faceted jewel trees from Crate and Barrel
I love Christmas! It’s my favourite season of all, and I always go all out when I decorate. It’s been on my mind constantly these days, even as I am buried neck-deep in projects. Why am I thinking of Christmas when it’s only the beginning of November? Well, I am Filipino, and it’s a fact that we do Christmas earlier than most people. In fact, I am already considered late by Filipino standards. Most of them started TWO MONTHS AGO. Yes, you read that right. I’m definitely feeling the pressure! (Never mind that we’re leaving for a month-long holiday in a couple of weeks’ time and won’t be back till mid-December.)
Christmas in the Philippines. Source
I admire people who are so crafty that they DIY all of their holiday decorations. I can probably manage an ornament or two, and yes, all my wreaths and garlands are hand-assembled, but that’s about it. Oh, there was a time when I sewed dozens of stuffed calico hearts for our tree, back when I was in college, but that was decades ago when I had no kids and no business to run. Thankfully, one can pretty much source out fantastic ornaments nowadays, for any decorating style. Here in Singapore, my favourite sources are Tangs and Crate and Barrel.
I love this table setting! I’m hosting Christmas for our family again this year, and will totally try this one.
Speaking of style, do you plan out your holiday decor before you start? You should, you know. It makes for a more consistent look, and it will save you money in the end because once you decide on a style or theme, then you need only buy those that fit your theme. You don’t necessarily have to change themes every year, or you can probably add one more colour or accent the year after. For example, if you had a turquoise and purple theme last year, you can add gold this year and still use last year’s decor. The trick is to pick a new colour or theme that will work with your previous one.
This year, I am sticking to my favourite palette of white, gold, and silver. I have two very active kids, so I have to take that into account by not using too many fragile ornaments, and not filling up every nook and cranny with decor that they won’t be able to move around the flat at all. Lights are essential, so there should be lots of fairy lights and candle lights! (You can actually get by with just using lights to decorate, and your place will still look festive.) I prefer using only white fairy lights, never the multi-colored ones, as they’re a lot more elegant.
Here is my inspiration board for this year’s decor. All images from Pinterest, of course!
How will I manage to NOT bore the kids with an all-white theme? I will also decorate their bedroom in fun candy Christmas colours! Now excuse me while I go shopping.
