Innholdsfortegnelse for Complete Guide to Christmas 2025 i Ideal Home

When my oldest friend hears that ‘I'm doing Christmas again', she insists on an update of the key trends – she's one of the most organised people I know and can't wait for Ideal Home Christmas to hit the shelves. And while her Christmas style doesn't change hugely from year to year, she loves to build on her existing look. I always think that's what makes a beautiful Christmas home – the pieces that you've had for ever, often with special memories, that you add to each year. What would be your treasures that make you smile every year you unpack them? My mum still hangs a robin mobile that I made when I was at nursery – it's funny the things that say Christmas to you. This year, I…

Naturally Nordic Mix natural wood, paper decorations and fresh foliage for a simple and sophisticated look. Alberta pine Christmas tree, 7ft, £295; decorations, from a selection; satin bow tree topper, £8.50; light-up paper snowflake, £18.50; star, £14.50; Sage hanging star, from £10.50; weathered oak dining table, £795; dining chairs, £275 each, all Cox & Cox Style tip Create your own winter wonderland with paper decorations – these larger designs light up, adding an extra glow to the festivities. Try hanging one in a window for a trad Scandi touch. Scandi setting Swap a cracker for a tree jar or decorative tree, which guests can take home. White ceramic tree jars, £17 each; Green ceramic trees, £22 for two; Luso tableware, from £13 a piece; scallop edge place mats, £96 for…

Bows & baubles Dress a pre-lit tree head-to-toe in stripes, mixing shades of peppermint green and candy cane red. Snow Nord lit Christmas tree, 6ft, £170; large stripe baubles, £14 for eight; small stripe baubles, £16 for 50; Red stripe bows, £14 for six; Cracker baubles, £12 for three; stripe bow tree topper, £12; stripe bow cushion, £16, all Next Home Candy cane village This look is all about moments of fun, so create your own Christmas scene. Red stripe paper tree, £10 for two; bronze metal tree, £18; Natural light-up Christmas houses ornament, £18, all Next Home Style tip Try a Christmas village scene of ceramic or cardboard houses arranged along your mantelpiece, adding sprigs of foliage or a little fake snow to enhance the festive mood. Table cover-up…

Idea 1 PATCHWORK GIFT WRAP The ultimate way to make use of leftover pieces of pretty paper ● Scraps of paper, such as tissue paper, handmade paper with dried leaves or flowerheads and wrapping paper (try Perfect Paper Company for handmade paper sheets) ● Gold sewing thread ● Sewing machine 1 Layer scraps of paper on top of each other, so they overlap, to create a larger sheet. If using tissue paper, layer three pieces together to help strengthen it. 2 Using gold thread, carefully machine stitch the layers of paper together. Wrap your present with your patchwork paper, finishing with ribbon bows and foliage. Style tip Carefully tear the edges of each paper scrap, rather than cutting straight with scissors, adding to the handmade look. Idea 2 KNITTED GIFT…

Herb wreath A delicious scent when fresh, which lingers as it dries, this herb wreath can be made with whatever herbs you have ● Fresh herbs (such as lavender, bay, rosemary, curry plant, mint) ● Olive branches or leafy foliage ● Florist’s wire, on a reel ● 12-inch wire wreath frame (with inner and outer frames), £3.50, Hobbycraft ● Ribbon 1 Group the herbs and foliage into clusters – you’ll need around 24. Bind each together using the florist’s wire. 2 Attach each herb cluster to the wire wreath frame, using both inner and outer parts to create fullness. As you work, overlap the next herb group until you have covered the entire wreath frame. 3 Once all of the clusters are attached, inspect your wreath and adjust any uneven…

MACRAME LAMPSHADE Not just for December, this DIY shade will look great above your dining table all year-round – just be sure to choose a colour that isn’t too Christmassy ● 10m macramé cord (5mm thick) in a colour of your choice ● Tapered drum lampshade frame (Try Dannells) ● Lampshade fitting ● Bulb ● Pet hair comb 1 To determine how many strands of cord you need, measure the circumference of each of the two rings on your lampshade frame. You will need one strand for every 1cm. For example, if your rings measure 105cm and 71cm, then you will need 105 strands and 71 strands, respectively. 2 Turn the lampshade frame so that the larger ring is at the top and attach the lampshade fitting and bulb. 3…

Sweet festive dreams Bows and Christmas trees make a winning combination for this pretty bedroom (and the cushions and throws would work year-round, too). Bow duvet cover set, from £13 for a single; Bow fleece blanket, from £17; Bow cushions in Pink and White, £13 each; Pink bow fleece cushion, £13, all Matalan Style tip Even if you aren’t changing your bed linen for Christmas, you can still add festive touches to your room – such as a wreath, a headboard garland, or a few Christmas ornaments. Festive sleepover Transform your living room into a cosy Christmas bedroom, with cheerful bed linen and snug textures. Zoe Mulberry velvet sofa bed, £799; soft cosy Blush pillowcases, £6 for two; fitted sheet, £14 for a double; Ski scene duvet cover, £12 for…

PANETTONE MAKES 3 SMALL PANETTONE | SERVES 9 A deliciously light alternative to an English Christmas cake ● 4tsp fresh yeast (or 2½tsp dried yeast) ● 225ml hand-hot milk ● 350g plain or Italian 00 flour, plus extra for dusting ● 100g butter, softened ● 3 large egg yolks ● 50g caster sugar ● 85g chopped candied peel ● 50g sultanas ● 1tsp grated nutmeg ● Icing sugar, for dusting ● 3 x 400g empty food tins (opened with a tin opener, paper labels removed, ensure there are no dents in the tins and that they are well washed) or baking pans or dishes of a similar size 1 Grease the insides of the three clean tins. Cut 3 strips of baking paper, each measuring 55x33cm. Fold each piece in…

BLACK FOREST BROOKLYN BLACKOUT This multi-layered beauty will look stunning in the centre of any festive tablescape SERVES 12 | PREP 1 HR, PLUS CHILLING | COOK 30 MINS ● 370g jar cherries in kirsch, drained and the kirsch reserved ● 80g marzipan ● 40g toasted flaked almonds ● Cocoa powder and 4 sprigs rosemary, to decorate FOR THE CUSTARD FILLING ● 30g cocoa powder ● 1tbsp cornflour ● 70g soft dark brown sugar ● 2 egg yolks ● 200ml whole milk ● 50g milk chocolate, chopped ● 1tsp vanilla extract ● 100ml double cream FOR THE CAKE ● 250g plain flour ● 70g cocoa powder ● 320g soft dark brown sugar ● 2tsp bicarbonate of soda ● 1tsp fine salt ● 2 eggs ● 250ml buttermilk ● 100ml whole…

HEIRLOOM MEMORIES Go for grandeur with a gold tree, glass baubles and striped bows. Pendleton pre-lit gold Christmas tree, 7ft, £250; Red/White tree topper, £15; baubles, from a selection; striped bows, £6 each; bauble garland, £30; classic bobbin armchair, £499; foraged metal table, £279, all John Lewis Style tip A gold Christmas tree will give your living room a lovely warm glow, especially when dressed in shimmering glass baubles.…

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Use wipeable chalk pens to add a festive welcome to windows – if writing in mirror image is too tricky, print out what you’d like to say and tape it to the outside of the window, then trace it from inside. Style tip Gather offcuts of foliage and arrange in baskets and trugs outside your home – present trolley and old-fashioned sledge optional!…

Style it... CHAIR BACK Tie a bow with wired-edge ribbon, adding a bauble and a sprig of gypsophila PLACE SETTING Wind a ribbon over the plate, tying in a bow to secure the napkin TREE TOPPER Swap a traditional star for an organza bow WALL LIGHT Team a paper decoration with a bow and bauble OUTDOOR BASKET Fill a basket with baubles, foliage and a bow DOOR HANDLE Tie on hero baubles with ribbon and gypsophila FRONT DOOR Wrap organza ribbon around your door, finishing with baubles and flowers CHRISTMAS TED Gift family friends their own bow under the tree…

WALLPAPER TREES MAKES 1 LARGE AND 1 SMALL ● 325x38cm piece of wallpaper ● A3 paper ● 170x27cm piece of wallpaper ● A4 paper ● Glue stick 1 For the large tree: Start by making a template on the A3 paper. Draw a 13.5cm horizontal line. Draw a 38cm vertical line at a 90° angle to the first line. Join the two lines together to create a triangle. 2 Draw a horizontal line across the whole width of the triangle at 2cm, 11cm, 17.5cm, 24.5cm and 31.5cm from the bottom. 3 To create the outline of half a Christmas tree, draw a wavy line from the top point of the triangle to the end point of the horizontal line below it. Draw another wavy line from that line to the…

Perfect base Spend time fluffing out the branches before adding any decorations – gaps will be easier to spot and fill with a reshape. Alberta pine pre-lit Christmas tree, 7ft, £295, Cox & Cox Style tip Don’t forget your tree skirt – some are easier to pop over the tree stand before you start building up the tree sections.…

Warm welcome Newel posts are made for bows! Face one towards your door, then add more to stair spindles. Beatrice striped runner, £175; large striped bows with clips, £8 each; Alpine 6ft tree on wooden base, £79; Christmas tree decorations, from £1.50 each; Gingerbread house rope tree skirt, £15, all Dunelm Style tip Finish off your Christmas tree with a tree skirt that works with your festive look. Once cumbersome and bulky to store, the latest skirts can be folded flat until next year. Foliage framework Use garlands to frame doorways off of the hallway, letting the festive style flow from one room into the next. Rustic Red gingham round tablecloth, £150; Mistletoe double oven glove, £28; tea towel, £13; embroidered napkins, £30 for four, all Sophie Allport Style tip Pimp your…

1 Colour drench your tree Go tree topper to base in a single colour for a rich, opulent Christmas. Start by editing your existing bauble collection into the most prominent colour, adding a few new boxes of baubles for volume. Then work in garlands, bows and flowers to boost the look. Alberta pine pre-lit Christmas tree, 7ft, £295; flocked beaded garland, £12.50; oversized threaded baubles, £35 for three; glass bauble selection in Berry Red, £16.50 for 21; glass bauble picks in Berry Red, £30 for 12; long slim velvet bows in Berry Red, £22 for 12; faux rose stems in Red and Deep Red, £35 for three, all Cox & Cox Style tip Echo key textures of your living room in your decorations – velvet baubles with a plush sofa…

CHICKEN LIVER PÂTÉ WITH BRIOCHE TOAST & PICKLED RED APPLE Make entertaining easy with canapés that need assembling rather than from-scratch making MAKES 24 | READY IN 15 MINS ● Small red apple ● 2tbsp apple cider vinegar ● 2 slices of brioche from a pre-sliced loaf ● 100g smooth, spreadable chicken liver pâté, at room temperature (we like Findlater’s) ● 1-2tsp cranberry jelly ● 2-3 apple crisps from a shop-bought pack, broken up ● 1tbsp finely chopped fresh chives 1 Heat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Line a baking sheet with baking paper. Cut the apple into matchsticks, put into a small bowl with the vinegar and set aside in the fridge to lightly pickle. 2 Cut each brioche slice in half. Stand each half on its side and carefully…

Dramatic dining Start with a black tablecloth, adding monochrome tableware and a statement bow for a look that’s powerful. Bow dinner plates, £3 each; side plates, £2.50 each; Confetti wine glasses, £6 each; LED lantern tree, £38; Black tree, £12.50; House tea light holder, £8; LED tree, £8; Stag tree decoration, £3; LED present decoration, £5; light-up bauble, £5; large stag, £10, all Matalan Style tip Work to a two-thirds, one-third balance of black to white, creating plenty of drama without the black dominating. Try adding a stripe or check to your table for a crisp, smart feel. Stylish stripes Update a classic neutral tree with touches of black – you could even add monochrome bows. Snowy Nord lit tree, 6ft, £170; Monochrome plush baubles, £12 for three; Monochrome baubles,…

“Rich red reinvents my colour palette” ‘For my tree, which stands in our open-plan living-dining space, I’ve layered up my go-to neutrals of green, nude and cream, nestling in some beautiful claret red glass baubles to echo the fabric bows I’ve used everywhere! Oversized cream satin bows provide more glam.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Alberta Pine pre-lit tree, 7ft, £295; Moss satin bows, £18.50 for 12; Cream supersized bows, £22 for four, all Cox & Cox. Baubles, from a selection at Cox & Cox and Nkuku Style tip Supersize your tree with large bows and baubles. Hang all over, rather than just on the lower branches, to make the most of the impact their larger size provides. “My Christmas table is always really special” ‘When it comes to Christmas, I’m…

WREATH ALTERNATIVE Turn a large wooden hoop into a festive wreath, complete with mini gifts. If you don’t have a wooden hoop, wind wide ribbon around a hula hoop or disguise with foliage. Style tip LED battery-powered string fairy lights are perfect for adding sparkle around your home – try intertwining with pieces of foliage.…

FABRIC BOW Fabric ● Florist’s wire ● Sewing machine 1 For the bow, cut a piece of fabric 100x56cm. Fold in half lengthwise, right sides together, and stitch along the raw edge (leaving the short ends open). Turn so that the seam line is in the centre. 2 Bring the two short ends together, overlapping by 1cm and stitch to form one big loop. With the join on the reverse, scrunch together the centre and secure with florist’s wire. 3 For the tails, cut a piece of fabric 130x22cm. Fold in half lengthwise right sides together, and cut a 45-degree angle at each end. Stitch from the left-hand point to one-third of the way along the top open seam. Leave a gap of 30cm, then start stitching along the top…

GIFT STOCKING Gift a handmade stocking full of presents, and the recipient can treasure the stocking for many a Christmas to come – using it for celebrations both at home and away. Style tip Break with tradition and hang stockings on chair backs around the dining table or from coat hooks in the hallway.…

Natural moment Use dried foliage to create a natural display. Loosely wire small bunches together, overlapping to build up a garland. Vivan grooved mirror, £475; Chaipat candlesticks, from £48 each; Oko giant baubles, from £25 for set of four, all Nkuku Round & round Play with a non-symmetrical display, working with shapes, favourite finds and faux foliage. Juniper and pine garland, £28; frosted juniper and spice wreath, £65; textured iron candleholders, from £40 each; LED candles, from £6.50 for two; patterned paper decorations, £28 for four, all Cox & Cox Style tip Choose a shape and stick with it for a coherent display. Here, the round wall mirror is echoed in the Christmas wreath and paper decorations, encouraging the eye to move around. Ready-to-go garland Dress your mantelpiece in minutes…

CRANBERRY MERINGUE PIE Swap up a lemon filling for seasonal cranberries. Warm up 100g caster sugar and 150g cranberries until starting to burst. Whizz with a stick blender until smooth, then set aside to cool. In a bowl, use a balloon whisk to beat 3 whole eggs, 2 yolks, 150ml double cream and the zest of ½ an orange. Once smooth, stir in the cooled cranberry mixture and use in your usual lemon meringue pie recipe. Cook's tip If you can’t find cranberries, use frozen redcurrants instead. Or fill with a mixture of mincemeat and chopped apple…