Dashing through the snow.....

Christmas is my favourite time of the year and with only a few days to go until it's time to start opening the advent calendars I wanted to share with you some tips to help make this Christmas your homes' most stylish yet!!

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Wrap your presents in coordinating wrapping paper so that it looks styled when placed under the tree - for a traditional look add ribbons and bows.

Add artificial branches with pine cones into your artificial tree - this helps fill in the gaps that give away that your tree is faux and also adds texture and different shades to the tree.

If you are using a real tree do be prepared for a lot of loose needles on the floor when its time to move your tree out the house in the new year - using a tree skirt not only looks festive but will also help keep the needles from spreading.

Candles are a must have for decorating at this festive time of year - I am a big supporter of battery operated ones, they are safe around children and pets as there is no fire risk if knocked over. There are so many available on the market now which look just like the real thing, from church candles to tea lights.

Table decorations look lovely but they can get in the way when Christmas dinner is going to be served - by arranging your centrepiece on a serving board or a decorative tray it can be easily lifted off while you are eating and then quickly put back in place afterwards.

If you are using fragile decorations and glass baubles on your tree make sure you hang them on the upper branches, they are less likely to be knocked off by children and pets when higher up.

Traditional colours for Christmas decorations are gold, red and green but if you are wanting to try something more modern try a monochrome palate; to bring in festive warmth use oversized decorations on a large tree. 

If you use a garland around your room add some sparkle by weaving a battery operated light set within it - this works whatever style you are going for, traditional green foliage or frosty white. You could also do this with your Christmas wreath but don't forget for a front door wreath to check if the set is suitable for outdoor use.

I hope these tips will help you with your decorating, whether you are buying new decorations, using family heirlooms or making them this year have fun and enjoy what is my favourite part of the run up to Christmas. Don't forget to share what you have achieved in the comments below, I would love to see your festive homes - Happy Christmas everyone!!