Making an entrance from the moment guests arrive at the property (even while they are still outside, tumbling out of their present-laden cars) adds to the excitement of their festive holiday experience and twinkling lights do this better than anything. The simplest and most effective option is to forage the woods for long twigs then intertwine these with twinkly fairy lights.
Simply use cable ties to secure above door ways, porches or over windows - small teacup hooks screw easily into wood to help hold these displays in place. To give the branches a sprinkling of festive magic, spray a selection of twigs silver or gold to match your colour theme. Placing twigs adorned with hanging baubles into oversized vases is a great way to spread the festive cheer throughout the house, especially in those hard to decorate places such as bathrooms or landings.
Decorating your holiday home for Christmas should be a fun experience but remember to get the decorations out well ahead of time so you know what you have and what might be missing. It's a given to use a real tree, nothing beats the smell of pine floating through the house but for warm areas, the range of artificial trees on the market is fabulous, you can even get one already potted and with battery operated LED lights which is fantastic when you want to place your tree somewhere where there is no plug socket. John Lewis have a good solution if you're unsure of where to start looking.
The scent of Christmas is one of the most recognisable smells and conjures such lovely memories for us all. Ensure your property doesn’t disappoint and dot christmassy scents throughout the house with Plum & Ashby’s Christmas Candle or with a mulled wine scented diffuser from Goodness Gracious.
Setting the table for your guest's arrival is a lovely gesture so be sure to lay it with your best crockery and glassware and dress the dinner table with a lush garland down the centre, intertwined with silver candle sticks - so simple and so chic. If you are worried about real garlands drying out and moulting on the table cloth, there is a fantastic range of imitation garlands available on the high street. I adore this one from the queen of faux foliage, Abigail Ahern. Set each place with a simple cinnamon stick wrapped in some pretty ribbon and voilà, you have a long lasting table display!
Whatever decorations you decide upon this Christmas, I hope you have a wonderfully festive season spent with those you love.
