Committed home renovators David and Andrew Harrison-Colley (better known on Instagram as The Home Boys) are part of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing their thoughts on making a home together and living through the tricky parts. See the rest of their articles here.
We’re finally heading into a Christmas where the walls are painted, the ceilings are finished (mostly), and we have rooms that actually resemble a liveable space. After a few years of makeshift festive decorating - think fairy lights draped from rafters and half-built rooms - we’re looking forward to creating something a little more intentional.
That doesn’t mean going over the top. Our idea of festive style is simple, thrifty, and full of personality - the kind of decorating that makes a space feel warm and welcoming, whether we’re hosting guests at home or getting the holiday rental ready for the holidays. A mix of vintage finds, handmade touches and a few on-trend updates can make any space - finished or not quite - feel a bit more magical.
The New Nostalgia: Why Vintage Always Wins
If there’s ever a time of year made for vintage charm, it’s Christmas. There’s something about mixing old and new that makes a space feel instantly more personal - as if your collection has evolved over time rather than being bought in one go.
Vintage glassware, thrifted candlesticks, or a slightly wonky brass reindeer picked up at a car boot sale all add character. And this year, that layered look happens to be right on trend - paper ornaments, warm metallics, deep greens and natural textures are all back. The best part? Most of it can be found second-hand, borrowed, or made yourself.
Of course, styling with character doesn’t mean everything has to be old - it's all about choosing what’s worth investing in and where you can get creative.
Where to Spend vs. Save
We’ve learned that not everything needs to be new - but a few well-chosen pieces make all the difference.
Spend a little more on:
- Fairy lights that last more than one season.
- Quality candles or LED tapers for safe, soft light.
- A good quality faux Christmas tree, if you don’t have a real one.
Save on:
- Tableware, glassware and vases (charity shops are full of hidden gems).
- Decorative details like ribbons, napkin ties or baubles that can be refreshed each year.
Our holiday rental's dining table, for example, is usually a mix of eras: vintage plates, preloved glassware, and a few newer high street finds to pull it together. The mix always feels effortless - and it means the space can evolve each year without ever feeling too themed.
DIY Spotlight: The Marble Bauble Revival
One of our favourite festive projects from a few years ago was giving tired old baubles a new life. We tried a nail-varnish marbling trick we’d spotted online - and it worked far better than expected.
Here’s the simple version:
- Fill a disposable tub with water.
- Add a few drops of nail varnish (we used burgundy, gold and cream).
- Swirl gently, then dip the bauble in to coat it.
- Let it dry, then finish with ribbon.
The result? A one-of-a-kind, handmade finish that feels far more expensive than it is. It’s proof that festive decorating doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch - sometimes, it’s just about reinventing what you already have.
Five £10-and-Under Styling Tricks
When you’re keeping it simple - whether that’s by choice or because the finishing touches are still in progress - these small ideas make a big difference:
-
Foraged Greenery:
Branches of pine, eucalyptus or even ivy from the garden adds instant life (and scent) to any room. -
Velvet or vintage-style Ribbons:
Use them to tie napkins, hang baubles, wrap presents (as shown above) or tie around candle jars for an instant upgrade. -
Candlelight Layers:
Cluster mismatched candles in varying heights - soft light hides a multitude of renovation sins. -
Matte-Sprayed Finds:
A quick coat of a matte colour or gold spray paint can make a charity-shop vase look designer, filled with foraged branches. -
Festive Corners, Not Full Rooms:
Focus on one or two small areas - a window ledge, a console table, or your dining setup - and let the rest stay calm and uncluttered.
The Joy of Imperfection
Our Christmas style might look different from year to year - sometimes a bit makeshift, sometimes surprisingly polished - but it always feels personal. Whether it’s fairy lights strung across our own home or a perfectly styled holiday rental ready to welcome guests, the goal is the same: warmth, welcome, and a little bit of sparkle.
Because in the end, the best homes - and the best Christmases - aren’t about picture-perfect decor. They’re about the stories behind the things you choose to keep, reuse, or reimagine.
And if that means a few marble-dipped baubles and fairy lights hanging from a newly installed beam, well - that sounds like our kind of Christmas.
