It's that time of year again, Christmas lights, Christmas parties, and family time – Christmas is now really around the corner. I know that by now some of you may have already started dressing your home for Christmas and some of you like me are just thinking about getting ready.

I’m thinking about the Christmas wreath workshops I’m planning on running and making Wreaths for Christmas fayres.

This got me thinking is my home ready for Christmas?

My question to you is this: Do you have space for that glorious Christmas tree? Do you have the space to store gifts - they will need to be assimilated into a cupboard or somewhere!!! Do you have space for the guests you’re expecting or whom you’ve invited to stay?

Have a read below for some tips that will help ensure that your home is as ready for Christmas as it could be. I would suggest that you gradually set aside time over the next few weeks to take some action on the suggestions below, rather than try to do it all a week before as I’m sure you’d like to feel as relaxed as possible during the runup to Christmas.

**1. Declutter**

Decluttering before Christmas will save you time and will ensure you’ve space for extra items that you and your family will be receiving.

I suggest you start with the main living areas, the entrance, and bedrooms- especially children's rooms. The kitchen is another area to focus on, remove anything that doesn’t need to be on a countertop- you’ll need the space for Christmas dinner. Next, have a look at the contents of the fridge and freezer – we tend to buy different foods at this time of year and if these areas aren’t sorted out then space will be limited. Make sure you know where those items are that you only use once a year and make sure everything has its own space. This will ensure that cleaning up is a lot quicker.

Next to the bedrooms. Sort out any clothes you don’t wear; donate or sell items. Create a calm relaxed space to retire to after a long busy day with family and friends. Get your children on board with sorting through their toys. They will be much more willing to let go of items as they’ll know that more is on the way.

2: Inspect your decs

Now that the decluttering is complete (for now), it’s time to decorate. Are you planning on re-using your artificial tree or are you planning on having a ‘real’ tree this year?

Get your decs out before the set-up day as you don’t want to be scurrying around the shops or scrolling online looking for the ‘perfect’ new tree. Are there any loose branches on your tree? Are all the Christmas bulbs in working order– is it time to replace the bulbs?

Any loose wires? Check all your Christmas wreaths, garlands, or swags. Does anything need repair or replacing? Best to do it before you decorate. Next, look at the ornaments and other decorations. Does anything need replacing?

3. Time to decorate

Now, you’re good to go -It’s time to Christmas up your home!

Decide on a theme, are you using the decorations from previous years or do some of your decs need retiring or revamping? I suggest just decorating the main living areas as decorating the whole house can be costly and of course, could look a little over the top – you only need one Christmas tree after all!! A little manoeuvring of furniture may be necessary too, to make space for the tree.

A garland, with some added fairy lights around the mantelpiece or up the staircase, will transform a room into a magical Christmas wonderland. Add some Christmas-themed cushions or throws and candles for that soft ambient lighting, and of course, we can’t forget the Christmas tree!

You could also add inexpensive Christmas fragranced candles or diffusers so that your home smells of Christmas.

Plan a lovely Christmas table centrepiece for your dining table and, there you go.

4. Compile a wrapping box

Having a box, or drawer just filled with gift wrapping materials will save you so much time and will create so much ease with the wrapping of presents.

Fill it with gift wrap, tape, and gift tags, you’ll quickly be able to gauge whether you need more or whether you have enough. All your gift-wrapping materials in one place to have on hand.
Available from: Ikea SKUBB

5. Prepare guest rooms

If you’re having overnight guests, welcome them with freshly washed bedding delicately sprayed with a winter-scented linen spray.

Add a little winter fragrance to your home. Available from: The White Company

6. Outdoor decorations

My favourite at this time of year is twinkling lights and of course, a wreath adorning the front door. This creates such a welcoming atmosphere in your home especially as the nights draw in.