Hang a wreath
While the Christmas tree is synonymous with the festive season, the wreath has also a strong place in yuletide tradition.
In fact, the wreath dates back to the 16th century where excess tree cuttings were repurposed into wreaths.
Nowadays, with sustainability at the forefront of the interior space, it’s easy to keep the repurposing mindset to make your own wreath from scratch.
“I self-dry florals from my garden, such as hydrangeas and hellebores, or flowers I have bought at the markets,” says florist Beck Keep from Keep & Gather.
Keep’s key advice when making your own wreath: start by looking at the shape and the orientation that will best suit your design and materials.
Hang one on your front door, bedroom doors, or above a console table. Fresh pine or eucalyptus smells amazing, but faux lasts for years.
DIY Christmas cocktail bar
If you plan on having friends and family around this holiday season, impress your guests with a charming Christmas-themed drinks bar.
Dress up a drinks trolley or tall table with holly and greenery. Top it up with your favourite festive spirits, cocktail ingredients and garnishes.
Looking for ideas? Try these delicious festive Christmas drinks.
Bring in natural greenery
Simple pine branches, eucalyptus, rosemary, or holly in vases look beautiful. Mix with a ribbon for an easy, elegant touch.
Create a festive aroma
One of the easiest ways to inspire a festive home is with Christmas aromas. “Scented Christmas candles in fragrances such as sandalwood, cyprus, burnt wood or fig will create a beautiful atmosphere,” says interior designer Charlotte Coote.
Dress up candles in mini wreaths of holly to add that extra festive touch.
Another idea if you don’t have candles is to place some vanilla and cinnamon in a pot of water on the stove. It’s a simple way to create a Christmassy perfume throughout the house.
Swap out cushions or throws
All temporary cushions and throws over your couches in seasonal colours like deep red, forest green, gold, or tartan to add instant Christmas mood.
Add ornaments beyond the tree
Style a festive console, side table or coffee table. Add a candle, a small vase of greenery, and a decorative ornament or two keeping things simple and cohesive with one colour palette.
Place baubles in a bowl, on a tray, or hanging from cabinet knobs. Cluster three or five together for appealing visual impact.
You don’t have to seek out new ones – op-shops often have ornaments, candlesticks, baskets, and wreaths for a few dollars. You can spray-paint mismatched decorations in a single colour for a cohesive look.
Use fairy lights everywhere
The tiny warm white lights add a cosy, magical touch and are inexpensive. Small ones have battery packs which means you can tuck them inside clear vases or mason jars for a simple display.
You can also drape them over shelves, mantels, bookcases, mirrors, or along windows.
Choose a theme for your wrapping
Even gifts – whether under a tree of artfully piled on a side table – add to the decor. Choose one colour scheme or wrapping and ribbon combo for a cohesive and stylish look to the gifts you are giving this year.
Smells Like Christmas: The Best Festive Scented Candles To Usher In The Holiday Season
