If deciding which is the superior Christmas chocolate hasn’t already been dubbed the hardest choice of the festive period, committing to one decorative theme is surely a close second. Spoiler: Surely Maltesers is the unrivalled winner, no? And in the year in which we can finally welcome our nearest and dearest back into our homes for celebrations galore, you best believe the stakes are higher than ever for nailing a style that leaves your house feeling like a home for your loved ones to enjoy. After all, and in the words of Paul McCartney, “The moon is right, the spirits up. We’re here tonight, and that’s enough”…
From mantelpiece garlands to tree decorations, table centrepieces and entranceways that wow, there’s endless decorative options to explore when Christmas-ifying your home this festive season. Etsy search reports this year are cementing the humble tablescape as the decor trend to watch, with searches for place settings up 72%, tablescape decor up 27%, and napkin rings up 19%. Get your festive tablecloths at the ready!
If you’re having trouble deciding which (snowy) route to follow for Christmas 2021, look no further for the ultimate inspiration guide of our three favourite decorative styles and themes: Retro, Scandi and Natural Florals.
Novelty Retro Fun
Sometimes the classics are best: Mariah’s version of ‘All I Want for Christmas’, Love Actually over recent Xmas movies and mince pies without the newfangled toppings, and for some, that’s the mantra for Christmas decks too. Red, green, white and gold are traditional Christmas through and through, and you can’t go far wrong by incorporating those colours into your home year in and year out. For this theme, it’s all about mixing the traditional, passed down through the decades decks, with some kitsch and retro additions to curate a fun, colourful yet traditionally Christmasified space. We recommend heading over to W.A Green for a huge selection of fun colourful novelty ornaments! Mix up your textures with a combination of paper, glass and plastic decorations, as the combination of all three works seamlessly to add volume and pizzaz to your spruce, even if it is a sorry looking faux version that’s definitely seen better days…
Shop: The White Company Pre-Lit Grand Spruce Christmas Tree, £645
Shop: W.A. Green, range of novelty colourful Chrismas baubles and celebrity ornaments
When it comes to dressing your table: more is more, period. For a simple way to inject a little more va va voom into your dining room, opt for colourful plates (and mismatched designs too if you’re feeling brave) against a darker cloth to really make them pop, and finally, in the name of pre-dinner tradition, finish with a chic set of crackers (we went for personalised cocktail crackers from The Buffalo). If your roast dinner spread doesn’t take up your entire table (who could blame you) then centrepieces are a great way to carry through decor choices throughout your home, and they needn’t be expensive either! Stack paper garlands and lanterns and surround them with candles (at a safe distance) and consider your table of dreams complete!
For some real novelty fun that’s guaranteed to evoke a reaction from your guests, hang mismatched baubles from a chandelier or hanging light feature with some leftover ribbon and watch as your living space is transformed to a colourful haven Santa and his elves would feel right at home in.
Shop: Habitat 100 Pack of Bright Baubles, £12
Shop: The Buffalo, Personalised Christmas Cocktail Crackers, £18
Minimal, Modern, Scandi
‘Tis the season for bringing the outside in and this Christmas aesthetic just so happens to cement itself as a true celebration of all things foliage, foliage and foliage – if you’re a fan of holly, red berries and mistletoe, then look no further. Sarah O’Sullivan, Home Designer and Partner at John Lewis sums this up, noting that “carefully considered design details are at the heart of Natural Scandinavian style. Layering natural materials will add interest and draw on the appeal of nature within the home”
Shop: H&M, Snowflake Garland, £17.99
Shop: The White Company Pre-Lit Grand Spruce Christmas Tree, £645
Shop: H&M, Dark Green Glittery Garland, £12.99
The soft colour palette instantly adds an element of zen to your home, with no bright colours or dazzling decorations that steal the show, simply beautifully understated decor that feels sophisticated and warm. Of all the Christmas decor styles to opt for, Scandi is best suited to minimal design lovers who favour earthy tones and pared-back additions to their treasured humble abode.
Scandinavian winters are long and harsh, meaning inviting indoor spaces are important for those living in these super cold conditions more than most. The Danish word ‘hygge’, roughly translating to “a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment” became an international buzzword and design trend in recent years, but is especially desirable during the festive period. Ultimate cosiness after a cold walk home from the bus stop? Yes please!
Shop: H&M, 2-pack tapered candles, £1.99
Stick with one clear, neutral colour palette, encompassing greens, whites, gold and other earthy tones with everything from tree decorations to wrapping paper and crackers to emulate the clean and cosy ambience of Scandi living. Add the characteristic warmth of a typical Scandinavian design with fairy lights, candles and soft mood lighting and prepare to never want to leave your house again!
For those with little storage in their homes or who want to minimise the amount of Christmas decorations they’re purchasing, the Scandi aesthetic might just be the one for you- a Scandinavian touch really does go a long way.
Fruity & Floral
Maximalist, colour lovers rejoice- this festive aesthetic is for you! If there was ever an ultimate oxymoron at Christmas it might just be florals in winter, but we’re not mad about how much sense this theme makes once it all comes together. Trust the process, people!
Shop: John Lewis & Partners, Festive Field Dogwood Spray, £8.00
For those whose fancy isn’t tickled by a traditional bauble design then consider the humble carnation (or flower of your choice) your friend in this instance, and watch as your tree is transformed into a colourful oasis of joy that you can’t help but smile at. Simply attach flowerheads with some floristry wire et voila! Dressing your tree has never been easier or more striking. This trend is one to watch for those who love the natural vibes of Scandi but want to take it to another level with the traditional vibrancy of a Christmas colour palette. If you want to make your spruce look ‘merry and bright’ this is the outfit it deserves.
Shop: Selfridges & Co, Glitter-embellished foam toadstool Christmas decoration set of two, £28.00
Combine real and faux foliage in this design for the perfect marriage of botanical decor that’s sure to last. With additions such as a Toyon (the perennial shrub classically seen at Christmastime, FYI) your mantelpiece feature is sure to really steal the show. Finish with some woodland themed accessories- think mushrooms, mini toadstools, tiny birds and acorns- and your nature lovin’ mantel is complete. The beauty of this theme is how seamlessly it fits into most interior styles, from minimalist, traditional or farmhouse, this unique and standout festive theme adds a certain je ne sais quoi to any space.
Shop: John Lewis & Partners, Blush Coast Poinsettia Clip On Decoration, Set of 4, Pink, £6.00
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