Making Christmas Yours
As I sit at our dining table, twinkling lights reflecting off the ornaments above, I can’t help but feel a wave of warmth. Our Christmas decorations this year, while far from curated perfection, capture the essence of who we are as a family.
Every ornament, every string of lights, every candle glows with meaning and memories – a testament to the kind of Christmas that’s uniquely ours.
It’s tempting to get swept up in the latest Christmas décor trends. This year, it’s all about oversized bows and mixed metals – a blend of gold, silver, and bronze to create a sophisticated, layered look.
As someone who writes about design, I love exploring these trends (and you can find more about them in my blog posts on styling with bows and working with mixed metals). But the truth is, Christmas decorating doesn’t need to be about chasing trends. It’s about crafting a space that resonates with your family, creating a cosy atmosphere filled with love, joy, and tradition.
Take our home this year. The overall style is earthy and elegant, with soft golds, deep greens, and warm metallics. A frosted mini tree twinkles with warm lights and carefully chosen ornaments, while above our dining table, a table rod stand draped with baubles, pinecones, and sparkling lights takes centre stage.
The dining table itself, styled entirely by my 17-year-old son, is a particular highlight. He’s hosting a Christmas dinner for his friends – his first – and was brimming with enthusiasm.
His vision? A low-hanging star as the focal point, surrounded by lights and ornaments. It’s not something I would have done myself, but his excitement was contagious. Watching him decorate with such care and pride reminded me why I love this season so much. It’s not about achieving flawless design but about creating something meaningful.
The tree tells a similar story. My husband and our 13-year-old daughter had so much fun decorating it, unwrapping ornaments that carry stories and memories.
My daughter’s favourites are the quirky ones that make her laugh – like a croissant, or the Santa in a bright red bathing suit, reminding us of home in Australia; the playful puppy in a bag, a nod to our beloved late dog Sammy; and a delicate vintage bell that was my dad’s favourite ornament as a child.
Each one has a story, a thread connecting past and present. And while I might have quietly rearranged a few baubles (I just can’t help myself), I love the charm and imperfection of the final result.
As much as I adore sharing design tips and exploring trends, I firmly believe that what matters most is how your home makes you feel. Design is the starting point, but it’s your family’s touches – their creativity, their traditions – that bring it all to life.
The reality is, not everyone can (or should) buy a whole new set of decorations every year just to keep up with the trends (I didn't buy a single thing this year). It’s wasteful, both financially and environmentally.
Plus, you’d miss out on the joy of rediscovering old favourites – the ornaments that make you smile, laugh, or even shed a tear. These treasures are what make Christmas feel like home.
Of course, if you want to experiment with trends, you can easily incorporate them into what you already have, blending them with our well-loved ornaments to create a fresh yet familiar look.
The key is balance – letting new touches enhance rather than overshadow the decorations that hold meaning for you.
So, as you prepare your home for the holidays, I encourage you to let go of perfectionism. Let your family join in, even if the results aren’t perfectly styled. Treasure the decorations that hold memories, and embrace the charm of imperfection.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and love – the kind of Christmas your family will remember for years to come.
Happy holidays!
