The countdown to Christmas is well underway with shopping lists being written, gifts wrapped and decorations being brought out from lofts and garages once more.
But at this time of year there’s one BIG question that needs to be answered – is your home ready to welcome the extra relatives and guests which are coming your way?
Now is the time to take a good look around each room. Could the living room do with freshening up? Winter is all about feeling cosy and warm inside, isn’t it? The colour scheme in your house helps a lot with the overall feeling of cosiness. A quick lick of paint might help spruce up some run-down areas of the house, or you might even consider undertaking a whole colour revamp.
Sticking to the theme of cosiness, it’s time to think about creating a festive atmosphere. A super easy way to create this is by adding candles to your decor. If you want to go a little further, why not instal a fireplace to enjoy a glass of mulled wine in front of the flickering flames? On a more practical note, be sure to check that the boiler is in working order – you don’t want it to break down during the coldest months of the year, when all the repairmen are busy.
Then there’s the spare room, more often than not used as a dumping ground. It will have to be sorted out, cleaned and made welcoming. Perhaps think about making space in wardrobes and drawers, or even buying bigger ones to put everything in. Update the room with new bedding, cushions, lighting, rugs… little touches that go a long way in making your overnight guests feel welcome.
The kitchen is the hub of the home at Christmas so make sure it’s looking its best and that your cutlery, plates and glassware are all gleaming. If not, perhaps it’s time to buy new.
The bathroom is the one space you’ll want to look immaculate so having a nice selection of soaps, shower gels and fresh towels is essential.
Here’s a selection of products that will help you make guests feel welcome and give your home a touch of festive sparkle:
1) Mirrored vase lamp, £39.99 from Forty Winks, High Street, Buckie. Phone 01542 839800
2) Corndell Nimbus extended dining table, £525 from Forty Winks, High Street, Buckie. Phone 01542 839800
3) Wow dinner guests with Aldi’s battery operated light-up stag’s head, £29.99, this showstopper is truly impressive – adding a fun festive ambience to any setting
4) Mistletoe Kisses scented candle by Lily Flame, £8.99 from www.mariecurie.org.uk/shop or phone 0844 415 7845
5) Christmas isn’t complete without a gorgeously scented candle. The Chapel luxury candle collection has moodenhancing scents to evoke different times of day. The Chapel Oparus (morning), The Chapel Mellifera (afternoon) and The Chapel Noctula (night). Priced £65 each they are available from www.thechapel.co.uk
6) No space for a real tree? Try this seven-inch high revolving Christmas tree from British Heart Foundation stores, priced
£16.99
