November 2023 | The More, the Merrier

So here it is the start of the festive season and our favorite festive traditions.

But excuse me I want to make things clear first.

As a person who never followed a minimalistic vibe in Christmas decoration, I have to declare that I strongly believe there aren’t any guidelines or decorating trends to follow when decorating for Christmas. For me even the most minimal home has to have a perfectly perfect loaded Christmas décor.

Christmas is a no-rule, maximalist, super-mega light glimmering, and vibrant colored glittery trend setter as a celebration itself.

Of course red and green are always the most popular jolly color schemes but there are a plethora of other colors that will just as easily get you feeling the Christmas spirit. From monochrome to multicolored and everything else in between, your jolly decorations can look however you want them to.

Christmas actually is the season that should be granted with the copyright of the pattern on pattern trend. Red, floral, velvet, glittery and Scottish style patterns are never enough. And they go perfectly together. Humans for some strange reason find visual solace in patterns. Our brains are hardwired to detect them. Did you know? Adding them to our homes fosters a sense of order and harmony that solid colors alone cannot provide.

Adding extra details such as gold candles or other small decorative items always make the room look even more majestic and welcoming.

Interesting fact is that decorating outside the home has become a new tradition.Twinkly fairy lights, wreaths, garlands and many more ornaments can make a winter wonderland effect for your entrance and outdoor patios. I personally love the upcycled Christmas Wreaths by Picture Tales available at Selfridges.com

And while - as I previously justified -I don’t want you to shy shying away from bright and bold, please please please remain adamant that outdoor lights and decorations look tasteful.

My personal favorite Christmas installation for this year is the Giving Tree installation of the Aqua Shard, one of London most iconic skyscrapers. This installation was designed by McQueens Flowers and it’s decorated with wooden toys, hot air balloons and fluffy teddy bears of all sizes.

Installation was inspired by the founder’s support o f the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and replicas of these items have been given to children at GOSH.

Throughout December, Shard guests can contribute to GOSH Charity Christmas Appeal.

Image Credit: Steven Joyce

Even thought gestures of kindness should be an all year round act, I love the fact that Christmas as a celebration is a reminder for all of us to give back to our society and to people in need. It adds so much warmth than any decoration ever would.

Wishing for this Christmas to fill the hearts of people around the globe with light and compassion.

Let’s celebrate those we love, in whatever way we can, and hopefully looking towards more positive times ahead.

ELENI NODARAKI

Creative Editorial Director

Write to me on eleni@decorationrunway.com