’Tis the season for traditions
Sarah Beeny’s home ideas will give your guests and family the warmest of welcomes
BRANCHING OUT
I do love a real tree. For me, part of the ritual of Christmas is going out as a family, picking a pine and dragging it back home where we try to make it stay upright. The smell of a real tree is amazing! Even though the needles get everywhere and by the time of the Twelfth Night you’re only too happy to take it down. To us, that’s all part of the festive fun. Opt for the biggest tree you can afford, you won’t regret it when it’s all decorated and taking centre stage in the house.
ALL WRAPPED UP
I’m a big fan of using brown paper to wrap presents (with some lovely ribbon or, better still, decorative ink stamps). I think that a nice variety of different wrapping paper under a tree adds to the excitement of Christmas, as it shows the various gifts bought by different people, and the more creative the wrapping is, the better. It’s important not to get too hung up on splashing out on expensive metallic and glittery paper (it’s often not even recyclable!). Keep it simple and, of course, personal. (Check out our great wrapping ideas on page 140.)
THE HANDMADE TOUCH
Paper chains are a brilliant way to get kids involved with decorating. Everyone loves making them and there’s something fabulously unpretentious about a home with them around. Hopefully, you’ll have kept your favourite decorations from past Christmases, so each year you can bring out the old and just add a few new bits into the mix.
SEASONAL SCENTS
The smell of a gorgeous candle is hard to beat, but beware – most are made from paraffin wax, which can contain the same toxins found in diesel fumes. For candles that you can be sure are safe, choose ones made from natural soy wax or beeswax. My new favourite brand is Abahna – its candles are utterly fabulous and worth the money. Prices start at £15, but the candles are beautifully packaged and made from 100% natural soy wax. Bliss. Or you could try a fragrant reed diffuser instead.
FESTIVE GREETINGS
I haven’t sent Christmas cards for about 10 years – not because I don’t like them, but because, every year, Christmas comes up and bites me before I’ve got organised. I think it’s a lovely way to stay in touch with people, but it can cost a fortune – not just for the cards, but for the stamps, too. If you’re looking for an easier option with a personalised touch, try touchnote.com. Download the app and you can upload photographs, design cards with custom text and send them from £1.49 each, including postage! It’s so easy to do everything at the click of a button.
WINTER WELCOME
A wreath is easy to make yourself, so if you embark on one DIY project at Christmas, make it this. Get an old metal coat hanger, untwist it and bend it back together in a circle shape (or buy one ready to decorate), then get foliage and wrap it around the wire. With a few red baubles and maybe some battery-powered fairy lights, you’ll have a wreath that’ll make your whole neighbourhood envious.
AND FINALLY…
Don’t be afraid of a bit of creative chaos. After all, it’s what Christmas is all about! Remember what matters – not having the fanciest baubles and flashiest lights, but choosing the decorations you like. The simple (and often cheaper) things really are what matter at Christmas time, along with a good amount of laughter and fun. I wish you all a very happy Christmas!