DECK THE HALLS

As many of us prepare to deck the halls for this coming festive season, the team here at TRA have been chatting about our favourite ways to decorate our homes in the lead up to the big day.  Here we bring you some of our most loved and most sought-after Christmas décor ideas.

The Entrance

The prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be on your own front door…a Christmas wreath on the front door is a tradition that goes back hundreds of years and is a wonderful way to add some Christmas cheer to your entranceway and set the scene for what lies indoors.  If you choose a wreath with real fir branches and fresh eucalyptus, its beautiful scent will carry through into the house.  Add dried orange slices, red berries or cinnamon sticks for extra interest.  We also love the growing popularity of adding garlands intertwined with lights all the way around the doorway to add even more seasonal cheer.  Once inside the options are endless when it comes to adding that festive touch to your hallway.  If you have a table, think about placing a small Christmas tree or decoration that brings you joy when you open the front door.  Other favourites include brightly coloured paper chains criss-crossing overhead, a garland running up the banister, paper stars and velvet bows dotted here and there and the final touch - a little sprig of mistletoe.

The Fireplace

A roaring fire flooding the room with warmth and dancing light, a mantlepiece adorned with winter foliage, candles and cherished decorations with stockings all hanging in a row.  A centre piece of any classic Christmas scene.  A fireplace with wood burner is a wonderful thing to have in your home, cementing the changing of the seasons and bringing much-needed cosiness to the darker nights, but it truly comes into its own at Christmas.  And of course, we can’t forget the importance of leaving a mince pie and a nip of whisky on the hearth for a very important visitor come Christmas Eve.

The Tree

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a tree and the bigger the better is our opinion here at TRA.  Whether it is adorned with sparkling baubles, shimmering tinsel or on-trend velvet bows, be it real or faux, the tree deserves to take centre stage in every home at Christmas.  When it comes to fairy lights more is more.  Warm white lights are a classic choice and create a cosy hue, but we are also seeing a bit of a revival of multi-coloured lights, which can make for a very fun and cheerful tree.  However you choose to decorate, the trimming of the tree is one of our favourite annual rituals.  Opening much-loved ornaments and listening to Christmas music, it can bring back fond memories of Christmases past and to us is a joyful start to the holidays.

The Table

Christmas Day arrives, the presents have been opened, and now it’s time to cook a Christmas dinner.  For all the non-chefs among us this can be a daunting task, especially when trying to retain the magic of Christmas.  One way to elevate your meal and keep spirits high is with a beautifully decorated table.  We think simplicity is key when it comes to tablescapes – the food should be the main attraction. Start with a tablecloth or runner in your chosen colour scheme.  Add some tall candlesticks evenly spaced along the middle, leaving plenty of room for serving dishes to be set down when it is time to eat.  For a centrepiece, add a bowl and fill with fresh clementines or sparkling baubles.  Lay your table with your fanciest china and most spectacular glassware.  Napkins can be laid over each plate with a cracker or small trinket for your guests placed on top. Now all that’s needed is to light the candles, pop the Champagne and serve your Christmas feast.

We hope you have enjoyed our nod to all things Christmas.  We’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful festive season with your loved ones.  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!