First time hosting Christmas this year, or just want to try something a bit different? We spoke to three of our in-store interior designers to get their best tips for your home this festive season.

Create a setting for some great Christmas stories.

I’ve had enough of red and green – what else can I use to make my home look seasonal?

“Christmas doesn’t have to be about red and green. Pick out colours you love and get crafty. Decorations like bunting, paper crêpe balls, paper chains and simple table runners can all add to a festive look in any colour.”

“If you can’t decide what colours co-ordinate with your existing scheme try white, silver or grey mixed with some natural elements and textures. This combination can make for a very casual and elegant seasonal statement. A string of snowflake fairy lights or a simple star lamp will look beautiful during the day and magical when lit up at night.”

“Other colours such as purples, teals, gold and silver are very popular and can make your home look very festive. The rustic look is also quite popular now, with lots of brown wrapping paper and neutral decorations on the Christmas tree.”

What is the most important part of a table setting at Christmas?

“I suggest starting with a tablecloth or a table runner to group objects together. A plain colour with objects of varying colours on top works, as does a patterned runner under a mix of plain white and glass. Flowers, serving dishes etc. of different heights add to the overall impression and keep it grouped tightly.”

“It’s really important to me that a table setting has a personal touch. You should also ensure that it matches the event that you are having. If it’s a casual brunch an individual decoration at each place setting or some simple handmade chair bows may be all you need. If you’re having a larger gathering, you could make handwritten place cards and notes to your guests, festive placemats and table clothes and some larger more elaborate centrepieces of seasonal items like Christmas decorations, vases and candles.”

Pick any colour as a theme - traditional or not - and don’t forget how much impact decorations have hanging above the table.

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Should I make everything match?

“Everything doesn’t have to match. But by having a common thread, like a colour, will help keep it all tied together. For example, a mix of textiles, patterned and plain with a touch of ‘green’ somewhere in all of them will look co-ordinated but not matchy matchy.”

“It’s nice to see different textures, colours and patterns used together so get creative!”

I want to use something a little bit unexpected to decorate the table... any suggestions?

“Decorate the table with unexpected objects like teacups, jars and vases. These could be used to hold lollies, entrees or desserts. Don’t forget to look up, the decorations could come from the ceiling too!”

I’m thinking of doing a Christmas sewing project... what can I make for around the house?

“Lots! But a favourite would be making Christmas stockings...all you need is fabric and a sewing machine! You can personalise the stockings and add the kids to name them and even let them pick the fabric.”

“Try incorporating some seasonal textiles into your everyday decor - you can make a few simple cushion covers for the bedroom, a table runner and placemats for the dining table or some curtains for the living room. You could even create your own decorations by cutting small festive shapes out of fabric, stitch around the edges and add some stuffing to them to create a cute handmade tree ornament.”

We’re eating outdoors this year – what can I do to the space to make it look seasonal?

“I would hang a centrepiece, often people forget about utilising the space above the table, and when outdoors anything is possible! You could even hang a big old chandelier from a tree... or if that’s a bit much for you, hang festive bunting or paper lanterns.”

“Take the Christmas spirit outdoors by adding table linen and Christmas cushions to furniture. Hang Christmas strands and place tea lights around the outdoor area for a festive mood into the night. Why not even bring the Christmas tree outdoors? And don’t forget to add a Christmas ‘playlist’ for mood music!”

Festive doesn’t have to mean a winter theme - embrace Summer and the outdoors on the table.

Hanging lanterns and paper lights with a colourful table suit an Australian style

How can I make the biggest impact with a small budget?

“Have a look around the house and see what you can use already. That way you may only need to buy a couple of key items to make the place look festive rather than a whole new collection. You could frame some old Christmas cards to make a feature out of the wall, reuse last year’s decorations and add a coat of paint to them to change the look.”

“You don’t need a large budget to have a big impact when it comes to Christmas. By incorporating a few small decorations into your existing decorative collections around the home you can ensure that your whole house has a magical festive vibe about it.”

Any tips for wrapping gifts?

“My favourite way to wrap presents is with a huge bow right on the top! By using a solid colour paper (brown paper looks great) you are able to spend a little more money on the ribbon. Another thing to do with ribbon is wrapping it around the gift several times. It is a quick and simple idea but makes a big impact, just make sure the ribbon isn’t twisted and is sitting flat against the present. A nicely wrapped present is a pleasure to give and even more exciting to receive.”

“For some unique gift wrap ideas, get your inspiration from around the home. Newspaper, magazines, fabric and tea-towels can make great wrapping with the addition of buttons, pom poms, decorative tape, paper doilies or flowers. Stamped names or messages can make it just that little bit more personal.”

“Don’t be afraid to use decorations when wrapping pressies! You can get some really cute tree decorations that you can add into the ribbon or bow to make the gift look that little bit special.”

This fresh, green table makes the most of the Australian summer, while different size glasses and vases of flowers give height. Hanging paper lights finish the look and set the mood once the sun goes down.

The kids really want to get involved. What projects can I give them?

“A really simple idea to get the kids involved is by allowing them to help make wrapping paper. Our roll of MALA paper is the perfect product that the kids can draw, paint, paste or stamp Christmas motifs onto. Even if the little ones just draw some markings on the paper it makes the gifts personalized and even more special.

The kids can also make their own Christmas tree decorations, with some adult supervision, by using the PYSSLA beads. It’s a fun activity and they end up with colourful creative decorations for the tree or house to be adorned with for the festive season.”

“Kids and Christmas go together like peas and carrots! There are endless fun things to make or help with during the festive season.

• Help make snowman biscuits for the centre of the table • Tie baubles to the backs of chairs• Help build and decorate a ginger bread house• Help make paper snowflakes for the windows or hang them from the ceiling.”

Should the kids sit with the adults or at their own table?

“Their own table always works well, that way the decorations and table setting can be altered for the children. You can also prop the table well for kids and include a hidden activity to keep them preoccupied to give the parents a break. This could be as simple as a paper placemat or table cloth so they could draw on it throughout the night.”

“I think it’s a nice idea to have the kids sit with adults during a meal. Try having the kids be involved with preparing the meal and laying the table. If they have been a part of the preparation and helped decorating the area they are more likely to be well behaved and enjoy the event sitting with the adults.”

What is the most common mistake people make when setting up their place for guests?

“They play it too safe. Your home should be a representation of your unique style so go crazy with the table setting - add name tags, menus boards, hang decorations and layer different styles and colours of plates. Be brave and whatever style you go with carry that through the house.”

“People tend to worry too much what their guests are going to think about their house and then stress about the whole event. Be proud of your home. You have furnished and decorated the space to suit you and your family; it is a place for you to feel comfortable. Just take some time to add a little festive cheer and a few personal touches to the evening and your guests will be thankful and you can sit back and enjoy your Christmas too.”

No matter where they sit, our KALAS children’s tableware range will ensure nothing gets broken.