Christmas is a season shaped by family, friends, celebration, and joy. A time for long, leisurely lunches and balmy summer evenings spent in the company of people you love. And whether you’re hosting a lingering lunch, an elegant cocktail gathering, or a relaxed backyard barbecue, the way you style your home can set the tone for the festivities to come. Thoughtful touches not only elevate the atmosphere but create a sense of welcome from the moment guests arrive. 

Here’s how to craft a festive setting that feels stylish, inviting, and beautifully and brimming with holiday spirit. 

Make it feel like Christmas from the moment guests arrive 

The entryway is your home’s first impression, and at Christmas, it offers an opportunity to set a celebratory mood before anyone steps inside. A simple wreath, lush greenery, or a soft trail of fairy lights around the front door creates an immediate sense of magic. If you have a hallway console, style it with seasonal touches; a bowl of baubles, a softly scented candle, garlands, or an arrangement of festive flowers such as Christmas bush or holly. These small details establish a sense of warmth and hospitality from the outset 

Create a central Christmas focal point 

Every beautifully styled home has a point where the season’s spirit feels most alive. Choose one area to act as your festive focal point. It may be the dining table set for a long summer feast, a twinkling Christmas tree, or an alfresco space arranged for open-air entertaining. Concentrating your styling in one place creates impact while allowing the rest of your home to remain calm and uncluttered. 

For the dining table, lean into layers. Think linen tablecloths, ceramic dinnerware, coloured glassware, and understated metallic accents. Run a garland of greenery or eucalyptus down the centre and finish with a scattering of candles to bring warmth, depth, and a gentle festive glow. 

Embrace a seasonal colour palette 

Christmas colour doesn’t need to be confined to traditional red and green. There’s an ease to Australian summer Christmases that pairs beautifully with contemporary palettes of earthy neutrals, coastal blues, eucalyptus greens and understated metallics. Select two or three tones and carry them throughout your styling for a considered, cohesive finish. 

If you prefer a bolder expression, jewel tones such as emerald, burgundy, and navy add richness and sophistication without feeling heavy in the warmth of the season. 

Add some sparkle to your festive celebrations 

Lighting has a remarkable ability to shape mood, and during the holidays, it becomes one of your most powerful styling tools. Aim for warm, layered lighting that feels inviting and intimate. 

• Drape soft string lights indoors or out to bring a little of the season’s magic 
• Scatter candles or tea lights along tables, mantles, and sideboards. 
• When entertaining outdoors, solar lanterns or festoon lighting create a warm, easy-going atmosphere. 

The aim is gentle illumination – the kind that invites guests to linger, talk, and unwind late into the evening. 

Style spaces for conversation 

Elegant hosting is as much about atmosphere as aesthetics. Arrange seating to encourage conversation and an easy flow of movement. Place small side tables near armchairs or lounge areas so guests have a place to rest drinks or small bites. Add cushions and lightweight throws to soften the space and make it feel welcoming, especially for alfresco gatherings that stretch into the evening. 

Showcase nature 

Australian summers overflow with texture and colour, making festive styling the perfect chance to bring the outdoors in. Adorn your spaces with fresh greenery, simple arrangements of native blooms, or bowls brimming with cherries and sun-kissed citrus. These natural touches infuse your décor with freshness, fragrance and an effortless sense of seasonal vibrancy. 

Make it your own with personal touches 

The most memorable festive settings are those that feel deeply personal. Weave in details that tell your story: handmade ornaments, your favourite playlist, homewares collected on travels, or family recipes. These touches give your gathering its own signature and make your guests feel part of something thoughtful and meaningful. 

Prepare for effortless hosting 

Beautiful styling is only part of the equation; equally important is creating a space that flows effortlessly. Arrange seating to encourage conversation, carve out a dedicated drinks station, and ensure essentials like glassware, napkins, and serve ware are within easy reach. Add a beautifully curated grazing platter, overflowing with seasonal cheeses, fruits, and treats, to invite casual mingling and shared indulgence. When every detail is considered, hosting feels seamless, allowing you to navigate your entertaining with ease and enjoy the festive moments alongside your guests.