Last Christmas was a nightmare décor-wise. We had moved into our new home a matter of weeks before, so our Christmas tree was the last one standing at a local garden centre. It was the Mr Burns of Christmas trees, bald and bony, and stood in the corner of our lounge as a stark reminder that we were so totally unprepared. I absolutely hate tinsel too so there was no disguising how underwhelming it was.

This totally characterised our Christmas. We unwrapped hastily wrapped presents amidst dozens of unpacked boxes and ate a turkey dinner at an undressed table atop a cheap plastic tablecloth we bought two years ago for one of Dexter’s birthdays. Gin and tequila helped inject some fun into proceedings, but I’ve promised myself this year would be different.

Image credit: ZestofAlice

So I’ve already started thinking about themes for this year’s festivities. The idea is that no visitor will be in any doubt what time of year it is - fairy-lights and gold everything will smack them in the face the moment they step through the threshold.

House of Fraser have tipped that Nordic-schemes are set to be big this year - with copper, gold and cobalt featuring heavily in their Christmas shop. Heavy textures such as faux fur and distressed birch help create depth, punctuated by leafy table and mantelpiece garlands. You’re bringing the outside in; whether that’s an enchanted forest or snow-capped alpine vista.

Table settings should be all-out glamour with the feel of a decadent bygone era. Team high polished metallic textures and tones with deco prints & patterns. Simple touches such as gold-dipped glasses and decanters, copper cutlery and low-hanging decorations will help you create extra interest, and bevelled mirrors will reflect candle light to add to the ambience.

Image credit: House of Fraser: Christmas lookbook

The tree itself should feature oversized glass baubles, simple fairy lights and be lightly sprayed with faux snow. The less-is-more mantra is definitely out the window this year.

Of course it’s not all about the trappings, but there’s nothing more relaxing on Christmas Day than to sit down at the end of a long day with a glass of red wine, surrounded by pretty things. And no better way to ease any stresses resulting from family dramas, over-excited children and any guilt you might be feeling from the annual splurge.

ALL AVAILABLE AT HOUSE OF FRASER: Shibori dinnerware from Christiane Lemieux from £10 / Cocktail tray from Christiane Lemieux £48 / Faux-fur stocking from Linea Home £30 / Peacock and glitter crackers (set of 6) from Linea Home £30 / Silver mercury tree decoration from Linea Home £6 / Mercury bells (set of 2) from Linea Home £10 / Large sun mirror from Christiane Lemieux £180 / Cocktail shaker from Christiane Lemieux £25 / Champagne charger plate from Biba Home £12 / Snowflake lantern from Linea Home £30 / Century 24 piece cutlery set from Christiane Lemieux £180 / Baroque gold glassware range from Biba Home from £14 / Ice bucket from Biba Home £40 / Glitter hummingbird decoration from Linea Home £8

Christmas décor is an investment, so I’d recommend starting early. Think carefully about the number of guests you’ll have, and allow for a couple extra for last minute surprises and future Christmases. Make sure the bulk of your purchases can be used all year round to ensure you’re not flittering your cash away on one day. Charger plates, glassware and cutlery sets can all be used to dress your table for dinner parties throughout the year so are great long-term purchases.

Have you thought about your Christmas theme this year?