Countdown to Christmas
Is the Christmas pudding already made? Have you started buying gifts? Are you already planning your Christmas menu and table? Or perhaps you’re the opposite and would rather all the Christmas music and tv ads would stop, declaring it’s still much too early to think about all of this!
Whether you prefer to indulge or run away from it all, there’s no denying that there are 5 weeks to go… The countdown has begun!
Perhaps the best part of this time of year is the sense of anticipation of what is to come. Soon it will be the start of advent and each day will be one more further along. But don’t rush towards Christmas Day too quickly, don’t let that one day be your sole focus. To do so would be to miss so much… There is a whole feast for the senses waiting for you between now and then.
It could be the cooking - making Christmas puds, mince pies or cakes. The smell of spices mixed with pine, woodsmoke and mulled wine. It could be taking the opportunity to see friends and family - drinks parties, the office party, inviting family over and reuniting with those you’ve not be in contact with for a while. It could be seeing a show, feasting on elaborate shop window displays, listening to a carol concert, delighting in your child’s nativity play. It could be the feel of frosty walks, watching the glow of candles or twinkling lights on the Christmas tree, wrapping up warm at home, hot chocolate, open fires, roast dinners…
So much of the build up to Christmas happens inside the home. Coming in from the cold to a warm, welcoming house is happiness. Decorating your home, adding little touches here and there can make all the difference and really creates a contented Christmas feeling. The act of decorating can become a yearly ritual in itself and the results are perfect for enjoying by yourself or welcoming others into… So go on, go to town and create a tiny bit of Christmas magic in your own home. And because it’s a special time of year, look to your 5 senses for inspiration...
Sight
When you open the front door, it is the sight inside which first welcomes you. The hallway in particular should be considered a room in it’s own right. It is the first impression of your home and can set the tone for the rest of the house. Create a spectacle to savour and allow guests a double take. Use the greenery from outside to bring nature inside. Combine with rich warm colours such as berry red or gold, or keep to a classic simplicity of green, white and wood. A beautiful celebration of winter awaits...
A wreath on your front door, made with fresh greenery is a heart warming sight. Perhaps you had to forage for the leaves, branches or berries yourself? Take time to be outside and enjoy all that grows throughout the start of winter.
Source: aquietstyle.co.uk
Treat your hallway as a room in its own right. It is the first impression visitors will receive when they enter. Candles and a stairway garland look festive, while the Christmas tree draws your eye further inside.
Source: @Houseologists
Adding greenery to your ceiling lights or up high is relatively simple to do, but will instantly provide a focal point and give a much greater impact. Finish off with some sprigs for the table and place settings. So easy and so effective! Candles will provide a twinkling flicker as the night draws in.
Source: godfather style.com
Peaking round the door you'll see a fire in the grate, the trails of ivy hanging down and the promise of soft sofas and deep cushions. There's even a warming Christmas drink ready and waiting! Transform your home into a woodland inspired wonderland. Candles, a fire (if possible), but most importantly adding natural elements and creating a welcoming sight filled with cosy furniture and thoughtful decorative touches. .
Source: indeeddecor.com
Touch
Autumn is full of texture - the leaves falling and in a heap on the ground, twigs, sticks, bark, lichen. Winter, in comparison is marked by its bareness. This is especially the case if it snows, a beautiful stillness descends and covers everything in a soft layer. It seems as though you could touch it and it would be like velvet between your fingers. In contrast to the ice and frost outside, Christmas brings so much warmth, decadence and is filled with decoration. Celebrate this contrast, let your home be tactile, somewhere you can touch and feel, not just admire.
A celebration of warmth and colour! Multi-textured cushions, flowing ribbons, hanging decorations. Pine cones on the tree, along with a host of handmade ornaments in soft fabrics, as well as mirrored glass, shimmering metallics. An open fire you can prod and poke or roast chestnuts in... Immerse yourself in festive brights of red, white, gold, brass and copper.
Source: housetohome.co.uk
Or take your cue from nature and just as the cool frost gathers outside, choose hues of grey, white and wood for inside. Reaching out, you can feel the crisp snow on the tree. Warm things up with woollen fabrics and chunky knits. Pile up the cushions and throws and add warm lighting as counter balance.
Source: robbrooksrealty.com
Still hankering after sultry holidays and a summer long gone by? Rich blues, purples and greens will make you feel as though you are under a palm fringed sky. Feathers, peacock prints and glass baubles like the azure blue of a hot sea will soon transport you back to tropical times. Take a cocktail in one hand and have fun creating an unexpected paradise for you and your guests to immerse yourselves in.
Source: John Lewis
Smell
What could say 'Christmas' more than the waft of cinnamon, ginger, cloves and a whole host of stirring spices from the kitchen? It's the cooking which tempts you first of course - the puddings, cakes, delicacies... the roast in the oven, gravy simmering, potatoes cooking - but then, after this, more delicate scents linger in the air... Pine, fir, greenery, perhaps some flowers. Soon to be mixed with firewood and candles burning. Indulge in these aromas and celebrate how good they make you feel. Fill your home!
Can you already imagine the citrus smell of orange and cinnamon as it hangs on the tree? Scented decorations throughout the house are a great way to make your home smell amazing!
Source: snob.ru
Source: providenceltddesign.com
With lots of layers, some warm cushions and faux fur throws you can also enjoy being outside. The smell of fresh air will be a welcome break from the heat of the kitchen inside. Dining will be more intimate and the scent of hot chocolate, mulled wine and after dinner cakes and spices will seem all the more indulgent.
Source: emilialua1.tumblr.com
Taste
Gingerbread, sweet pastry, treacle, mince pies, parkin, freshly baked bread, honey glazed ham, roast turkey, crisp potatoes, rich gravy, cheeses, buttery vegetables, spiced cabbage, Christmas pudding, chocolate log, cream, brandy butter, custard, cranberry... what better way to mark your Christmas countdown than in its feast of tastes. Lip smacking, the kind of food which leaves you only able to move from dining table to sofa. Ease yourself into something comfortable after all the exertion and savour those tastes.
So much of the build up to Christmas, as well as on the day itself, happens in the dining room. Make sure it's comfortable! Springy seat cushions and soft faux fur throws will keep everyone lingering around the table for longer. Use your table decorations to hide little presents or edible truffles for guests and family to find. Or put a mini tree in the centre and hang with edible decorations, perfect for after dinner treats. Place food in the middle for relaxed eating and sharing.
Source: shadesofblueinteriors.com
At the the end of a full day of eating, drinking and socialising, you'll need the best present of all: a warm and comfy bed to sink into! Lots of layers are needed and a few festive cushions. Low lighting too. Hang baubles from the ceiling or a wreath above your head. If you have guests staying, why not put a little jar of homemade biscuits on their bedside table, ready for a midnight feast or morning indulgence with tea and coffee?
Source: onekindesign.com
Sound
What makes the perfect soundtrack to your festive celebration? The sound of laughter and contented voices? The restful crackling of an open fire? The pop of corks, clink of ice? Or perhaps there's a particular piece of music which sums it all up for you... Grab your glass and get the party started!
Invest is some glassware worth clinking! These mixed metallic glasses are too good to leave on the table.
Source: Oliver Bonas
You might need one of these to get everyone up on their feet!
Source: Urban Outfitters
Enjoy! Wishing you all a wonderful and inspiring build up to Christmas! x
Source: witanddelight.tumblr.com
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