A little Christmas magic, the THE PIG way: decorating your home for the festive season
There’s something rather lovely about getting the house ready for Christmas. A bit of greenery here, a few candles there, and suddenly everything feels that little bit more special. Whether you're hosting the big day itself or having friends and family round for a festive get-together, it’s often the little touches that make all the difference.
At THE PIGs, we’re rather fond of bringing the outdoors in, making the most of natural materials and finding new uses for things we already have. No need to go overboard – a few thoughtful touches, a little creativity and something lovely bubbling away on the hob can make the house feel properly Christmassy. Here are a few ideas from our PIG People to get you started.
Bring a little greenery indoors
You don't need to go overboard with decorations to make a room feel festive. A few freshly gathered branches, sprigs of evergreen foliage or a little seasonal greenery can go a long way.
Try laying foliage down the middle of your dining table, tucking a few sprigs into napkin rings or arranging branches in a favourite vase. Our Group Head Kitchen Gardener, Ollie, suggests Gaultheria for a little festive colour – its bright berries stay on the plant for longer and look just like little baubles.
It's all about bringing a little of the outside in, and letting the season do the decorating.
Set the table with a little extra thought
Christmas lunch is as much about the table as it is what's being served. Start with your favourite crockery, mismatched glasses and a few thoughtful details. There's no need for everything to match – a table with a bit of character is always a welcome sight.
For a simple centrepiece, try using an old favourite bottle as a taper candleholder, or fill a few Kilner jars with tiny fairy lights and tuck a little ivy around the base. Add some seasonal foliage along the middle of the table, a few candles for a little glow and perhaps a sprig of rosemary on each place setting.
A handwritten name card is a nice finishing touch, too. Nothing too polished – just a table that feels welcoming and ready for a good long lunch.
Make your own Christmas decorations
Some of the loveliest decorations are the ones you've had a hand in making. Dried orange slices are easy to make at home and look lovely hung on the tree, tied onto presents or threaded into a simple garland.
Simply slice your oranges, lay them out on a baking tray and dry them in the oven on its lowest setting for a few hours, keeping an eye on them as they dry. Once they're ready, thread with ribbon or twine and find a spot for them around the house.
You could also gather pine cones, seed heads and interesting little bits of foliage on a winter walk, ready to add to your festive displays.
Make your own Christmas wreath
A wreath on the front door is a lovely way to welcome guests, and making your own means you can put your own stamp on it. You don't need anything too fancy – some of the best bits can be found growing in the garden or gathered on a winter walk.
Start with a natural base and build up layers of evergreen foliage. Rosemary and bay bring a lovely scent, while ivy adds a little movement and holly gives you those familiar pops of festive red. You could also look out for pine cones, rosehips, dried seed heads and bare twigs to add a bit of texture and interest. If you have lavender left in the garden, a few dried stems can work beautifully, too.
A few tips from our wreath-making experts:
Start with your base: Make sure your wreath base is secure before adding any foliage. This gives you something sturdy to work with.
Work in small bunches: Gather a few stems together and attach them as you go, overlapping each bunch to hide the ties and create a lovely full finish.
Mix up your textures: Combine rosemary, bay, ivy and evergreen foliage with interesting seed heads, twigs and dried flowers.
Look for seasonal extras: Rosehips, holly berries and pine cones are lovely natural additions, bringing colour and texture to your wreath.
Finish with a bow: A simple velvet or satin ribbon adds a lovely finishing touch. Choose a colour that works with your front door or the rest of your decorations.
And don't worry about making it too neat. A wreath with a little movement and character is all the better for it.
Make a little atmosphere
Once the decorations are up, it's time to think about the finishing touches. Light a few candles, put something lovely on the record player and get a pot of something warming on the go.
A big pot of mulled wine on the hob will have the whole house smelling wonderfully festive, or try mulled cider for something a little different. For a non-alcoholic version, swap in some good-quality apple juice and let the spices do their thing.
A bowl of clementines, a few nuts for nibbling and a favourite festive tipple are all you need to get everyone settled in. And if you're hosting, try to get as much done ahead of time as you can. That way, when your guests arrive, you can put your feet up, pour another drink and enjoy the occasion, rather than spending the whole evening in the kitchen.
Come and make a wreath with us at THE PIG-at Combe
Feeling inspired to have a go yourself? Why not join us at THE PIG-at Combe this November for a little festive wreath making with our Devonshire local, Bethan Williams from MOTH Florist.
You'll be welcomed with a warming glass of mulled wine before getting stuck in with seasonal foliage and natural materials, as Bethan shares her floristry know-how and helps you create your very own Christmas wreath to take home. There'll be a chilled glass of English fizz to enjoy along the way, too.
Once the making is done, we'll head into the restaurant for a delicious three-course festive supper. A lovely way to spend an evening, get a little creative and give your front door a homegrown Christmas welcome.
Come and join us at THE PIG-at Combe for an evening of wreath making, festive fizz and supper.
