DEEP MIDWINTER DECORATING

Strike the right note for the festive season with rich dark tones and a subtle shimmer of gold for an enveloping, luxurious mood with an abundance of comfort and joy

Every Christmas is a chance for rejoicing, reconnecting and relaxing, but this year may see celebrations taking on a different form. We do not know if large family reunions can take place, and lavish parties certainly seem to be off the agenda. Quieter, more intimate and personal festivities are likely, with the comforts of home more important than ever.

Here we share a few ideas to set the scene for a cossetting and welcoming home, with considered choices to bring a sense of joy and Christmas cheer. Lusciously dark backdrops provide an opportunity for accents of berry red and emerald green to take centre stage.

The soft flicker of candles and twinkle of white fairy lights, along

with flashes of gold and silver, will set a soothing glow. This look is not about overblown glitz but understated elegance – gold candles, mercury silvered baubles, and brass bells hung on a door will all add a sense of occasion. Vignettes of candles with gleaming baubles and sprigs of holly, ivy or pine along a mantelpiece or on a table will add just the right note.

Fill vintage jugs with sprays of berries and leaves for easy yet cheery arrangements around the home and dress a natural wreath with an opulent ribbon as a final flourish.

However Christmas is celebrated this year, we hope this approach will provide an indulgent, heartwarming decorative backdrop for a happy time with loved ones.

Daily ritual (left) Count down to the big day in traditional style with this advent candle wreath. By Christmas morning it will be all aglow. Black Metal Advent Candle Holder, £33, Not On The High Street.com

Golden glow (below) Enliven a dresser or shelves by threading strings of metallic or glitter beads around bowls or ornaments, along with small white fairy lights and sprigs of holly. Champagne Glitter Ball Garland, £12; Starburst Light Chain, £30; Antique White Ceramic Bowl, £14; Antique White Ceramic Footed Bowl, £15; Antique White Ceramic Small Serving Bowl, £18, all Rockett St George

Go bold (right) A large pared-back wreath with a decadent silk or velvet ribbon providing an accent of colour looks especially sumptuous against a dark backdrop. Oxford Navy Chalkpaint, from £5.95 for 120ml, Annie Sloan

Warm embrace The flicker of candles looks particularly comforting against a rich, warming backdrop, perhaps a burnt orange as here, or a burgundy red (see opposite). Walls in Chestnut, £54 for 2.5l Eggshell; selection of candlesticks and ornaments, all Neptune

Truly, richly, deeply Combine a sumptuous crimson red on the walls and woodwork with gold and green tones for a cocooning effect. Huguenot No.49, £26 for 1l Marble Matt, Mylands

Winter’s harvest (below) decora i e lled with foraged foliage makes for a cheery wintery mood. Hawthorn Berries & Robin Jug, £49.95, Emma Bridgewater

Rich texture Luxurious velvet and faux fur add extra richness to a classic Christmas stocking. Red Velvet Stocking, £35, John Lewis & Partners

Soft focus (below) Candles add a romantic feel to a dark winters’ night. British Beeswax Candles and Holders, all Rowen & Wren

Jingle bells (far left) Create a vignette of candles and ornaments on a mantelpiece or shelf. These votive holders also add a little sparkle to the scene. Light Up Candles in Apple & Spice and Neroli, Lime & Basil, £8 each, Marks & Spencer

A vase of greenery can be adorned with treasured decorations for added interest in a hallway or on a landing. Zhenyao Vase, £195, and all decorations, Oka Bells, whether silver or aged brass, cannot fail to add festive cheer. Hang on a front door, in a window or as part of a beautiful staircase garland, for a timeless Christmas feel to the home. Vintage Brass Bell Set, £15, Nordic House

Vintage silver Add glamour and seasonal character to a Christmas tree or around the home with these delightful vintage-style mercury silvered baubles. Wavy Mercury Silver Bauble, £5 each,

P79 MATT CANT PHOTOGRAPH FEATURE KATY MCLEAN

All that glitters (above) Deck the halls Nordic House

Decadent dining Dining rooms can afford a darker decor, with beautiful lighting setting the mood for intimate suppers and indulgent winter feasts. Ledbury Pendant Light, £185, Fritz Fryer n