Christmas decorating is quite the art form- one that Mum is an expert at.
She’s been collecting decorations since before I was born, and our sheds, storage cupboards and pretty much every nook, cranny and crevice is stuffed full of them for the majority of the year.
But once November hits (yes, November) we whip them all out and cover every surface with them under her very strict instructions.
Over the years, she’s found ways of sprucing up the house and taking our festivities to the ULTIMATE level- so much so that literally everyone who enters our house catches on like it’s a disease.
Today, I’m bringing you her guide to the ultimate festive household.
1. Rules
The first thing to remember when it comes to decorating, is that there are no rules.
Just because your taste isn’t traditional, doesn’t mean it’s inferior to those that are.
Get creative… you do you boo.
2. Traditions
With that being said, forming decorating traditions within your home is a great way to find a theme, as well as get your kids excited.
Mum always says that remembering the meaning of Christmas is really important, so a nativity set (extravagant or not) should probably be one of the first things you buy.
And if you do have kids, elf on the shelf is definitely an excellent choice as it’s rather fun. On top of that, if you really get into it every day, it can become a piece of decor in itself.
3. Where to Spend
Mum is a firm believer that a quality tree is absolutely essential. You don’t have to spend a tonne, but saving for a slightly higher end tree makes a world of difference in the final product.
They’re much fuller, more realistic, and create a much more luxe feel, but they’re also a great deal softer, meaning your limbs won’t be coated in scratches when you’re done putting them up.
4. Where to Save
Places like Kmart, Big W, Target and Hot Dollar always have incredible ornaments, cushions, and lights for a fraction of the cost of department or specialty Christmas stores.
Not to mention, sticking to a budget with your tree ornaments means that you can change up the theme whenever you like without breaking the bank.
Another great trick is waiting until Christmas is over to purchase the following year’s decorations. Everything tends to be heavily discounted as stores make way for back to school sales, so take advantage while you can.
5. Replace
If you’re having trouble with where to start, try replacing your everyday items with a Christmas version. This way, you’re keeping the existing vibe of your decor while injecting Christmas spirit.
We replace our towels, door mats, cutlery, plates, clock, bedding and cushions- basically everything.
6. Visible vs. Invisible
On the subject of cutlery, if you’re on a budget and want to inject as much Christmas as possible into your home, always start by choosing the things that are visible in the main communal areas. This way you’re getting as festive as possible for as little money as possible.
7. Themes
Choosing between themes is almost as difficult as choosing between hard or soft tacos. So why not have both?
Try segmenting the house into different zones and decorating each one with different themes.
8. Kids
If you want to get your kids involved, the best thing you can possibly do is get them a little tree for their bedroom.
They will always be immensely proud of their efforts, and it gives them somewhere to put their handmade decorations from school.
9. Countdown
Interactive decorations like Christmas countdowns are another great way of getting the family involved, as it gives the kids a job to do every day and builds up a bit of suspense.
10. Personality
As I mentioned earlier, decorating is all about having fun.
Don’t take it too seriously, and inject as much personality as you can into it. A happy, lively home is always nicer than a cold, ‘same old’ space.
Until tomorrow, 😉
I absolutely loved seeing all your photos Claire! The house looks lovely. My love and best wishes for Christmas to you all, especially Mum and Dad xxx