Welcome to our Christmas story, with lots of suggestions for seasonal décor as well as a couple of festive food ideas. We’ve got it all covered, whether you are looking for inspiration for studio, showroom or home. Get the glitter and sparkles out and enjoy the festive season!

ADD SOME GLITZ TO A DARK CHARCOAL KITCHEN BY HOWDENS

A dark kitchen, in this case the Clerkenwell in Super Matt Charcoal from Howdens is a striking backdrop to some Xmas decs, with gold accessories and some twinkling green garlands providing a party-perfect look. The Super Matt finish is also available in Navy, Reed Green, Marine Blue and White plus other shades. Including a band of wall cabinets in a timber finish adds interest and a visual link to the timber-style flooring.

ADD A STARBURST FIZZ OF LIGHT

Hanging lights look fabulous over the dining table or the island over the Christmas period (mine have been known to stay up way past Christmas). These are Starburst LED Hanging Lights from Annabel James, each has 120 warm white LEDs on fine silver-coloured wire, and use AA batteries. You’ll need to rig up a hanging frame, or if that’s not possible, suspend them from open shelves – tucking the battery packs at the back of the shelf.

TALL PRE-LIT TREE STYLED WITH GIANT BAUBLES AND CASCADES OF LAMETTA

We love the ethereal look of this tree. Of course, there’s a lot of artistic license involved with the giant baubles, so perhaps this styling idea can be best used in a large, showroom-style space! The magnificent tree is the Dusky Pine Pre Lit Christmas Tree from Cox & Cox, the 7ft version is shown, it’s also available in 6ft and 8ft sizes – great for larger spaces or tall hallways perhaps.

GET CREATIVE WITH A FROSTED WREATH KIT

Christmas wreaths are useful, they take up very little space so can be scattered around the home or on the front door, propped up on shelves or hung on the wall. There are several kits available from Hobbycraft, this is the Frosted Wreath Kit. Simple and straightforward to make, can be added to if you fancy extra bits, and of course, kept for next year too!

HAPPY DINOSAUR CHRISTMAS

I have a soft spot for dinosaur Xmas decorations, so will definitely be adding this to my collection! This is the Glass Hanging Dinosaur Decoration from Marks & Spencer. Other curious ideas in this year’s Christmas collection include the Silver Glass Hanging Toadstool Baubles and for a slightly more sophisticated look, I’m rather taken with these  Speckled Multicoloured Glass Baubles 3 pack.

BRING OUT THE BUNTING – FROM NESSA FOYE

Nessa Foye designs fabulous bunting with a very British theme, this is Robins Christmas Puddings and Christmas Trees, there are several other Xmas designs too – but hurry, last orders for Christmas delivery is 10^th December.

HAVE A CRACKING CHRISTMAS WITH CHASE & WONDER

Crackers are a must-have for the Xmas day dining table, and these Christmas Jewels Luxury Crackers are rather unusual, creating a pale pink and burgundy colour scheme. The best thing about these crackers is that as well as a joke and a hat (mandatory, of course!) they each contain a different hand-poured luxury scented candle from the Chase & Wonder collection.

HAPPY HALF-TREE XMAS FROM HABITAT

We absolutely love this idea … it’s a half-tree, from Habitat, where the branches start spreading at a height of 93cm from the ground. Perfect if you’re short of floor space and want to pile the presents around the branches, or to keep curious pets/toddlers at bay. It just looks rather good, and is a nice new take on traditional looks.

COCKTAIL COMPANION FROM VONHAUS

A cocktail set is a useful thing to have, and this is the Matte Black Parisian Cocktail Set from VonHaus, and it’s also available in other finishes, include Brushed Gold, Rose Gold and Iridescent, so there’s something to suit all kitchens/drinks cabinets. And also, it would make a great Xmas gift …

A RIVETING TRIVET FROM HABITAT

Trivets are one of those slightly overlooked items that you always need, especially at Christmas when all the table mats are being used for actual guests, and there are lots of hot dishes to be placed around the table. A quick visit to Habitat(also in larger branches of Sainsbury’s) to stock up will be worth the effort, or buy the Merry & Bright Cast Iron Tree Trivet online.

WHEELING IN THE DRINKS … ON A ROSE GREY TROLLEY

Can you even imagine a time when a ‘drinks trolley’ wasn’t quite so on-trend as it is now? There are lots around, and if you’re quick you may get one in a charity shop or antique market – although you’ll have to be quick off the mark. This is a Gold Drinks Trolley from Rose & Grey and really is a cut about the rest. Perfect for wheeling into the dining room or living room when the party moves on from the kitchen …

CHRISTMAS CARVING WITH PROCOOK

Cooking the perfect Christmas turkey or duck or goose is an achievement in itself, but carving it beautifully will win a million bonus points. Start off with a set of good knives to make the carving tasks slightly easier and more presentable. This set is the Professional X50 Chef with Brass Rivets from ProCook. The knives are paring, utility, chef’s, santoku, bread and carving.

THE ULTIMATE NUT ROAST FROM WAITROSE

Still undecided about your centrepiece offering for Xmas lunch? If you can’t decide between turkey or chicken, or can’t please everyone at the same time if you are also catering for vegetarians and vegans, go for a vegan nut roast instead. This is the Ultimate Nut Roast from Waitrose, which sounds sublime. It includes sweet potato, lentils, chickpeas and chutney as well as whole almond and Brazil nuts.

BLONDE CHOCOLATE HEAVEN FROM WAITROSE

Add golden glitz to the Christmas table with The Golden Buche de Noel, another winner from Waitrose. It’s a Belgian blonde chocolate mouse with salted caramel and caramel biscuit sauce on a chocolate base. And in case you’re feeling that it’s a bit of a cheat to serve such a delicious pudding without any effort, follow the instructions included to make your own caramel bark for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy!