Hosting Christmas this year? Make your house more homely with these tips
New research from Redrow Interior has shown that when hosting Christmas, Brits spend an average of £110 (or a collective £5.3 billion!) to help their house feel more homely during the festive season.
Londoners are forking out the most to spread festive cheer, spending £160 on average, followed by the East of England (£132) and Northern Ireland (£125). Those in the South West spend the least (£67). Those aged 18-34 are the most likely to put their hands in their pockets, spending £170 on average.
The research also showed that the pressure of hosting Christmas is one of the biggest stresses during the holidays, with 2.8 million people hosting for the first time in 2024.
To add to the pressure, 1.6 million Brits are still planning to move house before the big day. With 52% of recent or soon to be movers concerned with making their house feel homely in time for Christmas.
Top tips to help you make your house more homely this Christmas
Redrow’s interior designer, Alysha Alli Rowlands has shared some top tips to help you get that magical homely feeling within your abode before the big day rolls around. Hosting Christmas really can be just as fun and magical as relaxing on the sofa watching the King’s speech and eating Quality Street while someone else does the grafting, yes really!
Focus on your priority areas
Trying to make your home feel festive can lead to feelings of overwhelm. Don’t stress though, as just like cleaning or redecorating, its best to tackle it one area at a time. Focus on high traffic areas – the hallway and living room must be a priority.
The front door is also a great way to start, a stunning wreath can set the scene from the moment your guests arrive. As people enter your hallway, something as simple as a traditional Christmas scented candle will add depth to your space and instantly bring the festive vibes.
- 50cm rustic pinecones and baubles Christmas wreath, £30 at B&Q – buy here
- Sparkling winterberry Yankee Candle, £22.49 – buy here
- Holiday lights green rug, from £99 at Ruggable – buy here
READ MORE: How to make a Christmas doorway garland with real foliage
Source sustainably
Embracing the trend for handmade and sustainable décor can help to keep costs down, whilst also giving your home a warm and meaningful holiday look. You can reuse and repurpose items you already have, blending the old with the new.
Get the whole family involved! Ideas include creating personalised wrapping paper by taking plain brown paper and encouraging little ones to let loose with their colouring pens. Decoration wise, you can source foliage from the local forest or your garden, bringing natural elements into tablescapes and décor.
Get creative with your dining table
Speaking of tablescapes, the dining room cannot be missed on your homely Christmas mission. A beautiful tablescape can showcase the magic of the season, making a big impact with little effort from you. Save stress on the big day and set up your Christmas table on Christmas Eve.
One popular Christmas theme this year is ‘circus’: think red and white stripes reminiscent of circus tents, combined with retro kitsch elements. Use a bright palette and don’t be afraid to mix colours to create a vibrant atmosphere.
If this isn’t your thinking, consider mixing dark hues with botanicals or the natural elements we sourced for the decorations. The options are endless!
- Shop brightly coloured festive tablescaping ideas at Meri Meri
- Abstract Christmas Dining Linen Set, £39.99 at Wayfair – buy here
- 8 Ivory TruGlow® Remote Control LED Taper Candles, £59.99 at Lights4fun – buy here
Share the load
Ultimately, the people in your home are what makes it feel homely and magical this time of year. But, being at home for Christmas can be a big expense and take a lot of organisation.
Enlist your family members to lighten the load, not only from a practical point of you but also financially. Assign different people food items to buy and bring along, and delegate the cooking of the turkey or ham as not only will this save you money, but also enable you to focus on other elements of the preparations.
