We’re not surprised that last Christmas was quite tame, so we’re going big this year.

Research shows that we’re preparing for Christmas earlier than ever, with sales of decorations increasing by almost a fifth compared to 2019, according to notonthehighstreet.com.

We are particularly excited about handmade items.

Merry: Hobbycraft has more than 4,000 festive craft workshops making hats, crackers and other decorations

Hobbycraft offers more than 4000 workshops for making decorations, including hats and crackers.

ManoMano reports searches on how to create wreaths, and baubles has increased by 350% and 222 percent respectively. Hobbycraft however reports an increase in visits up to 108 percent for certain festive ranges.

Poppy Treffry says Christmas is an ideal time to express your creativity. Handmade decorations allow you to be creative and make new family heirlooms.

It is important to maintain a chic look and not make it seem like something that was made by a child. This is where the professionals come in.

‘When conjuring up a beautiful Christmas setting, the key is to keep it simple and seasonal,’ says Judith Harris, head of house & home at TOAST. 

Hobbycraft offers workshops in bauble- and wreath-making, and more than 4,000 workshops for crafting hats and crackers.

These are some helpful tips. . .

Make sure to sew your stockings

A stocking hanging above the fireplace is a great way to bring back childhood memories. Stockings can be purchased pre-made or made at home.

You can also make your own knitted socks. The knitting company Wool And The Gang offers a free pattern and how-to videos on their website.

Etsy.com offers a variety of sew-yourself kits. You can also buy fabric to create your pattern.

Haines Collection offers designer fabrics for a fraction the cost.

Tilly And The Buttons provides an online refresher for anyone who needs to be reminded how to use their sewing machines.

Hand-painted baubles from Toast (£8.50) - the retailer now runs workshops, including bauble and wreath making. Hobbycraft also has hat and cracker making classes

Hand-painted baubles from Toast (£8.50) – the retailer now runs workshops, including bauble and wreath making. Hobbycraft offers classes for cracker and hat making 

Festive foliage

A wreath adds natural beauty to a tree. Notonthehighstreet found out that wreaths were one of the most popular items we are buying in October. Sales have increased by 289 Percent since 2019.

Terri Chandler from florists Worm London states that “a handmade wreath is something you can do as a family.”

Worm has a book dedicated to teaching us how to create wreaths at home: Wreaths: Fresh, Foraged & Dried Floral Arrangements (£14.99).

Judith Harris says that you can add a natural touch to the atmosphere by suspending a branch from a tree above your table. This can be decorated using copper lights, paper stars and other decorations. 

“Add colour and pop to the table by using rosehips or hellebores, or any other flower such as deep red or bright pomegranates. Try TOAST’s hand-painted baubles (£8.50).

Paper projects 

Paper chains are the ultimate in easy decorations — something all the family can get involved with. Either buy your own paper and cut it into strips (Hobbycraft has a selection), or there are kits with pre-cut up paper, including Baker Ross, where a pack of 240 strips costs £4.50.

Make paper stars for a Scandi twist. Jo Hill was the one who came up with an idea for star kits. She said, “I wanted to design an easy-to-use kit to create something stylish and beautiful.”

‘Getting absorbed in making stuff is such a lovely and relaxing activity,’ she says (from £9, ArtStarLondon on Etsy).

Cards of Cheer

The joy of handwriting notes is always a source of happiness. Heather Curtis is the creator and owner Heather Evelyn, an online stationery shop. 

She encourages others to give it a try or you can buy her handmade cards, £5 for five.

Every time you print a block printing card design, it produces dependable results. Molly Mahon, an expert crafter sells block printing cards online along with her book.

Try her Bauble kit (£38.50).

Your home is missing a… leaning, mirror 

The Vigue mirror from Wayfair costs £58.99

The Vigue mirror from Wayfair costs £58.99

A full-length, leaning mirror has been the latest decoration item that moved from the hotel sector to the home. 

This mirror is used in hotels to magnify small spaces. This mirror will make any space feel larger.

Regency chic is set to be a thing in 2022 and the £58.99 Vigue mirror from Wayfair with its carved gilt frame supplies this look for less.

The £99.99 Sophie from The Range has a silver frame. The genuine article, an early 19th century mirror with an ornate gilt frame on the 1stDibs auction costs about £2,969.

You can find many contemporary choices. Leaner Mirrors has a selection at about £110 each. 

The £110 Paulownia Ceruse from Maisons du Monde would suit a shabby chic interior. Heal’s offers an elegant £299 version.  

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