In my opinion, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. I for me the run-up is where the joy really lives. One of the biggest parts of that joy is the decorating. I’m absolutely in the “go big or go home” camp, but also firmly believe that it doesn’t have to mean bankrupting yourself.
With social media showing us endless curated homes, it’s easy to feel like you need everything to be elaborate and styled to perfection. But for me, thoughtful and personal always beats overly choreographed. I love a balance: a few investment pieces, a handful of budget-friendly additions, and a timeless Scandinavian-leaning palette of greens, reds, and whites.
Here are the decorations that have made it into my shopping basket this season!
1. Wreath Alternative – Velvet Bow (£12.00)
Why I Love It: (Technically I bought this last year but its so good I needed to put it on the list!)
I adore a beautiful Christmas wreath, but real ones have become expensive and (when hung early) often don’t last the season and personally I just can’t get on board with fake ones. So, last year, I tried something different: this giant red velvet bow from John Lewis. It was simple, elegant, and honestly looked incredible, so it’s now going ot be a yearly staple.
Link to purchase:
https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-giant-velvet-bow-red/p111792973
2. Baubles – Hens Bauble (£7.99)
Why I Love It:
Each year I add a few baubles to keep things feeling fresh, and Zara never disappoints. These adorable hen ornaments (available in three colours) feel whimsical yet chic, perfect for adding charm without being too cutesy. I cannot wait to see them on the tree.
Link to purchase:
https://www.zarahome.com/gb/hens-christmas-tree-bauble-l42334060
3. Garlands – Candy Cane Garland (£16.50)
Why I Love It:
Although we also have the “grown up” tree in the sitting room, our kitchen hosts the kids’ tree, colourful, chaotic, and absolutely wonderful. This sweet candy cane garland from Cox & Cox is their pick for this year’s addition. It’s soft, fun, and adds a perfect dash of festive cheer to their space.
Link to purchase:
https://www.coxandcox.co.uk/supersoft-candy-cane-garland/
4. Focal Piece – Floor-Standing Christmas Tree (£219.99)
Why I Love It:
This is definitely my big treat this year. Zara’s floor-standing light-up tree is sculptural, warm, and a total show-stopper. I have absolutely no idea where I’m going to put it, but I’m fully committed to making it work!
Link to purchase:
https://www.zara.com/uk/en/floor-light-up-paper-christmas-tree--160-cm--p45308047.html
5. Wrapping – Full commitment to red and green!
Why I Love It:
I’m a total stickler for coordinated gift-wrapping under the tree with any rogue entries shoved right to the back! When I spotted this ribbon from H&M, I knew instantly the plan for this year. The red harlequin ribbon against plain green paper and the green ribbon against red paper. It’s going to be a vibe!
Link to purchase:
https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1302380003.html
One of my favourite parts of the Christmas season is entertaining. Because my family is spread all over the place, we often end up having our “Christmas lunch” a couple of weeks early and honestly, I love it. It somehow takes the pressure off, since no one else is rushing around at the same time.
Alongside the cooking (which I genuinely enjoy), I absolutely love decorating the table. I like to visit the Covent Garden flower market and pick up beautiful flowers and masses of foliage. Last year, I suspended a pole over the table and created a huge Scandinavian-style arrangement hanging above it. My husband was thrilled when I shared my plans, as he knew it meant he’d have to build the structure, which he dutifully did!
I loved it so much that I think I might have to recreate it again this year. I’ll keep you posted!
And as well as my slightly unhealthy love of excessive Christmas foliage, I also adore Christmas tableware, the kitschier, the better!
6. Entertaining – Spode Christmas Lowball Glasses (Set of 4, £32.00)
Why I Love It:
These Spode glasses are the perfect mix of kitsch and classic. I can’t wait to get them on the table!
Link to purchase:
https://www.dunelm.com/product/christmas-tree-set-of-4-lowball-glasses-1000226140
Subscribe to see how it all comes together and for tips on cooking the prefect Christmas meal without losing your mind!
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