Christmas is almost here, which means many of us are frantically decorating our homes and apartments in time for the holiday season. But as with most tasks, it's hard to know where to begin. You need to ask yourself whether the decorations you are still holding on to from the 1990s are fit for purpose or whether a refresh is in order. We think it's definitely time for a brand-new look, and perhaps even an alternative theme? In this EZ Living Furniture blog, we discuss the important things to consider before purchasing your Xmas accessories, and the must-have pieces for your Christmas collection that you can use again and again! Our advice will help you to cut costs at a time when you need to watch the pennies, and will ensure you invest your money in something you can display prominently year after year. So, let's get decking those halls!
7 Things To Consider Before You Buy
1. Quality
Don't get us wrong, we love a good bargain, but opting for low-cost decorations can end up costing you more in the long run, as they can be more susceptible to damage. Instead, we suggest investing in high-quality pieces that will stay with you for years to come. You can then place these in prominent areas throughout the home, displaying them with pride, and without the worry of having to protect them. By spending a little more on your Christmas decorations now, you can rest EZ knowing your decorations will continue to look good and stand the test of time.
2. Durability
When shopping for your Christmas decorations, look for items made from durable materials such as plastic, metal, or wood. By investing your hard-earned cash in items made from strong materials, your items will last longer. Low-cost ornaments fade over time, which is another reason why prioritising the durability of your items is so important.
3. Style
It's easy to get caught up in the magic of Christmas. Sometimes your eyes can lead you to the most outlandish items, and these might not necessarily fit your personal taste or the style of your home. For instance, a modern home will benefit from contemporary Christmas accessories. Placing vintage decorations in a modern home will look out of place, and not in a cute, eye-catching way either.
4. Size
If you've learned anything from us, we hope it's this - proportion is key! The same can be said for seasonal accessories. You need to focus on choosing items that fill, but don't overwhelm, the space you plan to put them in. It's all about complementing the room/area you're decorating, and not taking away from it with an obnoxious ornament. A good way to prevent this is to measure the area you plan on placing your ornament in and then measuring the item itself. This will ensure you get the right size ornament/decorative piece for the space.
5. Price
When you consider the cost of individual items and how many you might potentially need to buy, the costs can quickly add up. It can be tempting, in this instance, to choose cheaper items, but try to resist the urge. Remember: quality over quantity. Cheaper items usually end up costing more in the long run because they tend not to last as long.
6. Theme
Again, it's easy to get caught up by colourful ornaments and whimsical characters, but try to choose a colour scheme and/or theme first before buying anything. The items you choose should add to the theme you've chosen and create a cohesive look throughout the room. Opt for traditional red or go rogue with a pastel pink wonderland.
7. Lights
When choosing festive lights, it's important to prioritise energy efficiency, especially in this day and age. LEDs are an absolute must for Christmas, and not only are they more energy efficient, but they also don't burn as hot as other light types, which reduces the chances of overheating and fire risks.
Essential Christmas Decorations
Now that you know what to focus on before you buy, it's time to list essential items that will help you create a winter wonderland. By choosing from our recommendations list below, you can be sure that you're only investing in pieces that will remain beneficial and multifunctional for years to come.
1. Tree Decorations
Tree decorations and baubles are a great festive find. Not only can they be used purposefully on a tree, but they can be used in other ways too! They work incredibly well in a decorative bowl, creating a wonderful centrepiece on the dining or coffee table, and can also be hung from a mantelpiece for an eye-catching display above the fireplace. If you're looking for an outside-the-box idea, you could also use them as gifts for friends and loved ones or as a unique way to embellish the outside of presents.
2. Wreaths & Garlands
Christmas wreaths are typically seen hanging from an outside door, but have you ever considered their alternative uses? Wreaths work incredibly well as a centrepiece in the middle of a coffee table and dining table. The same can be said for Christmas garlands, because traditionally, you would find them hanging off a bannister or mantlepiece. However, they can also be used above a door or mirror, or again, down the centre of your dining table as a festive centrepiece.
3. Ornaments & Figurines
Christmas is a time for fun! It's a joyous event that's filled with magical wonder, and it's important to reflect that in your decor too! By including fun Christmas figurines in your display, you can prevent your home from becoming "too serious" at a time when childhood excitement is at the forefront of everything. Perhaps a small snowy penguin placed next to a perfectly polite polar bear could be just what your home is missing? Even if you don't have little ones in your home, there's something about having these adorable characters displayed throughout your home that brings excitement to every space.
4. Christmas Candles & Candle Holders
Candles and candle holders are relatively inexpensive but are a great addition to a home at this time of year. When evenings become darker and colder earlier, there's nothing like a tall taper candle displayed in a candle holder to make you feel as though you are Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol donning a baubled sleep cap. The best thing about candles and candle holders is that they fit almost anywhere, and wouldn't look out of place as part of your everyday decor after Christmas either (depending on their design). If you are someone who prefers the safety of a flameless candle, we suggest choosing LED alternatives. In most cases, they look just as well and as realistic as a real candle with a wax coating and flickering effect, and you don't have to worry about having to extinguish them when you leave the room.
Read: How To Conserve Energy & Save Money This Christmas
Our Christmas decoration suggestions are sure to enhance your decor during this magical time of year. This buying guide also ensures you only buy what you need and satisfies all of the tips listed above!
Are you struggling to find the perfect Christmas tree for your space? Read: The Ultimate Christmas Tree Buyer’s Guide.
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