Getting the home into the holiday spirit with Shaynna Blaze

Need some handy tips to get your home into the holiday spirit? Style queen Shaynna Blaze is here to help!
With Christmas right around the corner there's no time but the present to start preparing!

TIP 1: HANG THE WREATH

A Christmas wreath at the door marks the start of Christmas for me - it reminds me every day that the festive season has arrived.

TIP 2: THINK OF A THEME

Start your planning by coming up with a theme - it can be anything you want. Handmade decorations, a traditional approach with snow and reindeer's, a single colour palette like pink or blue, or all white and ethereal…

By setting a theme you'll keep things visually consistent no matter how many decorations or embellishments you add.

TIP 3: SIZE UP YOUR TREE

A tree that hits the ceiling, or one you can pop on a table-top? A live tree or a fake one you put away every year? Your choice will come down to the size of your home, and the time you have to put it up and take it down again.

A small tree on a side table can be just enough if you live in a small home, and I always love to have the Christmas tree in an everyday living area so I have it in my thoughts as a constant reminder of Christmas.

TIP 4: DECK THE TABLE

Use greenery to decorate the table boldly (large boughs of rosemary or vines of ivy are great options), and add small woodland creature tree decorations.

This will create a hide-and-seek feel, and give your table a sense of adventure which will just feed the excitement levels, especially with your younger guests, who can then take the ornaments away as little gifts at the end of the day.

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TIP 5: HERO THE FOOD

Chances are you've spent hours slaving over a hot stove or barbecue, so put some love into the presentation of your food. Choose boards or platters that complement your theme and colour palette, and layer mains, sides, nibbles and condiments generously. And don't forget to check that your serving implements complement your overall look and feel, but that they are also functional.

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