NEED A FESTIVE DECOR UPDATE? T
firework or two.
Which can only mean one thing: Christmas is coming and it will soon be time to haul down the decadesold Christmas decorations from the loft and place them in the exactly the same spot as every previous year. Well, not quite. Like all seasons, this most festive of times is set to bring with it new interior trends which are bold, beautiful and sure to impress. And while you may not wish to part with your curated seasonal stash, enriched every year with sentimental trinkets, a few key additions here and there will bring your festive look bang on trend. One of my favourite things about styling my home for Christmas is combining old and new decorations.
Older decorations are steeped in tradition, giving them a unique charm that is hard to match. But some will need replacing.
So let’s turn to our old friends the Scandinavians who reign supreme when combining sentimental decorations with modern additions.
This season, Scandinavian-inspired decorations are typified by muted shades of taupe and blue, which will bring modern yet classic styling to your Christmas decorations resulting in a timeless finish. And be liberal with them. Pom poms, baubles and decorations draped from the ceiling are all perfectly acceptable, just keep Hands up if you remember Christmas in the 80s?
It was fabulous – swathes of colourful tinsel masked trees while festive bunting made from brightly coloured foil hung ceiling to ceiling.
And while this Christmas may not be a return to the full-on festive glamour of the 80s, an homage to the era will emerge.
Brightly coloured baubles, luscious tinsel and metallic ornaments are all making a comeback; think clashing colours, pops of neon and glitter by the tonne to complete this indulgent, opulent look.
On a tight budget? Get creative. Give old baubles a new lease of life with some PVA glue and a few tubes of glitter; or why not hunt around second-hand or an antique shop for some pre-loved genuine 80s decorations. Centrepieces are an essential part of my Christmas décor – I have one on my dining table throughout the season.
And it really is that, a centrepiece around which we all gather; be it a family dinner, a Christmas Eve takeaway or the main event itself, Christmas lunch.
Whether you decide to make your own or buy one, choose a centrepiece that complements not only your Christmas colours but the room in which it will be placed.
If your home has a more minimalist vibe, a fussy centrepiece will look immediately out of place. However, a modern one won’t necessarily work in a traditional décor.
And for me, the only essential is a candle or two (the more the better). Candles and Christmas go hand in hand and will also create an intimate atmosphere for those festive meals together.
If you’re short on inspiration, time or money, a few candles of varying height brought together on a nice plate will work perfectly.
Lesley Taylor is the author of 10 interior design books and has appeared on a range of network TV shows, including This Morning, giving inspirational advice on home styling.
She is the founder and design director of luxury interiors lifestyle store Taylors Etc.