This year I am genuinely confused as to which way to go with Christmas colours, materials and interiors in general. I have a love for all things old and natural, but am also loving the contrast of the slightly tacky sparkly stuff. Therefore I have handpicked my absolute favourites from a variety of suppliers, which will hopefully help you to decide if you are having a simular dilema to me! I have decided to go for a mixture, although I do like themes, I think the contrast between different styles is always exciting and alot more interesting and challenging.

These pine cones are super cute on their red ribbons, you could probably make them but they are very cheap I think.

Habitat pack of 12 pine cone decoration: £4.50

This means you can kiss under the tree at any time.

Liberty mistletoe bauble: £3.95

I adore these simple and rustic cowbells, even the box could be  re-usable.

Toast cowbell decorations: £25

Light up your house in a special way with these fir tree candles that come in a variety of colours.

John Lewis tree candle: £6-£10

An interesting holder for your tea lights that can be used all year round.

Habitat fairy tea light: £4.00

Simple yet very effective, I love this candle from toast and you could use the jar afterwards.

Toast candle: £22

sparkly snowflakes to decorate your porch.

John Lewis snowflake candle holder: £5

I have a few of these Lily Flame candles and I must admit that they smell divine, infact the best!

John Lewis Lily flame candle: £8

I love the gold splash effect on this glass, perfect to have by your bed for Christmas hangovers.

Habitat jug with glass: £9.60

A special addition to the Christmas table and a nice touch.

Habitat acorn napkin ring: £16

Who needs funky disco balls when you can have a pine one?

Heals large pine cone ball: £35

I adore the simple elegance of this wreath, it’s very homely and welcoming; perfect for your front door.

John Lewis holly and pine wreath: £25

I realise I have an obsession with antlers, but aren’t these cute?

John Lewis set of two deer decorations: £6

Ok, one more set, these will look brilliant on your living room wall or in the hallway to dazzle your guests.

Habitat mirror antlers: £22

Another pine cone special from Heals.

Heals pine cone wreath: £22

Snuggle up with this furry creature.

Habitat lapland hot water bottle: £8

A huge stocking for many prezzies.

Habitat stocking: £8

Now, don’t these look comfy?

Habitat lapland slippers: £12

A great natural addition to the mantlepiece.

John Lewis Noel block letters: £15

Everyone needs a champagne saucer or two, for toasting the new year.

Heals LSA single champagne saucer: £10

now here’s the slightly tacky bit, but teamed with some candles this stag will sparkle proudly.

Heals stag: £12

Sorry Rudolf, but you are too soft and we want you on our floor.

Toast reindeer rug: £145

Happy shopping everyone and a very merry Christmas!

It’s looking unlikely that we will have time to create our Christmas gift guide this year as we are too busy.  However, I am going to feature the best products that I have come across during my Christmas press shows. This item is the perfect gift for an expectant mother or anyone who is about to wean their baby.  It’s called The Wean Machine and is the most incredible product that I have come across for weaning…no really!  I have two young children, one of who I am weaning now and this tool has been invaluable.

You basically open out the product, fill it with your food of choice (any fruit or vegetable) squeeze the handle down and then feed from the little pot.  The spoon clips back into the handle and it has a cover that clicks on to save the mess.  It really is amazing.  With my first child I was always putting messy spoons and bowls into small sandwhich bags but the mess is totally contained here.  Check out their website for more demonstration images.

I am working on another Christmas (!!) advertising job and thought I would post my initial moodboard.  I can’t really say what the brief is until it has been photographed and published but you can probably guess the theme!  I always have a set approach to creating moodboards by starting one and then coming back to it a day later.  This way I can instantly see what needs adding and or changing.  I will try and post the finished article to show the difference between the two.

Credits: My deco, Martha Stewart home, Liberty, Jemma Watts

Don’t panic if you haven’t managed to decorate your home – why not have a go at making some decorations yourself…

I always look forward to Christmas, as it’s a great opportunity to indulge my creative side and get stuck into some fun craft projects at home. This year I have decorated my living room with paper snowflakes. These are easy, inexpensive and fun to make, and ecologically more responsible than tinsel!

Here, I have used snowflakes and red and white butchers twine to create a hanging garland, but you can also create individual Christmas tree decorations by varying the size of the snowflakes or gluing them onto coloured card.

I have used recycled paper for my garland, but you could use patterned wallpaper offcuts or newsprint for a more decorative look. There are plenty of websites from which you can download snowflake patterns for free, or you can get creative and design your own.

Post by keinton Butler