Cause for celebration

Melissa Penfold heralds how to make Christmas Day sing.

HERE’S OUR CHRISTMAS checklist to help you dress your home and table. Consider these your building blocks for a simple, stylish festive season.

USE WHAT YOU HAVE Too many people think they can solve Christmas decorating by buying something. When you let go of trying to buy more of what you don’t really need, it frees up oceans of energy to make a difference with what you have. You’d be far better off arranging armfuls of fir, spruce or holly from a friend’s garden and piling it in big bowls and vases on your entry table. Greenery is inexpensive and chic, and bringing the outdoors in feels natural, authentic and individual, as well as being an antidote to the season’s consumerism. SAME, SAME A big mistake people make is using the same Christmas decorations in the same way each year. Try something new. Move your tree to the entry or perhaps near the fireplace to achieve a different look. BE EFFICIENT Set the table the day before, then focus on the flowers and room decor. Remember: gleaming glasses add instant glamour. Line them up on trays. BURN A CANDLE Scented candles will make your interior feel instantly warm, calm and inviting. Overpowering scents, which can be unappealing and trigger sneezing attacks, are to be avoided. Pick candles made with soy or beeswax and essential oils with a natural fragrance.

AVOID CLICHÉD SCHEMES THAT CLASH Beware anything that jars with your usual interior decor, and don’t use shopping-centre clichés such as blue and silver or gold and green. Silver and gold metallics, or taupe and green, are more chic. Or try gold and a soft pink. Set up just two or three vignettes around meaningful pieces. DON’T TRY TOO HARD Sometimes it’s more sophisticated to have less. Just make it look good because presentation is everything. Use a low centrepiece. Place a bowl of big silver baubles in the middle of your table, or feature an urn filled with huge, perfect apples. Lovely generous napkins send a powerful message. But so, unfortunately, do stains, fraying edges and musty smells.

CHECK YOUR LIGHTS Many people unknowingly buy LED lights without considering the temperature of the bulbs. White, blue-hued LED lights not only create a cold feeling, they are often hard on the eyes. Look for the far more romantic warmer options.

INVEST IN CRACKERS Premium-quality Christmas crackers speak to an elegant affair, so don’t skimp. CELEBRATE THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS Try to avoid the commercial volcano that erupts at the end of each year. Amid the rushing and rejoicing, remind yourself that this is a holiday of modest spirit and humble aspirations. Goodwill to all. Peace on earth.

1 A mantel primed with fir-tree foliage. 2 Penhaligon’s Portraits ‘Terrible Teddy’ $379/75ml, agencedeparfum.com.au 3 Small presents hung on the tree. 4 Christmas table setting at Melissa’s house in the NSW Southern Highlands. 5 Chasseur round French oven in Caviar Grey, $720/28cm, livingbydesign.net.au 6 Lola James Harper ‘The Brooklyn Bakery 22’ $79, agencedeparfum.com.au 7 Ardan ‘Tonn’ flute, $99.95/pair, waterfordcrystal.com.au 8 Cruz palm-leaf in Emerald, $66/trio, lmhome.com.au 9 Festive fruit piled high on the outdoor table at Melissa’s country home.