Seasonal decorating ideas

We are lucky enough to live in a country where Christmas time is warm and colourful. What better reason to bring the lush colours from outdoors inside. Add greenery wherever it takes your fancy, for example hang garlands of ivy around your doorways and on mantles.

Table centrepiece

Find some old vintage tree decorations and place them in a large, shallow fruit bowl.  You can also add some green leaves from the garden to finish off the look.

  
Photo: Very Merry Vintage Style

Custom chandelier

Create an interesting chandelier with a group of large vintage baubles.  Hang them in a big cluster from your ceiling using brightly coloured ribbon.

 
Photo: www.lalalaurie.com

Glass Charms

Create festive glass charms to help your guests keep track of their own beverage. Simply tying a different coloured ribbon around the stem of your champagne and wine glasses is an effortless gesture that your guests will love.

Illuminate!

Nothing says Christmas more than fairy lights and candles.

Group different sized white and/or glass tealight holders on your mantle or coffee table and enjoy the festive glow.   Or wrap some fairy lights around your stairway banister to help guide Santa on his way!

 
Photo: Luna Lighting

Make your mailbox merry

Give your guests a warm Christmas welcome by decorating your letterbox.  Attach a festive bouquet or wreath of colourful Christmas cheer - what a lovely gesture this makes for your postman too! 

 
Photo: Design Rulz

Colour match

Get savvy with your decorating by colour matching with your existing decor. Plan to use similar tones and colours that complement what you already have in your home. Even very neutral interiors of beige and cream can come to life with the use of metallic golds and soft greens for example.

Also consider wrapping all your gifts in the same colours to tie it all together!  

 
Photo: Style USA

Theme cushions

Switch up your cushions and throws for the Christmas season.

Store your everyday cushions at the beginning of December and bring out your festive ones!  They don’t have to be green and red, and can work with the colours you have used on your tree or gift wrapping. There are some tasteful holiday themed covers out there if that’s more your style.

Your lounge area will be instantly transformed! 

 
Photo: Beauty Jamaica

Deck the chairs

Spread the festive cheer to your dining chairs by dressing them up.

Wrap a wide strip of fabric around the backs of your chairs for an instant holiday transformation. Try a basic cotton or linen for a natural look, or a bold red and green tartan. Include an extra wide ribbon and large bow in a complementary hue to finish off the look.

 
Photo: Kelly Hicks Design

This article was originally published on realestate.com.au, ‘Seasonal decorating ideas’