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SO the big day is finally in sight and if you are still in the mood for some festive shopping here are some ideas
Where to start then?
Be you a Java Joe or Tea Jennie there are some stylish additions to the Christmas kitchen you shouldn't be without.
Nordic brights really can't be beaten and soft snowy blue tones are a terrific counterpoint to post box reds.
As it's getting a bit parky channel your inner granny and invest in a Christmas pudding tea cosy so your pot stays cosy all the way through that round of hot buttered crumpets that will set you up for that final bout of pointed elbows in town or a bracing wander to clear your mind.
Christmas Pudding knitted tea cosy, £15, Debenhams
Dammann Christmas blend tea and caddy, £4.99, Marks & Spencer
Duck egg blue wooden house lamp, £22, Next
Duck egg blue Hanna bird tin, £7.50, White Stuff
Forties style embossed tins, £9.95 each. Classic red espresso coffee pot, £16.95, both at Dotcomgiftshop
White snowflake paper decorations, £12 for set of three. White bell paper decorations, £9.80 for 3. All tablewear, throws and decorations from a selection at The White Company.
Deck The Halls
These decorations are adorable and I have no intention of burying them in the tree, no these will be going in prime position on doorknobs and candle sticks.
Jingling bells on a door also act as an early detection system for those overly curious children keen to catch Santa coming down the chimney. Christmas cushions are a sure fire way of turning your sofa into a cosy tactile hotspot, and these Marks & Spencer initial ones look super clustered up and the M&Co one would make a perfect gift to self if no one has thought to buy you it yet already.
Set up that dining table on the evening of Christmas Eve and while you might not want to go the whole hog like the White Company have there are certainly some great ideas to borrow from this amazing Gatsby-esque set up to bring that extra touch of magic and drama to your own experience.
I think you can't go wrong with giving the house a spritz of festive scent just before guest arrive. When I'm flush this means Jo Malone's Pine & Eucalyptus room spray which transports you in an instant to an enchanted winter forest, much the same with Diptyque which captures Christmas scents the best in my eyes with their Feu de Bois (woody embers) and Cypres (resinous forest scent) all you need to evoke the festive season. If though I'm on an economy drive (trying, mostly failing) this Crabtree & Evelyn Noel room spray is the one to turn to with notes of persimmon, citrus, star anise and cloves to set the mood.
Captions:
Red Folk art Christmas bell decorations, £1.95-£3.95, Dotcomgiftshop
Fair Isle heart cushion, £19, M&Co
Red letter cushions, £10 each, Marks & Spencer
Red bell heart Christmas decoration, £7, Monsoon
Enamel Ice Skate decoration, £5, Monsoon
Noel room spray, £12, Crabtree & Evelyn
Let There Be Light
Get the mood lighting right with unusual candelabra which should be actively sought out in the sales, as there are real bargains to be had in this department.
Captions:
Sitting Golden Stag tealight holder, £79, Marks & Spencer
Glass Dome light up scene, £45, Marks & Spencer
Red sleigh and reindeer tealight holder, £12, Next
Kids Stuff
There are some awesome Christmas jumper bargains to be had so if you don't have your kids in one yet, why not?
Babies are best and are especially enjoyable to dress up, so cute booties are perfect while these red glitter numbers are so this season. Now if they're getting under your feet, set them a proper project and for a really grand design take inspiration from M&Co's campaign and get the blackboard paint and chalks out.
Captions:
Boyswear Fair Isle stag jumper, £16. Check shirt, £11. Skinny Jeans, £14, all M&Co. Dulux blackboard paint, £18.98 for 750ml, B&Q
Red glitter Mary-Janes, £18-£24, Next
UGG baby's fur cuff moccasin, £45, House of Fraser
What to Wear
Finally at Christmas there is no excuse not to channel your inner Maria Carey in something very sparkly, especially if you've had a few too many Bailey's and really believe those high notes are achievable. When else would such fripperies be allowed? Gold and green are great Christmas shades.
It should either swish or rustle, preferably both and a little cashmere cardigan sets off a full skirt perfectly. Or opt for arresting red - it is Christmas after all.
Captions:
Sam Faiers sequin printed cami dress, £59, Very
Black cashmere cardigan, £38, Primark
Red chiffon dress, £89, Monsoon
Green metallic full skirt, £35, M&Co
Limited Collection True Red Bath Decanter, £12.50, Marks & Spencer
Nancy red metallic shoes, £89, Hobbs
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