Laings Guide to Hosting the Perfect Christmas

Surrounded by loved ones, bathed in the twinkle of sparkling lights and amongst festive treats and presents, the allure of the season cannot be denied, wrapping us all in a warm embrace that is unique to this time of year. 

 The festive period is one of the most treasured times of year for all at Laings, as we take a moment to spend quality time with the ones we cherish and enjoy the traditions of years past. We are always looking for ways to make this precious time even more special. This year, we've crafted a guide, using expert advice, to help you plan the perfect Christmas. Whether your celebration is small or grand, these tips will guide you to a luxurious festive season.

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT TREE

Just as each of us has a unique style, we also decorate our Christmas trees in our own distinctive ways. Some trees are adorned with sumptuous baubles and colour schemes that no ornament faulters from, whilst others may be a mosaic of hand-made decorations and memories of years gone-by. The ‘perfect’ Christmas tree is unique to every home and that is what makes it one of our favourite elements of this time of year. We spoke to decorating experts Supernova (@supernovaathome) to provide a comprehensive guide to decorating your tree this year:

"Choose a Theme: Begin by deciding on a theme or color palette for your Christmas tree. Popular themes include classic red and gold, winter wonderland white and silver, or focus on elevating tones from your living space. A consistent theme ensures a polished and harmonious look.

Layer with Lights: Use warm white lights as the foundation of your tree. Start from the bottom and work your way up, weaving lights deep into the branches for depth. Use at least 100 lights per foot of tree height for a truly radiant display.

Add Garland or Ribbon: Drape ribbon or garland around the tree, starting from the top and working down in a spiral. Use wide, wired ribbon for a luxurious effect, tucking it slightly into branches for a natural look.

Ornaments: Mix and Match: Combine a variety of ornaments, including large statement pieces, floral & foliage picks, and smaller fillers. Hang ornaments deep inside the branches for depth and closer to the edges for impact. We recommend using 50 baubles per foot for a luxurious look, or more if creating bauble clusters. Stick to your theme, but don’t be afraid to add a few personal touches, like family heirloom ornaments or personalized pieces.

Top It Off: Choose a striking tree topper, such as 5 floral picks, a large star, or oversized bow, to complete the look. Ensure it complements your theme and is proportional to the size of your tree.

Finishing Touch: Tree Skirt or Collar: Hide the base of your tree with a decorative tree skirt or collar. This small detail ties your tree décor together beautifully."

CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS

The merriest of times are often accompanied by a distinguished and delightful cocktail. Why not welcome your guests with a memorable Christmas tipple?  Creating something delicious and bespoke to you and your loved one’s tastes is an excellent way to kick-start your celebration. We have shared one of our favourite recipes for a Mistletoe Martini below:

The Mistletoe Martini is a celebration of flavours of the festive season. Beginning with your favourite vodka, this festive tipple is blended with pomegranate Liqueur and a mulled spice syrup. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or a few pomegranate seeds for an extra festive touch. Suggested measurements:

• Vodka: 50 ml
  Pomegranate Liqueur: 25 ml
  Mulled Spice Syrup: 15 ml

LAYING THE TABLE

Arguably one of the most important parts of Christmas Day is the delicious dinner that we look forward to all year. Regardless of if you have mastered your menu over the years or are taking the chance to add contemporary twists to festive favourites, sharing a meal with loved ones is always time cherished.  Whilst the food may not change, we are always looking for ways to refine our festive tablescape. We asked Emma at Supernova to guide us through this year’s top decorating trends and ideas to enhance our tablescape this year:

‘Set the Mood with a Centrepiece: Create a focal point with a stunning centrepiece. Use fresh greenery, candles, ornaments, or flowers to match your tree theme. For a natural look, combine pinecones, berries, and eucalyptus in a long garland down the center of the table.

Layer Your Table Linens: Start with a neutral or festive tablecloth, and layer it with a runner that complements your theme. Use fabric napkins in coordinating colors for an elegant touch. Search a YouTube video tutorial if you want to fold these in a bow or Christmas tree style.

Choose Stylish Place Settings: Invest in high quality dinnerware, glassware, and cutlery to elevate the look. Add a touch of holiday charm with personalised name cards, mini-Christmas crackers, or small ornaments for each place setting.

Add Lighting Elements: Use candles, fairy lights, or lanterns to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Opt for unscented candles if food is being served to avoid conflicting aromas.

Incorporate Height and Texture: Use cake stands, tiered trays, or elevated candleholders to add varying heights to your table. Mix materials like glass, wood, and metal for a layered, sophisticated look.

Finish with Seasonal Details: Sprinkle faux snow or small ornaments around your centrepiece for added festive sparkle. Tie a ribbon around chair backs or add small wreaths to enhance the overall look.

Whether decorating your tree or styling your table, balance is essential. Step back periodically to assess the overall look. Aim for harmony between bold statement pieces and understated elegance.’

TRADITIONAL TREATS

Christmas is quite simply not complete without some festive baking, and what is an emblem of the season more than a traditional mince pie! There is nothing we love more than serving up a warm freshly baked mince pie with some delicious cream, a comforting and flavourful treat. We recommend trying out this recipe from the BBC. Consider adding some grated apple or orange zest to your filling or sprinkle the pastry lid with chopped hazelnuts to introduce a new element to this classic favourite.