As the nights draw in and the days get colder, it’s hard not to think about Christmas. From considering who you’ll invite to dinner, or pondering that perfect guest or wondering when the time is right to open that beautiful box of mince pies, it’s a busy time of year with a lot to think about. However, most importantly to many the focus will be on the decking of the halls to add that all-important touch of sparkle to our homes

When we think of a bauble, they are normally a round glass shape in a beautiful rich red or glitzy gold attached by a bit of ribbon. Every year we are treated to more and more delights and how we can add that extra bit of glam to our Christmas trees.

Geometric shapes are making their debut alongside tones of rose golds and coppers that add that modern edge. These beautiful shapes create dynamism and glamour. Whether two-dimensional or even threedimensional they are perfectly paired with festive style birds, layers of glittered feathers and delicately designed faces; these birds sit on your tree branches creating textures that help fill your tree with beauty and eye catching visions.

Once more, filling your tree with lights will give your tree a sparkle. The lights catch the glitter and glass from your decorations creating textures and colourful reflections. Warm bulbs give a decadent feeling at night fall. The result is beautifully atmospheric, perfect for a cosy night in front of the fire or for a low lit home talking with friends with a cocktail in hand.

As we socially prepare for the busiest time of the year, sometimes a little less is more pleasing and that goes for decorations too. Choosing a theme (though a big commitment) is an important step of achieving impressive results.

Be mindful of your style. Creating a colour palette that already suits the tones of your living room will help it feel more fitting to the space. With this in mind; your decorations will marry up quite nicely. Thick woollen blankets and logs by the fire will get you in the mood of Christmas whilst keeping a calm relaxed environment.

Grey tones and black decorations are classy accessories to a minimalist theme, creating simplicity and elegance. The understated colour palettes can be as inviting as tradtional reds and greens. The aim is to create layers of simplicity, where your living room is your canvas.

Dinner parties can be some of the most enjoyable nights over the Christmas period, whether that be on the big day or throughout Christmas. Adding a little glamour to our tables contributes to making the night extra special but this is much more than just napkins and crackers.

Use garlands or berries and twigs to create a centrepiece. This could be balanced with some lights entwinned to create a warm glow, or candle light to add a warm glow. A flickering wick creates an ambience quite fitting for a dinner setting.

Make the most of your dinnerware. Use your dinnerware colour palette as your base to create your table setting. Napkins and ribbons can be used to hold cutlery and create some layering.

If you are planning to host many guests for dinner, name place cards are a key item to your table. Use gold pens on black paper or Christmas tags tied to cutlery to add an extra touch. Table presents are also a really fun way to get a party started and can be a lot more personal rather than a standard Christmas cracker. You can also wrap them to match the colour scheme.

Table laying can become an art form. However formal your occassion, lay your table right. Read our blog 'The Art of Table Layering' for more inspiration.

Designing your home for the festive period can also be through scents and flavours. Add extra sparkle with candle light of warm glows and ambient tones. Their fragrances of fresh pine or orange and cinnamon create a room of pure joy.

Reed diffusers and potpourri create wonderful scents that can be designed into centerpieces on coffee tables or side cabinets throughout your home. Intertwine these with garlands or a bowl of baubles to add extra Christmas glamour.

For after dinner treats or a coffee moment with friends, why not try coffee flavoured syrups to add an extra festive touch. Gingerbread lattes and pumpkin spice are some of the seasonal delights we love to taste over the Christmas season. These are enough to get anyone in the spirit.

Christmas really is a joy and is the perfect time to get creative. Whether you are a minimalist or you like to add the glitz, Christmas is a feast for the eyes. Bring in the magic to your home with inspiring colour palettes and textures. Create a warm sparkle with lights-a-glow. Once you have added a special touch of Christmas to your home you will be looking forward to hosting friends and family. Read our blog on ‘Hosting The Perfect Dinner Party’ for an added touch of dinner party inspiration. Let the party season begin...