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Create a tablescape
I love a good tablescape, and I up my game at Christmas . I do what I tell my clients to, and layer textures, height and splashes of colour using runners, place mats, tall tapered candles, flowers and foliage (I like to use potted herbs as a centrepiece to add scent). The key thing is to leave enough room for the turkey and trimmings. I detest Christmas crackers; they’re table clutter, so are banned. And last year we used a couple of large Victorian serving platters I found in a charity shop, to avoid having loads of vegetable dishes taking up every inch of space. It also saved on the washing-up.
More candles – and coil lights in vases
I change the colour of any tall candles from white or pale pink to deeper shades of pink and red. And I coil fairy lights into big glass vases so that by Christmas, the house is twinkling with anticipation. You can get both from Ikea.
Commit to a colour
For me, the festive season is always about making the space feel decadent – royal camp is the best way to describe it. My tree ritual is really committing to a colour – I approach it like I’m designing a collection – and the last couple of years have been almost all white. Obviously, I know it’s beautiful to have a tree full of baubles that represent memories, but I’m silhouette-driven and like high-impact choices, which opting for one colour gives.
Burn some incense
When I want a clean smell that reminds me of log fires, I burn Ember incense (£35) from Vyrao. It’s just gorgeous. That, along with the smells of proper cooking and baking, is the scent of Christmas to me.
Display your dried hydrangeas
If you’re looking to bring the outdoors in this Christmas but fancy a change from slowly desiccating greenery, starting with something that’s already beautifully decayed is a nifty solution. Dried allium heads have a celebratory air – they evoke fireworks, especially if you coat them in metallic spray-paint – but for something a little more ubiquitous look to dried hydrangea flowers . They are starting to brown and dry naturally now in a garden near you (alternatively, ask your florist), and you don’t need many to make a show-stopping table or mantle arrangement. Tie with a piece of velvet ribbon if you fancy, or weave them into a wreath (just be mindful of having candles nearby). Their aesthetic is universal, so come 6 January you won’t need to take them down.
Festoon your bannisters
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