ON THE COVER FESTIVE FLOURISHES Contemporary

DARK DRAMA

A monochrome scheme doesn’t have to feel frosty. Combine black and grey shades with metallic sparkles and elevated textures such as crystal and satin to create a tablescape with a luxurious sense of drama. Black china is a clever culinary option too – it can maximise the visual impact of food and allow your feast to take centre stage. Make the table feel extra-special with handwritten place cards and consider laying miniature favours at each setting as a festive treat for guests.

Matt black dinner set, £20/12 pieces; cutlery, £16/16 pieces; highball glass, £6/two; baubles, from 50p each; all George Home

COUNTRY COOL

Luxe but laid-back, this year’s festive countryside trend is all about pairing tactile textures with high-end details. On the dining table, combine smart china and glassware with crumpled linen and natural foliage or pine cones for a look that sets an elegant tone and feels very welcoming. Neptune and The White Company stock tableware that fits the style. Add extra comfort to wooden furniture by draping soft sheepskin rugs along dining benches or fold a woollen throw over chair backs.

Fenton tableware, from £72/six side plates; Ellis placemats, £52/six; Emily napkins, £40/six; Barnes wine glasses, £50/six; Hanley candlesticks, from £26 each; Rosedale etched tealight holders, £18 each; other accessories, from a selection; all Neptune

For a subtle decorating scheme, consider festive accessories in less traditional colours. Muted tones of yellow, pink and green work well with white for a look that’s both soft and unexpected. Keep metallics to a minimum, though, and instead choose twinkling lights or the glow of candles to add a subtle sense of sparkle. For pretty seasonal pieces in these shades, browse the collections at Dunelm and online retailer Smallable.

Paper fans, £8/seven; paper trees, £7/three; light-up garland, £15; light-up moon decoration, £15; stag ornament, £12; all Dunelm

Mix subtle shades such as pale yellow and pastel pink for a modern look that still feels festive

OUT OF THE WOODS

From real, pine-scented trees to holly berry wreaths, natural beauty is celebrated in the festive season. Don’t overlook the potential of simple branches – forage for one substantial enough to hold your favourite baubles and then place it in an oversized vase or ceramic pot. Try using it as a secondary tree on a hallway console table or in the corner of a bedroom to bring a festive look to an otherwise overlooked space.

OVERNIGHT SENSATION

Christmas can be a busy time, so it’s important to have a dedicated spot for rest and relaxation. Turn your bedroom into an indulgent retreat by investing in high quality sheets, a cosy quilt and a cushion or two. Try the range of bedding at Dusk for dreamy options that will help you create a feeling of calm. Don’t forget the festive magic: wreaths, lights and other decorations work just as well in bedrooms as they do elsewhere in the home. For a restful look, choose pieces in shades that will complement those already in your space.

Bedding and accessories, all from a selection at The White Company

QUICK IDEAS TO MAKE IT SPECIAL

Whether you’re an expert crafter or more of a DIY novice, Christmas is the perfect time to flex your creative muscle – with trees, tables and gifts just crying out for some crafty prettifying. These simple suggestions will add a bit of magic and sparkle to your home in no time

WORDS ALICIA FORD

1 FLICKERING DISPLAY

When it comes to displaying, well, anything, it’s all about how you curate it (which really just means what you group together). With tealights, arrange an even number on an ornate tray to form an atmospheric centrepiece – and to make it extra special, why not place them in upcycled glass jars? Turn the jars upside down and coat with a metallic acrylic spray paint to achieve a quick, streak-free finish. Once dry, decorate with twine and fresh foliage for a rustic feel. Metallic acrylic spray paint, Cass Art. Find a similar tray at John Lewis & Partners

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2 GIFT-BOX BAUBLES

If glittery tree decorations aren’t your thing, add some natural charm instead with these smart little packages. Use craft matchboxes as the structure for your present-like decs, wrap in brown paper (or any giftwrap of your choice), secure with tape and tie with a string bow, leaving one of the ends long enough to suspend from a branch. Just remember to tell guests there are no gifts inside! For craft matchboxes, visit bakerross.co.uk

3 LANTERN LOVE

A warm and welcoming display can be yours in an instant with glowing paper lanterns in the shape of Scandinavian houses and decorative fir trees. Draw the shapes onto thin card, including windows and doors for the houses and a pattern on the trees. Cut out, including the details, using a craft knife or small sharp scissors. Your shapes can then be secured to tealight holders or tumblers with double-sided tape. * Taken from Christmas Ornaments (£9.99, CICO Books)

4 DELIGHTFUL DECORATIONS

Made from felt, these pretty ornaments are ideal for decorating foliage and branches. Draw simple shapes onto thin card and cut out (we like these bird and fish designs). Fold felt sheets in half, pin on the card templates and cut out. Use complementary coloured thread to add embellishments, if you like. Make a loop of ribbon or wool to sandwich between the two halves. Secure together (with wrong sides facing) using PVA glue, or you could stitch around the edges, leaving a small gap for stuffing. Fill and finish by sewing up the gap. Felt sheets, from a selection, Hobbycraft

5 GLITTERING VOTIVES

Transform simple tealight holders into twinkling vessels in no time at all. Use PVA glue to fix sequins or bugle beads to glass; it will dry clear. Pour the beads or other embellishments into a shallow dish. Apply glue to the tealight holders with a paintbrush, then roll them in the decorations until well coated. Leave to dry. Tie a pretty ribbon around the base, if you like. Find plain glass tealight holders at Hobbycraft and Ikea