Get Ready for Christmas!

Now that December has finally arrived, the children have opened the first few advent calendar windows; DJs all over the country are diggin out their favourite festive tunes; the City's street lights have been turned on... Christmas is coming!

With the advent of Christmas we welcome family and friends into our homes. Impending visitors encourage us to see with fresh eyes and sometimes the minor flaws we don't notice in everyday life become glaringly obvious (the mud stains on the carpet, chipped paintwork, lumpy sofa...). Suddenly we become horrified by the condition of our houses and worry about what other people will think!

So let's tackle the issue now and save ourselves some grief come Christmas Eve. Here are our best ideas for transforming the home between now and the big day itself:

1. If you don't have the time or budget to change anything else, then my top tip would be to turn the lighting down! Soft candle or lamp light is very kind to an unloved interior. A string of twinkling fairy lights, is an even better idea.

2. Re-flooring will make a huge impact but a new rug will provide a much cheaper and easier change. Choosing a Rug

3. There's still time to order made to measure curtains and blinds. If your budget doesn't stretch to this, ready made curtains  will have an equally transformative effect, especially in the evenings when the curtains are closed.

4. A few well-chosen cushions will add a sense of comfort and welcome to your space and can add a splash of colour.

5. Blankets and throws will conceal a sofa that's seen better days while adding a welcoming touch at the same time.

6. Overnight guests will appreciate freshly laundered towels. If yours have seen better days a new set will not only be gratefully received, but will also freshen up a bathroom. Or re-condition your existing towels with these handy tips: How To Keep Your Towels Soft and Fluffy

7. There's no need to do a full-on make-over; a coat of paint on the walls can make a huge difference. If you don't have the time or inclination to re-decorate, an hour spent washing the walls down will make a surprising difference. Here's how: how-to-clean-walls-and-wallpaper

8. Christmas decorations can hide a multitude of sins and distract attention from more poorly maintained areas. If you have a crack in your wall a carefully placed string of Christmas cards will work wonders. And a nice big tree will provide a focal point for everyone to look at. Here's a link to some attention grabbing trees: christmas-tree-decorating-ideas

John Lewis Christmas Tree