Whether you’re all about the tree, or are already planning your festive table, she has lots of tips and ideas to make everything look extra special.
With Christmas fast approaching, anyone who loves festive decor is probably already in planning mode, whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply want to make the space feel cosy and joyful.
We’ve asked Laura Nolan Horgan, founder of LNH Edit and lover of Christmas styling, for her festive decorating advice.
What are some of the key areas when it comes to Christmas decorating in your home?
For me, the key areas are always the trees, the mantelpiece, and the dining table, they set the tone for the whole house. I love when there’s a sense of continuity between them, so I try to carry the same colours and textures throughout. The main tree is always the heart of it all, it’s where the nostalgia lives, but I like the mantel to feel a little more styled, with layers of greenery, ribbons, and candles. The table then ties everything together; I’ll often reuse decorations from around the house to create the centrepiece, so it all feels connected. My approach is really about warmth and personality, it doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should feel inviting and full of joy. I also have started to do a little bit more with the entrance to the house. I love nothing more than an oversized wreath on the door and a Christmas fir in a pot with some twinkling lights, another key element to decorating at Christmas, warm glowing lights.
Do you like to stick to the same decorations from year to year, or mix things up?
I really love the nostalgia that comes with Christmas decorations, they hold so many memories, so I could never imagine starting from scratch each year. Some pieces go right back to my childhood, so there’s a real sense of continuity and sentimentality. I also hate waste, so I take great care of everything, each decoration gets wrapped and packed away carefully so it lasts for years. That said, I do like to build on what I already have, adding a few new touches or a fresh colour or ribbon each season to keep things feeling special and a little bit different without losing that sense of tradition.
Are you a fan of matching decorations and colour schemes?
Yes, I’m definitely a fan of a matching colour scheme! We always have two trees at home, and each has its own personality. One is very traditional , rich reds, tartans, and golds and it’s where all the fun, sentimental decorations go. It’s really the children’s tree, and they absolutely love it. The other is usually a little more refined, with soft greens, champagnes, and warm browns, but this year I’m changing it up slightly and adding hints of pink. The fireplaces in the rooms match the trees and the decorations. I think it will feel fresh but still timeless, a nice way to evolve things without losing that festive warmth.
Do you have any unexpected tips or ideas when it comes to festive decorating?
I always use decorations from the tree or the mantelpiece to create the centrepieces for the table. It’s such an easy way to add a bit of drama and fun without doubling up on costs or clutter, and it makes everything feel more cohesive. I’ll mix in a few fresh flowers or greenery, maybe some berries or candles, and voilà! It instantly ties the whole space together. I also like the table setting to echo the tones of the tree, so everything feels connected, it creates a lovely flow from one part of the room to another.
Is there anything special you have planned for your own decorations this year?
Over the years, I’ve gathered my Christmas decorations bit by bit, some I’ve chosen myself, others I’ve inherited from when Mum moved out of our family home, which makes them especially meaningful. Usually, I put everything up simply because I have it, but this year I’m taking a slightly different approach.
I’ve created a Pinterest board for inspiration and I’m determined to curate things a little more carefully, to build on what I already love, but with a fresh feel. We always have two trees at home. One will stay exactly as it’s always been (my children would absolutely revolt if I changed it, they adore it just the way it is!). But the second tree is my chance to experiment.
This year, I’m going all in on ribbons, bows, and tinsel strands, a mix of shimmer, texture, and festive fun. I can’t wait to see how it comes together!
If people want to invest in some new decorations this Christmas, what would you recommend?
A tablecloth, naturally! Our tablecloths are made to last for years, the quality is such that they should become heirlooms in their own right. I also think they shouldn’t be saved just for Christmas Day; they can be styled throughout the year for birthdays, family gatherings, or even an ordinary Sunday lunch. This season, two of the biggest trends are stripes and bows, so by adding touches of these to your table, mantel, or even your tree, you’ll be perfectly on trend while keeping things timeless.
What are your favourite things to do at this time of year?
If I’m totally honest, I don’t actually love Christmas Day itself. My parents separated when I was young, and it was always quite a hard day, I still feel that, even now. I also find it so busy and chaotic, the mess alone sends me to Mars! For me, the real joy of Christmas starts long before the 25th. I adore the build-up, the carols, going to mass, drinks with the girls, getting dressed up, watching Christmas movies with the kids, lighting Christmas scented candles, school plays, decorating the house, the Late Late Toy Show, ice skating, the panto, concerts at the National Concert Hall, visiting Santa with the kids, making the shoeboxes for the Christmas appeal, Christmas crafting, baking, writing cards, wrapping presents, and making endless lists.
That’s the magic for me, the weeks filled with small rituals, the laughter, the sparkle and the lights, and the feeling of togetherness. It’s all those little traditions that make Christmas so special, they remind me of what really matters, and why I love this time of year so much.
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