Last minute Christmas tips, Podcast show notes S13 Ep3
Here we are halfway through season 13 of the Great Indoors podcast and here you will find my handy notes for episode 3. We are undeniably in the Christmas zone so today we are going to embrace the festive season wholeheartedly and you can catch the full episode here.
We recorded this episode at Kate’s London home and I couldn’t help but notice that there was no sign of anything Christmassy and she certainly didn’t deck the hall with boughs of holly. Firstly, she was waiting for a photoshoot featuring her new Eco sofa but unfortunately, it was cancelled. However, believe it or not, she has never put up her decs until the last Sunday before Christmas (or at least one week before). I get her point that she finds it sad to see a droopy Christmas tree on Boxing day with no pressies underneath and it would have to go by 27th.
Traditionally she has always gone for a real tree, although she now has a green painted wooden tree and as for the decorations – they date back 20 years including ones her sons have made including snow angels made at nursery, so there is an element of sentimentality to the Grinch after all.
I really went to town on the decor last year! photographed by Alun Callender
Despite your family dynamic and pressures that go along with it, especially during the festive period, one thing we can help with is easing the stress of getting your house ready. You may feel the pressure after scrolling through reels and reels of ‘the perfect’ tree, wreath etc on Instagram but remember these aren’t always reality.
Let’s face it, we’ve been through quite a lot and last year was a bit of a rollercoaster and I wanted to pull out all the stops as I wanted to re-invent the house and make it feel different. This year, I’m a bit burnt out after a full on working summer and I just want to keep things simple.
Just one of the fabulous floral creations by my favourite florist Sage & Co
Last-minute Christmas deco ideas:
We are trying to move away from tacky plastics and one thing I think can have a huge impact is the paper ball decoration – when used en masse. They look great and easily fold away until next year.
Set of 7 Christmas Tropics Paper Fans £8, Dunelm
Paper decorations are becoming more popular especially if you do decide to change your ‘theme’ we can’t condone checking out loads of plastic decorations each year. But I don’t think it’s necessary to have a theme as, like Kate, many of us have decorations that have meaning and memory so if it’s a mish-mash of colour and style then so be it – Christmas is all about nostalgia.
If you don’t like a tree without presents, put some paper balls as decorative placeholders. photographed by Alun Callender
How to add touches of sparkle
- This is the time of year I love to go foraging in the garden and snip some evergreens and dot them around the house and why not add some holly and berries.
- If space is limited go for a mini tree to sit on a table – real or faux, they can still look just as colourful and festive.
- Re-using: Use newspaper as an alternative gift wrap and add some fabulous ribbon; fabric is also a great wrapping alternative, also known as Furoshiki although can work out more expensive – unless you have lots of remnants lying around.
- If you have a real tree in the corner, start snipping off branches at the back to use as decorations elsewhere or to pimp up your presents.
- For the little ones, don’t forget the good old potato prints – they look fab on some plain parcel paper.
Recycle your daily read and add some personal touches. Image via Southern Living
For those who are tricky to buy for, think about which room is their favourite and what they do in there – the garage, workshop or bedroom and think of something that will suit that room and activity.
Layering your gifts: for example, don’t give just a cookbook, add the wooden spoon and the dish! As with an experience, pop a note into an oven glove for a cooking class – you get the idea!
If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for someone special, check out my gift guide here.
Huge thanks to our producer Kate Taylor of Feast Collective and to you lovely lot out there. Have a very happy Christmas!
Image at top: Annie Sloan
