The complete guide to Christmas
Feature Abbi Henderson

FESTIVE FOREST Like our frosty table ideas? Check out en.housedoctor.dk for more inspiration
Whoop! It’s that time of year again – and preparation-wise we’ve got it covered. Just follow the next eight pages, then sit back and enjoy. Merry Christmas!
12 Trends Of Christmas
From trees to tasty treats and everything in between, we’re here to help you on your way to a jolly ol’ day
Feel that? That, dear friend, is the festive season walloping you from the crisp, carelessness of autumn into a black hole of tinsel, sprayon snow and threebird roasts. It came from nowhere, right? You didn’t even see it coming! How did you let it creep up on you? We know, we know, but now is not the time to dwell on the September, October and November that seemingly evaporated into mist. Now is the time to kick ourselves into gear, and get our homes in tip top shape, ready for the onslaught of relatives and, if you’re lucky, a visit from Santa. To get you started we, the HomeStyle elves, have broken down the key trends of Christmas to help you plan a day that’s more magic than manic.
1. A seasonal spread
Christmas dinner is likely the most lavish meal of the year, so it’s only right that the décor complements the grub. Whether you’re into candlesticks and canapés, or novelty napkins and nibbles, there’s something to suit every festive soirée.
FOLK EMBROIDERY Embroidered table runner, £29.50, M&S
CENTREPIECE Star candle holder, £13.95, MiaFleur
VINTAGE GLASSWARE Green glass corked bottle, £1, Poundland
JINGLE BELLS Serving utensils, £29.99, Zara Home
2. Oh, Chritmas tree
Ah, the star of the show. What’s Christmas without a tree? While it’s certainly more than just exchanging gifts and splashing cash on a wild feast, it’s true that nothing transforms your home into a festive grotto quite like the humble tree. If a picture-perfect tree is your cup of tea, we definitely suggest opting for the real deal. But if faff free is more your thing, avoid the obsessive vacuuming by investing in an artificial number instead. Your best bet for an affordable replica is Tesco or B&Q, while White Stores offers a selection so realistic, you’ll be tempted to water them. Well, maybe not!