There is a definite skill to festive styling, and we are fortunate to work alongside talented professionals who can genuinely create the reality of an Insta-worthy Christmas. So if your version of a seemingly effortlessly created festive table looks more chaos than calm, or your ‘natural yet edgy’ tree décor simply has you feeling on edge, it is likely that calling on a professional to assist might be the most stress-free option.

However, for those who wish to get hands-on and creative, we encourage you to get foraging when it comes to creating a festive flavour this season. If it is a minimalist or maximalist interior scheme your home exudes; a back-to-nature approach is the most adaptable, planet-friendly way to create an authentic winter-wonderland look. We share our top trends for dressing your homes this Christmas, whether you are looking to impress your guests or simply for you to enjoy.  

On high 

Leave plenty of space for a lavish festive feast by taking your centrepiece décor high rise this year. Statement creations that hover overhead afford an impactful way to create drama. There is a real decadence to the flamboyant essence of these pieces, even though they remain nature-led in their design. While these creations are not for the faint-hearted to attempt, due to their organic qualities, there is no set ‘look’ to the finished pieces, so you can be as fluid as you choose with the design. Create cohesion through your table styling by incorporating the greenery used overhead within table settings.

Credit: Left image from Our Food Stories, right image from Remodelista

Make an entrance

If there is one time of year you can really embrace an overstatement, Christmas is it. Maxi wreaths take the simple ‘welcome to our Christmas pad’ front door feature to a whole new level. You can keep the rest of the décor pared-back and simple with these statement wall pieces; these creations are real artforms in themselves and can be fairly minimal with an element of detail to create an off-centre, more design-led look. Fear not if your bijou bolthole doesn’t quite have the scale to accommodate, instead, opt for a wreath collective, including an assortment of different sizes to create an eye-catching gallery wall.

Credit: Left image from Design Sponge, bottom right image from Clementine Posy, bottom left image from Wild Folk Studio

Collated and collected

For those of you who like to get up close and personal with pine, natural elements are likely to be included in the day-to-day dressing of your home, whatever the season. Christmas styling affords the perfect opportunity to further embrace this aesthetic. Intersperse the more traditional festive elements of holly and ivy with tangled, felled branches complete with crumpled leaves, adorn mantles with dried hops and create centrepieces with pinecones and moss-speckled logs. Just add lights, and lots of them; it is the simplest way to add festive flavour to the more basic of boughs. Decorate with organic crab apples, cinnamon sticks and orange slices for that inimitable Christmas aroma, and ideally re-home that tree you re-planted last year.

Credit: Left image from Festival Brides

If you're a Unique Homestays owner wanting assistance in readying your home for the Christmas period, do get in touch via jess@uniquehomestays.com, or, if you are yet to book your festive escape, discover our available properties.