Christmas decorating tips from a top interior designer

Do not be afraid to have fun and mix textures and colours around your home. I personally like to display decorations with colours matching my tree (my personal favourites being silver and white).

Fairy lights are a great way to add a beautiful magical ambience and are not just for the tree! Decorate pieces of furniture or use within your table to add a glittering look.

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Linda Barker's Christmas tree decorating tips
Christmas tips from Sophie Conran
5 Christmas table setting ideas
More Christmas ideas from Good Housekeeping

With the nights drawing in and numerous guests to entertain, I like to keep an inviting home. Burning a fire is a sure way to enhance the atmosphere, and draw guests in with warmth.

I love making use of my fireplace, not only for function but because they can be decorated gorgeously to become a focal point in the living room. Try placing christmassy trinkets, garlands or 'home jewellery' on the mantelpiece to really adorn the space.

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Linda Barker's Christmas tree decorating tips
Christmas tips from Sophie Conran
5 Christmas table setting ideas
More Christmas ideas from Good Housekeeping

I tend to mix up cushions and throws in various materials such as wool and velvet. Using a combination of soft, sumptuous textures such as these really adds a touch of luxury and provides that extra comfort for a cosy, festive feel. Some other fabrics I like to use are cashmere and faux fur. 

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Linda Barker's Christmas tree decorating tips
Christmas tips from Sophie Conran
5 Christmas table setting ideas
More Christmas ideas from Good Housekeeping

The rich scents of Christmas always remind me of nostalgic times with my cherished family at Christmas. I like to place candles on a tray and place them a bit everywhere in the house. Aside from the festive fragrance you will also get a beautiful glow as it gets darker outside.

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Linda Barker's Christmas tree decorating tips
Christmas tips from Sophie Conran
More Christmas ideas from Good Housekeeping

To me, decorating the tree is the most important part, a privileged moment with your loved ones. I tend to keep it simple by using one colour scheme and lots of fairy lights to dress your tree with a special twinkle spirit.

Keeping to a classic theme, add in personal touches such as vintage baubles or home made decorations with sentimental meaning to make your tree unique to you and give it character. Let your creativity shine throughout and reflect what Christmas is about for you.

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Linda Barker's Christmas tree decorating tips
Christmas tips from Sophie Conran
More Christmas ideas from Good Housekeeping

The table is such a focal part of the day, a place where family and friends come together. No Christmas table is complete without beautiful, sparkling glassware. Using seasonal vegetables and fruit as part of your centrepiece will also give the table a wonderful organic feel.

Add to the display by placing a variation of witches balls and oversized baubles on your Christmas dining table. Either sprinkle down the centre of the table or place in a glass bowl for a simple yet high impact touch.

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Linda Barker's Christmas tree decorating tips
Christmas tips from Sophie Conran
More Christmas ideas from Good Housekeeping

I love all of the traditional Christmas decorations and absolutely adore using wreaths at Christmas time. Placing a big, beautiful wreath on the front door displays that festive spirit is a wonderful welcome for guests.

Pussy willow and northern pine is an elegant combination that gives a classic look. Add a modern twist to using holly, by adding a sprig to a large vase.

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Linda Barker's Christmas tree decorating tips
Christmas tips from Sophie Conran
More Christmas ideas from Good Housekeeping

I prefer to use neutral tones when it comes to table linen. You can enhance a table with a linen display down the centre of the table or laid horizontally as a pair, then use layers of silver such as statement napkin rings for an extra Christmas touch.

Credit: Kellyhoppen.com

Like this? You'll love…
Linda Barker's Christmas tree decorating tips
Christmas tips from Sophie Conran
More Christmas ideas from Good Housekeeping