10 easy ways to decorate with a difference this Christmas

Boost the comfort and joy of your sofa by giving it a Christmas makeover. Replace the existing cushions with decorative ones with reindeer and robin print covers, or even just in Christmas colours such as reds, whites and golds. And don’t forget to add a cosy blanket for winter snuggles.

Tree ornaments can be used as an inexpensive centrepiece for your dining table. First choose a colour theme, like red and silver or gold and sparkly, then place the baubles in a large bowl or platter for eye-catching cheer.

Poinsettia flowers in December and its red and green leaves are perfect for Christmas. Simply dot a few poinsettias around the house – particularly in rooms that don’t usually get a lot of Christmas love, such as the bathroom and kitchen. Instead of a fussy garland you could also place some potted poinsettias on your mantlepiece.

Another way to bring the Christmas spirit into every room is by switching the linens. In the kitchen you could use holiday-themed dishtowels, and in the bathroom hang red hand towels. Also try replacing everyday bed linens with ones in seasonal colours or patterns.

Tip: When it’s time to do the wash, keep your festive colours looking bright with Ariel 3in1 Pods.

A colourful runner adds seasonal flair to your dining table. Complement the look with simple white plates and napkins.

For more ways to decorate your dining table, check out our 5 dinner table trends every stylish host should try.

For a touch of whimsy, place white fairy lights in unexpected places throughout your home. Outline a doorway, wrap around a bannister or post, or bundle a strand or two together and place in a glass bowl or mason jar.

Look for battery-operated lights to avoid too many wires around the house – especially if you have youngsters around.

Instead of cluttering up every available surface with Christmas cards, peg them to some string and make them part of your decorations.

Or you could even try this creative idea: get the kids to collect long twigs from the garden and arrange them in a large vase. Punch small holes in the cards and thread with string or ribbon, then tie cards onto the branches to make a card bouquet.

Instead of spending a small fortune on a finished wreath, buy a plain one and decorate it yourself. Then you can use the chance to make it more meaningful to your family – adding decorations made by your kids, or that spell out your initials or surname, for example.

A nice extra touch is to tie small bells to the wreath for a musical and spirited way to welcome guests when you open the door.

Make a holiday spice mixture from ingredients straight from your kitchen cupboards, like cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise. Place in bowls around the house to spark your senses with yummy aromas.

Or a nice easy shortcut is to light a Febreze Odour Eliminating Candle in Spiced Apple or Frosted Pine. These candles not only give out a gorgeous scent, but also eliminate bad odours – plus they add a warm glow to your home.

Ornaments aren’t just for trees. Feature some of your favourites by hanging them in the window. Thread them with varying lengths of ribbon and tie them to the curtain rod. Just remember you won’t be able to close the curtains!

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