How to decorate your home for Christmas

Nothing beats a bit of decorating to get you into the Christmas spirit. From sparkling baubles to beautiful leafy wreaths, festive trimmings are a failsafe way to make your Christmas special. These days, you can find decorations and ornaments to suit your home no matter what, so building your perfect winter wonderland is easier than ever. Not sure how to decorate your home this festive season? Find inspiration in our complete guide to Christmas décor and get ready to deck the halls.

When should you decorate for Christmas?

When choosing the date for decorating, there’s no right or wrong. If you’re a stickler for tradition, aim for the first day of Advent (the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day). Some people decorate early, in November, while others hold fire until Christmas Eve. Pick a day that suits your family, and try not to worry about when everyone else is decorating.

Christmas décor essentials

Your seasonal décor is about personal preference and family traditions. But it wouldn’t be Christmas without some of the classics. Have you checked off the essentials?

1. The Christmas tree

The Christmas tree is at the very top of our décor wish list, a silhouette that's a traditional symbol of festive cheer. Whether you want to create a winter wonderland with a white tree or love a conventional green, you’re guaranteed to find one that suits your home.

2. Christmas tree baubles and accessories

Accessories transform your tree into a centrepiece of the festive season, so take time to pick them wisely. Some people like to rotate their Christmas tree accessories or pick a theme each year. Others stick with the same family favourites – the choice is yours!

You could go for colourful baubles for a fairytale look or create a magical winter theme with snowy whites and icy blues. If your tree isn’t pre-lit, you’ll also need to select the perfect lights, whether that’s a warm glow or cool white.

When your lights, baubles and accessories are in place, it’s time to position the tree topper. Angels and stars are conventional choices, but you can find many unique Christmas tree toppers to make your tree stand out.

3. Festive lighting

With festive lighting, you can create a cosy, snuggly atmosphere in your home. Hang them up on your mantelpiece, wrap them around your staircase bannister or lay them on your windowsill. Lights are versatile decorations that can be used in so many ways.

4. A wreath

A Christmas wreath takes pride of place on your front door, giving guests a sneak peek of what they can expect inside. If you’re torn between two, ask yourself, “Which wreath matches my interior?” Choose one infused with gold and silver touches, a neutral or colourful option to complement your décor. Timeless green, red and gold wreaths look beautiful alongside traditional Christmas decorations.

Extra Christmas décor accessories

You’ve nailed the décor essentials. Now it’s time to add the final touch with extra accessories to elevate your space. We have four easy ways to sprinkle more magic around your home ahead of the festivities.

1. Festive garlands

Christmas garlands are another traditional decoration that can boost the festive aesthetic in your home. Add a hint of nostalgia with this versatile trimming on your Christmas dinner table, laid on the mantlepiece or draped around your front door. Traditional garlands are made from pinecones, leaves and dried fruits. Modern styles can feature trendy bauble clusters and painted foliage.

2. Christmas stockings

Decorate the fireplace and welcome Santa in style by hanging Christmas stockings for your family. Coordinate or mix and match with fun designs to suit each unique personality. Think colourful Christmas stockings with festive characters for kids and classic red and white options for the grown-ups.

3. Christmas soft furnishings

Christmas soft furnishings are easy to forget, but they can take your festive décor to the next level. Inject some cosiness with Santa scatter cushions for the sofa and soft throws to snuggle up in front of the fire. 

4. Personalised Christmas decorations

If you think your décor is missing something extra special, personalised Christmas decorations will do the trick. Here are our top ways of customising your festive setup: 

• Add names to Christmas stockings. 
• Use your favourite family photos to create tree baubles.
• Personalise Santa sacks with the kids’ names. 
• Include your house name or number on your wreath. 

How can I make my house look Christmassy?

Are you stuck in a Christmas décor rut? Coming up with new ways of bringing festive cheer to your home can be tricky. Here are some ways to spread the magic around your home this year.


Christmas bedroom décor ideas 

When sprucing up your bedroom at Christmas, the key is furnishings. Swap your usual bedding for a festive alternative, decorate with Christmassy cushions and throws and arrange seasonal ornaments on your dressing table.

Christmas living room inspiration  

You can never have too many decorations in the cosy heart of your home. In addition to your tree and garlands, add lights above the fireplace or around the inside of your windows. Christmas scents are a great way to get into the holiday mood. Pick some festive home fragrances, with notes of cinnamon and cranberries, for an irresistibly Christmassy atmosphere in your living room.

Festive hallway decorating ideas

A high-traffic area like the hallway deserves as much attention as any other room. Spruce up the staircase with a festive garland, add tinsel or decorate a side table with Christmassy ornaments.

There are so many creative ways to decorate your home this Christmas. For more inspiration, discover our complete collection of Christmas decorations and find timeless pieces that suit your home.