Festive finishing touches

1 Put on a lovely wintery welcome in a hallway.

Bring a touch of outside magic indoors and invite guests into a frosted wonderland with snow-kissed wreaths, garlands and mini trees - the more foliage the merrier! Line the way with welly boots overspilling wrapped presents for a cute country take on the traditional stocking.

2 Decorate shelves with baubles and decorations.

Give everyday cabinets a seasonal makeover with hints of shimmer and sparkle. Fill vessels with an eclectic array of decorations in a variety of tonal colours and sizes with just a hint of Scandi style. Sprigs of foliage add fresh, festive pops and act as great space fillers.

3 Warming scents.

Create a cosy and opulent atmosphere with fragranced orange and cinnamon candles set alight inside burnished and bronzed lanterns. Stagger lanterns and candlesicks in varying heights along a console or dining table for maximum visual impact.

4 Create a drinks and nibbles station.

Serve warming port hot toddies by decanting port into a handsome decanter and topping up with hot water from attractive flasks. Serve in folksy mugs with fruit and nut snacks.

5 Get personal.

Layer classic plates on rattan chargers and top with chalkboard name tags on seasonal foliage and nuts. Treat each guest to a pretty fabric-wrapped cracker to finish off this gorgeous place setting.

6 Bake festive treats.

NOTHING beats the smell and taste of fresh-from-the-oven mince pies! Whether your preference is for shortcrust or puff pastry - there's no better time to don your apron and get baking a delicious selection of sweet treats for holiday visitors to enjoy.

Feeling inspired..? Visit the Country Homes & Interiors homepage for more Christmasy decorating ideas!