed shape, of course.

Once back at the house, Meghan dives into the types of ornaments she chooses and how to expertly trim the tree. Start by stringing your twinkle lights (warm and white) around the back of the tree, and end with a light wrapping on the outer part of the branches. This way, the lights fill the entire space and look more dynamic, she explains.

As for ornaments, despite Meghan's insistence on tradition, she doesn't go for anything green and red. Instead, her tree is filled with gold ornaments with weathered finishes and cozy motifs (think pinecones, acorns, etc.). I even spotted a few embossed gold foil ornaments, which I've been obsessed with lately — they're the perfect last-minute Christmas DIY.

And her one true rule? Hang each ornament near a light so they can sparkle and shine. Really, that's all there is to it. The Meghan Markle way is about keeping things simple yet elevated, classic, and full of tradition.

Though the With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration isn't a show I would throw on for exciting entertainment purposes, it's a lovely, festive scene to have in the background. And if you need help with the basics of Christmas decorating, Meghan has some great tips to share.

It looks like even the celebrity world is going a bit more subtle this year when it comes to holiday decor — just take Victoria Beckham's lazy Christmas tree, for example. It's minimal effort-meets-chic.

You've read it just right: USM x Buchanan Studio truly is the 2025 collaboration that keeps on giving — and we aren't tired of the Swiss storage brand's ongoing partnership with the London-based design practice of husband-and-wife Angus and Charlotte Buchanan just yet. Why?

Well, after giving fresh flair, texture (read: Teddy, Studio Stripe, and Ticking Rose fabrics), and shades (read: BS Pink) to the iconic USM Haller system with Tessellate, a series of statement furniture pieces and accessories, including the cocktail hour-ready, mid-century modern-inspired Bar Trolley, that launched in May, the two powerhouses' artistic crossover is now injecting style into everyone's favorite holiday with the USM x Buchanan Studio KISS-MAS collection and takeover.

Another aesthete-worthy drop that, spoiler alert, will have you reconsider your choice of Christmas tree stand and, maybe, even spark new ideas for an alternative festive centerpiece.

Inside the USM x Buchanan Studio's "Kiss-Mas" Takeover

Unveiled last week with an exclusive, atmospheric preview night at USM Modular Furniture's new Marylebone store at 12 Cramer St, the KISS-MAS takeover sees the brand's trademark checkerboard aesthetic reinterpreted via Buchanan Studio's playfully stylish eye to spread good looks and joy this Christmas time.

To mark the occasion, some of Buchanan Studio's all-time favorite designs have been juxtaposed with the new products across the flagship in an eye-catching appointment marked by color, branded ephemera, and stripes.

Comprising a drop of collectible USM x Buchanan Studio trays and multi-use pots and planters, available in the Swiss house's signature Pure White, Graphite Black, Ruby Red colorways, along with selected items featuring the instant hit hue that is the London duo's BS Pink, this second joint release gives the holiday period a boldly sophisticated design treatment.

Plus, while certainly not on the cheaper end of Christmas-themed interior design, "the KISS-MAS series also offers every minimalist decor aficionado a reasonably priced entry point into collecting USM," or so thinks our very own chrome homeware devotee, interiors editor Emma Breislin.

So, Are Wheeled Christmas Stands Cool Now?

Turns out moving, or movable, Christmas trees are in this year. Not only has the hot in-office debate on M&S's 'spinning' Christmas tree — whimsical? weird? unnecessary? — brought over a thousand curious readers and counting to our website in less than a couple of hours, but the USM x Buchanan Studio KISS-MAS pots and planters, too, come with handy wheels that promise to elevate your view of what a Christmas tree stand looks like to designer-approved new heights.

So for 2025, forget all Christmas tree stand hacks: USM x Buchanan Studio's plant-friendly new creations come in different sizes, both small (The Pot) and large (The Planter), whether you intend to use them to make your Christmas tree easier to look after, remove any needles that might have fallen at its base in the meantime, or rearrange in different corners of the house, or, instead, are keen to give every floral arrangement in your house that extra edge.

Meet the Hip, Multi-Use Alternative to the Xmas Centerpiece

Personally, though, what excites me even more about the latest USM x Buchanan Studio release is the newly unveiled Square or Kiss Trays. Again, these collectible items require a bit of an investment — perhaps a larger one than most can justify in such spendy times.

Still, even once Christmas comes to an end, they'll remain in your house, ready to be pulled out whenever you feel like you want to spice up the way you host a dinner party by throwing a couple of board games, moreish treats, or theatrically served cocktails into the mix. In the meantime, as the festive period gets ready to stage its grand comeback, they'll serve as a quirky-cool, unexpected Christmas table centerpiece.

Available in the collaboration's four distinctive shades and eight different color combinations when paired together, all applied to the brand's characteristic chromed steel frame, the Square Tray is the most compact of USM x Buchanan Studio editions. The Kiss Tray, meanwhile, is available in both small and large designs to best fit the needs — and look — of your day and night.

We said before and we say it again: chrome decor is your gateway to a home that feels effortlessly cool this year. So why else would you wait?

The USM x Buchanan Studio “Kiss-Mas” edit is available exclusively from the USM Marylebone store and via buchanan.studio from November 2025. Prices start from £200.

Before You Go: More Curated USM

If you're anything like me — chronically on Pinterest and someone who starts planning how you're going to decorate your tree in July — you might have noticed something about some of the Christmas trees in the White House this year.

Yes, every year the White House unveils its Christmas trees at the start of December, traditionally orchestrated by the First Lady. In Donald Trump's time in office, it's fair to say Melania has come under scrutiny for her choices — does anyone remember the blood red Christmas tree forest that looked like something out of a horror movie?

But among the somewhat dubious Christmas decorating ideas on display across the many rooms of the White House this year (the blue butterflies exploding out of the tree in the Red Room is a particularly jarring color palette), I spotted something a little familiar in another space.

The trees in the Cross Hall, pictured, are reminiscent of a now iconic Christmas tree, that's been pinned to my decorating board for a good few years now. Having been pinned over 45,000 times (and that's just one version of it), it's one of those designs that's been often replicated on social media, but never quite as brilliantly as the original.

The original tree, with its clusters of red decorations and branch candles, was actually in the lobby of the NoMad Hotel in London back in 2022, but quickly became a bit of an online phenomenon for its clustered approach to decorations and romantic Christmas lighting hack of placing bunches of tree candles together.

Melania's trees for the Cross Hall, though not executed exactly the same, do show some signs that this may have been the inspiration, with deep red decorations clustered on the tree, and candles placed a little more sporadically around. Listen, I'm not saying it's a good recreation, and it's definitely not a carbon copy, but it was the first thing I thought of when I first saw this particular White House Christmas tree idea for this year.

The NoMad tree is still, in my mind, a thing of beauty, but there are perhaps a few lessons in the Trumps' take on it to learn from if you want to do something similar, without completely recreating it.

I like, for example, on Melania's Christmas trees that there's more variety of texture and shape than the original one, introducing bows and florals into the clusters. However, the way they're applied to the tree feels too random, and not clustered enough. Looking at the two trees flanking the doors of the Cross Hall, I can't quite figure out the rhyme or reason to it. While the original tree wasn't symmetrical, it felt like it had purpose in the positions of the ornaments in a way that these trees don't.

The same is true of the application of the branch candles. For a different take, I like that they're less clustered than the original, but I'm also slightly dubious about the haphazard placement.

If you want to still give it a go this year, here's what you'll likely need:

There's something we're noticing a lot in how people are decorating their trees this year — decorations are feeling a little more sparse, a little more relaxed in how they're applied. Just take a look at Victoria Beckham's Christmas tree if you don't believe me.

It's Christmassssss! Let the process of covering the entire house in red and green begin. Bring out those beloved burgundy and emerald tablecloths, decorations, and ceramics in preparation for the big meal. Unless…? Something a little more unexpected this year, anyone?

Some color combinations are synonymous with the festive season, and for good reason. Greens have been used throughout history in the darker months. The Ancient Romans, Celts, and Norse people brought evergreen plants inside during winter festivals to symbolize life, while holly, with its blood-red berries, became a winter symbol in medieval Christianity. The Victorians moved green and red into mass Christmas culture with printed cards and decorations, then, of course, modern-day Santa Claus — and Coca-Cola — came along, and the palette was cemented into the festive psyche.

Thus, Christmas tables everywhere came to be strewn with ivy, fir, and eucalyptus, red ribbons, fruits, and candles. But... What if we strayed away from the expected color combinations? On the hunt for something avant-garde, novel, and exhilarating, I spoke to five decorative experts who revealed their go-to festive tabletop palettes for 2026, each rule-breaking but with a dash of midwinter tradition. Here's what they shared.

1. Pink, Red, and Champagne

Oh, hello again, red — oh wait, you’re with… pink? What a difference that pretty tone makes, elevating red from classic ho ho ho to something more cheeky, playful and laid back. What solidifies this scheme as something festive and special is the metallics, the brushed champagne candlesticks and tableware, bringing opulence so subtly, it takes us a moment to notice it.

"The pastel pink gives the palette vintage warmth and a homespun aesthetic, turning it into a really fun alternative to the more traditional tones that we often see at this time of year — the red elements keep things feeling festive," explains Lisa Cherry, head of Christmas at John Lewis.

What keeps this could-be-bold palette calm, chic, and crisp are the lashings of white and textures — the bright shades come in alongside ceramics and glass, and mostly as patterns rather than solid blocks of color; their jaunty brightness discovered like small bonus gifts.

"To create this look, use colors in different designs and textures," says Lisa. "Pink and red stripes, as well as the confetti and bows, play a big role in adding to the cheerful atmosphere, with touches of pink glass and metals creating glamour and delicacy. The bright pink twisted table candles bring both height and set the tone with a hit of joy."

2. Pale Brown, White, and Green

And the main color for this year’s table top is… brown! Doesn’t inspire a whole lot of festive wonder, does it? Brown has never been denied a place on the Christmas table — think pinecones, walnuts, or cinnamon sticks — but to have the shade as the main event feels a little bit, well, flat.

It’s unusual to say the least. If there’s anyone who knows how to make it work, it’s Alice Naylor-Leyland, tablescaping connoisseur, founder, and creative director of homeware brand Mrs. Alice.

"The palette’s inspired by the soft, natural tones of the Swiss Alps — the pale browns of winter bark, deep alpine greens, and fresh snow whites," she explains. "It works because the tones speak the same natural language. Pale brown grounds the table, bringing warmth; green adds depth and freshness; and white lifts everything. They’re wonderfully calm, beautifully wintry and quietly luxurious, classic winter colors elevated to feel sophisticated and modern."

Making it all come together on the big day requires a few adept styling moves, as Alice tells us: "Embrace texture when working with a nature-inspired palette. Layer linens, mix fresh and seasonal greenery, and don’t be afraid to build height with flowers, miniature trees, and candlelight. Use soft browns through timber and woven pieces to keep the table warm, and weave in whites with flowers and napkins to add that snowy lightness."

3. Cobalt, Green, and White

If you’re looking for the unexpected, it may have arrived. A cobalt blue Christmas table! This is a hue that needs fully embracing for maximum effect — a sprinkle here or there just won’t cut it. Dousing the tabletop in such a vivid alternative tone demands attention and will cement lunch as the day’s main event — mix in traditional decorative accoutrements to aesthetically point to the season.

"Swapping red and green for rich blues gives a space an artistic, contemporary twist — there shouldn’t be a restricted palette for Christmas!" enthuses Tricia Guild, founder and creative director of Designers Guild.

While the boldness of the cobalt brings the liveliness we need for the big day, there’s also a surprising calmness to the vibrant color mixes. "The palette is dynamic but harmonious," Tricia confirms. "Blue, green, and white appear together in nature, so the palette feels instinctively balanced and calming. Blue has an elegant, natural feel that makes it a core part of the most calm color palettes, creating a serene atmosphere, perfect for a table where you want people to linger."

4. Orange, Green, and Burgundy

It’s not hard to spot a dried orange slice (or half a chocolate orange) out of the corner of your eye amidst the merriment, but that’s usually where the color remains — in the background, it’s a hue easy to lose amidst a sea of red. Bring it forward and present it as a main event, and suddenly the palette feels invigorated and adventurous.

"Orange adds a fresh twist to the more traditional Christmas shades; it’s a great alternative to the iconic red," says Hannah Bidmead, founder of design brand Nancy & Betty Studio. "Foraged greenery, dried orange, and fresh clementines and pomegranates create a warm and cozy palette."

Full of life and bursting with color, orange makes the table feel glow-y and almost sunlit. Add texture to take decorating with color from simple to sumptuous. "It’s a natural look with luxury touches coming from velvet bows in forest green and burgundy. Include lots of foraged greenery — the more leaf shapes, the better — such as ivy, conifer, yew, and rosemary," advises Hannah. "If you can find clementines with the leaves still attached, this adds a lovely extra touch."

5. Black, White, and Green

It’s dark, it's edgy, it could be called moody — introducing black as the star of the holiday table. It’s probably the last shade you’d think of when concocting your festive palette, but this is precisely why it makes for unforgettable Christmas table tops. It sounds challenging, but once a black base is covered in sharp whites and lashings of foliage, it speaks not of the spooky, but more of a sun-gone-down mystery and depth.

"A black-lead palette represents mid-winter, long dark nights — and elegance," explains Ronny De Koning, artistic director and head of global buyer at Petersham Nurseries. "Christmas is one of the shortest days, so let’s change up the expected and embrace the darkness with rich, dark linens… and then brighten everything with candles and atmospheric lighting.

If the heavy shade overwhelms you, picture it in nature, and soon the palette will take on a much more grounded and approachable personality, and feel easier to work with. "We only have to look to the garden to see why certain combinations work well. Think of Viburnum shrubs, for example, which have dark blue/black berries set against deep, intense green foliage," says Ronny. "Start with dark table linen, and play with decorations, fruits, and materials found in the garden."

FAQs

What Are the Best Christmas Colors for Table Settings?

We use red and green for a reason. They are a historic link to Christmases gone by, and are a guaranteed winner on a Christmas table for the nostalgia alone (as we rarely combine them other than at this time of year.

Other strong Christmas colors are hues that are bright, but are used alongside the greenery we’re so drawn to for Christmas, which tempers and calms them. Have fun exploring the palette — there is no wrong answer. Add in metallics here and there to bring sparkle and a sense of occasion.

What Are Some Unexpected Christmas Colors for the Table? 

Any hues fit the grace of the Christmas table — you can have Christmas pinks, Christmas purples, Christmas yellows, and Christmas grays, if you particularly want them.

It’s about how Christmassy elements such as candlelight, sparkle, crackers, and seasonal natural finds (from fruit and nuts to plants and flowers) interact with the shades and link them specifically to winter.

Mix in tactility with different materials — linens, velvets, glass, ceramics — to make the setting feel luxurious and full of depth.

Whether you’re surrounding your Christmas table centerpiece with hues that are dark and glamorous, dazzling and vivid, or rooted in the organic, this year’s tables show that the festive color rules are there to be broken. So go ahead — experiment!

The last thing you want to do is go to the effort of picking out a thoughtful gift, finding the perfect wrapping paper, and topping it with the flourish of a ribbon, only to later find out that you accidentally gifted bad luck.

In many cultures, there are certain items that represent inauspiciousness. And while you could avoid gifting these things altogether, there are ways to turn its luck around when presenting it as a gift. Especially if the present feels unmistakably true to your loved ones, say in the form of zodiac gifts or otherwise.

So, here are five gifts that technically bring bad luck, and how to assist them in bringing good fortune instead.

1. Knives

It's no secret that a beautiful set of cookware or stunning knives makes an amazing gift for any cooking-obsessed friend. However, etiquette expert Nick Leighton tells me that the latter is sometimes considered bad luck.

"In some cultures, they can be interpreted as 'cutting' a relationship off," he explains. "A way around this is to include a penny when gifting a knife to neutralize its negative energy."

You can also consider gifting alternative cooking accessories, like smooth butter knives or trendy kitchenware.

2. Empty Wallets

Adam Zucker, gifting expert at MyRegistry.com, tells me that for some, the gift of a new wallet or purse, regardless of how valuable or luxurious it may be, is said to attract financial misfortune or signal a future of financial emptiness.

"In order to rectify this reaction promptly, simply placing a small amount of money inside the gift — anything from a shiny coin to a crisp bill — can help to symbolise prosperity," he advises.

It's always a fun surprise to peek into a new wallet and find some money in there. So, if you're a pretty purse is a part of your gift guide, follow Adam's advice to make it a good luck present.

3. Handkerchiefs

"A personalized handkerchief or embroidered cloth can be a beautiful keepsake when gifted to a loved one, yet they can be associated with tears and goodbyes, symbolically making them a ‘gift of sorrow’," says Adam.

"By instead including handkerchiefs as part of a wider bundle of gifts that express an abundance of joy and happiness, the negative connotations can be eradicated swiftly."

Although a darling handkerchief with doodled embroidery perfectly ties into the drawn-on decor trend, don't let it be the sole present when gifting for good luck. Instead, you can include other linens like beaded placemats or lace decor for a stylish, auspicious gift.

4. Candles

Believe it or not, gifting a candle all on its own can also be considered a bad luck gift. Creative wellness expert, Dr. Eleni Nicolaou, tells me that candles are incomplete when they come unlit.

"By taking ten seconds to light the wick in honor of the gift, the candle receives the slightest bit of warmth," she explains. "That means that it will come across as cozy and thoughtful, rather than cold and bare."

While you can't necessarily light the candle itself upon gifting, you can include a charming box of matches and some other candle accessories to make the gift more meaningful.

5. Timepieces

"Modern watches are often viewed as deeply personal and even romantic gifts. However, in traditional Chinese culture, any clock, watch, or similar timepiece is often associated with running out of time," says Adam.

"Gifting an item like this to a loved one may be interpreted as counting down the relationship, or even someone’s life. A common solution to this problem is to pair it with a good luck charm or a note expressing your wishes for a long-lasting connection with the recipient."

A simple card can make all the difference when transforming a timepiece from a bad luck gift into an auspicious present. You can also include your wall clock or watch with a coin, or bundle it in with other gifts to bring prosperity.

If you're stumped on what to wrap up for those near and dear, we have plenty of gifting inspiration to go around. How about something stylish for the most organized people in your life? Or, perhaps some hot holiday gifts for your design-loving friends? We've got you covered!

From frosted to fir, and pre-lit to potted pine, navigating the world of Christmas trees can be far from wonderful. And it doesn't help that if you're opting for an artificial variety, you usually intend to keep it for years — if not decades — to come. So, how would you feel if I were to present you with a whole new option to consider: Marks and Spencer's brand new Rotating Christmas Tree?

The Grand Fir comes in both 6ft and 7ft, has pre-lit branches, and yes, you read that right, it slowly rotates. The Livingetc team was instantly divided: "that's weird"; "how magical"; "it's probably a bit too much"; and "whoa, it's kind of giving Nutcracker energy." So, safe to say, it's going to make a statement.

With Christmas just around the corner, if this Christmas tree idea instantly fills you with joy, you're going to want to act fast (next-day delivery is available for just £5.99, until stock sells out). But if you are, understandably, still not quite sure how you feel about it, help us settle the debate. Below, two editors argue why it's whimsical and why it's weird — and then it's over to you to vote.

"It's Whimsical"

A ballerina spinning in her music box, a toy train chugging around its track, a child twisting and twirling with excitement... There is so much magic and whimsy tied up in a simple spin come Christmastime, so why wouldn't that extend to our trees?

I can already see it now: that extra sparkle you'd get in your space as your lights twirled around the room and your Christmas decorations slowly spun in and out of the spotlight. It's enough to imagine your tree was coming to life, like The Snowman taking flight, and what's more whimsical than that?

Plus, there'll be no more arguments about which decorations will be shunned to the back of the tree this year — this way, everyone gets their moment in the spotlight. Although I will concede that it does mean you can't be lazy, and when it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, you have to cover the whole thing rather than just the side that's showing. But imagine how easy that will be thanks to the rotation.

And lastly, ask yourself: would disco balls be as fun if they didn't spin?

Like the idea, but don't want or need to invest in a new tree? Try this £37 Rotating Artificial Christmas Tree Stand from Amazon instead.

"It's Weird"

The beauty of where I put my Christmas tree, in the living room corner, is that I only have to dress the front of the tree. That means half the decorations, half the time to put it up, half the time to put it away. A rotating Christmas tree would totally scupper my plans.

But that's not the only reason I think this Christmas tree is a little strange. Who is it for? I can imagine it in the middle of some garden center's Christmas shop, helping to display this season's novelty baubles, but in a real home? Forget it.

For one, you'll need full clearance of all the surrounding walls to ensure your ornaments don't come crashing off as it spins, meaning it's not something that makes sense for a small living room, and you'll need to consider how your tree looks from every single angle.

It might be the sort of idea that works when you want your tree in the middle of an open-plan room, but you can already see it from every angle at that point anyway. So, yes, while it might seem magical when you imagine it, when it comes to the reality, you'll use it once, get sick of the (presumably, I've not seen it in real life) mechanical whir in the background, and never switch it on again.

‘Tis the season for boughs of holly, vines of ivy, sprigs of mistletoe, and sprays of eucalyptus — evergreen foliage traditionally brought in from outside to represent life in the depths of winter. But what about flowers? This year, florists are bringing in blooms to add more color, shape, and experimentation to the lunchtime tabletop.

Most flowers may not feel like they sit comfortably alongside crackers, carols, reindeer, or roast potatoes, but give them a spot on the table, and they tuck themselves between the bread sauce and the discarded paper crowns as if they were always there, adding unexpected impact and uniqueness to your Christmas table decor.

And we're breaking away from the poinsettias this year, branching out into new, unexplored territory with dramatic and unusual blooms. 2026 is ushering in a whole new era of holiday floral — one that celebrates vibrant hues and sculptural forms, and turns the big day’s lunch display into a striking, never-to-be-forgotten conversation piece.

So, which flowers should you decorate with at Christmas? I spoke to Lex Hamilton, founder of London-based flower design and styling house Hamilton Floral Studio, about the stems she’ll be adorning her table with on the most special of days — they’re eyebrow-raising choices that challenge tradition, but they might just redefine how you dress your Christmas table from now on.

1. Anemones

Delicate and poppy-like, large-headed anemones have a breezy, wild flower-esque feel, like something you’d gently caress as you skipped through a meadow. They come in Christmas-centric red and white as well as pink, purple, and blue to fit into a range of decorative approaches. Their strikingly dark and ruffly centers make them feel dressed up and ready for a special occasion.

"Anemones stand out on the Christmas table because of their beautiful contrasting center," says Lex. "They’re a bold flower, bringing a mood of sophistication to the layout with their monochrome design."

How to best decorate with these flowers? "Anemones are best used on repeat," Lex advises. "They often have a little wiggle to their stem, making them great in a bud vase — try spreading a few different vessels along the table with the flowers at varied heights." And remember to let them breathe and give them space to sing — no one wants squashed anemones!

2. Anthuriums

Highly sculptural, the Anthurium’s calling card is a single, wonderfully glossy heart-shaped leaf that centers around a thick, upright stalk covered in tiny flowers (earning it the nickname ‘flamingo flower’). Showstoppers in red, pink, white, green, or purple, they feel eye-catching-ly out of place at the lunch (shouldn’t they be in some kind of summer jungle?) — all be more reason to mix things up with them.

"There’s a big move this year towards using less traditional floral colors and styles for holiday decor, and the Anthurium is the ideal flower to complement that floral trend," Lex says. "Their playful, modern shape makes them perfect for a less conventional setting, and their fun aesthetic will create a jolly and merry mood."

This is a less-is-more type of plant. "Don’t buy too many; due to their striking nature, even three stems will have a big impact on the festive table," says Lex. "Opt for bold colors like post-box red or the dark cherry tones of the Tropic Night variety."

3. Hydrangeas

Cotton-y, cloud-like clusters, hydrangeas are made up of many small flowers, like natural bouquets neatly gathered together on single stems, their largeness and volume making them feel generous and sumptuous. They come in white, which has a wonderfully snowy effect, as well as pink, blue, purple, and green, which give off more of a candy floss feel for the more avant-garde December tabletops.

"With their large heads, hydrangeas create a lot of impact with only a few stems," Lex comments. "The hydrangea is an excellent sustainable flower choice as it dries beautifully, so you can either incorporate flowers you have previously dried this season into your festive arrangements, or dry them after the holiday period to enjoy them in a vase elsewhere in your home — I love painting my dried hydrangeas gold to give them an extra luxurious feel."

4. Dahlias

Showy, multi-segmented blooms, dahlias feature layers of petals (some varieties have over 200) in red, pink, purple, yellow, white, and bi-colors. Each flower captures the look and energy of a small firework frozen mid-explosion, feeling celebratory and ready for a good time — let’s follow their lead.

"With their bauble-like shape, dahlias work really well on the Christmas table," Lex says. "When it comes to the festive season, the more jewel-led color varieties feel really merry, while the darker tones create a smarter and more polished feel."

Display the flowers to really stand out by combining colors in unexpected ways. "Use a lot of pink dahlias and pair them with red table decor," says Lex. "It’s such a great color combination this year — pink and red really stand out and are fun without losing that festive feel."

5. Ranunculus

Densely layered petals in a rose-like swirl, Ranunculus feel fragile, as well as making a visual statement with their neat blocks of color. Their compact, lush heads feel like small, bonus Christmas gifts you never want to open. Flowering in shades of white, cream, yellow, pink, orange, red, and burgundy, they feel like ornaments hovering on impossibly slender stems.

"Ranunculus is one of my favorite flowers; they are beautifully delicate and get better and better with time. They have such a soft and gentle way about them, which creates a sense of calm on the Christmas tablescape — and who couldn’t do with a bit more of that?" says Lex. "They look lovely nestled amongst winter foliage on a table design. Opt for paler tones such as pink or white to contrast against dark green festive foliage."

Christmas this year is embracing the unexpected, from exciting wreath alternatives to oversized baubles. By inviting unusual blooms onto our lunchtime tables, we can transform festive meals into celebrations of botanical boldness, beauty, and the bright spirit of the season.

Before I start decorating for the festive season, I always go look at one Instagram account for some Christmas inspiration. David Lawson is a designer who specializes in Christmas — think those incredible installations you see in hotel lobbies, just as much as stunning trees in private homes.

This year, on my annual stalk of the designer's Christmas decorating ideas, I couldn't help but spot something that really resonates with some of the biggest trends in interiors right now — a sweeping combination of a wreath and garland over a fireplace, trailing to the floor. It's instant wow-factor, and a way of combining two elements of Christmas decor you might already have in a completely new way.

"We seem to be seeing a shift away from super minimal Christmas decor, and I think people are embracing richer, softer, and more tactile textures this season," Christmas designer David Lawson tells me. "Of course, bows of all shapes and sizes have been trending over the last few years, and using luxurious, festive-feeling fabric draped within your decorations feels like a nice continuation of this. It absolutely adds a sense of fun and drama, it’s giving stage curtains opening up to the main performance — your amazing Christmas decor for the holiday season."

And he's right. I've just written about how theatrical interiors have become one of the defining trends of the year, so maybe that's why this idea speaks to me so much. And it does it by using familiar materials, not having to introduce something too weird or wacky, which is ideal if you like to keep things on the more traditional side.

I asked David exactly how the idea works, and how I can recreate it myself at home.

How to Design a Trailing Wreath

Yes, you could probably figure out a way to engineer this idea from a quick glance, but as someone who has had their fair share of Christmas decorating fails over the years, I'm going to entrust you to David's experienced hands for installing this in a way that's not going to fall off the wall during the night and give you a scare.

David, over to you:

"To achieve this look I attached my wreath to the wall in a way that's super secure, as you are then going to attach your garland lengths directly to the wreath," he says. Think belts and braces, because of all that extra weight you'll be hanging on it.

"I cut my garland in equal halves and attached them by both twisting the garland branches into the branches of the wreath, and by adding some florist's wire (which you can buy from Amazon) to make sure they weren’t going anywhere."

"I then shaped and fluffed my garland lengths into a nice swooping shape, trying to make these as symmetrical as possible."

In one example, David uses a secondary berry garland to add drama to the existing fir garland, but in another, he uses silky drapery, like the aforementioned theater curtain. "Taking my satin fabric, I gathered it in the middle and attached this to the very bottom of the wreath," he explains, "creating equal sized drapes on both sides and then attached these to the garland which was sitting on each end of the fireplace, finally letting the remaining fabric on each side fall to the floor before tucking this behind the garland."

"You need to play about with it for while before it all reaches a shape you’re happy with, and then you can add your foliage, eucalyptus, berries or whatever works for your Christmas style for this season."

Here are some of those essential supplies you'll need to make it work.

Now, undoubtedly, David's design uses super luxe, real wreaths and garlands, that give a full and bushy look, and if you've got the time and imagination, you could certainly make your own to feel as grand and theatrical as his.

If not, some of the best wreaths to buy for 2025 are oversized, expensive-looking and will deliver on the drama you need.

What do you get when you cross a luxury British designer with one of the most famous hotel lobbies in the world? Luxury London hotel Claridge’s and Burberry may have the answer!

Celebrating its arrival in the highest of fashion (think Knights in Armour adorned in Burberry scarves), Claridge’s rolled out the red carpet this week to reveal its exquisite Christmas tree collaboration with British design house Burberry. Standing in the London hotel’s iconic Art Deco lobby, this colossal 16-foot tree is a true celebration of British design, showcasing the work of Burberry’s Chief Creative Officer, Daniel Lee.

Built around a classic color scheme, this tree proves even traditional Christmas decorating shades can be modernized for today’s festive trends. Its deep winter palette of greens and golds, punctuated with highlights of burgundy and purple tartan, mirrors the hotel’s renowned opulent design, making it a real winner with designers and stylists.

In our eyes, it’s a scheme worthy of everyone’s hallway or living room, and we’ve got the professional's tips on how to achieve this look at home (without the Burberry budget).

1. Go Big or Bow Home

Featuring a tangle of textured ribbons, the Burberry X Claridge's tree firmly proves the 2025 Christmas bow is this year’s festive design MVP.

Speaking on the choice to lead the design with bows, Claridge's said the tree is “adorned with vibrant bows — Victorian symbol of unity — crafted from surplus Burberry fabrics.” According to designer Jane Rockett, co-founder of Rockett St George, it's this maximalist approach that really works for her.

“What I love most about the Burberry x Claridge’s Christmas tree is the indulgent use of oversized bows. Bows are a huge trend this year, and as proven by both Burberry and Claridge's, bows bring maximum drama and instant luxury to any space, big or small.”

Jane Rockett's top tip to recreate this look at home: layering. “Focus on beautifully tied, generous bows in velvet or satin, and layer them throughout the tree. It’s an effortless way to introduce depth, heighten texture, and create an unmistakably high-end, fashion finish. This year, I'll be decorating my tree with cushioned bows in red for a traditional take on the trend."

What we love about this trend is just how approachable it is. Just like Daniel Lee, you can create your own ribbons from fabric offcuts and recycled materials. Or for some ready-made designer bows, take a look at our top picks below.

2. Contain Your Color

As tempting as it is to get carried away with color schemes, to achieve this luxury Claridge's look, it's all about considering the look as a whole.

According to designer Lisa Hensby, owner of Lisa Hensby Design & Build Studio, you have to start with a plan. She says, “To get a similarly high-end tree for less, think like a stylist before you think like a shopper. Start with one clear story or mood so every choice feels intentional.”

“Keep your palette tight with three or four shades max," says Lisa. "Then, repeat them in different finishes like matt, velvet, metallic to make it look layered and expensive.”

For a scheme inspired by Daniel Lee’s design, focus on the core colors of purple, burgundy, and gold. From here, you can expand into different materials, just as Daniel has, with velvet, tartan, and taffeta ribbons.

3. Focus on Foliage

Texture is a pillar of good design. Whether it’s interiors, gardens, or in this case, Christmas trees, combining different textures lies at the heart of a great tree design.

For Daniel Lee’s design, this meant a combination of soft fabric ribbons, spiked Scottish thistle flowers, and smooth, delicate glass ornaments hidden amongst the naturally rustic Christmas tree foliage.

Lisa Hensby explains that to achieve a Claridge's-style tree, you need to look at the season’s natural offerings. “Bring in nature for depth in your Christmas tree. Weave foliage, berries, dried flowers, or thistle-style picks right into the branches – not just on the surface. It’s a low-cost trick that adds movement and that luxe, curated fullness. Repetition is what gives a tree identity, and that ‘done on purpose’ feel.”

Design Lab by Livingetc stylist Miaad Latoof agrees. In her opinion, texture has to be the focus rather than volume. She says, “Recreating the Claridge’s x Burberry tree is far more about approach than budget. Prioritise texture, not volume.”

“The beauty of this look isn’t in expensive ornaments,” says Latoof, “it’s in the richness of the textures. Instead of filling your tree with lots of small baubles, invest in a few metres of ribbon in a deep, luxurious tone — velvet, satin, or a subtle tartan. A single high-quality ribbon used thoughtfully throughout the tree can create that same layered, fashion-led effect. It feels intentional and far more impactful than scattering dozens of random decorations.”

To achieve a foliage look similar to Claridge's tree, look specifically for artificial sprigs of red amaranthus and blue thistles!

4. Suit your Surroundings

One element of Lee’s tree design that truly excels is its enhancement of the hotel lobby's existing features.

The dark walnut staircase deepens the tree’s traditional burgundy accents, while the gold tree ribbons mirror the surrounding mustard-toned walls. The tree isn’t trying to fit in with a trend; rather, it elevates the room’s existing style. Even the playful chess pieces on the lobby’s iconic Art Deco checkerboard floor add a fun touch – a perfect example of Lee combining the long-standing Burberry knight logo and the historical hotel floor.

To help your tree complement the room it’s in, try to mirror your decor colours in the tree's design. Material is a great way of linking the two – especially in highlighted areas such as the top and bottom of a tree. Perhaps you have some forest-green accent pillows in your living room that you can scatter around the tree's base as an alternative to a tree skirt – just like in Lee's design.

The deep purple tartan cushions Lee opted for highlight the smaller purple accents throughout the tree, reflect the tree's twinkling lights, and give the tree a cosy Christmas vibe.

Designer Lisa Hensby says, “Don’t underestimate the top and the base of a tree. A sculptural topper – even a DIY ribbon burst or dried stem cluster – and a styled skirt or gathered fabric in your palette will make the whole thing feel designed rather than simply decorated.”

For more decorating inspiration, this is how interior designers decorate their homes for Christmas.

I'll be honest — I'm a bit of a minimalist, so I always thought the idea of folding napkins for a Christmas table was a bit fussy. However, whatever your actual style of place setting is, realistically, there's a way to fold napkins that suits it, and it will look a million times better than something half-hearted.

So, I set myself the task to learn four different styles — each a classic in its own way — and, honestly, it wasn't hard. Once you've made any of these styles twice, you can do a whole table, and it really doesn't take a long time.

So, before you leave it to the last minute and you're frantically trying to set a beautiful Christmas table at the 11th hour, take half an hour out, pick your favorite, and get the knack down. It's a small but impressive addition to your Christmas table decor that makes the day feel special.

1. The Basic Cutlery Napkin Fold

Super classic, and your upgrade from a basic folded napkin. Put your cutlery inside, or a sprig of Christmas foliage.

1. Fold your napkin in half, and then half again so you're left with a smaller square.

2. Fold one layer of the napkin back on itself, diagonally.

3. Flip the napkin over.

4. Fold one side of the napkin back in on itself, as if the napkin is divided in three. There should be a small pocket on the folded side.

5. Fold the other side over, tucking it into that small pocket.

6. Flip the napkin back over, and insert your cutlery to finish.

2. The Super Easy Bow Napkin Fold

If you've got napkin rings, this take on a classic Christmas bow is so quick and easy, and doesn't, particularly, need much dexterity, if that's not your thing.

1. Fold your napkin in half diagonally.

2. Starting from the corner, fold the napkin in small increments (basically rolling it up, but keeping it flat)

3. Fold each in over into the center, creating a loop with two tails.

4. Start to thread your napkin ring onto one of the tails.

5. Once it's about halfway up the tail, squeeze the top of the 'bow' on the same side through the ring, too.

6. Move the ring into the middle, creating two 'bow' loops and two tails.

3. The Backwards Diamond Napkin Fold

This easy-to-fold napkin style provides a spot to place your cutlery, or you could pop in some seasonal foliage for a pretty flourish.

1. Fold your napkin in half, and then half again so you're left with a smaller square.

2. Fold back one layer of the napkin back on itself diagonally.

3. Flip the napkin over, and fold in each side, along the lines shown on the image.

4. Flip over, and you'll have a pocket for your cutlery.

4. The Fir Tree Napkin Fold

Okay, folding a napkin into a Christmas tree was, by far, the trickiest to learn, but once you get the hang of it, you can start to understand how it all works.

1. Fold your napkin in half, and then half again so you're left with a smaller square.

2. From the corner, fold layers of the napkin back on itself, a layer at a time, slightly staggering the layers, evenly spaced.

3. Flip the napkin over, and fold in on itself across the widest part, creating a tree shape.

4. Flip the napkin over again, and tuck in the bottom to create the 'base' of the tree. Keep folding each layer of the napkin in, creating the 'levels' of the tree.

Which Napkins Should I Choose for Folding?

When you're doing a folded napkin, you probably want to keep things simple. No fringed edges, just simple, square napkins. Size matters, too. If they're too small, your napkins will be tough to fold. Too large, and it might overwhelm your plate.

Here are 6 designs, festive or otherwise, that would work perfectly.

You can also have some fun with how you set a table and where you place your napkins, so just because you've mastered the art of the napkin fold, doesn't mean your job is done yet.

"Wishing you a day of love, connection, and beautiful food," renowned designer Kelly Wearstler captioned an Instagram post, sharing her Thanksgiving table setting. And she wasn't lying. While we may not celebrate Thanksgiving here in the UK, that shouldn't stop us from stealing a bit of design inspiration for our upcoming Christmas tables from the occasion. And the star of Kelly's table? Beautiful food — raw white radishes, specifically.

"It’s proof that vegetables can be just as chic as any floral arrangement," Iokasti Sotirakopoulou, stylist for Livingetc's Design Lab, tells me. "What really gets me excited about this look is how food becomes part of the decor. The textures, the shapes, the earthiness — it all adds such natural richness. It’s styling, but it’s also storytelling."

And why is it that flowers are always the first thing we reach for when it comes to our Christmas table decor ideas? There is just as much beauty, color, texture, and variety to be found in fruit and vegetable harvests. And white radish? Well, you can order it fresh from Amazon for just £3.75. The trick to this look is abundance — something Kelly applied by stacking them on plates, piling them up around candle holders, and even styling them as individual place settings.

And then, of course, it's how you make it feel intentional. The rest of the look that feeds (pardon the pun) into the story you're trying to tell. And storytelling is a big part of table setting trends these days.

"I love that she’s kept the white tablecloth as a clean backdrop," adds Iokasti. "It lets the vegetables do all the talking while the candlelight adds that soft, glowing mood in the center — the kind that instantly makes a gathering feel intimate."

"There’s something magical about a table that marries flavor and design like this," she continues. "It doesn’t just look beautiful; it elevates the entire dining experience. The textures of the food, the colors, the scents — everything works together to create a moment that feels immersive and sensory in the best way."

So next time you're strolling the aisles of the supermarket, stop in the fresh produce section for a moment longer and really look at what you see — the character of squash, the varying colors in a bunch of grapes, all the shapes and sizes and shades of tomatoes. Because the best table centerpiece ideas don't have to be flowers.

I'm sorry to have to tell you this (not really, though), but when it comes to throwing a good party, I'm always going to look to the Kardashians for some inspiration. Whether you're a fan or a hater, it's hard to ignore the fact that for this family, hosting is like a full-time occupation, and well, they certainly know how to do it well.

Every year, the Kardashians will offer a glimpse of their holiday decorating on Thanksgiving and even Christmas. So it's become a bit of an annual tradition to seek out their social posts to see what these entertaining tastemakers (or, maybe, Hollywood's best party planners) are vibing with this year.

And for 2025, it appears Kourtney Kardashian-Barker is most on the money. Kourtney recently shared her Ralph Lauren-inspired holiday table with fans, and it's got a romantic, gothic twist that reflects the reality star's slightly alternative aesthetic, making it feel nostalgic and timeless, yet totally grounded in style today.

As Miaad Latoof, a stylist for Design Lab by Livingetc, explains, "When I look at Kourtney Kardashian’s Ralph Lauren Christmas table, what strikes me immediately is the confidence in its simplicity. It’s a pared-back take on classic Ralph Lauren, and for some it might even feel too simple — but that’s precisely where its strength lies. There’s a quiet, quietly-wealthy softness to it, a kind of understated luxury that only works when every detail is considered."

Speaking on the romance and elegance the table setting brings, Miaad continues, "The red florals against polished silver create instant romance, and the white candles keep the palette calm and controlled."

However, Miaad says she's drawn to tables that aren't too loud and instead form a subtle sophistication to them, and well, I couldn't agree more. "The crystal glassware, the silver vessels, the woven chargers — each piece stands confidently on its own. And the teddy-bear plate with the tartan napkin is such a smart, intentional nod to the Ralph Lauren heritage without relying on layers of pattern or theme," she explains. "For me, warmth should come from materiality, not excess. The woven texture, the soft gold rim, the depth of the red against a clean white table cloth — that’s what gives this setting its longevity. It feels enduring because every piece earns its place. That’s the same philosophy behind my own Ralph Lauren–inspired collection: fewer pieces, chosen well, that quietly elevate everything around them."

And as the saying goes, 'less is more,' — Kourtney's table setting certainly has a sense of calm, sophistication, and romance to it that I can't help but replicate. So, I decided to curate a list of some stylish finds inspired by the one and only, Kourtney K.

Shop the Look Now

Feeling inspired? Then be sure to check out our guide on some of the finest Christmas decorating ideas to set you up for the holidays ahead.

For me, the day the Christmas tree goes up signals the true start to the festive season — a bigger day, somehow, than December 25th itself. There's something so magical about rallying together to hang the ornaments, each one tied to its own memories, then standing back to admire the masterpiece. But the moment that really transforms the tree — the part that’s equal parts joy and chaos — is the lighting.

A Christmas tree without lights is like a fireplace without a flame — still a beautiful focal point, but unimpressive at best (and redundant at worst). It's the glow of your string lights that really makes your tree feel alive. Without them, even the most beautifully decorated Christmas tree ideas become little more than a tower of foliage.

And yet, spiralling a single strand of bulbs (perhaps these 160 warm white Christmas tree LED lights from Habitat) around your branches rarely delivers the desired effect. If you want your tree to truly shine, a few clever Christmas-tree lighting hacks can completely change the game. Luckily, there's no shortage of them. From cluster bulbs (try these from Amazon) and cascading strings (like this £9.60 pack from Habitat) to the zigzag method and the trunk-wrapping technique, here are all the ways you can guarantee a tree that truly impresses this Christmas.

1. The Zigzag Method

Untangling the Christmas lights and wrapping them around spiky, uncooperative branches is, without a doubt, one of the most testing parts of your Christmas decor. Even once you've managed to wrestle with the foliage and spiral your string lights around your tree, they often still fail to wow.

The reason? Our tree is typically in the corner of a room — or at the very least, up against a wall — meaning that half those pretty glowing bulbs are actually not on display at all. If you want as many twinkling lights as possible on show (and let's face it, who doesn't), then the zigzag method is the answer.

"For a well-balanced tree without the faff of circling it, the zigzag method is a smart alternative," explains Whinnie Williams, interior designer and trends forecaster for Balsam Hill. "Visually divide the tree into three or four vertical sections, then work one area at a time, weaving your lights [try this £12.80 set from Habitat] from side to side within the section in a loose zigzag motion." Besides not letting any of your lights go to waste, Whinnie says this gives you excellent control over where the brightness sits, helping you avoid dark patches so that each part of the tree feels equally illuminated.

2. Cluster Lights

Single string lights with sparse bulbs are never going to give your Christmas tree the magical glow it deserves. When decorating a Christmas tree, this approach really is the bare minimum. Yes, you'll have a pretty twinkling tree, but it won't feel half as bright and festive as a tree that's been decorated with cluster lights.

Put simply, cluster lights (like this discounted set from Amazon) are a type of Christmas string light where the bulbs are packed much closer together than on traditional fairy lights. The bulbs are bunched together in small "clusters" along the cable, creating a denser, brighter, and more twinkly look that illuminates your tree far better.

"I decided to use cluster lights to create a fuller and more luminous effect across one of the Christmas trees I helped decorate for a very special client in the South of France," says Katharine Pooley. "It was located on the Children’s Floor, so we wanted to make it really magical and playful for the little ones." You use them the same way you would your regular lights, but you multiply the number of bulbs with zero extra effort.

3. Double Up

If you can't get your hands on any cluster lights this close to the big day, consider doubling up your standard string lights instead. Most of us have a spare set of Christmas lighting buried deep in the box of decorations, so dust them off and use them to give your tree an extra layer of illumination.

"Doubling up on lights is a clever way to achieve a richer, more dimensional glow," says Whinnie. "If you’re already using the traditional spiral, try spiralling the second set in the opposite direction so the two strands criss-cross."

She also recommends another double lighting hack: mixing light types for added depth. "Place your regular Christmas lights slightly deeper into the branches, then layer micro fairy lights on top for a delicate twinkle," Whinnie explains. "This combination creates a beautifully luminous finish."

4. Wrap the Branches

A well-lit tree isn't only about the quantity of bulbs; it will also incorporate lighting to add depth and dimension. The trick is to ensure your lights don't just sit on the outer branches of your tree, but go deep within the foliage to add plenty of drama.

To achieve this look, designers love wrapping Christmas lights around their trees' branches. "By carefully wrapping each branch, the strands combine to give a rich glow," Katharine explains. "My top tip is to start at the trunk and work outwards, winding the lights along every branch to achieve a beautifully styled Christmas tree."

Janette Ewen, Designer and Creative Director at Parker Barrow Design, also chooses to wrap the lights around each branch from base to tip and back again. "My extra tip is to twist your lights so they're facing up towards the ceiling so the tree looks like it’s been dusted with a gentle glow," she adds.

5. Or Wrap the Trunk

Don't just stop at the branches, either. Another one of the best Christmas light hacks for depth involves wrapping the trunk with an extra set of string lights for a tree that looks lit from within. This will certainly make for the ultimate Christmas decorating idea, too.

"Simply wind the lights around the central trunk before adding decorations," Whinnie instructs. "Because you’re illuminating a smaller surface area, you may find you need fewer lights overall. The caveat is that very dense trees can diminish the effect, as the surrounding foliage may obscure the brightness. However, on slimmer or sparser varieties, the result is ethereal, creating a soft light that radiates through the branches."

6. Choose Cascading Vertical Lights

Finally, instead of putting lights on a Christmas tree and wrapping them horizontally, you could always hang them vertically. This can be achieved with standard fairy lights, working upwards from the base, traveling down, then repeating until the whole tree is covered. An easier way to achieve this cascading look, however, is with a special set of vertical lights. These are designed to be hung from the top of the tree in long, even "curtains", rather than wrapped around the tree in the traditional spiral.

Whinnie says that these types of lights give your tree a striking, architectural look. "Starting at the peak of the tree, simply let each strand fall straight down toward the base, spacing them evenly around the circumference," she says. "Because this technique leaves your lights sitting on the outer branches of your tree, it can reduce the space left for baubles, so it suits those who prefer fewer decorations."

A beautifully lit tree can transform your entire space, turning even the simplest of decorations into a show-stopping display. But when it comes to festive decorating, it's not about how many Christmas lights you need for your tree — instead, it's about how you use them.

Whether you opt for the trunk wrapping technique or choose vertical cascading strands (or a combination of both), adopting a few Christmas lighting hacks means your tree won’t just glow — it will radiate the warmth of the season.

It's basically here — the most wonderful time of the year — and although it's not the 1st December until Monday, if you're anything like me, you're going to be decorating your home for Christmas this weekend (no shame if you're already ahead of me; I salute you).

So, if you're looking for some Christmas decor ideas to inspire you, I called on some of my favorite interior designers — the true experts who style spaces for a living — to offer their top tips for a festive home that's full of joy and style.

From the themes and color palettes they use to their favorite decor items — along with the DIYs they do and don’t partake in — this is how interior designers style their homes for Christmas.

1. Focus on Key 'Moments'

For Cara Woodhouse, founder and creative director of Cara Woodhouse Interiors, her approach to decorating for Christmas is much the same as her approach to a space at any time of year — by focusing on creating a 'feeling'.

"I love incorporating texture, light, and contrast. You’ll often see soft whites, metallics, and natural elements layered together, so the look feels elevated, but still warm and inviting," she explains.

And while she doesn't necessarily choose a strict theme each year, she will always create a tonal palette that complements her home's interiors. "Some years it’s white and gold with touches of greenery, other years I’ll add deeper hues like emerald or bronze. I want the holiday decor to feel like an extension of the home, not something separate.”

But if there’s one thing Cara does, without fail, every year, it’s filling her house with candlelight and fresh greens. "There’s always a focus on scent and atmosphere, the smell of pine, the glow of candles, and music playing softly in the background. It’s a sensory experience as much as a visual one.”

If you're into the idea of making your home smell like Christmas, this Skandinavisk Skog 'Forest' Mini Scented Candle, available at Amazon, has notes of Pine Needles and Fir Cones, Birch Sap, and Lily of the Valley.

Top Styling Tip

"Too much decor can feel overwhelming," Cara explains. "Focus on key moments: the tree, the entryway, the mantel. Let those shine and keep everything else minimal. I also love mixing in unexpected pieces — a beautiful sculptural vase with winter branches or a bold mirror that reflects the tree lights adds visual depth."

DIY Christmas Decor — Yay or Nay?

"Yes, actually, my husband made ornaments years ago when our eldest son was born. He printed out photos of everyone in our family, laminated them, and hung them on the tree. We’ve put them up every year since," Cara explains.

"It’s the one thing that makes us all laugh out loud — they have such humor and personality. Seeing those ornaments brings so much joy and nostalgia; it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how important family moments are in our home."

3 Favorite Christmas Decor Items

1. “A beautifully designed tree skirt; it finishes the look the same way the right rug anchors a room,” says Cara.

2. “Layered candlelight, votives, hurricanes, and candlesticks in varying heights add instant warmth.”

3. “Fresh garlands — I drape them over mirrors, mantels, and railings for that organic, sculptural feel."

2. Work With One Unexpected Color

Julien Sebban, founder of Paris-based multidisciplinary architecture and design collective Uchronia, has an unconventional relationship with Christmas decorating. "I actually don’t decorate my home for Christmas in the traditional sense," he says.

"I love celebration and atmosphere, but I’m not drawn to seasonal decor created to be thrown away a few weeks later. I prefer to live with objects and compositions that can last, evolve, and bring joy well beyond the holidays."

And with a bow like that (above) framing your window at home, it's bound to feel like Christmas every day! (I'm also obsessed with the bow taper candle holders on his festive table, and I did find this Silver Metal Bow Candle Holder at John Lewis that gives similar vibes.)

Instead of setting a Christmas theme, Julien focuses on two things: "Color and light — two elements that are always central to my work. Warm whites, candlelight, reflective surfaces, and playful textures — things that feel festive but also timeless," he explains.

But if there's one thing he does each year without fail, it's decorating with flowers and natural elements. "Not Christmas-specific flowers, but seasonal greenery, branches, and shapes that create a sense of winter without relying on disposable themed decor. I also play with table settings, which is where joy and creativity come alive for me."

Top Styling Tip

"Work with one unexpected color — something you wouldn’t associate with Christmas — to refresh the visual language (orange or purple)," says Julien. "Mix materials: glass, metal, fabric, ceramics. Texture creates atmosphere. Most importantly: don’t over-decorate. Let the architecture and the objects you already love speak for themselves."

DIY Christmas Decor — Yay or Nay?

"Not in the traditional 'DIY Christmas' way — but I do assemble improvised sculptural centerpieces from found objects, fruits, flowers, candles, and ceramics. I love using what’s already there and composing something ephemeral but meaningful," explains Julien.

3 Favorite Christmas Decor Items

1. "Sculptural candles — unusual shapes that create movement and shadows, all made in beeswax," says Julien.

2. "Handmade ceramics for the table — plates, cups, serving pieces gathered over time."

3. "Textiles — a beautiful tablecloth or throw can transform the mood instantly."

3. Use Natural Foliage

Sam McArdle, co-founder and ceo at Project London, classifies his festive decorating style as elegant and cozy. "We like to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that still feels considered and refined, combining traditional touches with a sense of modern simplicity so that the space feels lived-in yet beautifully composed."

Sam is not rigid about setting a specific theme or using a set color palette each year, but does usually begin with a foundation of classic red and green for that instant festive feeling that will always be timeless.

"Then we introduce a third, slightly unexpected accent color, such as navy or blush pink," he says. "This keeps the overall look contemporary while still rooted in tradition. We like to adapt the palette each year so that it feels fresh and interesting, but we are conscious not to replace everything.

"Instead, we build on what we already have and add new touches that change the atmosphere without requiring a whole new set of decorations."

One thing that Sam does without fail every year? Use real greenery. "I always find that natural foliage instantly adds life, depth, and texture to a space, and it brings that unmistakable sense of authenticity that artificial decorations often lack," he explains.

"Each year, we bring in sprigs of fir, eucalyptus, and mossy greens to create a base that feels organic and full of character, which also marks the beginning of our family Christmas traditions. We put on our favourite Christmas carols, make some homemade mulled wine for me and my wife, and spend time decorating the tree together as a family.

"Once the greenery is in place, we customise it to reflect that year’s color scheme by adding small details such as ribbons, miniature baubles, or other subtle touches that tie everything together in a cohesive way."

3 Favorite Christmas Decor Items

Sam handpicked these three items (well, his kids picked the third one!) — and I can see why; sculptural and statement-making candleholders are my favorite, too.

4. Let Your Color Palette Flow

Florals play a major role in festive decorating for Monica Santayana, co-founder of MONIOMI Design. "We stay within the [chosen] palette and experiment with different flower types and sculptural stems," she says.

"This brings in a natural element while still feeling bold and dramatic, especially when arranged on a large scale or draped across the length of a table."

Once she and her husband (and co-founder of MONIOMI Design, Ronald Alvarez) define the color palette, this then flows into the rest of the decor in their home. "We usually choose two main colors — one acts as the anchor and the other as the accent. From there, we play with different shades and tones within that palette to create a rich and layered look."

She explains that this color palette is carried through to their gift wrapping, to keep everything cohesive. "We love using smaller wrapped gifts as part of the décor, styled on the mantel or incorporated into the tablescape itself," she says.

Top Styling Tip

"Decorating the tree does not have to be complicated," Monica says. "Tying oversized bows across the branches instantly creates a whimsical look. We are also big fans of colorful trees. They stand beautifully on their own when you stay consistent with your palette."

If a colorful tree sounds up your street, this is how designers style a burgundy Christmas tree.

5. Lean Into Family Traditions

For designers Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, the duo behind international design atelier Studio Sixty7, Christmas decorating is centered around a rustic, traditional aesthetic, rooted in traditions from both their families and cultures.

"We love blending handmade elements with meaningful memories passed down through the generations, alongside new pieces sourced from local artisans," says Lee. "It's less about perfection and more about warmth and personal touches, all balanced to still feel sophisticated."

Jose and Lee gravitate towards natural Christmas tones, with classic red and green accents that they pair with plush velvet ribbons and matte white ceramics to create a stylish, yet incredibly timeless festive atmosphere.

"We love to feel as though we're sitting with a mince pie in hand in the cottage from The Holiday! Add a log fire, and we're in heaven over the Christmas period," says Jose.

Each year, without fail, the duo buys a real tree. "There's something magical about the smell of pine that instantly feels like Christmas — even if we end up sweeping up pine needles for weeks afterwards, it's always worth it," says Lee.

"This year, Jose has finally agreed to a 12-foot tree for the Chapel (the converted chapel in Hertfordshire where we live), and we can't wait!"

Top Styling Tip

"We swear by Command decorating hooks — but who doesn’t at this time of year?" says Jose.

This Command Decorating Clips Pack at Amazon contains 20 mini hooks and 24 small strips for your Christmas decorations and fairy lights.

DIY Christmas Decor — Yay or Nay?

"Our mums had us decorating baubles from a young age, and while that tradition naturally stopped as we got older, we'd love to start it up again," says Lee.

"The tree then becomes a story of the past, which is always so lovely to reflect on over the festive period. A mulled wine is essential though, especially while our parents tell us the history of each bauble!"

3 Favorite Christmas Decor Items

"One would be a white ceramic bauble from Venezuela that I bought Jose for our first Christmas together — it has the Venezuelan flag hand-painted on it and is beautifully crafted," explains Lee.

"Another would be two baubles with our nephew and niece's handprints — the personal touches mean the most, and these are items we'll cherish forever."

6. Don't Overlook a Nook

Caroline Milns, head of interior design at London-based interior and architectural studio Zulufish, embraces a 'kaleidoscope of colors', textures, and patterns when decorating her home at Christmas. After all, if you can't do it at Christmas, when can you?

"Why not reference a favorite artwork, picking out a specific palette for your tablescape to create a cohesive sense of flow," she suggests. "For me, a Christmas table is never complete without candles.

"Not only do they bring a soft flickering light that is very magical and flattering, but they also bring color as well as play with the height across the table, delivering visual interest and depth, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.”

This Sophie Robinson Set of 6 Colorful Taper Candles at Dunelm would help you achieve a similar look to Caroline's Christmas table decor idea.

Top Styling Tip

"Don't feel you have to limit Christmas to certain areas," says Caroline. "Why not let that joyous approach to decoration flow throughout your entire home, welcoming guests and creating an exuberant atmosphere at every opportunity.

"Decorations don’t need to be just for adorning the tree — why not add cherished decorations, such as little Christmas trees and favorite baubles to consoles, side tables, and shelving, or hang from above with colorful streamers and bells as extra joyful flourishes.”

I love this Decorative Paper Tree at Søstrene Grene and this Felt Star Christmas Garland at Habitat for a bit of festive fun!

DIY Christmas Decor — Yay or Nay?

“Don’t forget to add character and interest to your dining chairs with little details that offer an extra burst of Christmas cheer," says Caroline. "Personalize each of your guests’ chairs by tying tassels and trims from passementerie brands such as Samuel and Sons; easy to pin to chairs, you can then remove and put away with the decorations until next year, or you may well decide you want to keep them year-round!”

7. Play With Texture and Scale

Eris Koutsoudakis, co-founder of Meraki Design, tells me that her Christmas decorating style has evolved. "I used to go quite minimalist, one tone, very pared-back, but after having children, I embraced a more layered, traditional look," she says.

"Now I believe more is more, as long as it’s grounded in natural materials and there’s a strong palette. For me, texture is everything. Real pine, eucalyptus, dried fruit, linen, and I think scale plays a huge role, too.

"The tree is filled with ornaments in all sizes and shapes. I quite literally have life-sized squirrels running up and birds in every scale from robins and hummingbirds to owls."

When it comes to the Christmas tree lights, this is what she says brings everything to life: "Warm and low and on the outer branches, and I hang delicate glass teardrops to catch the light, adding just a touch of shimmer. It’s magical but still earthy," she explains.

Top Styling Tip

"Play with texture and scale," Eris advises. "Mix greenery with handmade or artisanal touches. Add candles, soft light, and scent. And always edit out anything that feels too shiny or synthetic. If it doesn’t feel beautiful in your hands, it probably won’t look right in the room."

Combine scent with decor with this Green Confetti Christmas Tree Pine Needle & Eucalyptus Diffuser at Next.

DIY Christmas Decor — Yay or Nay?

"Yes! Always," says Eris. "I make our wreaths, the hanging installation, and love wrapping gifts in kraft paper with linen ribbon and sprigs of greenery. It’s about creating something that feels personal, not perfect. Last year, I made name tags for the table with air-dry clay and got the kids involved."

If you're keen to try out a hanging decoration this year, an adjustable rod, such as this Extendable Tension Rod at Amazon, allows you to adjust the length to suit your space.

3 Favorite Christmas Decor Items

1. "My forest theme decor collection — it’s been built up over the years and has so much meaning now," explains Eris.

2. "We have ceramic baubles with the kids’ names handwritten on them. They fall and break almost every year, and we carefully piece them back together. It’s become our own little Kintsugi tradition, and I love them even more because of it."

3. "A clear bauble from the year my husband proposed — he hid the engagement ring on the tree and asked me to marry him right there. I hang it every year."

8. Let Your Tree Set the Tone

For Mary-Ann Dunkley, design director at Liberty, it's her Christmas tree that sets the tone for how she decorates her home for Christmas.

"I love combining those brilliantly red lights that beam a truly nostalgic 'Christmas red', surrounded by plenty of warm white lights woven amongst the branches of our tree," she says.

"We make sure the lights are set on a timer so they're on to welcome us home after a day at work or school. The streets are lit up by a row of brightly colored trees that sit in the bay windows of the Victorian villas near my home by the sea."

The fireplaces in her home are also decorated with cuttings from the bottom of her Christmas tree, and her children add the ribbons, baubles, and candy canes, which "magically disappear over the month!"

"My favourite Christmas tradition is an annual lunch at a gallery with my best girlfriends who, for the last 17 years, have met and exchanged a tree ornament, so all our trees look the same now; covered with memories of that special moment together, where we escape and savor a couple of hours inhaling culture and enjoying good food and a catch-up over a festive toast.

DIY Christmas Decor — Yay or Nay?

"Over the year, especially in the run-up to the festive season, I collect cuts of fabric and design strike-offs from our London studio, which I recycle as wrapping fabric for all of our Christmas presents," Mary-Ann explains.

"I love creating ribbons from the fabric selvedge, too — underneath our tree is always an eclectic and colorful mix of fabric-wrapped gifts. This year, I'm also upholstering a bench to sit next to the tree with Twill Stripe in Purslane from The House of Liberty interior fabric collection. The fabric's unexpected color combination adds to the joy and eccentricity of the season."

9. Don't Follow 'Strict Rules'

"For me, Christmas decorating is all about mixing timeless elements with festive details that feel joyful yet modern," says Evelina Kravaev-Söderberg, head of design at H&M HOME.

"I focus on the mood I would like to create for the holidays, so it is less about strict rules," she continues. "I often pair groups of home decorations that are connected in color and light millions of candles for a cozy and relaxing mood."

For Evelina, it comes to prioritizing 'feeling over formality' — "pairing soft metallic accents with natural materials to create an intimate, handcrafted atmosphere." The key is adding warmth and texture with things like paper Christmas decorations, textiles, and ribbons.

"Most of all, my festive style is about creating moments of togetherness where everyone feels at home." This is truly the most magical part about Christmas.

10. Don't Forget Your Entrance

Georgina Wilson, interior designer and founder of Georgina Wilson Associates, loves to wrap her front door with a large bow, and each year she buys a new ribbon with a unique color or texture to decorate with.

"The beauty of this idea is its simplicity whilst also having a high impact," she says. "The oversized bow feels festive and joyful, while being easy to execute. Plus, it’s just as striking from the inside as it is from the outside, adding an extra layer of holiday cheer inside!"

To embrace the festive bow decor trend this year, Georgina recommends using a wide, sturdy fabric for your ribbon so that it holds its shape and to secure it tightly with discreet hooks, using something like these Command Hooks at Amazon, or this Double-Sided Adhesive Strip, also at Amazon.

To take it one step further, you could coordinate your ribbon color with the rest of your decorations indoors for a cohesive theme. Georgina also likes to decorate the trees in her front garden with fairy lights — "Opt for warm yellow fairy lights for a timeless, sophisticated glow. The warm light makes the holidays feel so elegant," she says.

These Qbis 400 LED Fairy Cluster Lights at Amazon, which can be sculpted into your desired shape, would work perfectly to create a magical Christmas glow in your garden.

Hopefully you're feeling inspired and armed with a selection of new decorating ideas to try out in your home this season — there are certainly a fair few I will be trying out myself this weekend!

If you fancy a few more ideas for decorating your front door, these Christmas wreath alternatives could be just what you're looking for.

If you’ve somehow reached December without securing an advent calendar — and the usual supermarket, milk-chocolate countdown does not tempt you — all is not lost. This year, luxury beauty, fragrance, and lifestyle Advent calendars have become the real holiday treat. From haute British department stores to several high-end retailers, there are still some fantastic calendars in stock — but only if you act fast, that is.

More than just daily sweets, these Advent calendars promise a month of discovery and indulgence: from teas to perfumes, candles to preserves, these essentials feel far more grown-up than any chocolate bar. They’re the kind of thing you’ll actually want to keep out on your mantelpiece as part of your Christmas decor, not hide away.

Below, we’ve curated nine of the best, and, more importantly, still-available high-end Advent calendars that prove there’s a lot more to December 1 – 24 than last year's bog-standard chocolate.

If you’re still without an Advent calendar, now’s the time to act. Many of these calendars are on their last legs — especially the most luxe and limited-edition ones.

So, whether you're looking for a home fragrance Advent calendar specifically, or want something more unusual like chocolate, jewellery, or sweets, jump on it. Because come December 1st, nothing quite says festive like opening a door to a bath oil, a candle, or a new beauty favorite.

There's nothing quite like the fresh smell of a real Christmas tree to put your home in the festive spirit. But, let's be honest, faux trees are the low-maintenance alternative plenty of us opt for as our primary decorative flourish.

And since they're becoming increasingly hyper-realistic in design, the only thing that could reveal their faux form to your guests is the lack of fragrance. But there are some easy ways to fix that and ensure your Christmas decor is multi-faceted in its sensory charm.

Here are a couple of secret tricks worth the steal to help your fake Christmas tree smell like it's arrived fresh from a tree farm for all to enjoy.

1. Hang Scented Ornaments

One of my favorite ways to make a Christmas tree smell real without any giveaways is to decorate it with scented ornaments. They fit into your tree's decor while making your home smell like Christmas.

Riccardo Soff, fragrance expert and founder of IncenseSticks.com, tells me that you can DIY them, too. "Enhance the tree with pine cones or dried botanicals lightly scented with essential oils," he says. "Then, simply top up the fragrance with a few drops of essential oil whenever needed."

These Scented Pinecones from the Milford Collection are a great choice, especially if you're opting for a minimalist, pared-back tree aesthetic this Christmas.

2. Spritz With Room Spray

Since I never leave my home without a quick spray of perfume, it got me thinking about whether I should be spritzing my tree, too. And Anat Weiss, founder of Midnight Embers Candle Co., tells me that it's one of the quickest ways to 'wake up' the scent in the room.

"A room spray can give an instant boost of freshness, especially in a pine, balsam, or fir tree scent," she notes. "Lightly mist the tree from a safe distance to avoid residue, and refresh as needed."

Since the seasonal fragrance trend is winter woods, there are plenty of well-balanced room sprays to choose from — this Fresh Juniper Room Spray from Found Notes being one of my current favorites.

3. Adorn with Fragranced Wax Tablets

According to Anat, wax tablets are a great flameless solution to make your fake Christmas tree smell real. And the best part is that you only require a couple to cloak your tree in an air of perfume.

"They hang beautifully on the branches and release fragrance subtly," she says. "They're designed to blend right in with ornaments, so they won't clash with the rest of the tree aesthetic."

This is an effortless way to make your home smell good. And when it comes to the Diptyque Sapin Scented Wax Oval, one is all you need.

4. Strategically Place Home Fragrance

Last but not least, you can use your trusty home fragrance regulars to contribute to making your faux Christmas tree smell real. Use your best candles to bring the space alive, and strategically arrange some reed diffusers, too.

However, when it comes to calling on candles to aid in your quest, Anat points out that it's important to exercise caution. "Do not burn a candle anywhere near a tree due to the fire risk," she advises. "Instead, place a winter-scented candle safely across the room; it will still fill the space and provide the fragrance."

She points out that an even better alternative is to use stylish candle warming lamps to simply warm the candle top-down without having to light it at all. This way, you won't have to worry about the flame, and you'll still be able to scent the surrounding area. Win-win!

Now that your faux Christmas tree is perfumed to the nines, I recommend shifting your focus to other decorative ways to disperse home fragrance. My current nostalgic favorite? Inclusion candles.