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Whether you are a traditionalist or more commercial than a pop culture boy band, Christmas decorating requires a harmony between seasonal symbols and personal flair. So exercise your right to that Mr. Grinch tree topper
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Christmas trees are split along two lines: artificial and real. And while displaying an artificial tree doesn't necessarily mean tacky, they won't have that pleasant pine smell. Read our guide on Christmas trees to find out which one is perfect for your home. |
After intense research, scientists have concluded that a brassed off Father Christmas did not start tree fires (as it was previously thought); the fires were a product of the once common tree candles. These days we stick with fairy lights; they are safe and can be put anywhere with an outlet and a staple gun |
Baubles Between the baubles and the lights, your Christmas guests will be hypnotized, which may be necessary if you forgot to get someone a gift. Avoid over-dressing your tree by sticking to one or two types of ornaments and a handful of colours. |
A tree is incomplete without a topper. So unless you like an air of hollow emptiness in your Christmas, please give the tree a hat; it can be an angel, a star, or Father Christmas Remember: use a step ladder when adding the star. It'd be a shame to ruin all those baubles due to clumsiness. |
Chocolate coins and other chocolate tree decorations Stay firm; you don't want to eat all the sweets while decorating the tree! Try to limit yourself to one a day to avoid sudden bald patches in the fir. |
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Nothing spruces up the indoors like a little Christmas floral accent (real or fake). They look great in doorways, on the tree or on banisters. Remember to keep them out of the reach of kids and pets. |
Decorate banisters, trees, poles, and more with garland, whether it's shiny like tinsel or made from poinsettias and pine cones to give your tree a fuller look. |
Wrap long strands of them around your tree or hang little locks from the ends of branches; either way you'll be adding a festive look to your tree. They're also good for decorating gift boxes |
Individual tinsel strings can get a bit messy but they are pretty nonetheless. I like to throw some strands on the tree or use it as a shimmery hanging decoration. You may also choose the cleaner tinsel garland |
Cheap, popular, disposable, and easy to store. Plus they are fun and require little to no maintenance. Perfect for decorating a classroom or adding a little holiday spirit to an impromptu party. |
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Every Christmas is a White Christmas |
Don't have a place to display all those cards that everyone sends? Make a decoration out of them with a Christmas card holder! *Note: The holder will look silly devoid of cards. |
Make Christmas more real with these moving Christmas decorations. These make great gifts, especially if you're looking for something they're unlikely to already have. Don't forget the batteries! |
If you're hosting a holiday party, your table will need some dressing up with special additions. |
Things to stick to your walls and windows, or to brighten them up. Easy and fun for kids, and a cinch to clean up after the holiday. |
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These are to be left by the bed, mantle, or fireplace in hopes that Father Christmas will fill them with trinkets and gifts. |
A Yule log was traditionally a piece of wood that would be burned throughout the twelve days of Christmas. These days, however, it is more commonly known as a chocolate log cake |
For those who would like to remind themselves about the meaning of Christmas (I too was shocked that it wasn't about presents). |
Wassail Bowls The traditional crockery used for drinking wassail: a hot spicy punch from ye olden days. Feel free to substitute with ale. |
A sneaky way to steal a kiss or, failing that, to start a discussion on whether or not the plant is poisonous. |
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This festive plant is traditionally Mexican, but has become popular in many parts of the world. Its red leaves could not be more suited for Christmas. |
These crackers are popped at the table after dining. They contain tiny presents or paper hats which are usually commensurate with the cost of the crackers. |
These can be used to house gifts, sweets, or to decorate the house. |
Count the days until Christmas with an advent calendar. They are available in chocolate |
Although candles no longer light our trees, they remain part of our decorative repertoire. |
Before you begin, you may want to consult our Winter Decorating guide. Go on, we'll wait.
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