Christmas
Supersize paper snowflakesCutting out paper snowflakes to stick on windows or hang from door frames is a quick, easy and super-cheap way to decorate, but super-size them like these and you create real impact. These concertina designs are shop-bought, but you can make something similar (there are heaps of tutorials online). They’re perfect for hanging over the Christmas dinner table.
Rethink your baublesWhether you’ve pared down the tree a little or are making do without one altogether, take those unused baubles and hang them from a decorative branch – you’ll usually find a few on the ground at the end of a windy day, but florists sell them, too. Or pile the baubles into a glass vase and pop them on the hall table for a pretty (and quick) centrepiece.
Layer your Christmas tableA festively set Christmas dinner table is just as important as a well-dressed tree – and it won’t take much effort to make a big deal of yours. Here, lengths of fabric criss-cross the table beneath a long garland dotted with candles. It’s seriously fast to put together, but will look as if you’ve made a proper effort-and-a-half.
Decorate the banisterApply nearly every step you’ve just taken for the wreath, but this time for a garland. The long length of wire needn’t be as thick as the one for the wreath, and you can run the garland straight down the banister or create pretty swags. Complete the picture with a length of ribbon beneath to which you can peg Christmas cards.
Hang a welcoming wreathMake a good first impression with a wreath. There are masses of fake, shop-bought ones you can dress up differently each year – or try this: wind a length or two of foliage around a circle of thick wire, then attach cones, berries and decorations with thinner wire. As a finishing touch, weave in some battery-run fairy lights.
Make a decorative advent calendarWhat could be simpler (and more of a money-saver) than a grid of 24 numbered envelopes, glued face-down on a piece of stiff card, with mini gifts, chocolates or festive messages inside? Go for minimalist white for a really contemporary feel or choose brightly coloured or decorated envelopes for children. (Get onto it now and there’ll still be time to do it for the 12 days of Christmas!)See 10 inspiring ideas for a Scandi-style Christmas
Undress the treeTree overloaded? If you steal just a few baubles, then add some white-sprayed pine cones to the mix, you have the ingredients for a simple place-setting decoration. Stick to a single colour theme for a sophisticated look, or have fun with brightly coloured baubles that will appeal to children.What’s your go-to Christmas decoration idea? Share it in the Comments section.
Q