Christmas Décor Tips From Article Owner John Adams

We love all things Article so we’re thrilled that the owner of one of Ireland’s most exquisite’design shops has thrown open his beautifully bedecked home to us – as well as providing us with these top tips for seasonal decorating (put away the tinsel; you won’t be needing it). Here’s how to get fashionably festive in the style of John Adams…

Layer lovingly
For me, decorating for Christmas is about adding a layer over what you already have, so by adding strings of LED lights, lighting candles with seasonal scents and bringing in lots of greenery, you are creating a warm and cosy home without needing to spell out “Merry Christmas” on the wall.

Be LED-lightful
Good-quality LED decorative lights are an easy way to add a festive feel. There are now some beautiful designs that are battery-operated, which gives great flexibility, as you can run them down the centre of the table or across a mantelpiece.

Liberate the linen
This is one day that you should really be generous with food and table decoration. Set your Christmas table elegantly and use proper linen napkins.

Remember, festive = foliage
As well as (or instead of) the big tree, be sure to bring a range of other greenery inside. Arrange foliage into small tumblers and dot these along your Christmas table alternated with non-scented tea lights to create a contemporary feel.

Curate your Christmas tree
Over the years, I have quite a number of decorations built up but I pick out what I am going to use on the tree each year, rather than throw everything on. I have a large number of glass and metallic decorations that I use as a base and then add in a single colour on top to give a cohesive look.

Try stylish substitutes
If you haven’t got room for a tree, put a string of LED lights into a large glass vase – they make a very effective decoration.

Photography Doreen Kilfeather