The finishing touches of Christmas
Shopping for gifts is usually at the forefront of our minds when the festive season hits, whether you sorted all your Christmas shopping back in October, or you’ll be frantically adding items to your basket at the last minute. However, there’s plenty more to Christmas than just presents.
We’ve collated some of our best tips and ideas for all those final festive touches to make sure your Christmas is really special, from baking the perfect cake to how to dress your tree.
Deck the halls: home decor
There’s little as magical as returning from a chilly day outside to a home that’s decked out in its festive finest.
A Christmas tree is a gorgeous, green, blank canvas to work from, and is often the cornerstone of your Christmas decor. Take a look at our tips for choosing the right tree for your home, and how best to dress it.
Red wooden bauble decoration, was £1.95, now 50p
While the tree takes centre stage, don’t neglect the rest of your home! Add some garlands, hanging decorations, and chains to shelves, bookcases and bannisters for some fun festive touches.
Products shown:
Top left: Gold Merry Christmas garland, £2.95
Top right: Rustic large red bird decoration, was £6.95, now £1.95
Bottom left: Jolie Noel paper chain kit, was £6.95, now £2.95
Bottom right: Silver Stars Christmas garland, £2.95
Wrap it up: gift wrap hacks
So, the tree is up, and now it just needs gifts underneath it. Do you go elaborate with your wrap, or just pop the item in a gift bag and be done with it?
If you do fancy getting fancy with the wrapping this year, check out our simple six-step tutorial on making your own Christmas bows with wrapping paper.
Got a bottle or tin to wrap? We know it’s not the easiest shape, so take a look at this guide to wrapping a bottle beautifully, including adding a pretty fan top. There’s even a video tutorial to guide you.
Set the scene: the festive table
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for foodies, and Christmas cake is often the star of the show. You can of course pick yours up from the local supermarket, but why not have a go at making your own this year? Take a look at our easy-to follow recipe, plus a selection of top Christmas cake-making tips from baking bloggers and celebrity chefs.
Shop-bought or homemade, keep your Christmas goods fresh in a pretty cake tin. Nordic Christmas round tin, £9.95. Don’t forget the napkins! Nordic Christmas napkins (20), £1.95
The dinner table is a key feature of Christmas Day, where everyone gathers for the all-important Christmas feast. Have some fun thinking about how to decorate it this year, with these fantastic tips for styling your Christmas party table.
Products shown:
Gold stars Christmas garland, £2.95
Japanese side plate in Petite Daisy, £8.95
Japanese dinner plate in Petite Daisy, £14.95
Festive frolics: plan the entertainment
In all the excitement and activity of the build-up, it can be easy to forget about things to do on the big day itself. Whilst you’ll no doubt spend plenty of time opening presents and enjoying Christmas dinner, you’ll want to be prepared for those inevitable down times.
We’re championing the idea of a screen-free Christmas this year. Here’s our list of top ten undigital gifts to make it easy to keep the kids off their phones this Christmas.
Secret Agent lie detector kit, £12.95
However, kids shouldn’t have all the fun, right? Christmas Day isn’t complete without the family battling it out over some classic games and we’ve got loads of ideas to entertain all ages. Take a look at our round-up of family games, all less than £10!
A puzzle is a great family activity, and offers the perfect break from sitting in front of the TV. Canine Alphabet puzzle in a tube, £8.95
Wishing you a very Happy Rexmas, from everyone at Rex London!
