Where should the tree go in the house?
My tree, because of the way the house works, is as soon as you come in the front door because I just like that vibe. I can still keep it slightly out the way as it’s a hall that goes into the sitting room so then it’s not there all the time which is what I like. You must think about where all the presents are going to go and also where you will gather to give them out.
We live in a tiny flat and won't be here for Christmas day - should we bother with decorating this year?
It’s a shame not to have a Christmas tree because there are all those other days before Christmas to enjoy the decorations. In the past when I’ve been away over Christmas, I’ve done a garland over the fireplace in December instead which I’ve found to be a good alternative.
What do you think of a themed Christmas tree?
I don’t really like a themed Christmas tree because my whole principle is that you gather Christmas decorations all your life, a very nice wedding present to give a couple is a lovely box of Christmas decorations because you don’t often have any when you move in together. I’ve just given my youngest godchild who’s three a box of Christmas decorations that I’m hoping will remind her of London and me in the future.
Any tips for dog-proofing a festive home?
Quite difficult if you have a bouncy dog! If that is the case, it’s best to put everything higher so the dog cant get to it, also don’t put dog treats in the parcel under the tree.
Any tips for decorating and hosting in a small space?
I think this goes back to having a festive garland rather than a tree. You can still use similar decorations and get the same feel it just all takes up less space. In my childhood we used to put holly above all the pictures in the house which has gone completely out of fashion but this question makes me think about it. I also like to nestle the Christmas cards in amongst the bookcase as I hate them falling over and it also gets them out the way.
Would you set a Christmas table with blue and white Royal Copenhagen dishes or do you prefer to use more traditional crockery?
Maybe I would If I had a rather wacky tablecloth. Overall, I prefer to have a strange tablecloth and mirror on the table as well as lots of crystal things and candles. I like white and gold china best for the Christmas table, it’s the only time I really use it.
How do you stop your mantelpiece arrangement drying out?
I suppose this is where you could use fake for the greenery and then real ornaments for the rest of it. I don’t think anyone would really notice it.
How do you decorate stairs for Christmas?
I think the best way of decorating stairs for Christmas, if they're big and grand enough, is that lovely way of wrapping an old-fashioned swagged garland up the staircase, I've always loved that. It’s so pretty when tied onto the banister with big red bows or something. I suppose you could also put pots of flowers going up the stairs too, it depends how big your staircase is really.
Do you have tips for Christmas decorating on a budget?
I think Christmas decorating on a budget is perfectly possible, especially if you collect a few lovely decorations every year. When I did my first Christmas tree, I had a background of plain red, plain silver and plain gold baubles that I tied into the tree to give depth. Then I put my precious ones that I’ve loved and bought to commemorate things on last, so they were at the front of each bough. Slowly you can replace the less good ones and eventually they’ll all be beautiful. I don’t think you ever want to buy lots and lots of less nice ones, it’s good to have a mix even if you can’t afford too many, it's always worth buying one or two really good ones. The other thing you can do is tie bows of large tartan ribbon all over the tree which doesn’t cost so much.
Do you have any favourite plants and flowers to decorate with, and any you really don't like?
I like spring flowers at Christmas; I think it gives hope that the winter is going to be over. Big bowls of hyacinths are beautiful on the table, it's also quite a good thing to take somebody, especially because when you first give them they're not out but then they slowly come out and smell delicious. I sort of hate poinsettias as I think they're rather tiresome.. as Christmas goes on you go to people's houses and there’ll just be a sad looking poinsettia with about three leaves left on it and for some reason they don’t throw it away.
Are there any Christmas decorations that you really hate?
I really hate tasteful ones, I think Christmas is not meant to be tasteful, it’s a time you can really get excited about glitter.
Are fake trees naff or sometimes permissible?
I don’t think fake trees are naff at all; there are some really beautiful ones now. If you want your tree up for a long time, it’s actually a really good idea to invest in a great fake one. The needles on a real tree, especially if you have coconut matting or sisal are really a pain to deal with. You do of course miss the smell of the real tree, what you can do to keep that around though is invest in a Christmas spray. There’s a great one by Frederic Malle which is just delicious: if you spray that all over the place no one will know you’ve got a fake tree.
Do you have any tips for involving children in Christmas decorating?
I think it’s very fun to have children be involved in decorating the tree, of course depending on their ages. It's good to get the lights and all the important parts of the tree sorted before letting the children attack it but I do think it really makes is so much more Christmassy if they get involved. Maybe they can also paint their own Christmas decorations or make gingerbread men and tie them on too. I think it’s very fun to have ginger biscuits on a tree, it’s also economical of course.
Do you decorate all at once or add to your decoration over the Christmas period?
I decorate all at once because I think then it's done and its something you can tick off. I also like to know that it’s finished and looks beautiful.
MAY WE SUGGEST: How Nina Campbell decorates for Christmas
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