There is something truly magical about preparing your home for Christmas, whether you are hosting friends or family or just enjoying a quiet, cosy season at home. Styling your space for the holidays is all about creating warmth, texture and a sense of calm but don’t forget this is your home don’t feel pressured into following the latest trends if you have family heirlooms that look a bit worn out, or something children made at school just go for it, this is what makes Christmas special.
START WITH NATURAL TEXTURES
Before you start adding sparkle and bling, ground your decor with natural textures. Think baskets/bowls filled with pine cones, wooden trays for candles and glass ornaments, sheepskin for the base of Christmas trees.
Try pairing a rustic wooden tray with one of our St Eval hand poured candles with a few sprigs of greenery from the garden for an effortless, simple centrepiece.
ADD SOFT, AMBIENT LIGHTING
Nothing says “Christmas at Home” like the soft flicker of candles or the soft glow of fairy lights. Using tealight holders and candles at different heights around a room will create gentle pools of light and add interest to dark corners. If you are worried about using candles they can easily be replaced with fairly lights in tealight holders and vases again at different heights around the room.
Try a cluster of 3 candles together on a sideboard with a mirror behind to double the warmth and reflection
BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
One of my favourite things to do at this time of year is to go foraging – either in the garden or on a walk through the local woods, I’ll gather pinecones, fallen twigs, sprigs of ivy, conifer or a touch of holly. Adding them along a mantelpiece, stair rail or dining table instantly brings texture and that fresh, natural feeling of winter indoors.
Mix in a few subtle fairy lights and you’ve got a gentle, festive twinkle that feels both elegant and effortless.
If foraging isn’t your thing, faux greenery and flowers can look just as beautiful, our Christmas collection includes a stunning range of faux florals and seasonal foliage. When styled in a simple neutral vase they create a timeless, minimal look that lasts.
CREATE COMFORT CORNERS
Christmas is the season to take things easy and go at your pace, it’s not just about decoration it’s about how a space feels. Add extra throws and cushions to sofas or chairs for that “curl up with a hot chocolate” feeling. Mix different textures – wool, velvet, faux fur.
Try keeping a basket full of rolled up throws near chairs so they can be easily grabbed and curled up with.
SET A BEAUTIFUL TABLE
I’m not a big advocate for lots of items on a Christmas table but having a few simple items will elevate it from normal to seasonal. Try a linen runner over the centre of the table, add a small mini wreath or table decoration with a hint of gold or silver – simple but elegant.
Willow & Hen tip: add name cards tied with a small sprig of faux greenery or ribbon for a personal touch.
Link for the Willow & Hen Christmas Shop
Most of all have fun with styling your home for Christmas and enjoy the time with family and friends.
Sue x
