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.

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.

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!

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