THE BIG DAY is nearly here! Before you know it, you’ll be tearing open presents (and the top button on your jeans after that long-awaited Christmas night turkey sandwich).
But there’s still a little time for some festive shopping and what better way to indulge in the “one for them, one for me” philosophy than stocking up on some Christmas decorations?
This timely investment doesn’t have to blow your gift budget, either. Design wise, the current high street stock decorations go far beyond the strings of tinsel that we used to associate with some of our more popular stores – whether you’re looking for a 7.5 ft tree that’ll last years or just want to add some sparkle to your living room.
So where to start? A great way to build a Christmas collection is to figure out your style and go from there. You might like a red and gold tree, all copper tones with warm white lights or kitsch decorations and as many coloured fairy lights as you can cram on.
Whatever one you go with, commit to it and add to your collection year after year. To get you on the right track, we asked five interior designers for the high street baubles, trees and garlands they have their eye on this year…
1. Helen James Considered paper tree decorations, €3 each, Dunnes Stores: “I’m loving these paper decorations (there’s a tree, a bell, a teardrop shape and a circular shape) from the Helen James Considered rangeI try to stay away from any plastic decorations and these handmade paper ones are so beautiful and come in a really stylish range of colours.”
2. Albert Christmas tree, from €125, Neptune: “I bought one of these trees a few years ago and it’s very real and full. It’s one you’ll have for years to come.”
3. Puleo Fir Tree, €196, Arnotts: ”Festive decor for me starts with the tree. The bigger the better, there’s no denying it’s the beacon of Christmas! I personally love a real tree but if you do go faux, it’s definitely worth investing in something that looks as good as the real thing like this gorgeous 7.5ft fir from Arnotts.”
4. Canal House Teal Light Holder, €25, April and the Bear: ”I light so many candles during the festive season as they create such a wonderfully warm atmosphere. Build a Christmassy scene with these porcelain tea light holders inspired by the picturesque houses along the Amsterdam canal.”
5. Christmas matches, €11, Scout: ”A Christmas candle calls for some Christmas matches, and the pattern on this box from Fine Little Day makes the box a decoration in itself.”
6. Christmas Bed Linen, €22.99, H&M: “Apparently, ‘Santa sees you when you’re sleeping’, so make sure you and your bed are dressed appropriately for the season with this Christmassy bedlinen set by H&M Home.”
7. Chocolate Cracker, €12.50, Butlers Chocolates: Edible decor is always a good idea, and that’s why I love Butler’s chocolate crackers. This large version is €12.50 or you can buy a box of 24 mini crackers for €48. Not only do they look great on your Christmas table, or can be added to stockings and small gifts, but they also taste amazing.
8. Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic paper stars, €10, Dunnes Stores
There’s nothing I love more than an eclectic and homely Christmas, and for me that’s all about texture. Fill your table setting with burlap and foliage, bunting and garlands made from dried orange and cinnamon sticks and use paper decorations for a simple and rustic feel. These paper stars from Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic in Dunnes Stores are the perfect splash of colour for this seasonal aesthetic.
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