A Festive Fireside….

In our house, the Christmas tree won’t go up until at least the first weekend in December, sometimes after that. Two reasons; one, that we always get a real tree, and I think we all know that if you favour the tradition of a real Christmas tree then even with the super-swankiest-anti-drop-treated number, if you get it too early then that bad-boy is likely to be dropping and drooping long before Santa Claus comes to town. The second reason is that growing up, my parents never put our tree up until at least mid-December; I would imagine for the same reason; so I like to feel that I am carrying on that tradition.

Christmas decor elsewhere in our home though? Well that tends to creep in by the end of November. Bit by bit, and slowly but surely; another wreath, another candle and, of course, who doesn’t love oranges and cinnamon sticks? I do always begrudge spending a fortune on decorations that are purely seasonal though; and much prefer to invest in pieces in the house that can be styled throughout the Autumn/Winter, and just made to look that little bit extra, well, Christmassy in the month of December. You only have to glance at a home interior fan’s Instagram feed to know that a mercury glass candle holder is most definitely an all-year-around essential. Perhaps, along with eucalyptus and candles, they could be considered the home interior equivalent to the food blogger’s humble avocado and poached eggs?

So every year, as well as scouring the hedgerows when I am out on my walks for free greenery (the best kind!), I also look in the shops for decorative items that will last the distance during winter, and that I won’t be desperate to get rid of come the 27th December. One World have got so many beautiful items that I have been able to use for exactly that. Styled with the right greenery and some candles burning; all of the pieces I have selected create the perfect festive fireside that can be easily adapted come the new year. I have chosen some of my favourites and wanted to share with you how I’ll be styling them this festive season…….

Candles are key-

We all know we can’t have enough, right? Especially at Christmas! My favourites have to be these tea light holders, they come in all shapes and designs; and are so easily used collectively or you can use the bigger ones on their own. I like to use them in clusters together along the mantlepiece or on trays. They make a sitting room so cosy in the evenings!

I also love these glass hurricane vases with stone bases, and these stone pinecone tea light holders. Both are perfect fireside pieces that look great on a mantle, or on the fireside hearth. I have used the hurricane vases on fireside shelves too, but also think they’d look equally at home if they were used either end of the Christmas table with foliage at the base. So versatile!

Jugs and planters-

Talking of stone, both of these are perfect for Christmas greenery. Outside of December, I would ordinarily style this stone jug with faux eucalyptus (also check out One World for faux greenery, definitley the best faux I have found!); but for the Christmas season you could pack it with Holly and Ivy. I did exactly that with the stone planter; but when January comes around I think I’ll opt to house a new house plant in there?

Extra Decoration-

One World have so many stunning festive accessorises in their Christmas range; but a just couple of my favourites have to be these Frosted pinecones (conveniently scented with cinnamon for that extra Christmas kick!) which can be used as extras in Christmas crafts, or just displayed in a vase or on a tray. Would it even be Christmas if you didn’t have unnecessary pinecones everywhere you looked?

I also fell in love with this Star Tray; for it’s Scandi-vibe and subtle nod to Christmas. I have used it as a fireside decoration to display these pretty spectacular “Kenton” Decorative Stemmed Artichokes (I have been after the perfect ones for ages; because, well, haven’t we all?), but I am tempted to use the tray as a table centrepiece with a pillar candle and some of the pine cones. I mean obviously I’ll throw in some cinnamon sticks and orange slices for good measure, why wouldn’t you?! Although, we all know that no festive tray would be of any use at all if it couldn’t be used to leave out by the fireside with mince pies and a tipple for the big man himself on Christmas Eve….

This Goodwood Dotted Jug is such a great mantlepiece addition. I am addicted to collecting jugs and jars (all in grey, white and neutral; obviously), so this little jug slotted into the collection perfectly. It is the perfect place for some eucalyptus stems; usually when I have too many off-cuts to go around!

Lastly; this wall mounted Stone Deer Head has true festive fireside appeal. A very simple and Scandinavian inspired addition, and it will look just perfect next to a roaring fire. I like to go a bit mad on the greenery at Christmas time (that and eating, I really go to town on that…) ; so this chap seemed the perfect place for me to stash some more holly and give him (he doesn’t have a name yet) a super festive feel.

Once you’ve lit the fire and got yourself a hot chocolate (or perhaps something a little stronger?) in hand; I hope yule find (sorry, I had to) that all of these additions to your fireside will give you every reason to be merry and bright this Christmas! I know it’s worked for Boris…….

Elle x

*This post has been created in collaboration with One.World with items being gifted to me for this collaboration. However, all opinions and writing within this post are my own.