At Christmas, most of us do more entertaining than usual so you have the perfect excuse to decorate and accessorise, making your home really sparkle for the festive season.

Less is more

With so much choice and colour available, it's easy to make the mistake of using too many Christmas decorations. Choose a theme such as particular colours, classic or contemporary and then select a few carefully chosen pieces to fit your theme. This will make an understated yet striking look, which is sure to be a talking point for your visitors.

A warm welcome

A classic festive wreath on the front door gives your visitors a warm welcome and sets the tone for the decorating theme inside your home. Now available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials; choose one to suit your overall theme. Real or artificial, traditional or contemporary, you really are spoilt for choice.

The all-important tree

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a tree in your home. That doesn't mean you have to go down the traditional route and choose a real tree complete with errant pine needles. For a more practical option, try one of the artificial alternatives on the market, many of which come pre-decorated if you haven't the time to dress your own. Look out for rattan examples to really ring the changes. If you do decide to go natural and have a real Christmas tree, make sure you take it to your local recycling facility after the festive season has ended.

Most of us have a few treasured Christmas tree decorations that come out year after year. Give them pride of place amongst your newer decorations and if you have young children or grandchildren, don't forget to leave room for their own glittery masterpieces, which they're sure to bring home from school.

Make a focal point

If you have a fireplace, make it a focal point of the room around which your decorating theme is based. Highlight the mantelpiece with a runner - these are available in contemporary or traditional designs and in a myriad of colours. Display your cards here or add candles, pot pourri and pine cones for a rustic look.

SAFETY NOTE: NEVER LEAVE A BURNING CANDLE UNATTENDED

Natural inspirations

Sometimes simple is best and Mother Nature provides some fantastic Christmas decorations which can often be found for free. Try freshly cut boughs of holly and mistletoe, garlands of evergreens, pine cones and poinsettia. Fill your home with the scent of Christmas using cinnamon, cloves and oranges.

Table settings

For the grand Christmas dinner, think carefully about how you want your table to look. Choose a centrepiece, perhaps a floral decoration or elaborate candle, and then choose a colour scheme. Carefully selected accessories from tablecloths to napkins and crackers to place cards can give your Christmas table that elusive 'wow' factor.

Let there be light

Candles are a wonderfully versatile accessory at Christmas time. They can create an intimate atmosphere in a cosy room or be the timeless centrepiece for a Christmas table. Look for unusual shapes, candles decorated with beads or jewels and scented versions.

SAFETY NOTE: NEVER LEAVE A BURNING CANDLE UNATTENDED

Shopping Directory

Debenhams Direct 08445 616161

www.debenhams.com

John Lewis 0845 604 9049

www.johnlewis.com

IKEA 0845 355 1141

www.IKEA.co.uk

Lakeland 01539 488 100

www.lakelandlimited.co.uk

Marks & Spencer 0845 302 1234

www.marksandspencer.com

Next 0845 600 7000

www.next.co.uk

1. Candles are a classic centrepiece for a table. Candle with beads, £8; swirl candle on plate, £10; sequin placemats, £10 each; pack of 4 sequin coasters, £8, all from Debenhams.

2. Choose quality, well-made tree decorations that will last. Sequin bauble stocking, £15; pack of 4 sequin decorations, £10; pack of 25 mini baubles, £4; gold sequin place settings as part of 6 crackers and place setting set, £20, all from Debenhams.

3. Choose a pre-lit tree for a stress-free Christmas! Green pre-lit tree with clear lights, £150, John Lewis.

4. You're never too old for a Christmas stocking. Red velvet striped top stocking, £12; red spot ball, £2; small polar bear, £4; orange pearl ball, £1, all from John Lewis.

5. These stunning table settings are too beautiful to keep just for Christmas. Vera Wang Lace accent plate, £17; Vera Wang Lace dinner plate, £20; Vera Wang Lace teacup, £17; Vera Wang Lace saucer, £12, all from John Lewis.

6. This unusual rattan Christmas tree includes an array of sparkling lights. £24.95, Lakeland.

7. Make your fireplace a focal point with a mantle runner. Poinsettia Runner, £8.95, Lakeland

8. A classic table setting using red, cream and gold. Set of four cream embroidered placemats, £16.95, Lakeland..

9. A wreath can be used anywhere in the house to welcome your guests. Bronze berry wreath, £19.50; Noel mantelpiece, £15; gold garland, £15; 6ft slim Christmas tree, £65, all from Marks & Spencer.

10. These fun mini traditional trees would look great on any window-sill or mantelpiece. £9.50 for 2, Marks & Spencer.

11. This cute pair of gold coloured reindeer would make a fun addition to any home. £9.99, Next.

12. Add some sparkle with this pack of 12 silver coloured teardrop tree decorations. £3.99, Next.

13. Take some inspiration from Sweden with the unusual Glansa Crown of lights. From £13.99 for small crown, baubles extra, IKEA.

14. Create a warm welcome using the Glansa Crown of Lights as a wreath in the window, £19.99, IKEA.

Previous pages - from a selection available at Woolworths and Debenhams