Pick of the bunch

Merry little Christmas

Deck the halls and other spaces with festive fare, as baubles, berries and boughs break loose from the tree and explore the rest of the house. The starting point for a Christmassy vignette could be a piece of furniture, a door or windowsill, or any overlooked area; why not create a candlelit bar in a dark corner or a sparkling scene on a side table? The key is a mix of heights, a splash of greenery, a wintry scent and a considered edit of decorations. Cocktails: optional.

There’s one plant dominating Yuletide this year, and it’s the hydrangea. Dried, preserved or faux, it’s up to you. Treat it as you would eucalyptus and mix the heads into wreaths, garlands, table settings and even onto your tree to add opulence and drama. Whites, reds and greens will create a traditional Christmas feel, while tones such as pink and ochre will give a more impactful, modern look. Oka’s faux stems are almost impossibly real, with textured leaves, elaborate detailing and two-toned petals. £15 each (oka.com)