CRAFTING CHRISTMAS CHEER

Come December and the cheer is palpable in the air. It is that time of the year when you sign off from the old year to welcome a new one. And this is also when you can get your home Xmas ready. We speak to experts who weigh in on crafting the perfect holiday ambiance through the art of decoration.

This year there is a conscious leaning towards a minimal, intimate, and moody Christmas, by playing with textures and colours. While there is always space for a red and green Christmas, muted tones of olives, shades of copper and soft blues (reminiscent of snowflakes) are making waves this year. Gunjan Jindal Poddar, Founder, Amala Earth says, “Enhance the festive spirit of your home with one-of-a-kind Christmas accents. Create a cosy and personalised ambiance by infusing warmth with handcrafted decorations such as lovely paper snowflakes or exquisite fabric garlands. Bring nature indoors by adding pinecones and berries into wreaths and garlands, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Decorate your homes with cotton and linen cushion covers, table covers and jute rugs that are aesthetic and close to our roots.” When it comes to Christmas decorations, one must-do is to embrace simplicity. Choose a simple style that focuses on a few key pieces, allowing each piece to stand out and add to the celebratory atmosphere.

Christmas home decor trends have transformed over time, mirroring shifts in style preferences, societal influences, and technological advancements. Recent years have witnessed a surge in sustainable practices, notably the repurposing of items for DIY decorations. “Layering rugs or incorporating textured carpets can add depth and warmth to spaces during the holiday season. There’s a prevailing preference for neutral colour schemes, minimalist ornaments, and decluttered spaces. Neutral-toned rugs or those with classic patterns can seamlessly fit into different Christmas decor themes, from traditional to contemporary. The popularity of handmade ornaments, personalised stockings, and customised wreaths or garlands has surged. Moreover, an increased emphasis on eco-friendly choices involves utilising natural or recycled materials for decor, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability,” says Neha Baranwal, Managing Director, LUXURIFY.

Making mindful choices, especially with items such as rugs and carpets, holds significant importance. Opting for carpets produced with a commitment to eco-friendly methods plays a vital role in minimising waste and pollution. “A sustainable celebration is a good celebration, and the best way to bring the Christmas green cheer is to swap the faux for natural, foraged plants and branches. Propping foraged branches in interesting vases around the home and decorating them with lights and baubles can bring the Christmas warmth,” says Supriya SV, Co-founder Tesor Designs. Natural elements like dried florals and wooden accents are gaining popularity, adding a touch of nature to festive settings. Additionally, integrating technology through smart lighting systems introduces a modern twist to traditional decor. Misbah Kapadia, Interior designer, Founder and Curator of Design Konstruct says, “Consider creating environment-friendly decor by fashioning a ‘green’ tree using recycled materials or crafting personalised ornaments from repurposed items. Infuse your space with natural scents by using aromatic herbs and fruits strategically placed throughout your home. Choose energy-efficient lighting options to further contribute to an environmentally conscious decor scheme.”

Christmas festivity is also about food and beverages. Serving and decorating the space around food can really elevate the festive experience. While this is time-tested and oft repeated, layering your crockery and playing with colours, patterns, shapes, and textures can create an impact and can make any tablescape look inviting. “Another Christmas trend is to opt for varied fabric options such as velvet and embroidered fabric which can often be used for curtains and upholstery during the holiday season, adding a touch of luxury and warmth. Mixing different textures, such as smooth fabrics with knits or plaid patterns, can create a visually interesting and cosy atmosphere. For a truly enchanting ambiance, incorporate floating candles in glass bowls or fill jars with fairy lights, casting a warm and magical glow throughout your living spaces. Embrace these innovative ideas to transform your home into a unique and festive haven this holiday season,” says Smita Joshi, Vice President of Home Textiles and Design Expert, Nesterra.

This season, interior designers are exploring sustainability by incorporating recycled materials and embracing neutral colour schemes. Natural elements like dried florals and wooden accents are gaining popularity, adding a touch of nature to festive settings. Additionally, integrating technology through smart lighting systems introduces a modern twist to traditional décor

TIPS

Look for ornaments with different scales, shapes, and textures but tie it together with a unifying colour palette

While decorating for Christmas play with shapes and textures – tall triangle decor objects mixed with tapered candle stands can often stand-in for a tabletop Christmas tree, circular objects (copper, cane, crochet) can be mixed with the traditional gold and silver baubles

Extend your Christmas cheer through the months by bringing in plants like Poinsettias, with their gorgeous red foliage

Opt for dried flower decorations such as table garlands and wreaths, that can be reused every year

Carefully sorting and storing your trees, baubles and ornaments is key to making sure it’s reused again and that all your Christmas ornaments are in good shape