Decorating your house for Christmas, in three simple steps

Decorating your house for Christmas, in three simple steps

Christmas comes but once a year – and yet every time it seems to creep up on you. This time, though, could be your chance to get the edge on the festive celebrations; and with a recent study suggesting that putting Christmas decorations up early can improve your mood, what more do you need? Still, decorating your house for Christmas is a creative endeavour, and it can be difficult to dream up new ideas. In this post, we’ll take a look at three steps to decorating your home in time for the holidays and the various ways in which you can employ them.

Family choosing a tree at a Christmas tree farm

Choosing your tree(s)

There are many shapes and sizes of Christmas tree for you to choose from, as well as the decision of whether or not to purchase a live tree at all. Your selection will depend on the placement of the tree – or indeed trees, in your home. The dimensions and décor of a given space can make a world of difference with regards to how your tree looks. More traditional, mid-century living spaces would benefit from a live Christmas tree, and larger spaces could fit a well-sized Balsam Fir. If your living room is more contemporary in style, you might want to consider a smaller Scotch Pine – which comes with the added benefit of longer-lasting needles.

If you’re intending to go for a live Christmas tree in your living room this season, follow these steps to make sure you get the longest-lasting tree you can: firstly, take a needle and try to bend it between your fingers. A fresh pine’s needle would bend, whereas a fresh fir needle would snap. Now, tug on one of the branches, and see how many needles fall off. If many do, the tree isn’t fresh and may lose its vibrancy before the big day!

Mantlepiece decorated for Christmas

Interior decorations

Your first step when it comes to decorating inside for Christmas should be to remove any visible clutter. This is a great opportunity for a clear-out, after which you’ll be left with the perfect canvas for your creative vision. Start with tinsel across door frames and over to light fittings and consider using fairy lights as an alternative to secondary lighting for an extra festive twist.

An inexpensive way to decorate your living space is to utilise your Christmas cards; there are many solutions for displaying Christmas cards prominently, whether you prop them up on a mantelpiece or windowsill, or create a garland out of twine and small pegs to hang over your fireplace.

Illuminated Christmas decorations in a front yard

Exterior decorations

Lastly, you come to the outside of your home. What you do here is hugely dependent on the kind of space you have available. With a full front garden at your disposal, you have an excellent opportunity to introduce Christmas-tree-style decorations to your garden trees and install Christmas dioramas on the grass. If you don’t have a garden, you can still exercise your creativity with a doorstep nativity scene or even a mini lighting-display above your front door.

Inflatables are an easy and outstanding way to decorate the outdoors of the house for Christmas as well. They come in all shapes and sizes, from Santa Claus to reindeer, and can be custom-made to unrepeatable specifications. What’s more, unique custom-made inflatables are easy to set up and take down, making them a great option for busy home-owners. Inflatables are also a great way to add some festive cheer to your yard or garden, and they can be enjoyed by both young and old. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Santa Claus or something more unique, inflatables are an ideal way to decorate your home for Christmas.

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Pick of the Pads: Seasonal Simplicity

'Pick of the Pads' blog post banner

Country Living Christmas magazine cover

We’ve chosen the house of Anna & Jeff Phillips for this month’s Pick of the Pads.

'Seasonal Simplicity' magazine article in the December 2013 edition of Country Living magazine

We wanted something Christmassy and their Sussex home, which is featured in the December edition of Country Living magazine, is just perfect.

Christmas decorations in the 'Seasonal Simplicity' magazine article

It’s homely & warm with quite a Scandi feel – robust and elemental with wood, stone, textiles & flame. The influence of nature is strong, highlighted by the use of seasonal foliage, fruit & flowers.

Shelf and coat rack in the 'Seasonal Simplicity' magazine article

Antique country furniture fills the house with character. There are lovely decorative touches everywhere you look incorporating handicrafts, vintage pieces & found objects – the fairy lights, candles & Christmas decorations give it a magical look.

Montage of beds in the 'Seasonal Simplicity' magazine article

There looks to be lovely natural light in the house, but no shortage of cosy corners either.

Kitchen in the 'Seasonal Simplicity' magazine article

The bedrooms are inviting & peaceful, the dining area sumptuous – and we just love the handmade kitchen with its reclaimed wooden crates, blocks & shelves.

Christmas table in the December 2013 edition of Country Living magazine

What a truly wonderful place to spend the festive season!

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