Easy style updates Smart

EASY ST Y L E U PDATES

From best buys and clever tricks to mini décor projects, this is our roundup of the simplest, quickest ways to make your home more beautiful now

Rose Gold Mercury Champagne flutes and wine glasses, £4 each; tumblers, £3 each, all Matalan. Gold satin luxe latex balloons, £2.49 for six, Partyrama

1

SEE IN THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE

The celebrations might be smaller this year, but that’s no reason to rein it in. Go big with luxe gold balloons, sparklers and fizz to create an instant party vibe at home. Inflate balloons with helium, so they’ll float up to the ceiling.

2

ENJOY COSY SUPPERS

Make better use of space in a small dining room by switching to a circular dining table rather than a long, rectangular design. They’re compact, sociable to sit around and have no sharp corners to bash into.

3

RAISE YOUR GLASSES

Invest in extra glassware so you have the right glass to hand, whether it’s cocktails or champers. Choose gilt-edged, cut-glass or faceted designs for extra glitz and sparkle.

Elysia Martini glass; Elysia Champagne coupe, both £5 for two, Dunelm

Silver mats, £38 for two; Midnight Blue napkins, £25 for four; Champagne coupes, £40 for two, all The White Company

4

GO FOR POSH CRACKERS

Swap cheap and cheerful novelty crackers for a glam, grown-up alternative. These chic crackers feature gold paper hats, a cheeky joke and a luxe gift inside.

Two-tone Gold Star luxury crackers, £38 for six, Rockett St George

Lit Tree wall hanging, £75, Cox & Cox

Mercury Silver stemless fl utes, £6 each; tray, £30, all John Lewis & Partners

5

SAVE SPACE WITH A WALL HANGING

pick up a box on the supermarket run. Mix a glitzy pattern with plain china, or buy a simple style to add to your patterned set.

If a full-sized tree is too much of a squeeze, get your festive fi x with a 2D alternative. This canvas wall hanging is back-lit by LED bulbs to create a Christmassy centrepiece. It’s mains operated; simply hang it up and switch it on.

6

SERVE DRINKS IN STYLE

Invest in a mirrored tray or two – handy when you’re serving drinks and nibbles, or brilliant as a table centrepiece stacked with glassware and

Gold Sparkle dinnerware, £25 for 12-piece set, Wilko

7

STOCK UP ON DINNERWARE

sparkly baubles.

8

TOP THE TABLE WITH FLOWERS

Decorate with blooms for a sumptuous mood after dark. Make a centrepiece with hydrangeas, fir and eucalyptus, lit with simple white candles.

Anderson extending table, £450; Zola wool-blend chairs, £200 for two, all Next Home

9

PAINT YOUR ROOM A MOODY BLUE

Dark walls ensure rooms that don’t get much natural light are cosy. Try navy blue in a dining space, with walnut furniture and gold and glass accents.

Try Midnight Navy Easyclean paint, £25 for 2.5ltr, Crown

10

GO FAUX WITH ‘NO-FLAME’ CANDLES

Get your hallway aglow without the worry of leaving lit candles unattended. These clever LED candles mimic the eff ect of a real fl ame but are battery-operated, so an ultra-safe option.

11

HANG PAPER STARS AT A WINDOW

Ditch the gloss and glitter and go back to basics with simple paper decorations. Pretty up a window by suspending a few at staggered heights so they can be seen inside and out.

TruGlow LED pillar candles, from £7.99; ball candles, £25.99 for four, all Lights4Fun

Paper stars and snowfl akes, £6.18 each, Sostrene Grene

12

WHEEL OUT A BAR CART

Set up a makeshift bar on a trolley, so you can wheel in the drinks aft er dinner. Opt for a mini model if you don’t have space for a full-sized cocktail trolley. It can double up as a side table when not being used.

Round drinks trolley, £325, The White Company

English Pewter Company stag mini decanter and glass set, £115, John Lewis & Partners

Brandy warmer, £44, Lakeland

15

ENJOY A WINTER WARMER

Keep mulled wine or spiced brandy toasty with this tabletop warmer. The glass carafe rests on an ornate stand with a tea light underneath, so you can enjoy a tipple at the perfect temperature.

13

SET UP A MINI BUFFET

Rather than overcrowding the dinner table with bottles and serving dishes, make space on a sideboard or table to set up a bar or leave desserts and cheese out for aft er dinner.

14

ADD SIMPLE FINISHING TOUCHES

Go for an understated table look with a rustic woollen runner in a subtle grey stripe. Make place settings by tying folded matching napkins with ribbon, tucking cutlery inside and topping with a sprig of eucalyptus.

Stanley Stripe fabric, £54.50m, Ian Mankin

16

GO BIG WITH A GARLAND

Leave space for the festive feast by opting for an overhead centrepiece rather than a table-top decoration. Suspend a wicker garland from the ceiling and decorate with trailing ivy and hanging baubles – candles optional.

Tablecloth and runner, from £8.99 each; stag place-card holders, £8.99 for two; cake stand, £12.99, all H&M