If you think the only way to fill a home with the festive spirit is to go wild for color and pattern, think again. Deck the halls in a neutral color palette and you not only create a joyful home, but one that is quietly stylish and elegant, too. The key is to decorate as many surfaces as possible, layering in a variety of textures and tones that create a visually interesting, rich and luxurious scheme that is anything but dull.
Start with the main event – your tree. Adorn it with plenty of fairy lights – wrap the tree in hundreds of cluster lights (which are much more tightly spaced than regular fairy lights) to create a twinkling delight at the flick of a switch. Embellish the branches with baubles of differing sizes and shapes, choosing a timeless and sophisticated palette of white, silver and glass tones that complement each other, as well as the green of the tree. Mix your finishes, for instance, the smooth touch of white ceramic bells and doves juxtaposed against the warmth of wool and the soft fluffiness of faux fur, to create a variety of textures and shapes.
As it’s Christmas, inject a little sparkle with glittery stars and frosty snowflakes, along with graceful droplets and shapely baubles. Finally, give the scheme depth and balance with the darker tones of mercury or beaded decorations.
With the tree fully dressed, it’s time to decorate the rest of your home. Begin by welcoming Christmas in with a stunning wreath hung on your front door, and if you have hallway stairs, wrap a pre-lit faux garland around the banister, tying in shimmering, silvery baubles for extra sparkle. Alternatively, tie in strips of silver ribbon for a minimalist yet luxurious look.