Róisín Murphy

Architect and star of RTÉ’s Home Rescue (all episodes available on RTÉ Player). She says:

‘PLUMS and pinks are very much in still, but Jill Biden’s Christmas tree in the White House shows that the traditional gold, red and green have not gone away. There was a trend a couple of years ago for leopard-print baubles, and even Frida Kahlos and David Bowies, and while they’re still there, I think people are hankering for tradition a bit more because of everything that’s going on.

There’s a there is a huge emphasis on paper — paper baubles and eco-friendly, environmentally aware decorations that are handmade.

They’re all very neutral, taupe colours with bits of linen, presents wrapped in brown paper or biodegradable newspaper, paper-chain ribbons on them.

You also could use hand-blown glass baubles from the likes of Waterford or independent makers, or wooden ones, or those made from vintage lace. For the mantelpiece, you could make paper chains rather than the traditional pine swag. I make my own with loo roll tubes and crepe paper. This year, I’m doing an outside Christmas tree. The kids are disgusted because they’re purists.

I have a big panel of red silk I hang every year just for Christmas. And I got a lovely present last year from Elements Of Action, a brass wreath ring for the front door, and I’ll probably paint the door as well because the kids think the wreath is a bit minimalist.

I have an old Georgian table and I decorate it very traditionally Irish, with plates from Fermoyle Pottery in Co Kerry, and bowls with lids, for vegetables, that you’d remember from your mum’s house.

The key thing to remember for Christmas is that nothing is too much — just go for it!’