Nothing beats the magic, happiness and cosiness that December brings. As a festive lighthouse between the dreary and dark months of November and January, it guides us safely and happily through the cold half of the year. And let’s be honest, it’s never too early to start decorating for Christmas. So why not start right away, to bit by bit add some early festivity to your home?
Less is more
When it comes to decorating as early birds in October or November, it makes sense to focus more on the season itself rather than the festivities that take place at the end of the last month of the year. Lavishly decorating for Christmas is a completely different highlight in itself, but winter decorations can already make the increasingly shorter days more comfortable and boost the anticipation of the festive season even further. The evenings are already getting shorter, and the sunlight is more and more sparse. And especially for those of us who care a little less about Halloween, cleverly placed light sources or wreaths can begin to prepare us for what’s to come still.
Keep it coherent
Nothing is more irritating than a decoration that doesn’t go together – because suddenly the objects that look so beautiful on their own seem too busy, too obtrusive and completely out of place. A good composition is the be-all and end-all and should be about keeping to the right colour families, playing with different heights and sizes, and always arranging them in groups of odd numbers.
Focus on natural materials
When it gets darker outside, it needs to get lighter inside – but the normal ceiling light is by far not enough to create a pleasant atmosphere. The best and most successful way to create a dim and magical ambiance is with multiple smaller light sources. Table or windowsill lamps, Christmas lights or lanterns and glowing decorative objects create a spotlight-like warm light throughout the room without appearing too artificial or garish. They come into their own when combined with natural materials such as fir branches or eucalyptus, linen or cotton and collected natural goods such as pinecones, acorns or dried berries and twigs. Late October to mid-November is the best time to go for a leisurely autumn walk and collect craft supplies yourself – so grab your bag and some pliers!
The closer to Christmas, the more can be added!
Let winter decorating be the perfect excuse to get in the festive spirit now. And afterwards, the decorated hotspots can simply be expanded layer by layer, with small handmade decorations from the soon-to-be-started Christmas markets, for example. Or the first Christmas baubles can finally be hung on the wreaths – and finally, of course, and best of all – the Christmas tree itself in all of its glory. And don’t get us started on the gifts!
