Tips for Decorating Your Home for Christmas Day

Are you intenting to host Christmas lunch at your place this year? If so, it can be daunting to think of all of the elements that need to be considered beyond cooking. Creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for a catered Christmas party involves thoughtful decoration and preparation. Here are some hints and tips to help you decorate your house internally for the occasion:

1. Entrance Decor:
   The entrance sets the mood for your party. Decorate your front door with a festive wreath, choosing one that complements your interior theme – whether it's traditional red and green, winter white, or something more modern. Inside, consider placing a small console table by the entrance. Decorate this with a Christmas-themed runner, a bowl filled with seasonal ornaments or pinecones, and a small, elegant tabletop Christmas tree. Adding a string of fairy lights around the doorway or a floor-standing lantern can also create a warm welcome.
2. Living Room Elegance:
   Your living room is likely where guests will spend much of their time. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree should be the focal point, with ornaments and lights reflecting your chosen color scheme. Add extra coziness with plush throw blankets and pillows in festive colors like deep reds, greens, or luxurious golds and silvers. Consider draping garlands over the mantle and around doorways, and placing bowls of seasonal potpourri to add a subtle, welcoming scent.
3. Dining Area Prep:
   The dining area should be both functional and beautiful. Cover your table with a high-quality festive tablecloth, and consider using a coordinating runner. Centerpieces should be low enough to encourage conversation – think along the lines of a long, low garland interspersed with candles, or a series of small, elegant floral arrangements. Ensure you have a polished silverware set, crystal glasses, and fine china to impress your guests. Place cards can add a personalized touch to your setting.
4. Lighting:
   Lighting is crucial in setting the right mood. Use string lights creatively – draped over mirrors, around window frames, or even in glass vases for a twinkling effect. Lanterns can be placed strategically on the floor in corners or on side tables. Scented candles, especially those with seasonal fragrances like pine, gingerbread, or spiced apple, can be placed throughout the house for a warm glow and inviting aroma.
5. Themed Decorations:
   Consistency in your theme brings elegance and flow to your decorations. If you choose a classic Christmas theme, incorporate red and green throughout with ribbons, baubles, and floral arrangements. For a winter wonderland theme, use white, silver, and crystal decorations, with white fairy lights and perhaps even some artificial snow. A rustic theme can include elements like burlap, wooden ornaments, and greenery.
6. Personal Touches:
   Personalizing your decor can make the event more intimate and special. Display family Christmas photos on mantels or shelves. Handmade ornaments, perhaps crafted by children in the family, add a heartwarming touch. You can also create a feature wall for Christmas cards received, using ribbons or a large frame.
7. Music and Scents:
   A carefully selected playlist of Christmas music, ranging from classic carols to modern holiday tunes, can play softly in the background. For scents, besides candles, you can also use essential oil diffusers or simmer pots filled with water, cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves to spread a festive aroma throughout your home.
8. Space for Catering:
   The catering area should be functional yet discreet. Clear off a sideboard or part of your kitchen counter for caterers to use. If space allows, set up a small dedicated table where they can prepare and present food. Ensure that this area is easily accessible for them but does not interfere with the flow of guests. If possible, consider setting up a small bar area where guests can help themselves to drinks.
9. Bathroom Decor:
   Even the smallest rooms should be festive. Place a small poinsettia or a vase of winter flowers on the counter. Swap out regular hand towels for ones with holiday motifs or colors. Scented candles or a diffuser in the bathroom can also enhance the atmosphere, using scents that complement those in the rest of the house.
10. Safety:
    With all the additional decorations, especially lights and candles, safety is paramount. Ensure that candles are placed on stable surfaces and away from flammable items. Check all string lights for damaged wires or bulbs before use. Keep decorations away from fireplaces or heaters, and make sure your smoke detectors are in working order.

By focusing on these details, you can create a beautifully decorated home that feels both festive and welcoming, ensuring your catered Christmas party is a memorable and enjoyable event for all your guests.