How to Decorate Your Home for Christmas

There’s no denying the tree is the main event, so choose a theme to keep everything looking cohesive. Classic red, green and gold baubles are a great go-to, or lean into a more playful look with kitsch designs and colourful lights. For the minimalists, layer neutral metallics with earthy colours for a calming, rustic feel.

After you’ve dressed your tree with string lights and hung your decorations, add depth and texture by layering matching tinsel or garlands. Don’t forget the all-important tree topper; choose an eye-catching design to draw the eye to the top of the tree.

Mark the start of the festive season by hanging up a Christmas wreath. If you’ve chosen a traditional theme, choose natural foliage with red berries and cinnamon sticks for a warm welcome home. Contemporary light-up wire wreaths are a great alternative, designed with colourful baubles or decorations for extra impact.

Wreaths and light-up garlands also work well as wall decoration – try hanging one above your bed or in the hallway to spread the festive cheer. Create a cluster of winter greenery using indoor plants and add a soft glow by scattering hurricane lanterns and string lights.

Why should the tree have all the festive fun? Decorate your mantelpiece with light-up Christmas garlands and evergreen foliage to bring the outside in. Add height and texture with a vase full of seasonal greenery and scatter paper decorations or pinecones amongst pillar candleholders to add a warm, subtle glow.

Hang up Christmas stockings to tap into childhood nostalgia, or reuse last year’s gift-wrapping ribbons to suspend vintage-inspired or novelty baubles above the fireplace.

Fragrance can easily make your home feel festive. Blending notes of mandarin, cinnamon, clove, frankincense and myrrh, our Christmas scents create a warm ambience ready for cosy nights in or festive hosting. Place a reed diffuser in the hallway for a fragrant welcome or burn scented candles in the living room to gently diffuse the scent around your home. Get guest-ready by stocking up on tapered candles and candle holders to place on your dining table or mantelpiece. For more top tips on how to scent your home, read our home fragrance buying guide.

From classic heritage checks to playful motifs, Christmas cushions provide an instant festive fix. Scatter on sofas or chairs, layer large and small, or team with coordinating throws to make your space feel seasonal and cosy. Embrace clashing patterns and textures for a gorgeously maximalist feel or keep it simple with traditional patchwork styles. Christmas cushions also make the perfect gift for anyone who loves this time of year, whether you choose a subtle seasonal look or a full-on festive design.

To keep your cushions and throws feeling cohesive, build a colour palette using one or two shades from the same tonal range. Deep red or forest green cushions are easy starting points, then mix in neutrals and subtle patterns that nod to the festive season. Pile up cushions in contrasting shapes and textures; look for luxe fabrics such as velvet or designs with embroidered detailing for a premium look and feel.

Festive hosting requires a little extra effort to set the scene. Embrace the warm, cosy atmosphere of Christmas by dotting around pockets of soft lighting, from your usual table lamps to scattered pillar candles and string lights.

Add subtle accents to your tablescape – pops of red, metallic napkin rings or winter foliage will elevate your usual setting. With extra people to entertain, bring in a few extra cushions, throws and places to perch while you put out the drinks and nibbles. Don't neglect your hallway – spruce up your banister with a fir-style garland or hang some star lights above your staircase.

Whether you’re going all-out or keeping things more low-key, decorating for Christmas is the perfect way to get into the festive mood. Once your wreath and tree have gone up, think about ideas for setting your Christmas table, choosing your favourite festive scent and styling your space for guests with seasonal decorations. Get creative, mix-and-match different patterns and embrace vivid colour to capture the joyful Christmas mood.