SIX SIMPLE TIPS FOR A CHRISTMAS-READY HOME

Now Christmas is just around the corner again, and the final stretch is quite hectic for most people! There is a lot that needs to be sorted and organised, and the purchase of Christmas presents is something many haven't started on yet, in addition to this you need to create a home that gives you and your family a proper Christmas atmosphere. All of this combined can become very hectic for many, and it can turn into more chaos than cosiness. Here we have put together some simple tips for getting a Christmas-ready home for you who really don't have time for Christmas Eve to arrive on 24 December!

1. MIX AND MATCH

Green and red have always been the traditional Christmas colours, but in modern times we have discovered that colours such as white, black, silver and gold are also pleasant colours to be surrounded by at Christmas. Christmas is one of the only occasions that welcomes checked patterns, reindeer prints, twinkling lights and glitter with open arms. At Christmas we can easily combine several types of textiles, colours, surfaces and prints without it becoming too much. When it comes to Christmas decoration, it takes a lot before it becomes 'too much of a good thing', here it is only creativity that can stop you. Use what you have lying in the loft, both from the silver Christmas you had in 2017 and the red Christmas you had last year! No one says you can't have more than one colour when you decorate for Christmas.

2. BIGGEST ISN'T ALWAYS BEST!

A small Christmas tree can make room for more chairs, and it becomes easier for children to decorate. Even small flats can make space for a green and glittering little tree in a pot.

3. BRING NATURE INSIDE!

Drawing in elements from nature is never a bad idea. Here you can use everything you come across on forest walks, and completely free of charge. Spruce branches can become lovely table decoration as simply as that, they can for example be laid like garlands along the centre of the dining table with lights in between. A small branch can also become a very nice place card. It's not just spruce branches you can find in the forest, but also pinecones and moss. All these elements together can easily be turned into lovely decorations, and they can be combined with for example hyacinths, tulips and poinsettias. Feel free to throw in some small baubles from the tree and a little reindeer figurine or Father Christmas to get a proper Christmas atmosphere in the decoration. Adding a small fairy light string is also very decorative.

Another trend in Norwegian homes is to use large mirrors as a decorative element, often in all rooms, so why not buy a washable white marker and draw snowflakes and other Christmas motifs on the mirrors around the house? Spruce branches or eucalyptus can also easily be hung decoratively on and around the mirrors.

4. USE PERSONAL BELONGINGS

A personal expression in the home is just as important as anything else. We associate Christmas with being around those closest to us, both family and friends. It is therefore important to decorate with elements everyone can recognise, and often we have belongings with sentimental value that we want to bring out. Perhaps it's an embroidered snowman that one of the children made at the cabin many years ago? Perhaps it's an old figurine great-grandmother used to have on the shelf in her own home every single Christmas? Whatever it is, is up to you and yours!

5. USE LIGHT

Having the home full of real candles creates atmosphere and warmth, and is a simple way to make the home even cosier. In recent years many good battery-powered LED lights have also appeared as a replacement for real candles, which largely give the same effect without creating a fire hazard.

A glowing Christmas star in every window is a good tradition in Norwegian homes. In recent years many creative people have challenged this tradition by for example placing Christmas stars in clusters both with and without lights. The clusters are hung for example over the dining table at different heights, in the corner of the living room or similar, this gives a tremendously decorative expression both with and without light.

6. UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY

It's not just the tree and table that can be decorated, but also the presents! Gift wrapping is a place where many challenge their creativity and create the most wonderful creations with various ribbons, paper and other decorations. But what about putting gift paper on some of the books in the bookshelf, or decorating the bookshelf with some nicely wrapped packages you have either received or are going to give? Contrasts in materials and colours work just as well on gift wrapping as on interior design.

Gingerbread houses can be the most beautiful and charming houses you have seen, and can easily take up one of the decorative spots in the house. Preferably place it on some cotton wool or other snow-like material so that it blends even more into its proper environment.

Only the imagination sets limits, at Christmas there are no rules for what is right and wrong!

Merry Christmas from us at Bonum!