Despite the fact the clocks have only just turned back, many of us are already thinking about our Christmas dinners. Whether you’ve put in your order with your local butcher for a turkey, or pre-booked your festive Christmas shop delivery, now is a great time to get organised.

But have you thought about investing in the best Christmas cookware? Cookware and servingware that doubles up as decor will instantly make your festive tablescape all the more charming, and right now, Primark’s jingle bell-inspired buys are perfect for setting this scene on a budget.

I'm planning to invest in the Christmas Bell Lidded Ramekin (£18). These charming oven-safe pieces of cookware are ideal for serving your seasonal veggies or roasties on the dinner table this Christmas.

Complete with bold red stripes, subtle gold finishes and, of course, a looping garland made up of green foliage and gold bells, the ramekin has been clearly inspired by traditional festive motifs. There is something that feels inherently nostalgic about this design. It looks like something my grandparents would own in the most charming way possible. These are the 6 future family favourite dishes I'd recommend checking out at your local Primark.

While Pirmark does offer a click and collect service, not all of us have a store local to us. If this is the case for you, here’s some festive cookware I’ve fallen in love with that you can shop online.

Alternatives

Embrace tradtion via your Christmas cookware this year. It will make your dining table look and feel all the more cosy.

Aldi’s festive Specialbuys are beginning to drop in stores, and one in particular that has caught my attention is the decorative snow globe candle, which is available in two scents and will make your home look and smell amazing.

Every year, the Ideal Home team waits in anticipation to see the Aldi 2026 Christmas Specialbuys, and following a sneak peek of the upcoming products, it is the return of the Christmas candles that has us excited.

Landing in stores on Thursday (29 October), Aldi’s Christmas candles are some of the best to shop if you’re looking for the best candles on a budget. Not to mention, their intricately designed vessels make these candles striking pieces of decor in their own right.

This year’s Christmas trends have seen a return to traditional, even nostalgic decorating and what fits the bill better than a festive snow globe? Shaking a festive snow globe and watching the white flakes flutter within the glass vessel was always a more likely scenario of spotting snow during Christmastime as a child than waiting for the real thing.

Because of this, Aldi’s snow globe candles make an excellent stocking filler, gift or piece of decor for yourself to unlock childhood festive memories. At £8.99, Aldi’s candles are incredibly affordable while retaining a high-end look. The globe sits on the wooden lid and is available in two different styles depending on what fragrance you choose.

The two festive scents available are either orange, clove and cinnamon or eucalyptus, pine and musk. If you want a classic, spicy yet festive fragrance, the orange, clove and cinnamon candle is your ideal choice. The snow globe depicts a fawn, nestled in an evergreen forest.

Meanwhile, the eucalyptus, pine and musk offers a fresher Christmas tree fragrance. Its snow globe offers a cosy scene, depicting a Scandi-style home, towering pine trees and even a Christmas tree attached to a sleigh. Plus, these candles offer up to 41 hours of burn time.

These snow globe candles are not the only Aldi festive candles that have caught our eye this year. For the first time, Aldi dropped a £25 scented candle advent calendar, which offers a range of different scents that smell delicious - in particular, the Hot Cocoa and Iced Berries fragrances.

As always, Aldi’s Specialbuys are only available in store. So, if you want to get your hands on one, I suggest heading to your nearest store sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment. Alternatively, here are a few more stunning festive candles I’ve spotted that you can shop for online.

The snow globe candles are only available while stocks last, so if you want to get you hands on one, head to your local Aldi as soon as you can!

Paper Christmas decorations have been everywhere this year, from statement paper stars to Scandi-style paper trees, and now Habitat has just dropped a large paper Snowman (£15) to round off this adorable trend.

Paper has been a surprisingly popular Christmas trend this year, with paper trees in particular becoming a strong contender as one of the best artificial Christmas trees. This Scandi-inspired trend is not only incredibly affordable, but paper decorations add a cosy, traditional feel to your festive decor - a more grown-up version of the paper chains we grew up making during Christmastime.

Now, Habitat has dropped a charming paper snowman and standing at 88cm tall, it’s perfect for adding a festive decoration to the neglected areas of your home, such as under your stairs or in a quiet corner. Here’s why we love it.

This year, Habitat’s sold-out paper stars have returned to the Habitat Christmas shop and have once again been a big hit with shoppers. And these are not the only paper stars to go viral; IKEA’s stunning paper decorations have also been incredibly popular.

And it’s not just stars either, as Next’s huge 5ft paper tree has proved to be a stunning Scandi alternative to a traditional tree, while Habitat Green Paper Honeycomb Christmas Tree (£15) is a great example of how this trend can be stylish and fun at the same time.

Now, snowmen are on the menu of festive decor, too. Habitat’s Large Paper Snowman Christmas Decoration features the classic snowman shape and a honeycomb paper design, which will add a little extra structure to the overall look.

It’s simple in its design and colour, but the design is still instantly recognisable. The shape and size does all the talking, creating a sculptural focal point for your decor.

The Snowman is H88.5 cm tall, and as Habitat puts it, ‘impossible to overlook.’ I’d personally place it next to my Christmas tree to extend the festive scene or as a way to increase the festive factor in my home, by placing it in areas that are typically free from decorations. For example, any nook under the stairs, in a conservatory or in a kitchen or dining room corner.

This isn’t the only paper Christmas decoration at Habitat that’s caught my eye. Here are a few more of my favourites.

I love this year's paper trend and Habitat's paper snowman is such a stylish example. It's the budget Christmas decoration that will elevate your festive decor this year.

Unlike the retailers such as John Lewis and Habitat which each year shake up their Christmas tree range and add new styles to it, The White Company is one of those brands that stick with the same tried and true (and extremely popular) designs year after year. But not this year, as The White Company Extra Bright Grand Spruce Christmas Tree has been added to the collection.

The White Company makes some of the best artificial Christmas trees out there – I certainly rate them highly as both the brand’s Symons Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree and the Pre Lit Grand Spruce Christmas Tree have made it to our best Christmas tree buying guide as the best unlit and best pre-lit trees respectively. And every year, they're both among my top picks from The White Company's Christmas shop.

But for this festive season, The White Company’s expanding its range with the twinkliest and most magical tree I’ve ever come across. And at this point, I’ve seen a lot of pre-lit Christmas trees. You might be wondering what makes this new Christmas tree idea so bright. And the answer is rather simple – it’s down to the number of light bulbs on the tree.

Available in 6ft and 7.5ft sizes, I’ve never seen pre-lit trees with so many light bulbs as these extra-bright trees. The 6ft version boasts 2500 LED light bulbs, while the 7.5ft one comes with a whopping 4800 bulbs.

For comparison, The White Company’s regular 6ft pre-lit grand spruce tree comes with 390 lights, while the 7.5ft size is equipped with 650 bulbs. So the new extra-bright trees come with around seven times more lights than regular pre-lit styles, while keeping the eight light functions of the regular pre-lit tree.

When you put the two versions side by side, the difference in brightness becomes especially apparent. However, it should be said that this magical brightness comes at a price – the extra bright trees are selling for £200 more than the pre-lit grand spruce as the 6ft size retails for £575 and the 7.5ft size sells for £695.

While it’s very impressive how bright this new tree design shines, it’s certainly an investment piece. So I’d recommend this new tree over the regular The White Company pre-lit grand spruce tree only if an intensely radiant tree that pretty much fills the room with light is what you’re after and what you prioritise in a tree.

One of the most iconic Christmas decorations is, of course, a wreath on the front door. But if you’re looking for a stylish alternative (that allows you a little more creative freedom), have you considered opting for a door basket instead?

Aside from the best artificial Christmas tree, wreaths are one of the most popular festive decor choices, and this year’s Christmas trends have seen a return to traditional naturalistic styles. While a wreath may seem like the obvious Christmas decorating idea to achieve this, a door basket, sometimes known as a door pocket, can be a low-maintenance alternative.

A door basket is a little like a vase you hang on your front door. You can add foliage for a chic, yet festive finished look. Here’s why experts are recommending them this Christmas.

Door basket vs wreaths

As much as I love a Christmas wreath, and this year there have been some fabulous options on offer, opting for a door basket instead allows you to refresh and change your seasonal foliage as much as you’d like, rather than sticking to one style for the entirety of the festive season.

‘It really comes down to personal preference! You may want to change up your usual wreath and try something new. If you do opt for a door basket instead, don’t feel you need to go completely wreath-less! Hang on doors inside the home or, if you have the wall space, a collection of several wreaths of different sizes grouped can make for a striking festive focal point,’ comments Whinnie Williams, interior designer and trends forecaster for Christmas brand Balsam Hill.

Now, we don’t predict door baskets taking over from Christmas wreath ideas as a more popular decorating choice, but they can look just as beautiful when styled correctly.

‘A basket gives you a bit more of a slightly collected country-house look without needing lots of decoration, and the woven texture itself adds warmth before you've even added foliage. For me, what makes one stylish is restraint. A simple basket with two or three types of greenery and one seasonal accent usually looks more considered than stuffing it with ribbons and baubles,’ says Blanca Sanchez, director of Halo Design Interiors.

‘Wreaths still work beautifully, especially on traditional doors, but baskets offer a softer, less expected alternative. If the exterior of the house is already quite decorative, I'd probably keep the basket very simple. On a minimal door, you can afford to make the arrangement fuller and more sculptural.

‘You can use longer eucalyptus, trailing ivy, dried hydrangeas or branches and let them sit more naturally, which works particularly well on a plain or narrow front door where a round wreath can sometimes feel too neat or a little bulky. Baskets are also easier to refresh through the year, where you can keep the same base and change a handful of stems as the seasons move on, which makes them feel less disposable. I'd just keep the scale in proportion to the door and make sure the basket isn't so deep that it knocks against the frame every time the door opens.’

What you need

Would you be tempted to swap the classic wreath for a stylish door basket?

If you haven’t got your Christmas decorations sorted out for this year (or at least aren’t in the process of doing so) then, respectfully, what are you waiting for?! The best Christmas decor famously sells out super early in the season, pretty much as soon as it drops – and that’s been the case for many of the Next Christmas decorations this year.

Next has consistently been a great place to buy Christmas decorations over the years. But this year, the brand really knocked it out of the park with its festive offering championing several of the major Christmas decor trends of 2026. And it’s not just me and the Ideal Home team that’s noticed how good the decorations are, as several of the styles are already sold out.

While the viral Next gingerbread house tree skirt is already out of stock, the brand has a few Christmas tree skirt alternatives that are just as whimsical and stylish. I’m a fan of the red festive light-up tree skirt, as well as the tartan tree skirt. Next is also pioneering both the twig tree trend and the paper Christmas tree look with its 5ft light-up version.

And there’s so much more festive goodness where all of that came from – that’s why I put together this round up of my top 20 picks to shop now, while you still can.

Which one of these festive beauties is your favourite? Currently, I’ve got my eye on the Next gold hammered metal moon ornament which is a more recent discovery for me. But if you need fast-delivery Christmas decorations asap, then I recommend checking out my curated shortlist of Amazon Christmas decorations, too.

For many, Christmas prep is already in full swing as some festive decor and accessories are already selling out. If you’re in the well-organised camp and are in the market for a festive mug - or just an addition to a growing mug collection - do not sleep on Primark's Christmas slogan mug. It is a dead ringer for Anthropologie’s bestselling Christmas bistro tile mug, with the exception that Primark's version is half the price.

Selling for £12, Anthropologie’s festive bistro tile monogram mug is iconic – and the tiled pattern and monogram detail make the design instantly recognisable. This returning classic is among the brand’s top-selling Christmas ideas year after year – and this year is no exception.

But when I stumbled across Primark’s Christmas slogan mug, retailing for £6, and subsequently showed it to my colleagues, they all thought I was showing them the Anthropologie mug. That’s how similar the design is.

The main difference between the two is that Anthropologie’s mug is a monogram design so you can choose one with your initial. Meanwhile, Primark’s mug features a Christmas slogan in large lettering, reading ‘Merry’, in place of a single initial. That also means that Primark’s design doesn’t have the same personalisation aspect to it as Anthropologie’s. But as I’ve already pointed out, Primark’s selling theirs for half the price of Anthropologie’s.

Another great thing about Primark’s tile mug is that there’s a whole matching tableware range available to shop, too – everything from one of the cutest bow-topped butter dishes I’ve seen to charming plates with a ‘Joy’ slogan. Meanwhile, Anthropologie doesn’t have a matching set to go with its mug this year.

But even though there is no festive bistro tile tableware range available at Anthropologie this time around, there are plenty of other beautiful pieces to shop ahead of Christmas, from charming Christmas cookware to new adorable Christmas mugs to choose from. These are some of my current favourites and top sellers.

Which Christmas mug have you got your eye to celebrate the festive season with once it arrives? It’s just around the corner, and it’s going to be here before you know it.

This week, H&M Home officially opened its Christmas shop. The brand’s festive offering is filled with Scandi-inspired decor and pared-back designs. And if you are more of a minimalist when decorating for Christmas, you’re going to love the H&M jingle bell wreaths which are an alternative, minimalist take on the traditional look.

As someone who’s not particularly into maximalist Christmas, I’m obsessed with this Christmas wreath idea. Each wreath is made entirely out of jingle bells, available in two metal finishes – silver and gold-coloured. They’re arranged into a circle and finished with a single velvet ribbon bow which extends for hanging this minimalist Christmas decor idea up.

The larger 25 centimetre-diameter wreaths are selling for £24.99 each. But there are smaller £6.99 versions available, too – and these also come in charming star shapes, as well as the classic round shape. All of these little ones work perfectly as Christmas tree ornaments.

In comparison to other major retailers like John Lewis and M&S who opened their respective ones last month, H&M Home is a little late to the party. But it was worth the wait. And while some of the best Christmas decorations from these other brands are already selling out now, it’s great to have H&M Home come in with a fresh batch of festive stock for all of us to shop.

And if you’re after pared-back, minimalist Christmas decor like George Home’s simplistic Christmas tree or these jingle bell wreaths, there’s plenty more where those came from. Here are some of my top minimalist festive picks from the new H&M Home Christmas range.

Minimalist H&M Christmas picks

Which minimal Christmas decorations are you looking to snap up to elevate your celebrations and your home with?

If you have a toddler, then you know the struggle of being asked to build a fort. It's an experience that will turn your luxurious, carefully chosen sofa cushions into walls and that super soft sofa throws into a ceiling, all to get jumped on and trampled on the floor. That's before we get to discovering the embarrassing amount of crumbs and toys that have made their way underneath your sofa since you last looked. The whole situation might end up in tears, from both of us that is.

Well, I've found a way to avoid the entire fort-making situation, but still guarantee the fun. I'm talking about H&M's new Table Tent. Yes, it takes up your dining table, but what it doesn't say in the small print is that it'll keep them entertained for literal hours, and the christmas version is so darn cute. PSA: the Halloween design has sold out, so don't expect this design to last that long either!

It has a dedicated door and even a window, fitted with roll-down curtains so they can ignore you for longer and pretend you're not trying to make eye contact because dinner is ready. Arguably, the best thing about it has to be that it folds away into a bag after playtime. Unlike other playhouses I've owned, it's both cheaper at under £30 and this one won't take up a third of my living room, and cause chaos every time I need to put it down. In fact, I might leave it out all December long...

Not only is this a genius alternative to an actual play tent that requires a lot of floor space, but it's a clever tactic to keep them in the kitchen so that you can keep an eye on their antics whilst cooking dinner. My 3-year-old would go crazy for this, so I've already added it to my basket. My dog, on the other hand, might find himself stuck in here being served tea and wooden biscuits for quite some time.

Made from 100% polyester, this sheet fits most standard rectangular dining tables. Its Christmas design features candy canes, Christmas trees, presents and stars to bring whimsy to your kitchen or dining room ideas.

This table tent would make a great gift idea for a toddler in your life who loves imaginative play. At £30, it really is a bargain, and it'll prove itself handy through November and December. What about afterwards? H&M does sell a regular version of this table tent, for the same price of £29.99, which is decorated to look like a French-style cafe, in pastel blue and pink to ensure it's perfectly gender neutral. However it is currently out of stock, so you'll need to sign up for notifications for it coming back in.

So, why not change things up for November and December and put your now-boring tablecloth away in a drawer? Make space for this and thank us later — for the entertainment value and the extra living room floor space that you'll need by the time your tree is tossed out of the loft.

Would you consider this table tent over a regular play tent for your little one?

Alternatives

This week, Aldi’s scented candle advent calendar is landing in stores. First introduced last year, Aldi’s bringing back the £24.99 calendar - with the price point staying the same as last year - set to launch this Sunday 25th October. But I got my hands on the calendar ahead of the release and got to try and assess its contents, value for money and more.

I got a first look at the best advent calendar on a budget at the Aldi Christmas Specialbuys preview earlier this month. But that only left me wanting an up-close look and hands-on try of the calendar – and I was lucky enough to be granted this wish. And after getting my hands on it, I really believe it’s one of the best value-for-money advent calendars I’ve seen and tried this year.

I was most impressed with the presentation, look and the feel of the actual calendar which comes across as more expensive than its £24.99 price tag. It features a gingerbread house design made from thick card – Aldi describes it as a reusable calendar which I fully get behind. You could definitely keep the box and fill it with your choice of little treats next Christmas.

Once you open the calendar, you’re greeted with 25 whimsically illustrated little drawers, each containing a 40g mini candle. There are five different seasonal scented candles which repeat throughout the calendar - my favourite Iced Berries, Hot Cocoa, Frosted Fir, White Christmas and Cinnamon Spice - but on the 25th, you’ll be treated to something a little different in the form of the only Warm Gingerbread candle which is pretty delicious.

If you were to compare this scented candle advent calendar to some of the pricier alternatives like the hugely popular John Lewis scented candle advent calendar, you do get what you pay for when it comes to the actual candles and their scents. In other words, the scented candles in other advent calendars with higher price points smell nicer and look more expensive (since they are).

But if you’re after an affordable but pretty candle advent calendar, whether it’s a gift or as a little treat for yourself, I couldn’t recommend this Aldi one enough.

Just like all of Aldi’s Specialbuys, this advent calendar, too, is reserved only for the supermarket’s physical stores. So I wish you luck on Sunday and hopefully you’ll get to snap one up from the middle aisle.

But just in case your mission is unsuccessful, here are a few similarly priced alternatives from other brands and retailers you can get instead.

Alternatives

Which one is your favourite?

It may still be too early for Christmas cheer for many, but I just spotted what I think is about to be a must-have for the cosiest time of the year: Next's new Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Station (£45).

This year's Christmas decor trends have all embraced a return to the traditional motifs of the festive season that we all know and love from our childhood – gingerbread included. And seeing as Next has already had a huge hit with its sellout gingerbread Christmas tree skirt, it seems plausible that this adorable hot chocolate station kit could go the same way.

Here's a closer look at this set which is sure to delight the whole family once December rolls around if you want to put a charming hot chocolate station idea into practice in your own home.

If Google Trends are anything to go by, there's a growing appetite for DIY hot chocolate stations in the UK – the term is reportedly up 12% to +18% year on year. If you want to stage your own sweet treat display, then this set feels like something that you'd be able to pull out of storage year after year to make use of.

Dedicated hot chocolate makers, which might have prompted the surge in at-home stations, have been hugely popular since the launch of The Velvetiser by Hotel Chocolat back in 2018. With a jug design that carefully whisks all kinds of chocolate (including your favourite high street bars) into a silky hot drink, these frothers can also double up for use alongside the best coffee machines if you're a latte lover.

Or, Salter's The Chocolatier is an alternative kind of appliance that's been a huge hit with those looking for a more affordable version – I loved it when I tried it out at home. Whichever hot chocolate maker you opt for (or if you're a purist for the hob method!), a serveware set made for the occasion is always going to be a hit when you're hosting or just entertaining your own family.

There's certainly one customer, who has awarded the set a five-star review already, who's impressed by its quality. 'It really is lovely and very well made' said the reviewer. 'I think the mugs could also be used to hold dipping sauces, hummus, etc. I really am delighted with my purchase and can't wait to use it over the festive period'.

Given that the nights are well and truly drawing in now, a hot chocolate station might be just the thing to brighten your spirits as we make our way towards Christmas. Can you see the appeal in this whimsical set?

It’s no secret that everyone loves The Traitors. In fact, I’ll be the first to admit that I spend all year waiting for chaos to unfold at the round table. But now, the fun can continue long after the final airs, thanks to the launch of three Traitors-inspired mouse decorations.

Yep, you heard that right! You can get your hands on an array of traitorous mouse decorations this Christmas, with a fringed Claudia ‘Winklemouse’ leading the pack.

With trends like merrymaxxing proving popular, novelty Christmas decorations are having a real moment. And among them all, mouse decorations are the stars of the show.

First, John Lewis’ Harry Styles-inspired mouse was a sell out success, and now Anthropologie’s Traitors-inspired mice are the latest must-have ornament. These sweet felt creatures will add charm to your tree, while allowing you to pay homage to your favourite pop culture icons.

With a signature black fringe covering its eyes, this mouse has an uncanny resemblance to Claudia. And it’s even dressed the part, with a country-style herringbone coat thrown on and the all-important traitors scroll in hand.

Alongside many memorable moments, the Traitors is undeniably known for its Scottish-style interiors and fashion – so fans of the show will be pleased to see that the Claudia mouse embraces this with open arms.

When the decoration first hit the shops it immediately went viral – one TikTok showing off the mouse gained 200k views and over 18k likes. Unsurprisingly, this level of hype makes the Winklemouse a hot commodity. It’s already sold out from Selfridges, and stock levels are looking low elsewhere.

However, the mouse is available to pre-order on Anthropologie, so be quick if you want to get your hands on one this festive season. Usually, items like this sell out immediately once the pre-order is lifted. So time is of the essence!

The mouse currently has an expected ship date of 2nd November; perfect timing to curb those Traitors blues after the final of the Celebrity Traitors airs on 30th October.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the brand has also launched two cloaked mice – with a plush velvet green cloak if you’re team traitors, and red if you’re routing for the faithfuls.

At £19 per mouse, these decorations aren’t cheap. But they’re well worth the investment for some seasonal fun.

Bring The Traitors home

Anthropologie isn’t the only retailer embracing The Traitors this year. These buys will make perfect gifts for fans of the show.

Whether this is the year that you need to invest in a second Christmas tree or you're looking for a space-saving option to squeeze in a little festive spirit to a small room or a tiny flat, I've found the perfect affordable alternative to pine needles and sap in this Gold Christmas Tree Ornament from George Home at Asda.

Gorgeous in gold and priced at £40, what caught my eye about this alternative to one of the best artificial Christmas trees is that it's perfectly minimalist — even when styled with mini baubles.

Made from metal and sprayed gold for an elegant look, this mini tree stands out from others because you can customise it with your own festive tree decorations so it feels unique to you.

You can keep it simple with an elegant gold and white bauble pairing, or you could even use this tree to house any homemade decorations from the kids over the years. I also like the idea of using it to exclusively hold chocolate tree decorations, that is, if you have the willpower not to eat them all in one day.

My only word of warning is to not hang anything too heavy on the tree as it could tip over. Style it with some real or faux presents nearby and some candles, and you've got yourself a simple yet elegant Christmassy corner.

If you're on the hunt for more Christmas tree alternatives, we've spotted a few extra options at George Home. Whether for the kids' bedroom or playroom, or even for a corner of a dining room that feels otherwise empty during the festive period, these designs will prove to be game-changing when it comes to your Christmas decor.

Alternatives

Are you already thinking about your festive decor for 2026?

If there is one type of material I’m seeing in every Christmas shop this year, it’s natural, woven material - and if you’re looking to create a Nancy Meyers-esque Christmas this year, interior design experts have revealed how to embrace the trend.

Considering last year was all about going as bold as you possibly can, it is perhaps a little surprising that this year's Christmas trends have followed a more traditional route. This autumn we’ve already seen wicker lamps emerge as a surprise star, and this is now continuing into the festive season.

Woven decor is a nostalgic material that is wonderful for creating a lived-in, cosy look. Here’s how you can use it as a Christmas decorating idea.

Why are woven materials trending?

Perhaps it is Olivia Coleman’s offbeat new film, Wicker, about to hit cinemas, or simply natural materials have been a big home decor trend this year, but wicker, rattan and other woven decor have been inescapable recently. For example, the first to catch my eye was M&S’s Scallop Rattan Tree Skirt (£35), followed by the brand’s collection of rattan Christmas Tree decorations ( my favourite being the 2ft Rattan Tree, £30).

‘There’s a growing desire to create homes that feel relaxed, cosy and connected to nature – and Christmas décor is an extension of that. Natural materials such as wicker, wood and woven fibres bring texture and a sense of warmth that can sometimes be missing from more traditional, glitter-heavy decorations,’ says Jess Power, interior design blogger at MFI.

‘The rise in popularity of natural Christmas décor ties in with the wider trend for rustic, nature-inspired interiors. We want our homes to feel timeless, calming and lived-in, so natural materials like wicker and wood are an obvious choice. It makes sense that this would then carry over to festive décor.’

How to style woven material

I’d say that woven materials like rattan and wicker work best paired with stripped-back styles such as a neutral colour scheme.

‘I’d let the natural texture do most of the work and add a little bit of contrast. So on your tree you could mix woven stars or bells with deep red velvet ribbon and a few glass or brass ornaments so the wicker stands out,’ says Stuart Murray, founder of Retrovintage.

‘A large woven star can also work above a mantel or leaning on a shelf with a simple garland and warm white lights. Then I’d also recommend varying the scale too. One oversized wicker decoration will usually have more impact than covering every surface with lots of tiny woven pieces.

‘If the room already has rattan baskets or timber furniture, don’t worry about matching the exact tone. Slight differences in colour make natural materials feel much richer. I’d keep the overall arrangement fairly loose, because wicker looks best when it feels relaxed and tactile rather than arranged too perfectly.’

Shope the trend

If you want your home to feel effortlessly festive and cosy, woven Christmas decor is the way forward.

Christmas comes earlier every year, but for once I’m not complaining, as M&S’s festive lighting is so good, I predict it will sell out long before the big day arrives.

I can appreciate it’s only October, but now is the time to start considering the year’s Christmas trends - especially when the best decorations always sell out early. And one of the best producers of festive decor is M&S, who have already graced us with the return of their XL bows, tinsel tree skirt and gorgeous light-up candles.

But it is their Christmas lighting that I have to say is worth investing in now. I’ve already fallen in love with the brand’s new twig trees, and this led me down the rabbit hole of the best M&S Christmas lights. Here are my top six picks.

Having trawled through the M&S website, my top pick is the 100 LED Light Up Confetti Garland (£12). This five-star-rated product is made up of 100 warm white LED lights, as well as glittering confetti and beads that help reflect light - whether that’s from your LED or when it catches the sun in the daytime.

It’s a simple design but one that would suit any Christmas decorating style. I’d hang them from a fireplace mantel, or around a bookshelf or dresser to enjoy a festive sparkle that reaches every corner of your home. You could even place them in a mason jar and use them as part of your table decor for dinner parties.

What I love about these lights is that they are not explicitly festive, so you could use them as decor for any party.

‘These are lovely. I wanted them to cheer me up now the dark evenings and mornings have arrived,’ says one review, summing up my sentiments.

The M&S Christmas shop is selling fast, so if anything has caught your eye, it's wise to check out sooner rather than later.

Etsy has dropped their autumn/ winter trend edit for 2026, and Merrymaxxing is the predicted festive trend I’m most excited about.

If you thought this year’s Christmas trends would encourage restraint, think again, as Merrymaxxing is the festive take on the Whimsymaxxing trend that was everywhere this summer. Where Whimsymaxxing is the practice of ‘optimising’ the fun factor in your home, Merrymaxxing is about making your space as festive as possible.

Think rhinestones, tinsel, glitter and lots and lots of joy. If this sounds like your sort of Christmas, I asked experts how we can apply the trend to our homes this festive season.

What is Merrymaxxing?

If you haven’t heard of ‘maxxing’ before, it’s essentially internet slang for optimising an area of your life. It can really be applied to everything from Gem-maxxing which involves embellishing every day items to Sleepmaxxing which is all about optimising your sleep environment for the best possible nights rest.

So by this logic, Merrymaxxing is all about making your decor as festive and bold as you possibly can.

‘Merrymaxxing is the Christmas take on the wider whimsymaxxing (and indeed everything-maxxing) trend we've been seeing. It's a more-is-more approach to Christmas decorating, making everything more expressive, more characterful, more colourful, more sparkly! Basically, just MORE!’ explains Hannah Bartlett, Christmas expert and founder of Jolly Festive.

‘Fundamentally, it's about expressing personality and adding joy. There aren't really any rules. It's about taking decorations and making them your own: adding playful, unexpected details that tell your story and reflect your individual style.

‘It's not necessarily something you can buy. It's putting our own stamp on Christmas and really going to town with the celebrations. No holding back!’

How to practice Merrymaxxing in your decor

The beauty of the Merrymaxxing trend is that there are no hard and fast rules to follow. This Christmas decorating idea does not rely on any strict styling rules, it’s all about having fun and allowing your inner child to express themselves.

‘The goal isn't a picture-perfect, colour-coordinated showroom. Instead, it’s about creating a space that feels delightfully offbeat, deeply personal, and brimming with personality. In years past where I've (inadvertently) followed the Merrymaxxing principles, it involved layering and layering of garlands: bells, ribbons, dried orange slices. Now, in the 2026 principles of Merry Maxxing, I'm sure those dried orange slices would be bedazzled…’ says Etsy’s UK Guest Trend Editor, Francesca Perks.

‘So much of the essence of the trend is working with what you already own (that’s the key to keeping it deeply personal and brimming with personality) - however, it would be unrealistic to underestimate the allure of adding some new statement pieces to your Christmas decor arsenal.

‘When looking at specific materials, this trend leans on lush velvets, rich jacquards, and textured pom-poms that add depth and warmth. Visible hand-stitching or hand-painted details are also brilliant for adding an authentic, human feel to all the sparkle, and help ground the maximalism in the festive spirit,' adds Francesca.

‘Colourwise, I’d recommend leaning into rich, saturated gemstone colours - think luscious emerald greens, ruby reds, vibrant sapphires, and hot pinks. Don't worry about sticking to a strict traditional two-colour palette, as Merry-maxxing is all about letting hues clash and play together. There’s even a beauty to adding a stand alone neutral hue in the mix, to offset those saturated colours even more. The more bold and unexpected the better, even if it is a Taupe, in a sea of vibrancy.’

Shop the trend:

To me Christmas decorating is all about having fun, and that's why I'm such a big fan of the Merrymaxxing trend. Any decorating idea that encourages you to be as playful as possible has my vote.

Whether you’re looking for a Christmas tree that’s space-saving and perfect for smaller, compact rooms or are after a secondary tree to your main one and want something a little different, I couldn’t recommend twig Christmas trees enough.

I tested one of these twig trees last month as part of research and testing for our best artificial Christmas tree guide. It’s the Next white twig 6ft pre-lit Christmas tree and it now bears the title of the ‘best alternative Christmas tree’ in said guide.

Twig Christmas trees are not necessarily a new Christmas trend. But this year, it’s gotten much bigger than it’s ever been as pretty much every brand and retailer’s embracing the pared-back look.

Aside from the aforementioned Next twig tree - which also comes in two other colourways, by the way - I’m obsessed with Marks & Spencer’s new 6ft pre-lit abundant cluster Christmas tree (also available in smaller sizes) which is currently flying off the retailer’s virtual shelves. And if you’re after a more natural look then John Lewis’ frosted birch twig tree or the pre-lit twig tree with a little bit of foliage would be my top picks.

Full-sized twig trees

Small tabletop twig trees

While 2026 largely seems to be the year of traditional Christmas trees, there’s also space for a different, alternative look, whether that’s a twig tree or a honeycomb paper tree.

Very’s Christmas shop is open, and one thing they have done exceptionally well this year is a range of light-up houses. With many adorable designs on offer, it’s among the best festive decor I’ve seen this year to give your home a cosy glow.

Light-up houses have been a popular Christmas decor trend for the past few years. The mini ceramic house trend began in 2023 and, inspired by Scandi styles, is used to adorn windowsills, adding another cosy glow to festive decor.

If you’ve been wondering where to buy light-up houses this year, Very has some of the best options. Here are my top six picks.

Which piece is your favourite?

Christmas bows are by no means a new festive decor trend. We’ve now been bow-obsessed for a few consecutive Christmases – and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon as Christmas bows are still very much in for 2026.

Pinterest UK reports searches for 'Christmas bow' have increased by 560% on the platform. But just like any Christmas decor trend, this one, too, has evolved as new patterns are becoming popular - hello, Next’s extra large tartan bows - and the bigger the bow the better as bow decor is the main event of festive decorating schemes.

‘Bows are increasingly becoming the focal point of festive displays,’ says Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography and film at Cox & Cox. ‘We’re seeing oversized velvet and satin bows used to top Christmas trees, adorn staircases, decorate wreaths and even make a statement on front doors. The trend feels more refined this year, with people favouring fewer but larger bows that deliver greater visual impact.’

It’s no surprise then that Marks & Spencer’s returning viral XL bows are already selling out, just as they’ve been for the last couple of years that M&S has had them on offer. But don’t worry, if you missed out on the new (but now out of stock) M&S gingham bow, there are plenty other styles to go for instead.

1. Gingham Christmas bows

2. Tartan Christmas bows

3. Super-sized velvet Christmas bows

4. Alternative material Christmas bows

5. Striped Christmas bows

Which style of Christmas bows are you looking to add to your Christmas decor ideas this year?

Twig trees have been a popular Scandi-inspired Christmas decorating trend for the past few years, and M&S has just dropped one of the best-looking ones I’ve seen. I’m talking about the Pre Lit Twig Cluster Christmas Tree, and it’s available in three different sizes.

This pre-lit twig tree is a brilliant alternative to one of the best artificial Christmas trees, and it's just one of many examples of M&S knocking it out of the park with their festive collection this year. If you’ve been keeping up with the latest Christmas trends, you'll be aware that the M&S Christmas shop is packed with festive gems this year, aside from these twig Christmas trees. From their XL bows to their paper stars and tinsel tree skirt, M&S has easily become one of the best places to shop for Christmas decor.

And now you can add their new Pre-Lit Twig Cluster Christmas Trees to your list of fabulous decorations. Here’s why I think these twinkling lights make a showstopper.

M&S’s sparkling new twig trees are available in three different sizes. There’s a 6ft version, a 3ft version and a petite 1.5 ft version. First to catch my eye was the 6ft version. If a full-size Christmas tree isn’t to your taste, or you simply don’t want to spend hours decorating one, the M&S cluster tree may be better suited for you.

The 6ft tree is made up of hundreds of twinkling warm lights that bunch together in clusters. Illuminated against their dark branches, the lights create a beautiful silhouette of a traditional tree. It’s mains-operated, so it will need to be positioned near a plug, but you’d need this to plug in fairy lights on any other Christmas tree, so I don’t think this matters if you’re using the cluster tree as your main tree.

If you plan to use the cluster tree as a secondary tree, such as in your bedroom, kitchen or hallway, I recommend opting for one of the smaller trees. The 3ft version is the more attractive of the two (although the 1.5ft tree is cute) because it retains a beautiful silhouette on a smaller scale.

I think the smaller trees are perfect for illuminating dark areas of your home such as under your staircase. In fact, the 1.5ft tree is small enough to be positioned on a dresser, a little like your own festive lamp.

If you want to evoke a cosy glow in your home this Christmas, the M&S Pre Lit Twig Cluster Christmas Tree is a sure way to achieve this. What do you say?

So many of us nowadays kick off the decorating season well before Christmas begins, with autumn and Halloween all becoming key seasons to mark with wreaths and even trees. But what do you do with the period of time when your Halloween decorations come down, and it’s too early to start Christmas decorating? The answer may lie with a transition tree.

If you love an autumn decorating idea as well as following the latest Christmas trends, why not blend the two to ensure you have suitable seasonal decorations from September through to the new year? Decorating a small tree for autumn or Halloween can then be switched for festive decor as we edge closer to Christmas.

Whether you simply set up your best artificial Christmas tree a little early, or opt for a more subtle twig tree, interior design experts say that a transitional tree is one of the easiest ways to get more mileage out of your seasonal decor.

What are the benfits of a transition tree?

Halloween trees have seen an increase in popularity this year, and while transitional trees aren’t exactly trending yet, I do think it’s the next logical step to making your autumn, Halloween and Christmas decor seamless.

‘One of the biggest benefits of a transition tree is that it helps create a sense of occasion throughout the darker months. Rather than decorating for Halloween and then starting again a few weeks later for Christmas, you can evolve the look of the same tree over time. It's a simple way to get more value from your décor while creating a focal point that feels relevant throughout the season,’ says Victoria Robinson, trend expert at Hillarys.

‘I think we'll see transition trees become increasingly popular as homeowners embrace more considered, adaptable decorating choices. We're seeing a move away from highly themed, short-lived trends and towards pieces that can be styled in multiple ways and used for longer periods. A transition tree fits perfectly into that mindset.’

How to decorate a transition tree

‘For Halloween, simply add any decorations you have lying around, like toy spiders and webs. I also love drying out satsuma skins and drawing on a face to create mini jack-o'-lanterns. You can also ‘hack’ existing decorations; for example, you can drape baubles in white fabric to create mini ghosts,’ suggests Whinnie Williams, interior designer and trends forecaster for Balsam Hill.

‘Then, come November, you can transform your tree again, ready for the transition from autumn to winter. If you’re looking for something that can straddle both seasons, I’d suggest going for rich, deep shades of red like burgundy – the ultimate multitasker. It’s autumnal and fabulous when paired with gold. The Brilliant Bordeaux Bauble Collection from Balsam Hill is a great example of this.’

You can also opt for a more cosy, autumnal look, opting for a twig tree and decorating it with pine cones, foliage and ribbons of autumn colourways such as red, orange and brown.

‘For autumn, I'd style a transition tree with warm, nature-inspired decorations such as dried foliage, faux berries, pinecones, velvet ribbons and amber-toned ornaments. As the season progresses, you can gradually introduce subtle fairy lights, metallic accents and richer jewel tones before fully embracing Christmas decorations later in the year,’ says Victoria.

‘The key is to keep the look layered and natural. Decorating with textures rather than relying solely on colour helps create a scheme that feels warm and inviting from October right through to December. I also love placing a transition tree near a window, where it can catch the light during the day and create a cosy focal point in the evening. It's a simple way to make a room feel more inviting as the darker months set in.’

Then, if you want to take the transition further, you can also redecorate your transition tree for New Year's. What’s next, Easter trees?

‘Your tree can still be an asset in this transitional period, and you don’t need to redecorate it completely, just rethink it. Strip off the baubles but keep the lights. A tree glowing with nothing but beautiful lighting suddenly feels elegant, modern and ready for a party,’ says Whinnie.

Get the look

Would you be tempted to try a transiton tree in your home this year?

When you picture a Christmas tree, it’s likely a green tree that pops up in your mind. But over the last couple of years, colourful Christmas trees have become a major festive trend. But as the trend’s becoming less popular this year, I asked three experts whether colourful Christmas trees are ever a good idea.

Most people in the market for the best artificial Christmas tree are going for classic green, realistic-looking styles. And although 2026 seems to be the year of the traditional Christmas tree anti-trend, there’s still a place for trees in alternative colourways, according to the experts.

‘While a traditional green tree is a timeless choice, a white, black, pink or even a silver tree can make a real statement and give a room a completely different feel,’ says David Sumner, sales manager at Christmas Tree World.

This is how the pros recommend using bold, non-green Christmas trees in your home this festive season and beyond.

1. Coordinate with your home decor

If your home or even just the room you’re putting up your tree has a very strong and cohesive colour scheme which doesn’t include green, you might want to opt for a tree that better matches your existing palette.

‘Colourful trees work especially well when they complement the rest of the room,’ says Rory Parkes, head of Christmas at B&Q. ‘If your home already features blues, pinks, plums or rich jewel tones, choosing a tree and decorations in a coordinating shade can make the whole space feel considered and cohesive.’

Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography and film at Cox & Cox, adds, ‘For those with a more contemporary colour palette or a minimalist design scheme, a non-traditional tree can feel far more cohesive than a classic green tree.’

2. Use as a second tree

After testing a few Christmas trees last year, Ideal Home’s Editor in Chief, Heather Young kept the John Lewis gold tree and ended up turning it into a second tree for her home, making her kitchen all the more festive. And that’s exactly what the experts recommend.

‘Alternative trees can also be an excellent option for secondary spaces such as hallways, bedrooms, conservatories or dining rooms, helping to create a festive atmosphere throughout the home rather than concentrating everything in one room,’ Danielle at Cox & Cox confirms.

3. Extend your Christmas colour theme

Similarly to the first point, if you also have a strong Christmas colour scheme in mind, then coordinating it with the shade of your tree is a great idea as it will make a bigger impact than opting for a traditional green tree.

‘A colourful Christmas tree can look great when it’s chosen to complement your Christmas theme, and I think people sometimes underestimate how versatile they can be. The key is to think about the overall look you want to achieve and how the tree will work with the rest of your decor.'

'A white tree can feel beautifully wintery and elegant, a pink tree can create a playful, romantic look, and a black tree can feel incredibly sophisticated when styled with gold decorations and warm lighting. Christmas decorating should be fun, so there’s no reason to feel restricted to traditional green,’ David at Christmas Tree World explains.

Top colourful Christmas tree picks

What Christmas tree colour are you thinking of investing in this year? And are you going trad or experimental with a colourful tree?

If you’re in the market for a new Christmas tree this year, or are even considering getting one, then a classic, realistic, all-green look is what experts are reporting is the biggest Christmas tree ‘trend’ of the year. That’s right, 2026 is the year of the traditional Christmas tree – and what could be a bigger anti-trend than that?!

As Ideal Home’s Room Decor Editor, I see and even test some of the best artificial Christmas trees out there. I know all the brands’ Christmas trees and decoration offerings inside and out. And this helps me determine what the biggest Christmas trends of the year are going to be.

While traditional-looking trees have always been extremely popular, in recent years, bolder alternatives such as colourful trees and twig trees rose in popularity. John Lewis has been known to mark each festive season with a release of a colourful Christmas tree for the past few years – last year, it was all about the gold tree, while the year before, the pink frosted tree was the star. But there is no alternative, bold tree coming this Christmas.

Most retailers report a rise in popularity of classic green trees, too. ‘We are seeing traditional-looking trees rise in popularity, tying in with the increasing appetite for nostalgia,’ says Rory Parkes, head of Christmas at B&Q.

Why are traditional Christmas trees trending?

As Rory at B&Q says, the increased popularity of traditional-looking trees is down to the return to nostalgia being bigger this Christmas than ever before as we find ourselves in times of great uncertainty.

‘Nostalgia plays a big part in why people return to traditional-looking Christmas trees,’ says David Sumner, sales manager at Christmas Tree World. ‘Christmas is such an emotional time of year, and people want their homes to feel warm, comforting, and familiar.’

He adds that it also goes hand in hand with the cosy home decor trend, ‘There's also a growing appeal in creating cosy and inviting homes, and natural-looking trees lend themselves perfectly to that.’

How to decorate a traditional Christmas tree

While trad Christmas trees are what it’s all about this year, that doesn’t mean your festive decorating scheme needs to be or should be boring. On the contrary! A classic tree provides more of a blank canvas for your decorations to really shine.

‘Having a simple tree doesn't mean that the overall aesthetic can’t be more playful. Statement decor is having a moment, think velvet bows, sparkling glass baubles and charming felt accents,’ Rory at B&Q says.

David at Christmas Tree World adds that one of the biggest Christmas decorating trends of this year is making things look and feel personable and personalised. ‘People want their decorations to feel individual and not polished. So we’re seeing traditional styles being mixed with more modern touches rather than simply recreating Christmases of the past.’

My top traditional Christmas tree picks

Rory at B&Q concludes, ‘Traditional trees work because they instantly create a sense of occasion and people immediately associate them with comforting Christmas memories.’

B&Q’s seed advent calendar has returned for 2026, and after using the 2025 version, I can safely say that this one is well worth the buy.

If you’re looking for Christmas gifts for gardeners (or a treat for yourself!), the Verve Shelter Seed Advent Calendar is just £15 at B&Q. It’s a steal, given everything that’s inside: a huge range of flower, herb and vegetable seeds, and a handy little growing kit behind the 25th door. I had great fun opening the 2025 version, and I’m just as excited about this year’s now that I’ve got my hands on it.

It really is ideal for budding gardeners – and a fun novelty for the more experienced green thumbs.

B&Q’s Verve Shelter Seed Advent Calendar includes everything you need to start a small vegetable garden: a mixture of seed sachets, from peas to pumpkins, and even herbs like basil and parsley for indoor and outdoor growing.

There’s also a healthy selection of flower seeds like sunflowers and sweet peas, so you can kit your 2027 garden out with blooms you’ve grown from scratch. My two favourite companion-planting flowers are in there, too: marigolds and nasturtiums, which keep pests at bay. In fact, Ideal Home’s Editor, Rebecca Knight, had great success with the nasturtium seeds from the 2025 Verve Seed Advent Calendar (she couldn’t believe how many blooms appeared!).

If you’re wondering where to grow all of those seeds, you don’t need to order extra equipment to get them started. Behind the 25th door is a grow house, soil tablets and even plant tags. The plastic tray grow house is no heated propagator, of course, but it’s a brilliant starting point for the seeds inside the calendar.

The 2026 Verve Seed Advent Calendar is even prettier than the 2025 version, featuring Father Christmas himself inside a greenhouse filled with seedlings, poinsettias and Christmas trees. There’s also a very sweet dog on this year’s calendar, replacing last year’s robin.

The Verve Shelter Seed Advent Calendar is currently only available to click and collect, and there’s limited stock - B&Q says ‘when it’s gone, it’s gone’ – so it’s worth grabbing one before it sells out like it did last year!

More gardening advent calendars

For just £15, B&Q’s Verve Shelter Seed Advent Calendar is the perfect treat for young, beginner and seasoned gardeners alike. It’s a great way to try growing lots of different vegetables, herbs and flowers at once!

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be incredibly chaotic. And as you add presents, decorations, and guests to the festive fun, clutter can multiply and take over your house. That’s why storage is key.

As Ideal Home’s resident organisation guru and storage obsessive, I’m a big fan of pretty-but-practical storage baskets that help you store (and sometimes hide) those items that you don’t want on show. But I'm also a HUGE fan of whimsical Christmas decor. So, when I spotted new Christmas-themed storage baskets making the rounds, I knew they were made for me.

From storage baskets shaped like Christmas puddings to adorable penguins and trees, these are the magical buys I’m snapping up right now to get ahead of Christmas clutter at home. After all, if my prediction is correct, these will sell like hotcakes… or should I say hot chestnuts?

While I'm obsessed with these adorable festive storage additions, I also appreciate that other Christmas storage needs to be practical. That's why I've recently snapped up some practical storage for my Christmas tree, wreaths and baubles, too.

Long gone are the days of ugly Christmas tree stands unashamedly on show. And even basic Christmas tree skirts are out because the tree skirt has had a glow-up. This year, the best Christmas tree skirts are part of the decorating scheme – they come in all shades, shapes, sizes and patterns. And I’ve picked 20 of the best ones to elevate your festive decor.

Christmas tree stands serve a very practical purpose of securing and holding the tree up. And once it’s done that, it should be covered up. Some brands and retailers realise that, which is why one of the best artificial Christmas trees in our guide, The White Company’s 7.5ft Symons Nordmann Fir Tree, comes with a wicker tree skirt included. Meanwhile, the top-rated John Lewis Cotswold Christmas tree comes with a ceramic pot instead of a stand to solve that unsightly issue.

Spotlighting the Christmas accessories that are traditionally quite utilitarian - from Christmas stockings to present sacks and tree skirts - and investing in aesthetically pleasing versions is one of the biggest Christmas decor trends I’ve noticed this year. Shoppers are already on it, as Next’s gingerbread house light-up tree skirt has already sold out once this year. And I expect Marks & Spencer’s tinsel tree skirt, which just launched, to go out of stock quickly, too, just like it did last year.

Whatever your festive style and budget you’re working with, there’s something for everyone on this list of best Christmas tree skirts. The only tip I have for you is don’t wait to make your purchase as the best ones will sell out quickly. And you don’t want to miss out and regret later.

It might seem early to be talking about Christmas decorations, but past experience has taught me that you need to act fast to get the most stylish and best-value ones. Even if that means Christmas shopping in early October.

Last year, my big loss was missing out on Habitat's £5 statement green stripe paper star decoration. I spent too long dithering over whether I needed one or three (the answer is always three). By the time I decided, it had flown out of stock, and it was only October. I've been waiting patiently for a year, and I'm happy to announce that it is finally back in stock, but act fast; they're already becoming like gold dust to get your hands on.

Paper stars are always a staple festive decoration, but over the last two years, larger, colourful and striped iterations have been a big breakout christmas decor trend.

'Scandi-inspired Christmas stars have been popular for a while now. But in the last couple of years, they've become a major focus of so many people's Christmas decor,' explains Ideal Home's Room Decor Editor, Sara Hesikova. 'And this year, pretty much all the major high street brands and retailers we love buying our Christmas decorations from have jumped on the trend. Compared to previous years, the favoured look has evolved, though as brands are leaving the uber minimalist styles behind in favour of stripes and layered, snowflake-reminiscent shapes.'

This year, M&S has launched its own £15 striped paper star in red and green colourways, and they've been selling like hotcakes. IKEA has also brought back its own ever-popular STRÅLA star lampshade in a bold red. However, Habitat's XL paper star remains both the best-looking and best value for money at £5.

I was alerted to the Habitat Paper Star last year by Ideal Home's Room Decor Editor, who spotted it in person at the Habitat Christmas preview and was blown away by just how big the decoration was. Measuring 75 cm across, it is about the size of a computer monitor or a backpack; it delivers a big impact for a fraction of the price of similar-style decorations.

Last year, the star was only available in a green stripe, but this year Habitat has brought it back in a red stripe too. Red is always a staple festive colour, but burgundy and red stripes are set to be massive this Christmas, especially with the ongoing trend for rich, dark, juicy reds going strong in the rest of the interiors world.

I'm planning to snap up three of the red stars to display on the wall in my pink living room as the backdrop for my Christmas tree. That is, if I can get my hands on three.

The stars are already showing as sold out for many locations in the green colourway, and currently I can only find two of the red stars for collection at my local Argos. So if you want to snap any up, I'd recommend acting fast.

Alternatives

If the Habitat paper stars are currently all out of stock in your local area for delivery and collection, I've tracked down a few other statement stars and snowflakes that give this classic scandi decoration a joyful spin.

M&S’s sell-out Textured Tinsel Tree Skirt (£18) is back for Christmas 2026, and in a sparkling new colourway. If you’re looking for showstopping festive decor, this glittering tinsel skirt is undoubtedly a star buy.

Last year, when Christmas trends were heavily centred on nostalgic, tinsel-heavy displays, M&S dropped a stunning multicoloured tinsel tree skirt, and it wasn’t long before it sold out completely.

If you missed out on this Christmas tree skirt last year, don’t worry, as it’s back in stock and available in a sleek silver colourway. But if you like what you see, be quick, as I predict another sell-out.

If you’re a fan of nostalgic, maximalist festive decor, this is a great tree skirt to incorporate into Christmas decorating. It has a playful disco look, and it means the base of your tree is just as eye-catching as your baubles and fairy lights.

A tree skirt is an effective way to cover the base of even the best artificial Christmas tree and maintain the illusion of a real tree (without the dropped needles). They’ve quickly become one of the most popular Christmas decor ideas, and with a range of styles available, there is one to suit any home.

For example, The White Company frequently produces sell-out rattan styles for a minimalist yet stylish look, while this year has seen the return of Next’s viral gingerbread tree skirt, which sold out in only September last year. And for maximalists, M&S’s striking tinsel tree skirt is the perfect addition to your festive decor.

‘The M&S tinsel skirt first debuted last year. I'd had a preview of it before it went live and had kept checking the site for it to drop because I knew it would be a sellout success. And sure enough, it was! I've never seen a tree skirt like this anywhere else before or since. So it's this unique, playful look that sets it apart from the rest and makes it so popular with shoppers. And with the affordable £18 price point, no wonder everyone's going mad for it,’ says Sara Hesikova, Ideal Home’s Room Decor Editor.

The silver tinsel skirt stands at 70cm tall and has a length of 165cm, making it big enough to fit most artificial trees. Meanwhile, its three tiers of tinsel add an extra layer of sparkle to your decor, whilst keeping the finished look polished. The tinsel also has a textured surface, which means it should catch the light, adding even more sparkle to your home.

If that sounds like a little too much sparkle for you (no such thing), I’ve listed a few more of my favourite M&S Christmas decorations from this year.

Given that M&S' tinsel tree sold out by November this year, I predict it will be the same case this year - especially is such a pretty silver colourway. So, if you like what you see, snap it up now.

IKEA has been a festive treasure trove when it comes to Christmas lighting this year - and these are my favourite quirky picks to add some whimsy to your festive decor.

Folk-style decor has emerged as one of the biggest Christmas trends for 2026, and IKEA’s Christmas lighting collections have been one of the best places to shop for this style. However, there are also a few more ‘quirky’ options on sale that are perfect for achieving a traditional yet individual look.

From a glowing paper snowman to a light-up wooden reindeer, here are the IKEA lights that will inject personality into your Christmas decorating ideas this year.

It’s no secret that I’ve been loving IKEA’s Christmas decorations this year. Their LED Christmas tree is a brilliant alternative to one of the best artificial Christmas trees if you're short on space, while their range of fairy lights, paper stars and novelty lighting options means every style is well catered to.

My top pick is the Battery-Operated Reindeer (£12), which, like Rudolph, has a glowing red nose. Its wood finish makes this piece of decor look like a traditional children's toy. It’s playful, festive and fun, perfect for adding the finishing touches to your decor. Alternatively, here are the rest of my six picks.

If you still need whimsical inspiration, here are a few more quirky designs I've found that you can shop online.

Alternatives

It may only be October, but IKEA has me excited for hanging those Christmas lights.

For the past couple of years, the Scandi-inspired paper Christmas tree has been a charming addition to our festive decor, nestled on windowsills, on staircases and as miniature add-ons to our main tree. But this year, Next has supersized the trend with their 5ft Light Up Paper Christmas Tree (£75), and I can’t get enough of it.

How do you take an existing Christmas decor trend and make it better and bolder? Make it bigger, of course! We’ve already seen this with the surge in popularity of XL bows, and now the paper Christmas tree trend is receiving the same treatment.

If you’re a fan of Scandi minimalism but want to make an impact with your Christmas decorating ideas this year, this Next paper tree is a happy medium. Here’s why I predict it will sell out fast.

While the purpose of the paper tree trend was to strip back excessive decor and let shape do all the talking, it’s hard to ignore the sheer scale of Next’s new paper tree. Standing at 5ft tall, it’s big enough to replace one of the best artificial Christmas trees or even real trees in your home - perhaps a perfect solution if you don’t want to deal with dropped needles or even excessive decorating.

And that’s not all. Within the honeycomb weave of the paper tree, the decorative piece emits a warm, cosy glow. Main operated, it houses a warm-toned light that makes your tree glow when turned on - all without the need for fairy lights. This creates a gorgeous, hygge glow that is perfect for making your home feel more cosy during December, which, let’s be honest, is more often wet and miserable than it is a snowy scene.

This paper tree is incredibly simple in design, but it remains impressive - not just because it is so large! Minimalists will attest that it can be hard to decorate for Christmas whilst retaining personal style and not succumbing to masses of glitter and bold colours. But this tree makes it easy. Its simplicity makes it look beautiful, all the more backed up by its warm, steady glow, which I actually prefer to flashes of fairy lights.

Of course, if you are a fan of a colour, there is still a tree for you. The Brights Paper Tree (£38) is made up of rich shades of red, orange and green. Standing at 91cm tall. It’s large enough to make an impact in your home, or even as a replacement tree for small spaces.

If you’re loving the paper tree trend, like us, here are a few more statement designs I’ve found.

Are you for or agaisnt the XL paper tree trend? I personally am for...

It’s that time of year again – the countdown to Christmas is on and the Christmas decor trends for 2026 are in. I started looking at Christmas collections back in July (yes, really!) when the brands started their previews. Needless to say, I’ve been thinking about the key looks of this Christmas for months now.

After seeing all the retailers’ Christmas offerings, hearing from trends experts at Pinterest and Etsy and speaking to Christmas pros, I narrowed things down to these 10 key Christmas 2026 decor trends to adorn your home from the front door all the way to your decked-out Christmas tree. I’m sure you’ll be obsessed with these looks come this December (or even before).

As Ideal Home’s Room Decor Editor, it’s my job to keep on top of home decor trends. And during this time of year, this includes festive trends, too. But in order to make adopting these trends as easy as possible for you, I’ve also selected some of the best buys to invest in and get the look for your home – some of my top picks even tick several of the biggest trends at once.

‘Overall, the biggest trend this year we’re seeing is Christmas with a lot more personality,’ says David Sumner, sales manager at Christmas Tree World. ‘Christmas decorating this year feels less about achieving a picture-perfect colour scheme and more about creating a home that feels characterful, nostalgic and a little bit magical.’

1. Handmade crafty decor

Hand-crafted Christmas decor is probably the biggest festive trend of this year. Whether you’re the one taking on the crafting or you invest in decorations with a hand-finished look, anything goes.

One of Etsy’s Christmas 2026 trends is what the retailer is calling ‘The Mark of the Maker’, defined by details like visible brushstrokes, hand stitching and uneven edges, as searches for ‘handwoven items’ have increased by 234% compared to last year, while ‘hand painted items’ searches have grown by 283%.

And Pinterest is seeing a similar trend in its searches. ‘Through Pinterest Intelligence, which helps us understand the ideas being explored, saved and curated, we’re seeing that people are reaching for things that feel handmade, nostalgic and a little imperfect,’ explains Craig Brown, head of home at Pinterest UK. ‘Searches for “DIY christmas decorations easy” are up 680%, while “vintage Christmas wallpaper” are up 900%. This tells us that people want Christmas to feel collected rather than bought, and that they’re happy to build it themselves, piece by piece.’

2. Heritage tartan

Tartan, plaid and checks – these are traditional Christmas motifs. But this year, they’re having a resurgence as they cover everything from Next’s supersized bow tree topper to pretty frilled tree skirts. And it’s a heritage-inspired pattern that fits in perfectly with the Ralph Lauren Christmas trend which gained traction last year and continues to do so this year, too.

‘One of this year’s trends is definitely tartan – it’s a bit of a classic and I think it’s because after a tough year we’re all just looking for something reassuring when it comes to decor,’ says Laurie Davidson, interior stylist of The Style Makers. ‘It’s a fresh take on Christmas tartan though – small bows on the tree, a blue colourway, and modern styling.’