12 Days of Christmas

A step by step guide to getting your home ready for Christmas.

Why not celebrate the festive season by gradually decorating your home with a unique theme each day leading up to Christmas? This time of year always seems to be so very busy. I don’t know about you but putting Christmas decorations up is often a bit of a rush. So this year I thought I’d plan things out a little and share those with you. The beauty of the guide below is that if you start now, you will have decorated your home for Christmas with plenty of time to truly enjoy what you’ve created.

Here’s a day-by-day guide to adding Christmas cheer to your home, inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas. And because, we’re starting early(ish), it doesn’t matter if you miss a day. The aim for me is to do one thing each day, perhaps you will too?

Day 1: Christmas Tree Magic

Magical Christmas tree

Available from: John Lewis

Christmas trees are so magical, aren’t they? We often spend quite a bit of time choosing the ‘perfect’ tree. It is after all the centrepiece of our Christmas décor! Then it’s time to decorate it with twinkling lights, ornaments, ribbons, and a very special topper. Whether it’s traditional or themed, your tree will set the festive tone. John Lewis has quite a variety of different tree decorations if you’re looking for something new or if you need to top up your existing collection. Click the image for a few more Festive tree ideas.

Day 2: Garlands & Greenery

Frosted Brush Tree Garland

Available from: Cox and Cox

Next, its garlands, which are so very versatile - drape them around stair railings, across mantels, or even over doorways. Aim to incorporate fresh or faux greenery like pine, eucalyptus, or holly for a natural, festive feel. Add ribbons, baubles, berries, or lights for an extra touch. Click the image for more festive garland ideas.

Day 3: Decorate the Mantel

Ekiti bauble Garland - Antique gold & rust

Available from: Nkuku

Now, let’s focus on decorating the fireplace or mantel. Fireplace garlands come into their own here too. Hang stockings, add candles, fairy lights, pinecones and berries. Create a festive display by adding festive figurines like reindeer, Santas, or nutcrackers to complete your festive display.

Day 4: DIY Advent Calendar

In the mood for a different Advent Calendar this year?

Image credit: Tatertots and Jello

It’s never too late to start your own DIY advent calendar. Create or display an advent calendar with small, festive surprises for each day leading up to Christmas. You can use mini stockings, boxes, or pouches hung on a wall or placed in a fun arrangement on a mantel or shelf. For more Advent calendar ideas, click the image.

Day 5: Christmas Wreaths

The 'Mulled Wine' Fresh Foliage Christmas Wreath

Available from:  Sprouts of Bristol

Wreaths are one of my favourite parts of Christmas decorating. Hang a festive wreath on your front door to welcome guests. For an extra touch, consider adding smaller wreaths to interior doors, kitchen cabinets, or windows. Opt for natural materials or fun, whimsical designs. Click the image for some more inspiration. Wreaths can also be used on a charger with a large candle to create a stunning table centrepiece.

Day 6: Twinkling Lights

White LED Moon & Star Christmas Icicle Lights

Available from:  Habitat

With the evenings drawing in, soft, warm lighting throughout your home adds to the festive atmosphere. String fairy lights around windows, doorways, or your porch. You can also drape them over shelves or place them in glass jars for a magical, cosy glow.

Day 7: Cosy Christmas Textiles

Catherine Lansfield Tufted Christmas Tree Cushion

Available from: Dunelm

It’s time for the Christmas cosy- up. Swap out your everyday throws, cushions and blankets for Christmas-themed ones. Look for cosy textures like velvet, faux fur, or knit throws in seasonal colours. Add themed cushion covers or throws with patterns like snowflakes or reindeer.

Day 8: Seasonal Scents

Christmas Spice Scented Candle

Available at: Mugdock Makkers

There’s nothing nicer than the fresh smell of pine needles and Christmas spices. Fill your home with the fragrances of Christmas. Use scented candles, potpourri, or essential oil diffusers with scents like cinnamon, pine, vanilla, or peppermint. Simmer a stovetop potpourri with orange slices, cloves, and cinnamon sticks for a natural, delicious aroma. Let the seasonal scents of your choice waft throughout your home.

Day 9: Festive mirrors & windows

Gold Feather Etched LED Bauble, Ella James

Available from: Notonthehighstreet

Don’t forget the windows! Add snowflake decals, wreaths, or candles to your windows to spread the holiday cheer to the outside. You can also decorate mirrors with garlands or string lights for added sparkle. For more window decorating ideas, click here

Day 10: Christmas Scenes

Lit Wooden Tabletop Tree Scene - Snowtime

Available from: House of Fraser

Create mini Christmas scenes throughout your home. Use trays, bookshelves, or tables to display small Christmas villages, nativity scenes, or a group of candles and ornaments. These festive vignettes can bring charm to unexpected areas. My favourite are the wooden Christmas scenes.

Day 11: Festive Table Setting

Image source: Instagram

With the 25th fast approaching, start planning your festive dining or kitchen table. Use Christmas-themed plates, napkins, and glassware. Add a centerpiece with candles, greenery, or ornaments to make the table inviting for meals. For more ideas, click the image.

Day 12: Outdoor Lighting

Rattan Christmas Star Decoration in Brown

Available at: White stores

Finish your decorating by focusing on the outside of your home. Add lights to trees, bushes, and along walkways. Decorate your porch with lanterns or festive doormats.

By following this guide and spreading out the Christmas decorating process, you can enjoy each step of transforming your home into a Christmas wonderland! You can of course, choose to decorate in any order that suits you!

Below you’ll find a shopping board with other ideas and a few accessories that could also be added to your home to create the wow factor this Christmas.

1. Christmas star         2. Hanging lights    3.  Garland

4. cushion                 5.  candle 6. Christmas tree decorations

As always, if you require any support and would like to talk through any ideas, please contact me for a chat.

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2025!