Hand make your Christmas décor this year. Advice from home styling expert, Kate Henderson, will help you create a festive space that is classy and refined.

“You don’t have to be a design guru to make your home feel special this Christmas,” says Kate Henderson, owner of Henderson’s Garden & Home Store.

“People worry they are not creative enough or might get something wrong when it comes to trying out new ideas at Christmas, but if you use what you love and follow a few simple steps, it is easy to create a wonderful space that is unique to you.”

Hendersons , Melrose by @philwilkinsonphoto

“I like to create cosy nooks at home over the winter months,” Kate admits. “You can do this really simply by bringing the outdoors in with foraged or windfall foliage and fir cone branches paired with faux berry stems.

“Fill a vase or urn with oasis and create an arrangement to suit the style of your space; branches and fuller foliage will need a larger vase with plenty of space. I like to include fresh rosemary and eucalyptus stems for their gorgeous fragrance. Faux eucalyptus will also work with any other flower or foliage, and always adds texture and interest.”

Hendersons , Melrose by @philwilkinsonphoto

“Be inventive with candles,” Kate advises. “We all love the flicker of candlelight at this time of year. Mix scale, proportion and colour to create a focal point. It’s a great idea to swap things around. For example, an urn used for a plant in the summer months is really effective in the winter if you place a large pillar candle in it instead. Dress with moss or foliage around the base for a lovely woodland feel.

“Create a vignette on a side table with votives of different shapes and sizes. Play with reflection using mirrored or cut-glass votives and stick to odd numbers — a group of three always works well.”

Hendersons , Melrose by @philwilkinsonphoto

“If like me, your mantle is too narrow for a swag, think about accessorising in a different way. I might fill three little terracotta plant pots with sand and pop a dinner candle into each, then decorate the base with dried moss, and sprigs of rosemary and bay for a fragrant decoration.

“Faux foliage table wreaths are great as they can be used again and again, and still look fresh. Get creative with larger wreaths — lovely on doors, but they also look fantastic hung on banisters or the backs of chairs for a real sense of bringing the outdoors in.”

Hendersons , Melrose by @philwilkinsonphoto

“Sheepskins add instant luxe, texture and warmth to any room — especially at this time of year. Mine are draped over the backs of sofas and armchairs; they work in any interior setting and always mean the ultimate comfort to me. Team with a super-soft cushion for style as well as comfort.”

Find all gorgeous products at Henderson’s, High Street, Melrose, TD6 9PA.

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