Some of the most magical festive homes are created with what is already to hand, layered with imagination, personality and a little bit of joyful imperfection.
From rethinking how we use baubles and ribbons to creating atmosphere with candlelight, scent and handmade details, these DIY design hacks are about embracing creativity over cost, and focusing on the rituals and moments that make the season sparkle.
If your decorations box is full of baubles, do not limit them to your tree. Scatter metallic or glass ones along tables for a subtle shimmer, or place a single bauble on napkins for a fun touch.
Mixing textures — matte, shiny, frosted — adds richness. I found mini battery-powered table lamps in a charity shop and stuck little baubles on top of them for added effect.
Alternatively, turn the baubles into a garland. Thread ribbon or twine through the tops and mix colours, shapes and sizes for a playful, eclectic look.
Drape it along a banister, across a mantelpiece or above a doorway. It instantly adds festive cheer and costs nothing if you use what you already own.
Amira Hashish has plenty of tips to up your Christmas style
@thedesigneditor @lick
Or how about creating your own paper baubles with shaving-foam marbling? Yes, really.
Cut shapes from watercolour paper, spread shaving foam onto a tray, swirl in a few drops of acrylic paint, place the bauble shapes onto the mix, then scrape off the excess with a ruler to reveal a beautifully marbled finish.
These paper baubles can be draped on plants or used as a garland to jazz up different spaces in your home. Easy but effective.
Bows aplenty for Tabitha Willett
Style influencer and Made in Chelsea star Tabitha Willett is preparing to move into a new home and is currently in the process of adding festive cheer to her space.
“My top tip for an instant festive lift would be to put ribbons on everything; from neat tiny ones around the stem of wine glasses to big floppy ones on picture frames. I also love anything piled up in bowls; baubles, pomegranates, oranges and so on,” she tells me.
“I always do cloves in oranges. I place them in a big fruit bowl that goes down as the season goes on and more are borrowed for batches of mulled wine.
“Last year I tied baby blue ribbons on them, which contrasted beautifully with the orange and had a christingle type nostalgia around it too.”
Dried orange slices are simple to make and bring a nostalgic, wintry scent to the home. Thinly slice oranges, pat them dry and bake on a low heat until they dehydrate.
Willett with six-year-old Ottilie
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Once cool, thread them onto string to hang as a garland, scatter them along a dining table, or tie them onto gifts. They pair beautifully with cinnamon sticks and pine cones for a rustic centrepiece.
A mum to six-year-old Ottilie, Willett is always thinking of ways to bring in playful touches: “If you have little ones, paperchains add a lovely touch of whimsy to your interiors. If you add little disco balls where they might catch the light it really dresses up the room and is not strictly festive either.”
Turn to candles and scent for cosiness
The soft glow of candlelight is such a winner when it comes to creating a cosy, festive atmosphere. You do not need an assortment of expensive candlesticks; in fact, mixing what you already own can work best.
Repurpose jam jars, vintage glasses or even small ceramic bowls to hold tealights. If you have tapered candles of varying heights, group them down the centre of the table for drama.
Fairy lights can also go a long way. A single string woven through tree cuttings or tucked into a glass vase becomes an instant centrepiece. Choose warm white over cool-toned bulbs to keep things inviting.
Hashish has plenty of tips for your table scape
@thedesigneditor @lick
Subtle, natural scents contribute immensely to atmosphere. A pot of homemade mulled wine simmering gently in the kitchen, a few cloves in an orange resting on the table, or a sprig of rosemary in a water jug can lend a seasonal aroma without the need for scented candles.
Save empty wine or olive oil bottles and remove the labels by soaking them in warm water. Tapered candles fit neatly into the top, instantly turning them into rustic candle holders.
Cluster a few together on a console table or windowsill for atmospheric lighting. If you want something extra seasonal, pop a couple of sprigs of greenery into the bottles before adding the candles.
Rethink linens and play with height
A statement tablecloth can elevate your Christmas offering but there are ways of creating a dramatic look without dipping in to your festive budget too much.
Pick a length of fabric from a haberdashery or your local fabric shop — gingham, velvet, or organza for an overlay.
This can be transformed into a runner with nothing more than a quick trim and a crafty bit of pinching. Even a folded throw or a pair of old curtains can work beautifully on a rustic table.
Napkins can be made from offcuts of linen or cotton. For a relaxed look, fray the edges slightly; for something more polished, tie them with ribbon, string, or a snip of foliage.
The most pleasing festive tables tend to incorporate varying heights. Candles, glasses, florals, and decorations create movement when arranged thoughtfully. However, make sure nothing is so tall that it blocks conversation.
Stacking plates is an easy way to add dimension. A colourful dinner plate topped with a patterned side plate, finished with a napkin and place card, instantly feels considered. You don not need to buy new crockery — just mix what you own.
I am forever sourcing mix and match vintage plates from antiques fairs and charity shops. Contrast makes things far more interesting than matching sets.
A slightly crooked candle, mismatched glassware, a ribbon that does not lie perfectly flat — these are not flaws, they are reminders that your table has been created by hand for the people you love.
Create friendship rituals like Natasha Hulse
Hulse like to gather with friends to make memorable decorations
Jack Davolio
Fabric artist Natasha Hulse, whose beautiful applique headboards deck out the Firmdale Hotels, says: “It is all about the hand made decoration for me. Every year I gather with friends to make at least one to remind me of that year.
The first year was cutting and forming brass doves and Holly leaves. Every time the Christmas decorations are unwrapped it is a lovely reminder of our friendship.
This year we all gathered as usual and painted ceramic decorations. It does not have to be a tree ornament, it can be something for the Christmas table to hold sweets in or just a vase for the mistletoe.”
The ritual of all being together and making art is the foundation of Hulse’s friendship group and has become a sacred tradition at Christmas.
“It is much more about being together and supporting each other in the winter months . Our community of sisterhood was founded by my dear friend India Holmes from Pelican House and is named The Workshop Witches.”
A printed menu is not just for restaurants — and it is an easy way to make your guests feel considered. You can design one for free using online templates on Canva. However, I prefer to keep it more personal with handwritten cards.
Choose a single sheet of thick or textured paper and a gold marker pen. Keep the wording concise: the dish name is often enough. Cream, sage, navy or burgundy card stock works well for the season.
For a final touch, press a small dried leaf or flower into the corner using a glue stick or hole punch the top and thread with ribbon.
Place cards are one of the smallest elements of the table, yet they can really make your guests feel appreciated. You can make them from folded card or think outside the box.
How about writing each name on a dried leaf using a gold gel pen and placing it on the napkin? Alternatively, tie together cinnamon sticks and slot in a paper name tag.
Another option is to go for a miniature envelope, write the name on the outside and tuck a personalised message or prompt for a dinner game inside.
An alternative Christmas with Bell Hutley
Bell Hutley likes to bring her creativity into every element of Christmas planning
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Homeware designer and illustrator Bell Hutley is all for putting a unique twist on festive celebrations. “This year Christmas is slightly different than usual as my boyfriend and I have decided to go away to Thailand together,” she tells me.
“We felt slightly guilty leaving behind our families. We have big families that take Christmas seriously so we decided to host both families in our home in Lower Clapton on the December 4, a few days before we left for our trip.
“We spent a good few days planning the menus and games, getting Christmas decorations and creating a magical tablescape. Our siblings had met but our parents had not met yet.”
Hutley ordered glass jars from Amazon and made chilli jam for each family member that was placed next to their place name at the table.
“Their place names also contained a word that described that family member. For example, we described my sister Iona as magnetic,” she adds.
“To kick things off we made up a tailored game of speed dating with questions such as ‘Who in your family gives the best advice…and the worst?’
“The table was decorated with ceramic red toad stools and my Bell Hutley tableware. It was all mix and match, I am not one of those hosts who strives for symmetrical perfection. I like beauty with a hint of chaos.”