Dress up your home for the holidays with our sparkling ideas
Not only is Christmas a special time to spend with friends and family, it’s also a great excuse to let your creative side shine. And for those who take a minimalist or neutral approach to home decor from January through to November, December is a time to showcase everything that shimmers, sparkles and brings festive cheer.
So when it comes to adding a touch of festive glamour to your home, take inspiration from these 12 decorative ideas.
Festive characters and baubles
If you have little ones at home, create a cosy setting with warm jewel tones and festive characters that add a playful vibe, like these decorations from Al-Futtaim ACE. When striving for a child-friendly scheme, not everything needs to match, so get everyone involved in hanging the baubles.
Candles
Style some candles to create an instantly inviting and cosy atmosphere. “When it comes to the grouping, arrange them at least two inches apart for proper air flow that allows them to burn evenly,” advises Carol Sukkar of concept store Home & Soul. “It’s easy to achieve a harmonious look with different shapes and sizes by arranging them asymmetrically.”
Red roses
For a modern take on poinsettia, opt for some luxurious, long-lasting red roses instead. This Forever Rose London Vintage Hat Box can be filled with your choice of fresh florals. From Dhs750, myforeverrose.com.
Seasonal cushions
An easy way to give your living room a merry makeover is to swap your usual soft furnishings for those with a festive touch. Seasonal cushions and throws are a small way to make a big difference.
Evergreen wreath
There’s nothing like a festive wreath on your front door to mark the holiday season. It’s the first thing your guests will see, and you can’t go wrong with a simple, lush evergreen wreath decorated with pine cones and mistletoe.
Icy interiors
If you can’t have actual snow in the UAE, then why not opt for an icy aesthetic when decorating your home for the festive period? Pick out a snow-dusted tree and silvers, metallic blues and greens and crisp whites when adding the finishing touches.
Fairy lights
“It’s easy to create a festive mood with lights. Fairy lights are beautiful on the tree, wrapped over the stair banisters or draped across the balcony,” says Medy Navani, CEO of Design Haus Medy.
Real Christmas tree
If only a real tree will do, Al-Futtaim ACE, Dubai Plant Souq (Warsan Plant Nurseries), Spinneys and Dubai Garden Centre are among the places to get your hands on the real deal. Water it every day to keep it looking plump and full.
Wedgwood Christmas, Mistletoe Bauble 
Wedgwood Christmas, Dove Ornament
Creative baubles
If you have more baubles than you need for the tree, get creative by filling glass vases or decorative bowls to create eye-catching decorative features to place around the home. Or, group them together with ribbon and hang around the house, such as from the banister.
Faux fireplace
Get into the snuggly spirit of the holidays with a faux fireplace. Pan Emirates has a good selection, while The Imperfect Parlour can make you one featuring pretty wooden appliqué, painted with chalk paint (from Dhs1,150).
Back to nature
“Bring nature into the home with an imaginative tablescape featuring silver and white accent pieces layered with white fine bone china, accentuated with fresh midwinter foliage,” says Richard Delaney, design director for Wedgwood.
Seasonal scents
Fill your home with your favourite holiday scents. Whether you light a spice-scented candle, bake some fresh gingerbread or string a garland of dried orange slices, you can’t beat some cosy, wintery aromas.
Happy decorating…