Embrace the festive season with these stunning decorating ideas

1-3. MANY of us just stick to decorating the tree and the front door but there’s no need to stop there with so many beautiful ornaments on offer. The hallway console, the mantelpiece and the sideboard are all great locations for creating a mini Christmas tableau with pieces like these (pictured) from Bed Bath n’ Table.

You can create a glamorous setting like this one, including the Coppell dining chairs and Paramount dining table from Freedom.

A nearby storage cabinet will keep the focus at the table while hanging decorations from the ceiling will ensure conversation is not interrupted by too much clutter.

Even if you’re not keen on outdoor Christmas lights, you can still make guests feel welcome from the front door with a beautiful wreath like this one from Dubbo-based Frank & Enid.

5

Retail options range from wreaths made from bells and baubles to carefully crafted handmade options.

Alternatively, make your own wreath at home or at one of the many Christmas workshops on offer. If you’re using living materials like flowers or plants, consider which way your front door faces and whether it has sun protection. Either way, a little spray of water wouldn’t go astray.

Hosting and catering Christmas is an expensive exercise so when it comes to setting the table, funds can run a little low. If you start with a basic white dinner set, you can

4

dress it up with colourful side plates, bowls or Christmas serving platters. Choose contrasting placemats against a wooden table for a more natural feel and add gold or silver cutlery for a little sparkle.

Given we celebrate in summer, fresh green foliage can be a better option than trying to keep wilting flowers alive.

Pictured is the latest Christmas range from Big W, including the metallic red Charger plate for $1.50 for decoration only.

6