Decorating Your First Home for Christmas

After all the stress of first time buying, it's time to enjoy Christmas in your new home. To really make the most of the festive season, turn your new property into a winter wonderland and fully embrace the Christmas cheer.

Getting into the spirit of the season needn't mean reams of tinsel or more lights than Blackpool illuminations; with a few simple steps you can create a sophisticated but fun interior perfect for yuletide celebrations. Take a look our top tips for decorating a new home this Christmas.

The tree

The tree should be the centrepiece for your festive decorations and the colour scheme you use here should be reflected in the rest of the decor. For a welcoming country feel, opt for baubles in shades of dark red and white and steer clear of tinsel; subtle Christmas lights should provide all the sparkle you need. Dressing the tree is often the best bit about getting the decks up so make this the beginning of a new tradition for you and your family.

Candles

Candles make a great addition to decorations, creating a warm atmosphere and casting a soft glow over the room. Enhance the Christmas ambience by choosing scented candles in cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger or orange, and opting for candles that match your chosen colour scheme. If you have gone for a relatively neutral theme of silver or gold, add a pop of colour with long candles in red, green or cool blue.

Wreaths

Wreaths are typically hung on the front door of a house but will look great throughout your home's interior. Hang wreaths on windows, cupboards doors and in the hallway for a quick and easy solution to bare walls. If you're feeling creative, why not make your own wreath this year? For a traditional Christmas theme, purchase a leafy wreath and add red ribbons and flowers. Or, for something a little different, neatly wrap a wreath with material and add beads, ornaments or baubles.

The mantelpiece

If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace in your new home, make the most of the mantelpiece and decorate it with seasonal adornments. Stockings hung from the mantel provide a traditional touch and children will love opening them on Christmas day, whilst fairy lights draped over a large mirror offer a bold, fun look. Festive fauna sits perfectly over the fireplace, so drape a garland over the shelf and dress with finishing touches, such as pine cones, baubles or flowers.

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