Decorating for Christmas: themes, schemes and traditions

Oh, it's a wonderful time of the year for going wild with lights, greenery, ribbons and sparkly, shiny bits. Love it.

Now, Christmas décor usually goes one of three ways:

• The ‘corporate’ colour scheme – which, unless you're careful with your colour choices and textures, can make your home look like an office, eek.

• This year’s trends – perfect for shops, hotels and restaurants, and it can look beautiful in the right home…if you can afford to change everything each year.

• A traditional scheme that comes out every Christmas, maybe with the odd tweak here and there to freshen things up.

In my home, it’s the latter. My tree has white lights and a heady mix of decorations dating from before I was born, right up to the annual new bauble/hanging. Every piece has its own story and memory, and I love it.

For the first time, I’ve ditched the silver tinsel on the tree and gold fruit all over my swags, and thrown poinsettia heads everywhere instead. Have to be honest, I’m pretty tickled with the result.

Here’s a cunning tip if space is a bit tight and you have an imitation Christmas tree with removable branches. Don’t put the branches all the way around; just do two-thirds of the tree and then you can nestle it back against a wall – it’s what I do in the landing/hallway of my apartment. Just be careful to distribute the weight evenly and pop some heavy bits round the back, or you can end up with a jaunty lean!

Go wild with greenery

Christmas is a whimsical, joyful time when you can really go mad with branches, sprays and the suchlike. You almost can’t go too far...

 Credits: Homes & Gardens | Elle Decor | House & Garden | Houzz | House & Garden | Homes & Gardens

A themed scheme

Themes and trends really require some effort, but the result can be a showstopper.

This year, one of my favourite haunts, Gleneagles, has gone for the theme of an enchanted forest inspired by the myths and legends of Scottish folklore. “Sparkling baubles, whimsical foxes, and glittering pheasants adorn our Christmas tree. Uncover magical fairy houses and mystical mushrooms in the most unexpected places...adding a touch of wonder to every corner.”

Although the materials used for some of the animals has given them a rather odd look (!) I think it’s a lovely subtle colour scheme with great use of blush and nudes. Overall, the hotel has been decorated beautifully – particularly the front entrance, foyer and stairs by the main bar.

Next year?

If you fancy trying something different next year, go for it! While Christmas can be a great opportunity to go bolder than you usually would, I'd be tempted to follow the same principals for colours that apply to home décor generally. Keep the basics and larger pieces in a monochromatic or harmonious palate and then scatter just one or two complementary accent colours here and there.

I love it when people change up their accessories and put special Christmas-themed ornaments and other items around their home, so feel free to indulge in festive cushions, throws, door hangings, etc. Even if they're not directly Christmas related, just having some red, green, gold and white pieces - or any other colours that tie in with your seasonal scheme - makes the whole place feel a bit special.

And if you’d like some inspiration, here are a few ideas I think are rather lovely:

Credits: Real Homes | Real Homes | Homes & Gardens | Ideal Home | Real Homes | The Cottage Journal | Homes & Gardens | Elle Decor | Homes & Gardens | Elle Decor | Real Homes | Real Homes | Elle Decor | Elle Decor | House Beautiful