With the temperature hovering around the 20°C mark, there’s not much chance that you’ll be roasting your chestnuts on an open fire in the UAE. However, while the outside might not be dusted with snow, you can still invite a little festive charm into your home. Whether you’re in the UAE or the Arctic circle, Christmas is Christmas and should celebrated as such. We’re going to look at a few festive ideas to transform your home into something as welcoming as Santa’s Grotto!

Scents make Sense

Believe it or not, Christmas isn’t just about glitter and tinsel. Possibly more than any of our other senses, your sense of smell is closely linked to emotional recall; the merest whiff of something Christmassy such as cinnamon or freshly baked gingerbread can send us back to our childhood and have us reliving those treasured moments. Whether you’re welcoming guests or just want to set the seasonal scene, scented candles can be a superb way to evoke all the magic of the Christmas Period. At Crate and Barrel, we stock an extensive range of scented candles such as Fig and Amber or our Ali Smoked Cedar Scented Ceramic Candle. On top of their evocative smell, candles like these help to create that wonderfully seasonal ambient glow.

Tree-mendous! 

Whether you live in a larger home or space is at a premium, Christmas demands a tree! It acts as the focal point to your living room and somewhere to put the gifts. A tradition that’s been on the go since the 16th Century, Christmas isn’t complete without a festive fir to kickstart the excitement and wonder. You can choose tinsel or something more muted to suit your home’s décor. In fact, your Christmas tree can become as much of a talking point as your wall art or furniture. Have a look at our range of Christmas trees to find something that suits your home and your taste.

Texture

During the heat of summer, the accent tends to be on thin throws and lightweight cushions. When you welcome your friends or family into your home at Christmas, the accent should lean towards the cosy. Look for throws that are textured such as faux fur, or patterned to bring a splash of seasonal colour into the house (think deep plum reds and forest greens, or go for lighter, fresher colours such as pale blue or ice white). Similarly, cushions should be cuddly and comfortable, and you can choose those that are patterned with festive colours such as the candy-cane-style Regatta Navy Cabana-Stripe Sunbrella Dining Bench Cushion, or our Winter Landscape Velvet Pillow.

Put the Art into Christmas

It might seem a bit of a bother to change your pictures, but it’s no more extra hassle than putting up the tinsel and decorations. Changing your wall art for something more in-keeping with the festive season lets your friends and family know that December 25th is more than just a mark on your calendar. It doesn’t necessarily mean changing everything you’ve got on display, but swapping a few pieces for something a bit more Christmassy can have a huge impact on the look and feel of your home.

If you’re stuck for inspiration when it comes to the festive period, check out our website. We’ve got plenty of innovative ideas for homes of any size, designed to bring the magic back into Christmas.