Tricia Guild's 6 top tips for creating festive flair at home this Christmas

At H&G we love celebrate both the use of color, pattern and design expertise – and it's no different at Christmas. This year, we have spoken to some of the world's greatest creatives to find out how they make their homes feel special during the festive period.

Today's bold, colorful Christmas decorating ideas are from Tricia Guild, Founder & Creative Director of Designers Guild. And they are unmissable.

'There is no doubt that this Christmas is going to be a celebration like no other,' she says. 'The thought of welcoming family and friends home after the last year and a half is a joy that I, for one, can hardly wait for.

'As wonderful as the festive season is, it can be tempting to get carried away in the excitement but sometimes, simple and understated touches can strike the right balance without the house resembling a grotto at the end of it!

'Here are a few of my favorite things to do at this time of year.'

1. The Christmas table

Christmas table ideas are a focus for Tricia during the festive period. 

'For me, part of the joy of Christmas, is setting the scene. Whether the setting is casual or formal, minimal or maximalist – monochromatic or colorful – it’s the smallest of details, the tablecloths and napkins, crockery and glassware as well as the candles, crackers and flowers that have the ability to make the day truly wonderful and memorable so find your color palette and layer it up.'

2. The decorations

'I love to mix different styles together when it comes to decorating, so I’ll pair vintage style decorations with hanging foliage and gorgeous floral garlands with fabric offcuts,' says Tricia. 

'Creating little still-life scenarios like this, all around the house, is something that I love to do at Christmas.'

3. The Christmas tree alternative

Alternative Christmas tree ideas are something Tricia approves of: 

'Not everyone wants, or has the space for a tree and I find a rather beautiful branch can be just as effective,' she advises. 'You can either hang it over the table and dress it with ribbons (or I use frayed off cuts of our silk fabrics) and decorations or use a large vase to anchor it and fill that with moss. Either way you can go as minimal or maximal as you like to make a statement.'

4. The giftwrap

'Wrapping gifts is another one of my absolute favorite things to do – the smallest gifts can feel special with care and attention. I like to use recycled tissue paper and different colored strings and ribbons that provide a colorful contrast. I sometimes wind fragrant herbs like rosemary and bay and add fresh flowers and of course handwritten notes.'

5. The guest room

Guest bedroom ideas are super important around Christmas. 

'Guests and family coming to stay is a good excuse to elevate the spare room – spruce up the bed with new linen or a new throw or blanket and make sure you have fresh, fluffy towels too. I always add a small vase and a few stems of fresh flowers on each bedside – it’s an easy, inexpensive touch but a meaningful one for your guests.'

6. The Christmas scent

'Scented candles are the quickest and easiest way to add atmosphere and fragrance your home at the same time. Try layering scents to create your own unique ambiance – I love to layer Green Fig and Glasshouse together for a warm yet elegant feeling,' concludes Tricia.