TIPS TO MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS MAGICAL
We asked some of our favourite interiors experts and designers how they make Christmas at home extra- special
We asked some of our favourite interiors experts for their advice on making your Christmas at home memorable…
With Christmas in sight and the long winter nights drawing in, for rooms starved of light, embrace the darkness by painting your walls in dark- toned blues, teamed with natural ‘fresh from the forest’ foliage. For a modern- day twist and to introduce colour over the festive period, use a bold red on the walls and keep decorations to the bare minimum, using natural greens and simple whites to create a perfectly harmonious look.
Joa Studholme, international colour consultant for Farrow & Ball. 01202 876141; farrow-ball.com
As an alternative to Christmas crackers, I make individual secret hollow books filled with mini toys or sweet treats. Pick up second- hand hardback vintage books (ones that are damaged or have a few pages missing are perfect) and glue the pages together with a 50/50 PVA and water solution. Carefully draw and cut a rectangle out of the centre, and then fill with your secret treats.
Angel Adoree, see Angel and her husband on Channel 4’s Escape to the Chateau. chateaudelamottehusson.com
At Christmas I love to use lots of different wrappings and ribbons, making a wonderful clash of pattern and colour under the tree – and this year I’ll be using plenty of red, pink, emerald and peach, with some metallics thrown in for good measure. I even wrap the stocking presents, which adds hugely to the anticipation – much to the delight of my daughter, and the dismay of my (lazy) boys!
Caroline Gardner, stationery, gift and homeware designer. 020 8288 9696; carolinegardner.com
To make the table welcoming and beautiful at Christmas, I do as my mum and grandmothers did before me. I bring out the special pieces of china, some of which have been carefully put away since the last year, such as a well- loved platter for the turkey and a dedicated dish for the pudding. And we always eat by the light of a forest of tall, cream church candles, twisted with ivy and branches of bay.
Emma Bridgewater, ceramics designer. 01782 407733; emmabridgewater.co.uk
When looking for extra- special Christmas decorations, I always shop carefully. Pretty and exclusive shops in London, or on the outskirts, always have the most beautiful decorations. I constantly check to see whether a decoration is handmade, as the best glass baubles are always hand- blown and finished. It’s also worth investing in decorations crafted from natural materials; it really makes a difference to the look of an angel’s skirt or wings.
Gisela Graham, gift and decorations designer. 020 7708 6396; giselagraham.co.uk