Advent has begun and now we know where we stand regarding Christmas gatherings, we can find some joy in turning our attention to ‘winterising’ our homes. Whether your Christmas will be a quiet affair with just your partner or housemates - or a larger assembly of an extended ‘festive bubble’, this year of all years we want to make each gathering feel intimate and special.

Foraged Christmas table by @willowcrossleycreates: ivy, ferns, rosehips and dried hydrangea

We’ve reached out to some of our friends in the world of sustainable interiors for their top tips on creating a sense of togetherness and occasion in your home this Christmas.

LISA DAWSON  @_lisa_dawson_

@_lisa_dawson_ is pulling out all the stops this Christmas 

“Make each setting personal to the guest by adding photographs, greenery from the garden and a selection of different styles of glass for an individual touch.  Don't worry about being matchy-matchy: a vintage plate teamed with a contemporary bowl looks far more interesting.”

 “It doesn't matter whether it's a family meal or a dinner party, making the effort is always worth it.  Candles add the ambience and don't save the best dinnerware for special occasions - every mealtime can be a celebration.”

Candles, eucalyptus and a bowlful of fairy lit pinecones bring a sense of celebration to @osborninteriors table

“With the evenings getting darker, it's an excellent excuse to bring out the candles and scour your garden for eucalyptus and other greenery to create a simple table centrepiece.”

"Scour the charity shops for vintage plates and glasses which can be picked up super cheaply.  One man's trash is another man's treasure and the juxtaposition of the old and new on your table is what makes it special.  By repurposing the preloved and shopping your home for pieces you already have for decoration, you're creating a table setting that is sustainable as well as beautiful."

Photo Credit: @teasels_interiors

"Seek out individual and often handmade items from smaller businesses to add to your table. Finding something a little bit more unique can add the finishing touches to even the most simple of table settings."

 DEE CAMPLING @deecampling

@deecampling's beautiful outdoor living room is really coming into its own this Christmas

“I love to bring inspiration from festivals and fairs into the home to help create a sense of joy and fun. Things such as bunting and fairy lights are not just for occasions - they should be left up all year round to bring fun into the house.”

@deecampling

KIM GRAY @kimgraylifestyle

Beautiful Christmas wreath focaccia by @kimgraygeneralstore

"Food brings us together and a central sharing board of dips and home baked bread creates an intimate and fun central, focal point."

BEE OSBORN @osborninteriors

“Layers of throws and warm textile fabrics - lots of textures - will bring a sense of cosiness to any space. And candles of course!”

Our tips? Permit yourself to have FUN getting your home Christmas-ready; try something new whether that's baking gingerbread or foraging for table foliage - and start as soon as you darn well feel like it.

There's absolutely no reason not to keep those lights up - and your favourite crockery, placemats and glassware out - all year round. We're often the most house proud at Christmas as we direct so much attention to making things looking, smelling and FEELING lovely for other people, so we encourage you to extend that generosity to yourself. 

 Handwoven sisal bread baskets from £24 

Shop our Festive Table collection here.