Deirdre Whelan

Architect with Scott Tallon Walker and former judge on RTÉ’s Home Of The Year. She says:

‘PERSONALLY, I am a big fan of organic or homemade decorations, and I particularly like items made out of felt. I do use a lot of different decorations of various colours on our tree but always opt for yellow lights and add in a few really nice candles (that don’t get lit!). I’m a big fan of the real tree and I love getting the smell of the pine every time you come into the house. It makes you feel good. I love making a wreath for the front of the house, and I tend to pick flowers and branches from the family home garden. Similarly, I like getting amaryllis and hyacinths for their colour and smell, and place these in a basket or big glass bowl on the coffee table. Candles bring a lovely atmosphere to the room, especially when the fire is lit too, but always make sure they are placed away from anything flammable, and ensure they all are extinguished when no one is in the room. Outside, we put up yellow lights in the tree to create a festive atmosphere in the courtyard, and they tend to stay up for the entire winter months. On Christmas Day, I enjoy setting the table and dressing it with branches and flowers and candles to make it extra special. This is also one of the few occasions where I bring out my antique Irish white linen table cloth, and out come some inherited Waterford Crystal glasses to serve the starters. I don’t tend to cook a traditional Christmas dinner but make something special we wouldn’t normally eat.’