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Ideas to help you get the home ready for the festive season

Image credit: Søstrene Grene

The winter period whilst cold, is also one of the most heart-warming times of the year. Spending time with loved ones, indulging in tasty hot drinks, adorable winter walks and the opportunity to indulge in a festive favourite, decorating! The sight of homes and streets aglow with holiday cheer is nothing short of captivating. Yet, the joy of adorning your own home with festive decorations holds a special allure. Are you aiming to turn heads as people stroll past your house? Or maybe, you simply wish to create a space that never fails to bring a smile to your face? Whatever your decorating aspiration, our tips and these Cotswolds-based companies can help you transform it into reality.

Show-stopping trees


The crowning glory of Christmas decor, a majestic tree standing tall, is a sight to behold. Opting for a real tree not only makes an eco-friendly choice but also infuses your home with a nostalgic aroma that transports us back to the cherished Christmases of our childhood. So why not elevate this experience by visiting a Christmas tree farm or a renowned garden centre?

We highly recommend The Natural Christmas Tree Farm, nestled just outside of Gloucester. This family-run farm has been spreading Christmas cheer since 2013 by offering an array of beautiful trees. But a visit here promises more than just picking out the perfect tree - it's an entire day of family fun waiting to unfold!

Alternatively, you could pay a visit to the Burford Garden Centre. Known for its vast array of quality Christmas decorations year after year, it also boasts a fantastic selection of Christmas trees during the festive season making it a one-stop shop for your perfect Christmas tree. You may also find a few gifts along the way!

Christmas dinner ready

A quintessential part of Christmas is the grand feast, a delight for both the eyes and the palate. But before you embark on the culinary journey of preparing the meal as a team (because such an endeavour should never be a one-person task), it's key to ensure your dining table is at its festive best.

Small changes can make a big difference - consider using Christmas-themed china and glassware, or perhaps a new tablecloth specially chosen for the occasion. Adding these unique touches for this special event can make the entire day feel even more extraordinary!

One company we're particularly fond of is So Souk. They've just unveiled their stunning Christmas collection, ready to grace your table for the holiday feast! With their exquisite tableware, your dining table won't just be a place to eat, but a centrepiece that adds to the festive spirit.

It’s starting to smell like Christmas


Christmas is a feast for the senses, and the evocative aromas are a big part of the festive magic. The nostalgic scents of mulled wine, cinnamon, pine, orange, and gingerbread spark exciting anticipation for the holiday season.

A favourite purveyor of ours is Domestic Science. They offer an exquisite selection of scented candles that will fill your home with the spirit of Christmas. But their offerings go beyond just candles - they also carry a wide range of Christmas decor to transform your home into a festive wonderland. Whether you're looking to create a cosy ambience with aromatic candles or seeking the perfect decorations, Domestic Science has got you covered for the holiday season.

If you're hosting, make it a festive home for all


The Christmas season is all about gathering with our loved ones. If you're hosting during these chilly months, why not elevate the festive spirit by investing in sets of delightful, holiday-themed bedding? This will allow your guests to snuggle up comfortably and truly immerse themselves in the joyous season.

Located just on the outskirts of Gloucester, Bedfolk specialises in an expansive range of bedding options to transform your guest rooms into cosy winter retreats, ensuring your guests feel right at home this Christmas season.

Scandi Christmas decor

If you're a fan of the minimalist, cosy aesthetic that Scandinavian Christmas decor brings, then Søstrene Grene's Christmas collection is a must-visit. This Danish retailer, known for its beautifully designed, affordable home goods, captures the essence of 'hygge' - a Danish word for a mood of cosiness and comfortable conviviality.

Their Christmas collection, aptly named "The Christmas of Anna and Clara," features a wide range of items, from charming festive ornaments to chic table settings, all designed to create a warm, inviting holiday atmosphere. Whether you're looking for subtle tones or more traditional holiday colours, their collection provides a wealth of inspiration for your holiday home decor.