Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas Decorating

Every year it seems as though Christmas comes around faster than ever, and there's always a mad rush to get everything prepared. Along with buying presents, organising food and drinks and choosing the perfect outfit, we're all itching to tick Christmas decorating off our to-do list.

Christmas decorations make your entire home feel festive and magical, and encourage friends and family to embrace the joy of the season. Our step-by-step guide will help you decorate your home for Christmas, regardless of your time limit or budget.

Quick Links:

• Step 1: Crafting a Memorable Entryway
• Step 2: Christmas Decorating For The Living Room
• Step 3: Decorating the Dining Room For Christmas
• Step 4: How To Decorate A Christmas Tree
• How To Choose the Perfect Tree

Step 1: Crafting a Memorable Entryway

The entryway sets the tone for the seasonal displays that await within your home. From the moment guests approach your front door, the magic of the season should be palpable. Let's explore how to craft a memorable entryway that seamlessly blends holiday charm with your personal style.

• Welcoming Wreaths - Whether it's a traditional evergreen Christmas wreath adorned with berries and pine cones or a DIY creation featuring family photos and ornaments, the wreath on your front door is the first glimpse of your holiday spirit and invites in the season.
• Personalised Doormats - Extend a warm welcome with a festive doormat that not only showcases holiday cheer but also reflects your personality. Choose a doormat that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Pick out a Christmas-themed door stop to complete the look.
• Lighting Up the Entryway - From twinkling string lights to the soft glow of lanterns, lighting plays a crucial role in creating a magical ambience. Explore creative ways to illuminate your entryway, ensuring it beckons guests with a warm and inviting glow.
• Christmas Door Decor -. Explore ideas for personalised door decor, such as wreath hangers, monogrammed signs, or even a touch of DIY paint or handmade garlands to infuse your entryway with a sense of uniqueness.

Seasonal Touches: Small Details, Big Impact

Discover the power of small details in making a big impact. Whether it's a charming holiday-themed mailbox or a festive arrangement of poinsettias, subtle touches can enhance the overall atmosphere of your entryway.

By infusing your entryway with a personalised touch, you set the stage for a festive experience that encompasses the spirit of the season and reflects your individual style.

Step 2: Christmas Decorating For The Living Room

The living room is the heart of the home and many holiday gatherings, where family and friends come together to celebrate. Let's explore how to infuse this central space with Christmas charm, emphasising a personal touch that mirrors your unique taste.

• Select Your Signature Xmas Palette & Theme - Choosing a colour palette sets the foundation for your living room's holiday transformation. Whether you lean towards classic red and green, opt for rustic and earthy neutrals, or prefer a modern mix of metallic bushland Christmas motifs, we'll guide you on selecting a palette that resonates with your personal style. Explore our guide on the best Christmas trends for this year to get some inspiration.
• Personalised Accents - Adorn your living room with decor that tells a story. Dive into the world of personalised Christmas home ornaments, family photos, and old Christmas cards from loved ones that beautify your space and evoke cherished memories. Curate a Christmas scene with traditional figurines, collectables and ornaments to place along your mantle or coffee table.
• Christmas Lighting for the Living Room - Lamps and lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Explore a combination of Christmas lights, candles, and strategically placed fairy lights to impart a warm and inviting ambience. Discover safe and stylish ways to illuminate your living space.

Cosy Comfort: Christmas Cushions, Blankets, and More

Enhance the comfort of your living space with plush holiday-themed throw pillows and blankets. Discover how these simple additions not only create a cosy atmosphere but also serve as opportunities to express your decorative flair.

Your living room should reflect not just the seasonal trends but, more importantly, the warmth and joy that define your personal celebration.

Step 3: Decorating the Dining Room For Christmas

The dining room is a place where cherished conversations are shared and family feasts unfold. Transform your dining space into a place of celebration that marries style with the spirit of the season with these tips.

• Christmas Table Centerpieces - The dining table is the centrepiece of holiday gatherings. Discover the art of creating captivating centrepieces that go beyond the ordinary. From candles and greenery to vases, design a focal point that sets the stage for festive dining.
• Christmas Table Linens: Setting the Foundation - Choose Christmas-themed table linens that complement your overall theme. Whether you prefer traditional patterns, modern designs, or a mix of both, table linens can add sophistication to your holiday table.
• Christmas Serving Ware - From monogrammed plates to handcrafted ceramics, curate a Christmas dining set that not only serves your holiday feast but also serves as a reflection of your style.
• Ambient Dining Room Lighting - Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with the right lighting. Enjoy candlelit dinners and explore other creative ways to incorporate ambient lighting, from elegant candle holders to fairy lights that dance above your dining table. Put string lights in jars or run them along the centre of the table accompanied by Christmas garlands to create a romantic and festive atmosphere.

Don't Forget The Thoughtful Details

It's the little details that make a dining experience memorable. From personalised placemats to Christmas crackers and thematic cloth napkins, discover how thoughtful details add an extra layer of charm to your holiday table setting.

Step 4: How To Decorate A Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree stands as the centrepiece of holiday traditions, a symbol of joy and togetherness. Mastering the art of decorating your Christmas tree goes beyond trends - it's about crafting a holiday centrepiece that resonates with your personal style.

• Choose A Christmas Tree Lighting Scheme - If you're planning on hanging string lights on your tree, pop these on before any decorations. Think about where you'll be plugging them in, and if possible, place your tree in a corner near an easily-accessible power point. Wind the lights around the tree from the bottom up, to keep them tangle-free. Leaving the lights on while you add the other ornaments will help you visualise what the finished tree will look like.
• The right lighting can elevate your tree from ordinary to extraordinary. Explore creative lighting strategies, including the use of string lights, LED candles and light-up floor ornaments for evenly distributing the glow to showcase your tree in its full glory.
• Christmas Ornaments & Baubles - Ornaments and baubles are the soul of your Christmas tree, and personalisation adds a layer of sentiment. If you have handmade decorations, family heirlooms, or mementos from special occasions, each tells a story on your tree. Mix and match your personal Christmas tree decorations with a curated bauble set that suits your colour theme to tie it all together.
• Layering and Filling Out The Gaps In Your Tree - Layering ornaments and filling gaps with garlands, ribbons, or tinsel helps to create a full look for your tree. Experiment to achieve a balanced and lush appearance that captivates the eye.
• Tree Skirts and Toppers: Complete the Look - The finishing touches matter. Select a tree skirt or tree collar that complements your overall theme and enhances the aesthetic of your tree. From traditional toppers like stars and angels to more unconventional choices, find the perfect crown for your tree.

How To Choose the Perfect Tree: Real Christmas Trees vs. Artificial Christmas Trees

The foundation of a stunning Christmas tree begins with choosing the right tree for your space. Consider the differences between real and artificial Christmas trees. Here are some of the pros and cons of each to help guide your decision.

Fake vs Real Christmas Tree Comparison Table

Your Home, Your Celebration - Make Christmas Unique and Special With Harris Scarfe

The essence of the season lies in creating a space that feels uniquely yours. Whether it's creating a welcoming entryway, a cosy living room, an ambient dining area, or decorating the crowned jewel - the Christmas tree - make practical choices that resonate with your style. This season, bring Christmas home, and enjoy the holidays with a touch of festive simplicity. Enjoy a celebration that's uniquely and unmistakably yours. Shop the entire Christmas range online and in-store at Harris Scarfe today.

From the entire team at Harris Scarfe, we send you warm wishes this festive season. May your celebrations be filled with love, laughter and peace!