How I’m decorating my home for Christmas

I’m decorating later than usual this year. Work has been full on, days have been long, and it would have been easy to decide it was “too late” and leave things half done. But I’ve learnt that even small, thoughtful touches make such a difference - not just to the house, but to how the season feels.

This isn’t a guide, more a quiet glimpse of what I’m doing - the bits I’ve chosen to make time for, and the bits I’ve happily simplified.

Letting the house feel warm before it looks finished

The first thing I always do is make sure the house feels cosy from the outside. Our Christmas tree goes up early evening, lights on before anything else. Seeing it glowing through the window as darkness falls changes the whole mood - it makes the house feel ready, even if nothing else is quite there yet.

Foliage, candles, and the comfort of repetition

I lean heavily on foliage at this time of year. A simple garland along the mantel, a few evergreen stems resting atop a picture frame, candles lit as the light fades. It’s not elaborate, but it’s familiar and grounding - and I find myself repeating the same gentle rituals year after year.

Small makes, shared slowly

Some of my favourite decorations are the smallest ones. Dried straw flowers, a few leftover bells from the stockings, a length of floristry wire. These little bits come together on the kitchen table, often with my daughter beside me, making a quiet mess and chatting as we go. They’re not perfect - but that’s not the point.

getting the table ready early (and imperfectly)

I like to set the table ahead of time, even if no one is ready just yet. A bowl of foliage, a few candles, napkins loosely folded and crackers placed. It reminds me that gathering doesn’t have to be grand - it just needs intention.

Using what we already love

Our bowls and tableware are in constant use at this time of year. Filled with clementines, chestnuts, chocolates, or sprigs of greenery, they move from kitchen to cabinet to table without fuss. I love pieces that earn their keep like this - useful, beautiful, and quietly present in everyday moments.

Choosing what to buy, and what to linger over

This close to Christmas, I’m happy to buy what saves me time, and to slow down where it brings joy. Not everything needs to be handmade. But some things - arranging foliage, making a few decorations together - are worth lingering over.

Even now, even late, it’s still worth doing. However you’re preparing your home this season, I hope you find a few moments of calm and comfort along the way.