With what we've been through over the past couple of years, it's only natural that any excuse to escape reality is a welcome relief. And what better way to lift our spirits than Christmas decorations? A home full of fresh green foliage and twinkling lights is sure to inspire you with the magic of festive fun that this time of year always promises.
If time is an issue, start earlier and add more decorations when you've got the time -who says you have to do it all at once? Get yourself in the mood - put on a Christmas CD and pour yourself a glass of red wine. Get your family involved or if you're on your own, get a friend to come round - and repay the kindness when and if it's needed.
You don't need to fill your house with decorations - put up as much or as little as you want depending on what looks good in your home and according to your taste.
If you need a few ideas to inspire you then read on.
1. Knock Knock
A Christmas wreath on your door is an ideal way to give your visitors a heads up on the Christmas atmosphere they are about to enter into! You can make the wreath yourself or buy one depending on your ability and budget of course!
2. Oh, Christmas Tree!
Before starting to decorate the tree, test the fairy lights - you don't want to put them up and then have the hassle of taking them down when you discover they are not working! Decorating under the tree is just as important as decorating the tree itself. Wrap up empty boxes and finish with bows as if they are real presents and place them under the tree.
If you don't have time to decorate a tree or don't have one, there are other solutions. You could put festive branches in a vase and decorate with fairy lights, baubles and tinsel. Another way, especially if space is an issue, would be to create a Christmas tree on the wall out of twigs, ribbons and fairy lights. If this isn't an option, you could place mini trees in various sizes in a corner of your room and create a Christmas corner.
3. Window of Opportunity
If you have French windows, you can hang mini Christmas wreaths with ribbons. On window sills you can place mini trees, pinecones and candles for a festive feel and that way passers-by will enjoy your Christmas vibe too!
4. Light Up Your Life
Candles lend the ultimate Christmas atmosphere to your home. Place them on as many surfaces as possible and decorate with holly, pinecones and cinnamon sticks -and anything else you might feel will add a festive dimension. Light them whenever possible for a cosy cheery feel.
5. Home is Where the Hearth is
If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace, it's an ideal focal place to decorate with Christmas trimmings. Place a lush garland along the mantelpiece. You can leave it simple with just the foliage or you can nestle, candles and fairy lights within. Hanging stockings whether you have children or not is an absolute must as it adds to the expectation of the magical day.
6. Chair up!
Another original idea is to decorate your dining room chairs. All that's needed is wide ribbon in festive colours - reds and golds are ideal. All you have to do is tie a big bow on the back of the chair as if you were tying a ribbon around a gift box. You could do the same on kitchen chairs to add a touch of Christmas cheer to your kitchen too.
7. Wine & Dine
A simple way to ensure your Christmas table looks festive is a red table cloth or a runner if you don't want to cover the whole table. Red napkins and decorations in the centre will create the perfect Christmas table. For centerpieces check out our other Christmas decoration ideas such as candles and pinecones.
8. Pretty Pinecones
Another way to place Christmas decorations throughout your home is to fill round glass vases with festive bits and pieces. Spray pinecones silver and gold and place them in the vase along with tinsel and baubles and fairy lights. These are also ideal as centerpieces for your Christmas table.
9. Twinkle Twinkle……
One of the easiest ways to create a Christmas atmosphere is fairy lights. Fairy lights, as we've seen, aren't limited to just your tree. You can place fairy lights around mirrors, hang them on net curtains or on windows and even on banisters. They will add a really special Christmassy feel to your home especially as the nights are so much longer at this time of year.
So there's really no excuse not to deck your homes with boughs of holly! As you've seen, whether cost, space or time seemed to be an obstacle, with our Christmas decoration ideas you have plenty of ways to overcome them!
Happy Holidays!
