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Image / Editorial

Decking the halls… on any budget


By Niamh Tighe
19th Dec 2018
Decking the halls… on any budget

Maybe you’re on the hunt for that one perfect Christmas decoration to fill that little gap on your tree. Maybe you lost that box of festive trinkets in the house move and you just want to replace it with minimal damage to your wallet. Whatever your reason, there’s no need to be a Scrooge because there are so many great Christmas decorations out there, to fit all kinds of budgets. We round up our favourites, from cheap n’ cheerful to the ultimate in luxury decorations. Can’t hurt to look?

On a Shoestring

Penneys

This year for their festive collection, the Penneys theme is “Nordic Nesting”, classy and cosy with felted bobble cushions and chunky knit throws. In terms of decorations, they’ve got lots of decorations in a neutral palette of soft creams, warm greys with metallic features and lots of sparkles!

Wooden snowflake tree €7, large bronze moose €6, medium bronze moose €5, large white tree lantern €12, woodland scene globe €5, large gold bauble wreath €9, ceramic house candle holders €3.50 each, star lights €3.50, cream pattern cushion €8, grey knitted throw €25

Søstrene Grene

This winter collection is taking inspiration from traditional Danish style with a contemporary twist. Instead of relying on the conventional Christmas colour combination of green and red, Søstrene are using shades of plum and mulberry and it’s as delicious as it sounds. In keeping with typical Søstrene style, everything is so beautifully minimal and delicate that you won’t be able to help yourself. We’re lusting after the glass and velour baubles and the tea lighthouses.


Christmas decoration, €1.96


Tress,  from €3.74


Lighthouse, €3.08

Ikea

Ikea’s “VINTER 2018” collection consists of plenty of textiles, candles, and trinkets to warm up your home in the traditional festive shades of evergreen, burgundy, and gold. Or shades of icy white and cool blue for a minimalist look, you also have the option be brave and play with on-trend wintry prints like tartan and dark florals. For us, the stars of the show (quite literally) are the LED decorations that come in stars, wreaths and forest animals they are sure to get you in a jolly mood.

   
LED pendant lamp, €15


Bauble set of 32, €10


Hedgehogs, 3 for €5

Irish Design Shop


Tree €12.50, house €8, tote €8, pudding €12.50, Nollaig €8

If you want to support Irish design and purchase beautiful handcrafted decorations and gifts, the Irish Design Shop is the place to go, not to mention in and around Drury street at Christmas time is as festive and magical as it gets. The decorations are cute and contemporary and include laser-cut wreaths, crocheted ornaments, and screen-printed totes. All products are designed and made in Ireland, sourced from small local businesses around the country.


Christmas wreath, €28

A Happy Medium

Finnish Design Shop

For some Nordic design classics or contemporary Christmas pieces, head over to Finnish Design Shop. Their essential elements for the festive season? Soft candlelight, new cushion covers, cosy blankets, and beautiful wreaths. Upgrade your home for the holidays with seasonal decor that you can rely on annually. We’re set on picking up the Iittala owl decorations, simple but sweet (above, €19.90 for pack of three). The original Kay Bojesen charming Santa Claus figurine (€80) dates back to the year 1948. And of course there’s Ferm Living’s minimal yet elegant brass tree topper star (€55).

The Conran Shop

Whether you’re looking for festive garlands, elegant ornaments for your tree, or decoration ideas and lights to deck the halls in style, The Conran Shop’s modern and minimal decorations will ensure that your Christmas will be merry and bright. Keep it simple with the foldable paper decorations, glass ornaments and decorative crackers.


Paper ball wreath, £65


Character crackers, £39


Tree decoration, £9

 

The Blow Out

On the other hand, if you’re looking to invest in some serious Christmas cheer and make a big festive impression, we have some suggestions to help you on your merry way.

Brown Thomas

Is it even Christmas if you don’t find yourself wandering down Grafton Street listening to carol singers, looking up at the lights, hot chocolate in hand gazing in at the Brown Thomas windows. The overall concept this year is “Showtime” and the decorations fit under four branches, winter forest, bejewelled, Christmas cheer and forest garden. You don’t have to restrict yourself to one theme, better to mix and match. We have our eye on the traditional decorations like the rocking horses, snow globes ,trinkets and charms. Prepare to embrace the festivities.


Bee charms, €75.00


Alessi Ornament, €25.00

 

Saks Fifth Avenue

Not flying over to the Big Apple this Christmas? Us neither. Not to worry, you can bring New York’s festivities to your doorstep instead,  Saks Fifth Avenue is now shipping to Ireland. Need another excuse? The Christmas decorations are to die for. They are as extra and elegant as you would expect, stocking brands like MacKenzie-Childs, Christopher Radko and Jay Strongwater.


MacKenzie-Childs, Silver Lining Wreath, €461.96


Swarovski Crystal Nativity Scene Figurine, from €185


Calisto stocking, €452.63

 

Illums Bolighus

If you’re looking to go all-out, take a trip to the Illums Bolighus where you’ll find the best in Danish design, materials, and craftsmanship, known all over the world for its unique beauty and simplicity of style. Their Christmas decorations are no different – contemporary and minimal and most definitely festive, like this sweet tealight house, above, €40.


Acorn and pinecone Christmas decoration, around €40

 

Featured image: Ikea Vinter 2018 collection