An alternative Christmas

I have always looked forward to designing my Christmas. Being the sort to be easily bored I try to bring something new to each Christmas that comes around. The Christmas tree has always been a staple, but had I seen this idea earlier I may have replaced my usual tree with this idea.

An alternative tree

I found this idea last year and I do believe it is one of my favourites. Amazing what you can do with a few old baking tins.

Even more of an alternative tree

If you want to make a scene, not by misbehaving but by being your own set designer, the sky is the limit really. By taking some vintage picture frames and adding some festive greenery you can create fabulous settings.

Empty vintage frames

Even an existing piece of furniture can become a festive display.

Dress up a cabinet

Sania Pell is one of my favourie stylists and ’tis she that came up with this idea. Old lightbulbs look awfully similar to Christmas baubles – add some wire and ribbon and you have a unique decoration.

Never throw away a light bulb

By creating a scene in your windows you are giving outside and inside a festive feel in one fell swoop.

Bring the outside in

Do you have any old baubles that no longer do it for you? Well take some emulsion paint and change them to suit your taste, simple but truly genius. Again by Sania Pell.

Paint those old baubles

If like me you have boxes full of vintage fabrics and trimmings why not use them to make beautiful wreaths. What I love about this idea is that they can be used all year round.

Use vintage millinery flowers to make wreaths

Well we all like to eat at Christmas and the cake always takes centre stage in my home. This one is by the French master baker Eric Kayser but I think this is beyond my meagre skills.

Maybe better left to the experts

This one however is something I have tried and it’s simple as you just thinly roll some fondant icing and literally throw it over the cake so it folds. Dampen the icing then scatter cocoa powder over it. Take it outside thouogh to blow the excess powder off as it makes an awful mess!

Not as difficult as it looks

Try to do something a bit different this Christmas it really does lighten your life. Have a good one!