EASY STYLE UPDATES
CLEVER TRICKS TO MINI DECOR PROJECTS… WE ROUND UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW
FEATURE LAURIE DAVIDSON
1 HANG A SPARKLY GLASS DISPLAY
Twinkly fairly lights are ideal for casting a magical glow in any room, so string them around windows and along shelves and mantels for seasonal sparkle. If you really want to make an impact, however, a cluster of large light-up decorations hung over the dining table is sure to set the scene and create a truly special Christmas ambience.
2 CRAFT A FAN-STYLE GARLAND
Whether you use colourful pinwheels or dried spear leaves, as shown here, it’s easy to create a mantelpiece garland with no hint of greenery in sight. Once your palms are in place, dot in baubles along with a few paper snowflakes for a striking and stylish DIY decoration.
STYLE TIP
Spray-paint natural dried palm spears to match your scheme, whether in silver, gold or even white
COLOURS TO WOW
3 String paper ornaments or baubles from curtain rails for eye-catching window displays.
4 BRIGHTEN UP PICTURE FRAMES
Spruce up some old picture frames with fun painted patterns in complementary colours. From checks and stripes to wavy borders – it’s a great way to bring a gallery wall to life.
£££ Style saver
5 HOW TO FOLD A TREE-SHAPED NAPKIN
Treat your guests to a delightful place setting with a Christmas tree napkin. You could put a tiny star on top for a final flourish.
■ Fold a square napkin in half, then fold it in half again.
■ Lay the square on a table so it’s in a diamond shape with the open edges pointing downwards.
■ Fold up each layer of the napkin, staggering the layers so each one is a bit shorter than the one above.
■ Flip your napkin over, with the peak pointing upwards. Fold in the two side corners, one over the other, to form a straight horizontal line under the peak.
■ Flip your napkin over again, so the side with the layers is facing you.
■ Fold up each of the layers, tucking its peak into the pocket above.
