From the tree to the tablescape: Christmas styling tips from Laura Nolan Horgan
The founder of LNH Edit has shared her festive favourites with us.
Now that the countdown to Christmas has very much begun, we love making our homes feel as festive as possible. That’s why we asked styling expert, Laura Nolan Horgan for her decorating advice.
As the founder of slow ethical fashion and homeware brand LNH Edit, she has an expert eye for all things beautiful.
Do you have any advice for putting a Christmas tablescape together?
Start with your tablecloth or runner and work your way out. Don’t be afraid to mix your napkins with your tablecloth – they don’t need to be matchy matchy, sometimes mixed prints in complementary colours can work so well too! Add in depth with a contrasting charger or placemat, this is a good place to introduce a bold colour too.
Reuse Christmas decorations as a napkin ring if you don’t have one, a fun way to add some interest.
Are there any elements you always like to include?
I think a Christmas table is always extra special with a tablecloth. Tablecloths aren’t always necessary throughout the year, but at Christmas if you use nothing else, a tablecloth is always extra special for everyone to see when sitting down.
Do you have any advice for updating pieces you already have with new additions to refresh your Christmas table?
I’m a big believer for mixing and repurposing decorations, so I suggest moving your mantelpiece decorations to your table centrepiece before the food is placed, then pop back on the mantle for guests to enjoy afterwards too. I always do this each year. I also think you should use a cloth that might work all year round , let the accessories dictate the occasion.
How do you like to decorate your home at Christmas?
I am all about colour and vibrancy at Christmas, I have a tree dedicated to red decorations and you cannot see one branch, the more decorations the merrier I say! I really think when there are young people in the house it’s nice to keep it traditional. We always had that growing up and I loved it, so I’m keeping it going.
What’s your approach to the tree?
We have two trees , one is very traditional, and every decoration has a story. It’s really nostalgic. Our tree in the kitchen is much more modern. I think it’s nice to theme the trees, keeping it to three colours maximum. This one is green, blue and white – I love it.
It’s a time of year where lots of people have guests staying, is there anything you like to do to make guest bedrooms feel extra welcoming?
I think a lamp on the side table with a carafe of water is a lovely cosy touch. Cushions to complement a bedspread always adds that wow factor too, which is why we designed our own block printed quilts for the home edit. We are big fans of Amurelle bedding in this house, nothing beats good linen. Lastly a bedroom isn’t complete without a tissue box.
Are there any fun traditions you do each Christmas?
We like to go to Santa at Airfield Estate each year. There are always a few family dinners the week before Christmas in our favourites, Cavistons and The Merrion. We adore the Gaiety panto, and The Snowman in the National Concert Hall. The kids also have all the nativities and carols which I just love. To be honest, I prefer the build up to the day rather than the day itself.
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