How to Celebrate a Homemade Christmas
So what if there’s still only six of you?
Table Talk
Make everyone feel extra special with a super-stylish dinner table. Whilst you might feel taking advantage of the new table setting rental services is a bit over the top for this year, there are plenty of DIY ways to make your table stand out. Get everyone involved well in advance with this Christmas colour-in table cloth. With lots of fun characters, animals and iconic Christmas scenes, it means hours of fun well before the big day. Christmas Colour-In tablecloth, £12.95 Eggnogg at notonthehighstreet.com
On the Menu
These festive menus are made from recycled paper. Simply add your own Christmas dinner menu (adding any individual dietary requirements) and place on each place setting for an extra personal touch. Write Your Own Menus, £12 (set of six) soddlestreet.co.uk
Centre Stage
Why not personalise these ready-to-paint plywood trees and scatter them down the centre of the table, for a truly individual touch? Paint, crayon, glitter or decoupage – or all four – they’ll make a unique centre piece which could well become a family heirloom. Available in three sizes, from £4 bombs.co.uk
Get Cracking
We love the idea of these eco-friendly matchstick puzzles to replace traditional crackers. Each matchbox house contains a brainteasing puzzle, the ubiquitous paper hat and joke and a party game, and once put together they form a pretty Christmas village. Marvling Bros at etsy.com
Come On In
Just because you may not be able to receive visitors don’t let your door go undecorated. This simple tree branch is a cut-off from a Christmas tree. Just add your favourite baubles and tie with a ribbon.
At the Bar
The sales of bar trolley have risen exponentially this year. You’ve plenty of time to source your own, or even just turn a favourite table into your makeshift bar for the festive period. Add some pretty glasses and your favourite drinks to get everyone into the Christmas spirit(s). Scour antique shops for a vintage version like this bar cart, £495 from sohohome.com. (+ G&T if needed)
Light the Way
Light the fire, light a ton of candles, switch on your fairy lights – whatever you have to hand, just make sure you create an ambient feel with all your lighting. Avoid the dreaded ‘overhead’ at all costs. If you’re putting candles on the dining table, make sure they’re at a decent height – you don’t want people burning their jumpers as they reach for the cranberry sauce. And remember, fairy lights are not just for the tree. This Christmas we feel it should be the more the merrier – use them over the fireplace, over the mirrors, up the stairs, along the shelves – but absolutely no flashing allowed.
Hang it All
Hanging table pieces are having a moment. You can make them out of an old wreath strung up with twine rope and decorated with additional foliage – over the top is what it’s all about – but we do like this simple version of a tree skirt hung with a garland and festive baubles.
