It’s the season for entertaining, so we’ve put together our top tips to add some festive touches to your home this Christmas, to make your guests feel extra special.
Pour the perfect G&T
Following the recent revival of the drinks trolley, it looks like these retro trolleys and bar stands are here to stay. Being both beautiful and functional, it’s worth investing in a high quality piece to add definite wow factor. This mid-century Italian inspired Ravello drinks trolley is available from MY Furniture from £399.99.
Create an Advent of Change
Share the joy of giving by buying an advent calendar with a difference this year. £24 out of the £27.95 you spend on this advent calendar goes to charity. As you and your guests open each door, you’ll discover how your donation will help each of the 24 charities on any given day #AdventOfChange
https://www.adventofchange.com/shop
Light the Candles
Give your guests that warm and fuzzy feeling by making them feel special in your home. Light some candles and add fresh flowers to your bathroom to create a welcome sanctuary. This American walnut wooden blind is available from Blinds 2Go from £16.95
Create a warming drinks station
It’s not all about fizz at Christmas. Why not create a hot chocolate station? While you’re busy with all the preparations, your visitors can have fun helping themselves to a warming hot chocolate complete with toppings. Try marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, cinnamon, flake or popcorn…and maybe some churros for dunking!
Image credit: Polly Eltes
Make your own Wreath
Embrace sustainability and collect your own foliage to make wreaths, garlands or an eye-catching centrepiece for your table, out of fir, holly, berries and fallen cones. If you need some inspiration, local wreath-making courses are becoming increasingly popular. Image from Evolution Windows
Add a Burst of Berry
Pep up neutral tones with rich berry colour accents such as burgundy, plum and mulled wine. Use cushions, blinds and rugs to add textures such as velvet, linen and wool for a touch of decadence. This Plumpton Linen Rouge Roman Blind is available from Blinds 2Go from £36. To stay extra cosy, choose to add the free thermal lining. Plumpton Linen Rouge Blinds from Blinds 2 Go
Put your Wellies on
Take inspiration from the Japanese who always provide slippers for their guests. But instead of slippers, how about providing wellies instead for an invigorating Christmas walk? There’s nothing like an after dinner stroll to work up an appetite for those tasty leftovers. Image from Evolution Windows
Throw on a Chunky Knit
If guests get chilly, give them the option of covering up with the latest trend of a chunky knit throw. If it’s extra cold, add a hot water bottle to their bedside table too. This St Ives throw in light grey is available from £175 from Dusk.com
Add some Sparkle
Treat yourself to a statement decoration. This reindeer head will light up your home and add some festive sparkle, either indoors or outside, to welcome your guests. Available from £55 from Cox & Cox.
Hang up a Stocking
Christmas isn’t just for children. Give your guests their own stocking and fill it with small treats to wake up to, such as chocolates, fruit, nuts or a magazine. Discover other ways to transform your guest’s bedrooms at https://www.idealhome.co.uk/christmas-ideas/christmas-bedroom-decor-187169
Image credit: Mark Scott, featured on www.idealhome.co.uk