We tend to associate Christmas decoration with wreaths & garlands, baubles hanging on the Christmas tree, tinsel lighting and shiny wraps…

Although these elements are the most familiar decorating details, they can be complemented or replaced by interesting displays with a contemporary twist.

Although you can buy some ready-made Xmas props, they are best made by yourself - allowing them to be unique yet coherent with the rest of your decor..

This is a preview, read Christmas displays in full.

Make your own candles!

Candles are one of the most important elements of Christmas decoration and entertaining because of the ambiance created by the dancing of the flames, the soft light, the shadows, the festive scents etc. The shops and home stores are packed with candles of a various shapes, sizes, colours and scents -   but, oh boy, some of them cost a fortune!..

This is a preview, read Christmas candles in full.

It’s St Nicholas Day.

Today is the day when you should put up your Christmas decoration. Or at least you should have worked out which décor theme you want to go with this year. If you want to miss out on the usual Christmas nightmares of panicking, arguing and getting stressed out - you should really start preparing for the holidays. NOW. You’ll need to consider a lot - particularly if you’re hosting the Christmas dinner and/or a party for friends & family.  First, you’ll need to sort out your home decoration, sending out your Christmas cards, your gifts, the tree, the shopping for your party… you see, there is a lot to do  - so start now!..

This is a preview, read St Nicholas Day in full.

Christmas is about giving - it’s meant to be about giving love, but these days it’s about giving presents. Most shops & stores are already full of gifts and presents seducing us into the madness of Xmas buying (despite promising ourselves last year that we’d never again spend so much money on presents!).

So, before you start going wild with your credit card, why don’t you consider making some of this year’s gifts yourself? Particularly if you have lots of friends and family members to think about! Not only could you save yourself a lot of money, but you’d make something unique and individual that will be much more appreciated..

This is a preview, read DIY Christmas gifts in full.

Decorating the Christmas table

When it comes to decorating for Christmas, we think about garlands & wreaths, the tree, the outside, the lighting… etc. We tend to leave the Christmas table to the last minute..

This is a preview, read Christmas Table Decoration in full.

In the previous article I wrote about how to make baubles and how to use candles when decorating for Christmas.

As I explained, first you should decide on your theme; then look around shops and stores for inspiration; then get out your previous decoration bits - utilize those that fit within your theme and alter those that don’t look suitable.

Beside baubles and candles, Christmas decoration is characterised by wreaths and garlands.
There are some beautiful ones in the stores - but why don’t you make your own unique pieces?..

This is a preview, read Christmas wreath & garland in full.

Make your own Christmas decor!

Christmas is only a month away - this seems a long time to think ahead, yet you could save a lot of hassle if you start to think about your Christmas decor, your parties, gifts & present. Avoid the usual nightmare before Christmas by planning ahead and getting organised..

This is a preview, read DIY Christmas Decor in full.

Christmas decoration theme for kids & parties

Of all the Christmas Decorating themes, this is the most fun and exciting. It’s based on fairytales and fables - either Christmas stories and myths such as Lapland, Santa & Friends, Fairies & Angels and the Nativity - or famous story characters such as Harry Potter or other favourites..

This is a preview, read Fairyland in full.

Designer Chic

If you’re after the Christmas decorating trend of 2005, this is the look for you. It is basically a take on the elegant decoration theme - but, for this look, glamour is the prominent feel, driven by the latest fashion and decor trends. This is the must-look for serious fashionistas and design-followers (or gurus)..

This is a preview, read Christmas Decor trend in full.

Timeless Elegance

Timeless Elegance is the classy Christmas decoration theme. It can be classic or contemporary, glamorous or understated, timeless or fashionable. The most important feature of this theme is to accomplish harmony, balance and visual connection between space and decor. It’s very much a designer look that needs careful styling and detailing. If you’re not confident or experienced in design - it might be better for you to commission a designer or stylist..

This is a preview, read Elegant Christmas decoration in full.