Get a festive, cosy look this Christmas; Homes CHRISTMAS is just around the corner, so make the most of your seasonal decorations around the home. Ann Evans gets some festive tips from the experts.

Byline: Ann Evans

We all want out homes to look cosy and cheerful this Christmas, so here's a few ideas from Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company on how to create that perfect Christmassy look.

Chrissie suggests keeping it simple by choosing a two-colour theme, not overdoing the decorations and relying on the power of candlelight. Although it's important never to leave candles unattended or allow small children or animals close to them.

"This year I'm using strings of white fairy lights, silver, clear glass and white decorations," says mother of four, Chrissie.

"And I use candles everywhere, whether little clusters of tea lights on a shelf or window ledge, or even a clear glass fish bowl with long white taper candles nestled into a base of white dishwasher salts.

"A room filled with flickering candlelight instantly feels softer, warmer and much more welcoming."

"Even if you do nothing else to your home at Christmas, make it light and sparkly.

"Scatter twinkly glass gems across a tabletop, choose crystal candlesticks and white candles, mirrored tealight holders, and mirrored place mats.

"All these will instantly send the light spinning and add bags of atmosphere."

CHRISSIE'S RECIPE FOR MAGIC ROOMS

Make your home warm and inviting by lighting a real fire, or simply fill a grate or the top of the mantelpiece with a collection of sparkly candles for a festive focal point.

Pick a colour scheme for the decorations for rooms, and follow the same theme for the tree and the table.

Keep to just two colours.

Chrissie says: "White and gold or silver and indigo always work well at Christmas and look lovely mixed with natural greenery."

Christmas baubles needn't just hang on a tree. "Use them all around the house," Chrissie suggests. "Pile them into a wide bowl to make a brilliant centrepiece for a coffee or hall table, or arrange them with candles on a mantelpiece. Play with different sizes for maximum impact."

Spray dried leaves or berries silver and scatter on a tabletop, or attach to wire and hang from a mantelpiece like bunting.

How To Make Your House A Home by Chrisse Rucker is published by Craft Publishing, priced pounds 6.99. Available now.

CAPTION(S):

DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS... Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company, offers decorating tips to make your house festive and cheery this Christmas season, from using baubles as tabletop decorations to lighting candles throughout your home so that light twinkles from all corners.