Homeowner Shelley Street’s decorative ideas for a jolly holiday style:
1. Candles. And more candles. Preferably all in white and at different heights and widths. I love smelly candles for this time of the year: cinnamon, vanilla, pine, woody and amber notes, as well as really great quality incense and limited-edition room sprays. Jo Malone always has the most gorgeous special festive range.
2. Fairy lights are central to my festive decorating. I use lots of them: in the fireplace (December in South Africa is sizzling hot so it’s the only action the fireplace sees) and draped around the large doorframe of my living room.
3. Pare down color to neutral tones and incorporate texture where you can – found objects from nature is an effective way to do this. I also use things out of context: a necklace as a napkin holder, for example, or wooden and bone serving utensils and vessels.
4. Think sustainably and give old things a new identity. Upcycle old objects and glass containers using spray paint; wrap gifts in newspaper, brown Kraft and butcher’s paper – or try using fabric, the way they do in Japan (called furoshiki, or Japanese wrapping cloth). There is so much readily available in our homes and gardens to incorporate into our decorating.
5. Don’t overthink it when styling your Christmas table and tree. Choose the colors and elements that you love and layer them together. Don’t be too serious about what you are trying to achieve – friends and family always appreciate your efforts and enjoy eating at a beautiful table, and in the end it’s about relationships, good company and great food more than anything else.
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