Tinsel up your pad. I know tinsel gets a bad wrap but in isolation it can look pretty cool and super glam. I seek out the gold stuff and tie it around things like my dog lights \u2013 it\u2019s a like a big sparkly collar and it adds a sweet festive touch. I also hang it off doorknobs, wrap it around the banisters, again in isolation rather than all over the place, it feels a lot more sophisticated.<\/p>\n

Add as many t-lights as you can to mantles, tables, shelves, particularly when dusk falls. I opt for t-light holders in warm ambers and pinks so the light coming through is magical. Oh and I string fairy lights everywhere \u2013 over mirrors, mantles door frames, kitchen islands it feels so festive – I love it! In fact I keep many of my fairy lights year round, both inside and out.<\/p>\n

When it comes to decorating the tree I am minimalist to the extreme. I always opt for real ones, generally blue spruce as the colour is amazing and the needles are thick and fat. I\u2019m not the biggest fan of decorating them with baubles, but this decorating lark is personal so do exactly what you love. I string fairy lights all over mine and wham bam it\u2019s done. On the kitchen island I buy a little bay tree string it with fairy lights and not only does it smell amazing, come January, outside it goes!<\/p>\n

Food looks better served on darker plates and the best tip I ever got from a catering company was to use roofing slate as platters. At \u00a33 a pop (available from most DIY stores), it\u2019s cheap as anything and will make cheeses, salads you name it look fantastic. Plus they are huge so you can put the entire turkey on there should you so wish.<\/p>\n