Merry Christmas, everyone! With the holiday season just around the corner, let’s talk about how you can make your Christmas at home festive, meaningful, and, most importantly, yours. Forget striving for perfection. The best kind of Christmas is the one that feels right for you. Whether that’s hosting a house full of family, a quiet evening with loved ones, or a solo day with your pets and favourite films, I’ve got you covered.
How to Style Your Perfect Christmas at Home This year
The idea of a “perfect Christmas” often brings unnecessary pressure. It’s not about a picture-perfect table or matching pyjamas for Instagram; it’s about creating moments that connect you to the season in a way that works for you. As an interior stylist, let me tell you that Christmas isn’t just a single day, it can be a whole season of joy, and you can sprinkle that festive magic throughout December.
If you want more inspiration, then listen to the How to Home Podcast – hosted by myself & Gemma Gear where we share more times and ideas on How to Create of Perfect Christmas. Our Christmas series out now!
Follow Maxine Brady Styling on Instagram for more Christmas interior styling ideas (50K followers)
Rethink Christmas Day
Here’s a potentially unpopular opinion: Christmas Day itself might not even be the highlight of the season for many people. The lead-up—the twinkling lights, mulled wine with friends, carol singing, and cosy evenings—is often where the magic lies. Boxing Day, with its relaxed vibes and leftovers (bubble and squeak, anyone?), can be just as special.
By shifting the focus from Christmas day to the festive period as a whole, you can take the pressure off the 25th. After all, Christmas is just a fancy roast dinner—and how many of those do we cook each year without drama?
The Magic of Traditions
One of the best parts of Christmas at home is the traditions, whether passed down through generations or newly created. Traditions connect us to the season and each other. They don’t have to be extravagant—simple rituals like picking out a tree, baking cookies, or watching your favourite Christmas movie can be just as meaningful.
If certain traditions feel like obligations, it’s okay to let them go. For example, my family swapped out the traditional Christmas pudding years ago because no one liked it. Instead, we now enjoy desserts we genuinely love. The key is to keep what makes you happy and tweak or skip the rest.
Decorating For Christmas At Home
After years of styling Christmas room sets for magazines, brands and TV shows I know that decorating doesn’t need to be expensive or stressful to look magical. Here are six top tips:
- Choose a Colour Palette: Stick to a cohesive colour scheme to give your home a polished feel. Whether it’s classic red and green, chic gold and silver, or bold jewel tones, this foundation will simplify decorating year after year.
- Go Foraging: Bring the outdoors in! Pinecones, holly, ivy, and eucalyptus can all be used to add natural charm. Create wreaths, dress your mantle, or add sprigs to your dining table—plus, foraging can be a fun seasonal outing.
- Light It Up: Fairy lights are your best friend. Use them to brighten dark corners, shelves, or outdoor spaces. Battery-powered options are especially handy and versatile.
- Velvet Ribbons for the Win: A spool of ribbon can transform your decor. Use it to tie bows on branches, hang wreaths, or even wrap presents for a cohesive, stylish look.
- Incorporate Scents and Sounds: Christmas isn’t just visual. Scented candles, a simmering pot of cinnamon and orange, or a festive playlist can create a sensory experience that feels warm and inviting.
- Update your current Christmas decorations: Introduce one of these new festive trends, new for 2024, into your home with a few key accessories, and bring a new look to your home decor this December.
Choose to have a Stress-Free Festive Season
Christmas isn’t just about what presents are under the tree, it’s also about spreading joy to your loved ones. Small acts of kindness, like donating toys to a charity shop before Christmas or creating a charity-themed advent calendar, can make a big difference.
Shopping local or buying handmade gifts is another way to make your celebrations more meaningful. Not only does it support small businesses, but it also adds a personal touch to your presents. Or how you style your table top so that every guest feels welcome.
Christmas At Home that is perfect for you
There’s no “right” way to do Christmas. Focus on what brings you joy, not what you think you should be doing. Whether it’s through traditions, decorating, or giving back, create a festive season that feels authentic to you. After all, that’s what Christmas is truly about.
Merry Christmas and happy decorating! 🎄
Get Inspired!
If you’re looking for a creative director, interior stylist, props stylist, or home décor expert for your next project, get in touch! I’d love to collaborate and bring your vision to life.
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Listen to the How to Home Podcast – Christmas series out now!
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