How to decorate your home for Christmas so it’s classy, not cluttered
Sometimes less is more, even when it comes to festive style, says Sam Wylie-Harris
As the excitement builds in the countdown to the big day, it’s very tempting to go down the ‘more is more’ decorating mantra – pile everything on the tree, mantelpiece, you name it, and just hope for the best.
But when you start cramming everything in, you may start to cancel out key pieces.
Treasured baubles and decorations get lost among the paper chains, and blinking fairy lights detract from garlands or the flickering flame of a candle.
Even tastefully placed tinsel can find it hard to have a voice and the result may look more messy than elegant.
Here, experts share their top tips on getting your festive décor right...
Stick to one theme
“Planning a coherent theme and colour scheme is the first point of call for avoiding a cluttered look, whilst still keeping it festive,” says Jess Martin, party decoration expert at Ginger Ray.
“Some of our favourite trends this season include contemporary, Scandi and rustic red schemes.”
She says the contemporary Christmas trend is a great way to get a chic and classic look. “Incorporating on-trend minimalism with modern and edgy monochrome colourways are the perfect way to embrace traditional Christmas silhouettes like stars and trees – with a contemporary twist,” explains Martin.
Sure to catch the eye, she says to try using black as your base colour to build off, with dark table cloths and metal ornaments to create contrast, such as a Christmas candle centrepiece.
“Then add touches of green foliage and wooden textures to soften the darker tones,” she suggests.
Scale your ornaments
If you’ve got a huge tree, you can go for bigger ornaments, and on a tiny tree, miniature decorations look adorable,” notes Lucy Hood, home interiors and tablescaping expert, founder of Tableday.
“You don’t have to go overboard with the number of baubles either, you can still achieve some impact with just a dozen ornaments.”
She says it’s better to go with two or three simple elements and colours, such as traditional red and gold baubles, with white snowflakes.
Add metallics for a hint of sparkle
Marie Goodwin, head designer at fabrics specialist Prestigious Textiles, says: “To add a sophisticated shine to any interior, opt for semi-plain metallic finishes rather than glitter and sequins.”
“Add some pale gold or cool silver soft furnishings like scatter cushions, throws and stockings to bring a glint of wonder to spaces around the home.”
Tip-top & tidy tablescaping
As Heidi Jackson, designer at Portmeirion, points out: “There’s a lot to think about and fit on your table when it comes to Christmas dinner. Ensuring you properly tablescape is an essential step to avoid a cluttered display.”
She says it’s a good idea to use the rule of three...
“Begin with your placemat, then place the dinner plate on top and, lastly, finish with a dessert plate.”
Jackson continues: “Top it all off with a carefully folded napkin, your chosen cutlery, and a Christmas cracker.”
As far as the centrepiece goes, she says: “Candles are a great choice for Christmas, inviting an ambient glow to your table.”
Style it out with a decorative arch
“Make a TikTok-worthy statement with your Christmas decorations without having to fill a space – keeping floor space clutterfree,” says Wayfair’s resident style advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill.
Often used by stylists to create the wow-factor, she says a decorating arch is a clever way to dress an overhead installation for a dining table.
Available in a variety of shapes and finishes, she says you can tailor the design to suit your décor desires.
McCowan Hill continues: “Easy to assemble, the metal frame makes them super portable so can be moved into various rooms. If you’re looking for the festive wow-factor, without the clutter, they are a must for every celebration, inside and out.”