Home For Christmas

How to store Christmas decorations

shendries — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:38:08 +0000

With Twelfth Night fast approaching, it’s time for me to think about taking down my Christmas decorations. This year I have been pretty good at keeping boxes, tissue paper and lots of other storage bits and bobs. There are, of course, simple and easy solutions to many of the storage problems – so here’s my handy list of hints and tips:

1. Even though it can be lots of fun when you first pull your decorations out at the beginning of December, (and find out about all the things you’d forgotten you had) it can also be really annoying. The simple solution is to colour code each box and label each decoration with exactly where it has been hanging up. Also, keep a notebook of Christmas decoration inventory to make things easier.

Colour code boxes and keep inventory | How to store Christmas decorations | Christmas advice

2. Christmas lights always get tangled, causing damaged bulbs and knots in the wire. The perfect solution for this is to get an old hot chocolate tin (made from cardboard and plastic), cut a slit in the plastic lid, and put the receptacle end of the light cord through it. Wrap the string around the tin, and store extra bulbs and extension cords inside.

Storing Christmas lights | How to store Christmas decorations | Christmas advice

3. I don’t know about you, but all my table cloths, runners and stockings look like a creased mess after they’ve been stored in a box all year. The simple solution to this is the hang them up. I know it takes up warbrobe space, but it’s better than spending a day ironing!

Tips for linens | How to store Christmas decorations | Christmas advice

4. You know when you buy a suit and you get one of those zipped garment bags? Well they’re my new favourite thing. You can use them to store all big Christmas items, such as wreaths or big figurines . Once you’ve packed everything up, hang the bags in a closet or on a nail in the garage.

Use garment holders for large decorations | How to store Christmas decorations | Christmas advice

5. The last tip is simple, but effective – everytime you buy anything Christmassy, just make sure you keep all the boxes and packaging, that way you not only have lots of boxes, but they are already labelled so you don’t have to spend time making paper labels for each tiny little item!

Keep boxes and packaging | How to store Christmas decorations | Christmas advice

New Year’s Eve – the perfect party

shendries — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:26:59 +0000

Before you get all gloomy about going back to work, there’s still time to get excited about planning your New Year’s Eve. If you’re thinking about holding a party of you’re own, I’ve got a few celebratory ideas to welcome the new year in with style.

A New Year’s Eve party wouldn’t be complete without lots of champagne. Why not create a dramatic champagne waterfall with some statement flutes, or keep an elegant ice bucket filled with individual mini bottles of fizz – both ideas are gauranteed to get the party flowing.

Individual Champagne Bottle | New Year's Eve Party Ideas | Home for Christmas

To help get guests in the celebratory mood, remember to add the traditional New Year’s Eve props such as party hats, tiaras, and noisemakers. Just because this party will be cozy, doesn’t mean it has to be sleepy! Decorate a table on the edge of the room full of hats, streamers and party popers. Finish off with a champagne ice bucket centrepiece – perfect!

Champagne Bucket Centrepiece | New Year's Eve Party Ideas | Home for Christmas

Update your dining room by adding wire-stemmed flowers to a ribbon then secure with a safety pin to the back of a seat cushion. Allow the ribbon to hang decoratively over the back of the chair for a stylish touch.

Chair Decoration | New Year's Eve Party Ideas | Home for Christmas

Create the perfect New Year’s Eve table and go for a look that is clean, elegant, and sophisticated. Use a single variety white flower, such as these white roses and decorate the rest of the table with lots of sparkling clear glass, such bowls and candle holders.

The Perfect New Year's Eve Table | New Year's Eve Party Ideas | Home for Christmas

Perfect party? You’ll need perfect barware. Mix the styles of glassware and silver to give your dining room an air of sophistication. A first-class corkscrew and decanter will ensure a smart look.

Celebratory Drinks | New Year's Eve Party Ideas | Home for Christmas

Last minute Christmas gift ideas

shendries — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:03:09 +0000

I know, I know – it’s only two days until Christmas. But if, like me, you have been crazily busy, chances are there are still a few last minute gifts that you need to buy. Fear not, I’ve come up with a no-nonsense Christmas gift guide to cope with those last minute panics!

For a handbag-friendly photo album – go digital! This digital photo album can be used as an album or a frame and has a 1GB memory so it can even be used for work and presentations.

Digital Photo Album, £69, Jessops.

Jessops digital photo album | Last minute Christmas gift ideas | Christmas Shopping

These lovingly restored tools have been waxed and polished, and come in a hessian gift bag – the perfect gift for any keen gardener.

Garden spade and fork set, £50, Garden and Wood

Vintage garden tools from Garden and Wood | Last minute Christmas ideas | Christmas Shopping

Though sponsoring a child is for their life, rather than just for Christmas, this is can make for a really uinque and worthwhile giftd to help to support families and communities who are less fortunate than us.

A number of charities offer this service, with most asking for around £20 a month. SponsorAChild.org.uk/choice compares the UK charities that provide child sponsorship so that you can make an informed choice about which one to choose.

Sponsor a child | Last minute Christmas gift ideas | Christmas Shopping

Your eco conscious friend will be very appreciative of this environmentally friendly gift.

Betty book notepad, £5, Eco Age

Betty book from Eco Age | Last minute Christmas gifts | Christmas Shopping

Write a festive message to accompany this gift.

Blackboard message mug, £5.99, Cancer Research UK

Blackboard message mug | Last minute Christmas gifts | Christmas Shopping

Homemade Christmas bunting

shendries — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:20:51 +0000

I know, I know, there are only a few days to go until Christmas and there really isn’t much time to start a homemade Christmas craft project. That’s why I was so excited this week when I started this little project which not only looks great, but is also super quick and easy. Yep, you guessed it – Christmas bunting.

Whether you want to liven up your living room or add the perfect accessory to your dining room, bunting can be a great finishing touch. Follow our step-by-step guide to making it yourself.

Christmas Bunting | Homemade Christmas crafts | Christmas Advice

You will need:

* Fabric and thread

* 13mm-wide bias binding tape

* Pinking shears

Step 1: Draw a triangle on some cardboard and cut it out to use as a template; or download, print and cut our bunting template.

Step 2: Pin the template to your fabric and cut around it using pinking shears to avoid fraying. Repeat until you have enough flags.

Step 3: Evenly space the flags along the bias binding tape, folding the shortest edge over, and pin in place.

Step 4: Sew on the flags with a straight stitch, leaving at least 40cm of tape free from flags at each end for hanging.

Christmas gift ideas for under £10

shendries — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:21:06 +0000

Looking for Christmas gifts for loved ones but you’re strapped for cash? Don’t worry, I’m having the same problem! You’ll find that shopping online is the cheapest and easiest way around it. Here are a few gifts I’ve come across that you’ll love so much you won’t want to give them away!

This recipe book would be the perfect present for your mum. It’s chic, vintage and she can keep all her yummy recipes in one place.

Recipie book, £10, Paperchase.

Paperchase recipe book | Christmsa gifts for under £10 | Christmas Shopping

If you’re looking for a cool little stocking filler for a younger brother, check out this handy present.

Mug, £5- 6, Pacman.

Pacman heat changing mug | christmas gifts for under £10 | Christmas shopping

Super girly – but I love them. Check out these cute girly cookies

Sweetheart Chintzy cookies, £8.50, Not on the High Street.

Cookies - Not on the High Street | Christmas gifts for under £10 | Christmas Shopping

Bring back the 80′s with these funky stress balls.

80′s stress balls, £3 each, Sainsbury’s

Stress balls from Sainsbury's | Secret santa ideas | Christmas Shopping

Perfect for the office neat freak!

USB mini vacuum cleaner, £6.99, Firebox.com

USB mini vacuum cleaner Firebox | Christmas gifts for under £10 | Christmas Shopping

Country ideas for Christmas – last minute solutions

shendries — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:32:29 +0000

The country style really comes alive at Christmas. Open fires, natural decorations and warm throws make a home feel welcoming and inviting. Although I officially finished putting up my Christmas decorations about a month ago, I’m already itching to add some extra festivitites to my home.

I’ve decided on a few last minute solutions which will help add some extra Christmas spirit and bring a little bit of the country to my west London flat.

First, the bedroom. Draping holly across each picture frame looks great. Also, hanging stockings from the edge of the bed frame – simple but effective.

The final touches to a country Christmas bedroom

The fireplace, being the focal point of a room, means that you can make a statement. Check out the look below for a no fuss garland which looks amazing.

A simple garland looks classic in this country home

This fireplace really makes the most of it’s position at the centre of a room. This massive garland is literally brimming with beautiful Christmas flowers (I wish mine looked like this). Shop for the look at Mathew Dickinson

An ornate fireplace decoration looks great in this country home

I don’t have to worrry about stairs in my place, but when I look at this beautiful hallway, I really wish I did! Go shopping for last minute garlands at Jamie Aston

: The festive garlands in this country hallway look amazing

This oversized wreath not only looks gorgeous, but it also helps welcome people to your country home. This is where I draw the line – any wreath that goes up on my front door will almost definitely get stolen. However, it’s absolutely beautiful for a perfect country home look.

: This oversized garland makes a statement

How to make festive jam jar lanterns

shendries — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:54:46 +0000

Stuck for outdoor decoration ideas that are a little more interesting than last year’s fairy lights? Give guests a warm welcome this Christmas with these pretty jam jar lanterns, perfect for helping them find their way to your door on dark and gloomy evenings. Fancy making your own? Follow Country Homes & Interiors‘ step-by-step guide.

Pretty lanterns will give guests a warm welcome

What you’ll need

Small glass jar
Self-adhesive filigree paper border
Silver florist’s wire
Spray-on snow
Sprig of mistletoe
Tealight

Step-by-step guide

1) Wash and thoroughly dry the jar. Measure the jar’s circumference around the centre then cut the filigree paper border to this measurement plus 2mm.

2) Remove the plastic backing from the border then stick carefully in place around the jar.

3) Cut a 60cm length of florist’s wire then bend it in half so you have a 30cm double length. Wrap around the neck of the jar, bring the two cut ends through the loop at one side then thread the wire around itself a couple of times to secure.

4) Using the picture as a guide, bring the wire up and over the jar to form a hanging loop and bind in place on the opposite side of the jar. Carefully snip off the excess using pliers.

5) Apply spray snow to a sprig of mistletoe and use wire to attach it to the wire at one side of the jar, making sure it will hang clear of the tealight. Add a tealight and hang in place.

Christmas gift ideas for pets

shendries — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:50:59 +0000

Looking for something perfect for your pooch? Need something gorgeous for your moggie? I’ve found not only the cutest presents, but also the most imaginative gift ideas to spoil your pets this Christmas. From pretty pet toys, to extravagant dog beds – it’s all here..

Luxury Squeaky Bone, £13.50 Not on the High Street

Dog bone | Not on the High Street | Gift Ideas for pets | Christmas Shopping

Fish cat bed, £29.99, Argos

Fish Cat bed | Argos | Gift ideas for pets | Christmas Shopping

Spritz this waterless shampoo onto your dog’s coat to leave it looking groomed and with an irresistible blueberry muffin scent - good enough to eat

Tigi Pet Head, £17.95, Harrods

Pet shampoo | Harrods | Gift ideas for Pets | Christmas Shopping

This Crinkle Cat Tunnel is a rocking and rolling play area that your cat won’t be able to resist.

Crinkle Cat Tunnel, £14.99, Pet Planet

Cat tunnel | Pet Planet | Gift ideas for pets | Christmas Shopping

A bed fit for the most important member of the family. This stylish four-poster puts your pet firmly in place as top dog (or cat!).

Pet bed, £135, Not on the High Street.

Dog bed | Not on the High Street | Gift ideas for pets | Christmas Shopping

British brand gift guide

shendries — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:47:39 +0000

There are hundreds of quintessentially British gift ideas, from traditional Barbour coats to exclusive Mulberry bags. And let’s face it, buying a cult British brand is not only a great present for your loved ones (whether you’re after a set of limited edition Ghd’s or you simply want something perfectly English for your hubby), it’s also great for your friends overseas.

After many a night spent trawling the internet and after a hectic day shopping, I thought I might as well share my top British Christmas gifts with you.

So, here it is…handpicked by me, the British brand gift guide..

If you can’t afford a Barbour coat, you can still buy lots of cute accessories. Check out these cosy gloves men’s gloves from Barbour.

Neoprene Amari Palm Gloves, £29.95, Barbour

Barbour gloves | British brands gift guide | Christmas Shopping

Ghd celebrated their 10th anniversary this year. Why not celebrate too, by buying your loved one a pair of these cult stylers.

Ghd styler, £99, Ghd.

Ghd's | British brands gift guide | Christmas Shopping

Fortnum & Mason is a British institution. Why not impress your overseas friends with this gorgeous tea hamper from the historial British brand. It also makes a great gift for foodies!

Tea Hamper, £40, Fortnum & Mason.

Fortnum & Mason hamper | British brand's gift guide | Christmas Shopping

When it comes to beautiful girly gifts, you don’t get much better than Cath Kidston.

Button Rose Carry Case, £28, Cath Kidston.

Cath Kidston bag | British brand's gift guide | Christmas Shopping

Mulberry has become an iconic British brand since it’s launch nearly four decades ago. For those of you with a bit extra to spend check out this beautiful leather purse from Mulberry that will definitely make her smile.
Lizzie Continental Wallet, £225, Mulberry.

Mulberry purse | British brand's gift guide | Christmas Shopping

Country Christmas decorating ideas

shendries — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:56:21 +0000

During a recent trip to the US I stocked up on a whole bunch of festive tablewear, linens and accessories. The aim - to create a country-style Christmas in my tiny west London flat. But even though I can’t physically do any more shopping (especially as London is covered in 3inches of snow), I can certainly pick up some top tips from the experts on how to decorate my home. When I came across this fab video on our sister site Housetohome.co.uk I was inspired. So, If you’re looking to jazz up your dining table for Christmas, start here..