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Twinkling lights and abundant foliage. Bows and baubles. New finds and old favourites. ELLE Decoration’s Editor-in-chief, Ben Spriggs, on how to get your home ready for the festive season.
How would you approach decorating a tree in a timeless, elegant way, if you were to start from scratch?
Oh, the joy of being able to start from scratch! For me, the most stylish approach is often the most simple. When it comes to decorating the tree, the starting point should always be the lighting. There’s nothing sadder than a tree with not enough twinkle, so make sure you have double the amount of lights you think you’ll need, as you’ll undoubtedly use them all. You can stop here and have the most fabulous festive tree but, going further, I would add clear glass decorations – with either a vintage feel, or something more contemporary, but one or the other: not mixed, as that looks jarring. Finally, I would add a profusion of bows of black and white ribbon throughout the branches. So chic.
Most of us have a collection of tree decorations – inherited, bought or made. How can you update a tree without starting over?
This is definitely my reality, and I would never advocate chucking everything out and starting over – too wasteful. That said, there are many ways you can avoid repeating exactly the same scheme year after year. What you need is some sense of uniformity running throughout the tree, which ties together all the other disparate elements. Notably, this doesn’t need to involve spending a fortune. I go for ribbon bows of one or two colours scattered throughout.
What are your favourite ways to decorate with foliage?
Whether you go for real or faux, for me, the focus has to be on over abundance. I’d argue that you move away from ordered or small dainty displays and, instead, go for massive tangles of ivy, eucalyptus, holly and other greenery. Fill spaces, such as empty corners and fireplaces, with these humongous festive tumbleweeds for real impact.
Do you like to decorate to a set theme, or go a
bit more casual?
I’m not a massive fan of theming Christmas decorating. I keep three words in mind at all times: simple, stylish and sensual – and these really guide how I approach what I add to the home at this time of year. Nothing too garish or elaborate, just small tweaks that enhance different areas of the home, rather than making them feel like a department store’s Christmas windows.
What is the best thing about Christmas decorating? How can you keep it fun, rather than a chore?
For me, it should be something joyful and done together. If you have family nearby, get everyone involved to make it an enjoyable way to kick off the festive season. Alternatively, combine the decorating with a cool cocktail party: crack open the sherry and get your friends to help you add those festive touches.
How important is the front door when it comes to decorating?
The front door is so important. First impressions last, after all. Obviously, it’s all about a wreath, the bigger the better in fact. Another nice touch is to put a smaller tree outside your front door or in the porch to amp up that Christmassy feel from the word go. I’d stop there though. I’m personally campaigning for a total ban on inflatable figures, animals, etc. Nothing kills your Christmas buzz more than seeing a partially deflated Santa and reindeer billowing on a roof!
Could you give us a tip for affordable decorating?
Add some jingle bells. Small metal bells can be found at most craft stores and haberdashers and can be an inexpensive way to add some metallic sparkle and festive jingling.
What’s the best way to manage a house full of guests with lit candles?
Move candles out of public thoroughfares and gather them all around a fireplace or central table for maximum impact en masse. Consider using scented diffusers dotted throughout rooms, and especially hallways (as people pass through, they waft the scent and act as fragrant fans). Room sprays are brilliant, too – they don’t evaporate as quickly. If you do want to have lit candles, think about using candle holders or hurricanes to keep flames contained. Alternatively, opt for tealight holders on tables, which are far less likely to be knocked over.
Ben Spriggs is Editor-in-chief of “ELLE Decoration”, which is currently celebrating its 35th year. Follow Ben on Instagram @mrbspriggs
For wrapping up to delight others
For my friend, Dudley, he’s a consummate entertainer and throws the best dinner parties. He’s also extremely aware of the importance of candlelight at said soirées and these simple-but-stylish lanterns are the best way to use taper candles on a table.
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My sister, Lucy, lives in LA, so doesn’t have much call for warm woollens, but she’s still a huge fan of comfort and these are the ultimate in self-care clothing. Popping them on is the best way to pamper yourself at the end of a tough day.
shop nowGifts to welcome them to the world. Outfits for any adventure. Everything for the sweetest dreams.
