The dining room really comes into its own over the festive season. Using Christmas dining room ideas you can transform your day-to-day space into something truly magical for friends and family to gather around.

From the table itself, to shelving and lighting, you can use these Christmas ideas to dress your dining room beautifully for the season. It may not make up for any cooking mishaps which are bound to happen, but at least you’ll be in perfectly festive surroundings, whatever happens!

Christmas dining room ideas

Whether you just want to add a few Yuletide touches, or are looking for a more all-encompassing change, read on to discover our favourite ways to upgrade your dining room this December.

1. Hang a branch to create a hanging centrepiece

Image credit: Future PLC

Leave space for festive fare by opting for an overhead centrepiece. Make sure the decorations are lightweight and hang from an existing light fixture, or fix to the ceiling using Command ceiling hooks and clear fishing wire.

Using a piece of wood with its natural undulations allows you to hang baubles from all different lengths, creating a more naturalistic and relaxed finish.

2. Create a cohesive scheme

Image credit: Future PLC

When dressing your Christmas dining room remember that, although important, it’s not all about the table. Make sure you include the other large pieces of furniture, such as dressers, cabinets and sideboards in your decorating. Christmas mantel decor can be linked in, too.

An easy way to integrate multiple pieces is by having a cohesive thread linking them all. For the festive season, an easy and pretty option is to continue whatever greenery you’re using on the table onto these other pieces. Sp if you have a eucalyptus garland on the table, add a jug of the foliage on a dresser, or a wreath hanging from a sideboard.

3. Choose a lengthy option

Image credit: Future PLC

Size isn’t everything. But it can make a difference! For the majority of the year you’re unlikely to need an especially large dining table, but if you’re hosting for the extended family at Christmas, then things change.

Extendable tables are a godsend for when you have a large influx of guests, just make sure that the room can still comfortably fit the table when at its full length. Integrate your dining room with another space that you can make use of over the rest of the year, when the table is smaller. Choose something easy to move out. Perhaps a small yoga area, a little oasis for houseplants, or a beanbag lounge area for the kids to read and relax.

4. Accessorise with seasonal shades

Image credit: Neptune

Choosing a strong colour scheme in your Christmas dining room not only makes finding pieces and decorating it much easier, but it creates a warmer, more finished space.

One must-have item can usually dictate this colour for you. Perhaps a cushion, a water jug or simply your absolute favourite bauble. Choose a couple of complementary shades and use your accessories to layer the colour throughout.

This is also a great option for people who love hosting, as changing the scheme of the room can simply come down to switching out a few small pieces for each different event.

5. Stick to a dominant material

Image credit: Future PLC

Colours aren’t the only way to create a cohesive look in your dining room. Texture and material are equally as useful.

Since the focal point of these spaces is, more often than not, the dining table, use this as your jumping off point. A rustic wood table can be echoed in your Christmas decorations throughout the room. Woven wreaths, naturalistic displays and wooden decorations all tie in to the table to create a considered room.

6. Add a festive glow

Image credit: Lights4Fun

Nothing quite adds atmosphere to a Christmas dining room than the use of lighting. Candles and Christmas lights create a sense of occasion, as well as making the room appear warmer, and creating extra sparkly details.

Weave fairy lights into centrepieces, garlands, wreaths and anywhere which needs a little extra something. If tying in with greenery, choose versions with green or clear wire so it blends in with the foliage.

7. Create a festive splash in an open-plan living space

Image credit: Lizzie Orme

If you have an open plan living space you can still add an extra festive flourish in the dining area. Capitalise on the proximity to the Christmas tree and keep the rest of the decorations simple.

A crystal reindeer as the table centrepiece and foliage over the mantlepiece keeps this space festive but elegant.

8. Keep the trimmings simple

Image credit: Polly Eltes

Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to hosting a laid-back rustic Christmas. When choosing your Christmas table decorating ideas, consider simple sprigs of seasonal foliage, crackers and a large bowl filled with baubles is just enough to set the scene without overpowering the table with decoration.

9. Tie in a colour scheme with bows on the back of chairs

Image credit: D. Blackmore

Ribbons on the back of chairs are a simple and cost effective way to add a little pizzazz to the dining table come Christmas time.

These are an easy way to tie your decorations into your Christmas colour schemes.

10. Delight guests with a balloon display

Image credit: David Brittain

While balloons might not be a typical Christmas decoration, if you have opted for a snow themed decor they are surprisingly effective decoration that will delight dinner guests.

A combination of white pearlescent helium balloons and see-through ones filled with confetti add to the snowy effect. Attach a garland of stars instead of the typical balloon string to add to the magic.

11. Hang a centre-piece from the ceiling

Image credit: David Brittain

Centre-pieces don’t need to be relocated to the table. Create a natural chandelier out of foraged foliate and hang above the dining room table for a naturally festive look. Finish the look with a relaxed tartan table cloth and old milk bottles with berries and roses scattered along the middle of the table

12. Put up a Christmas tree

Image credit: Joanna Henderson

If you are a family who prefers to open their presents after Christmas dinner, why not bundle all the festivities into the dining room. Decorate a real tree with paper lanterns and wooden decorations to match a rustic dining table covered with wooden tea light holders.

13. Fill a chandelier with foliage

Image credit: Brent Darby

Bring the outside in and decorating with seasonal foliage. We’re not just talking holly and mistletoe. Weave sprigs of pine and eucalyptus through chandeliers, on sideboards and along the table for a fresh and festive look.

14. Cast a rosy glow with scattered tea lights

Image credit: Dominic Blackmore

A Christmas Eve dinner calls for demure and subtle lighting. Dim the bright overhead lights, and scatter tea lights in mismatched silver holders across the table and sideboard.

The more the merrier, but if you’re also adding in foliage, go safe not sorry and look to battery powered LED tealights rather than the real deal.

15. Take a break from tradition with red roses

Image credit: Jonathan Gooch

If you want to create a splash on the dinner table a striking floral centrepiece will draw the eye, but remember to keep it low so your guests can see each other across the table.

A bowl of poinsettias will always look festive and colourful. However, why not take a break from tradition and opt for a display of red roses.

16. Hang traditional wreaths over a mantlepiece

Image credit: Dominic Blackmore

Wreaths aren’t just for the front door. Transform a chimney breast into a festive feature wall with three wreaths. In this dining room, rather than opting for a traditional red and green theme, more autumnal colours such as copper and amber have been used to compliment the existing room decor.

17. Create a Christmas scene on the mantelpiece

Image credit: Simon Whitmore

Sometimes only a jolly red will do when it comes to decorating for Christmas. Opt for a candy came red that will pop in your living room and bring a smile to adults and children alike. If you have a fireplace in your dining room, take full advantage of it by recreating a vibrant red Christmas village scene out of wooden decorations. Small lanterns spelling out Xmas on the table are a playful finishing touch.

How can I decorate my dining room for the holidays?

Decorate your dining nearly as liberally as you will when considering your Christmas living room decor. After all, the main event of Christmas dinner takes place here, so it needs to look good. That said, practicalities need to be taken into account. Christmas trees are lovely if there is space, but really work out if people can move around easily to get to their seats or leave the room. Similarly, layer up the table, but only once you’ve worked out how much space you need for your serving plates and platters.

How do you set up a Christmas dinner table?

Set up a Christmas dinner table as you would for any other large formal dining event in your home. All the key place setting elements must be there – place mats, coasters, cutlery, water jugs, candles and so on. To add that festive touch, a pretty Christmas centrepiece or garland harks nicely to the season. Similarly, place a small present, candy cane or personalised bauble at each place setting.

The post Christmas dining room ideas to create the perfect backdrop for festive dinners appeared first on Ideal Home.

Bathrooms are one of the most used rooms within our homes, so naturally they need refreshing from time to time. Our budget bathroom ideas will help you give yours a brand new look, without turning into a full redo.

Whether it’s giving the en suite a refresh, updating the downstairs loo, or turning the family bathroom from drab to fab, we’ve got plenty of bathroom ideas to set you on your way.

But giving your bathroom a new look, doesn’t have to cost a fortune or take weeks to complete, our ideas (plus tips from the experts) are all simple tweaks, tricks and clever ideas that won’t break the bank.

Budget bathroom ideas

1. Make a shelf display

Image credit: Future Plc/ Simon Whitmore

Treat your bathroom just like you would any other room in the house and don’t forget the plants and accessories. Pop a wooden shelf up on the wall for a place to not only keep your prettier toiletries and smellies, but also for a place to display framed prints, collected treasures and of course a house plant or two.

2. Bring in accents of on-trend matt black

Image credit: Future Plc/Lizzie Orme

Whilst brass hardware continues to be a huge trend, we’re seeing more and more home owners choose black as their accent colour and we are all for it! As most bathrooms tend to be a serene and simple white, adding in touches of black is an easy way to really pack a punch as it will pop against the background. Swap out tired taps and rusty radiators and replace with smart, matt black options instead.

3. Opt for an oversized mirror

Image credit: Future Plc/ Colin Poole

The more natural light you can achieve in your bathroom, the better, making it much easier to apply your make-up and giving the whole space a more open and inviting feel. So if windows are small (or even if they’re not!) choosing the biggest mirror you can fit on your wall, will then allow it to bounce the natural light coming in, to more spots around the room, all the while making the space feel bigger. Choosing a window-style mirror like this one breaks up the wall a bit too.

4. Add a splash of bright colour

Image credit: Future Plc/Lizzie Orme

You might find that your bathroom suite is perfectly ok and actually its the just the accessories that need lifting, in which case, you’re in luck- this is the fun bit! Adding in pops of colour with accessories is easy and super affordable too. A shade like sunny yellow is going to work really well in a monochrome bathroom so choose towels, bath mats, plant pots and even shampoo bottles in this happy shade and let your room be transformed before your eyes. Yellow not your colour? Try a teal, pale pink or even lilac!

5. Save space in the loo with a caddy

Image credit: B&M

Cloakrooms often lack space for toiletries. This handy caddy attaches to the wall and has a rail for a towel too, so the basin remains uncluttered, hoorah! Attaching a slim shelf to the wall above will also provide you with space for your prettier trinkets too.

6. Double up on bathroom storage

Image credit: Future Plc

Add tall cabinets either side of a vanity unit in a bathroom. Not only will they frame the unit nicely, but they’ll provide lots of extra storage. These cabinets started life as simple Ikea bookcases but have been given a smart lick of paint and fluted glass film, too.

7. Add a bit of bling

Image credit: Primark

Yes the bathroom is a very practical room where washing is the main event, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a bit of sparkle in there too! Decant the hand soap into a smart glass dispenser, pop the family’s toothbrush collection into a matching tumbler and dig out that bar of real soap you were gifted last Christmas and pop it on a pretty glass plate, and ta-dah! A posh spa-hotel bathroom CAN be yours!

8. Try a table in the bathroom

Image credit: Future Plc/ David Giles

Finding the right vanity unit for a bathroom can be tricky, but actually almost any piece of furniture can be upcycled to house your basin. Here an old school desk has had a hole cut in it to make space for the plumbing and pipes.

9. Change your grout

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

Dirty old grout getting you down? Then update it. Instead of a plain white grout, pick a colour that contrasts with your wall tiles – so if you have a white metro tile, try a black or a grey grout. Not only does it seriously up the style stakes, it’s also much easier to keep looking clean. Happy days!

10. Hang an on-trend mirror

Image credit: Future PLC/ James French

If space in your bathroom is tight (or even if it’s not!) a mirror will make a room seem larger and boost natural light. Ideally place it opposite the window. Go for a black frame or Crittall-style window effect for a contemporary look, and accentuate with monochrome accessories.

11. Paper the walls

Image credit: Future PLC/ Claire Lloyd Davies

Far cheaper than tiling, bathroom wallpaper can add stunning pops of colour and take familiar coloured tiles to a whole new level, as seen here. Our biggest tip is not to paper walls that are directly behind the bath or basin, as any splashes might cause damage. You’ll also need to seal the paper with decorator’s varnish once you’ve hung it.

12. Jazz up a plain window with film

Image credit: The Window Film Company

The perfect solution to ensure privacy in your bathroom without having to forgo natural light, window film is cheaper and easier to install than shutters. Plus it allows you to have way more fun with pattern. Simply cut to size and apply to the glass in seconds.

Buy now: Chevron white print on frost, £66 per sq m, The Window Film Company

13. Switch old taps for shiny new ones

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Parmiter

For a super-glamorous bathroom refresh, update hardware such as taps, shower heads and light fittings from tired chrome to beautiful brass or gold.

Paul Bailey, UK Leader and Category Specialist for Grohe at LIXIL EMENA says, ‘If looking to create a spa-like aesthetic, brassware in rich metallic finishes can help add warmth to a room and create a luxurious and comforting environment. Coloured brassware finishes are growing in the market and becoming available at all price points so this can be a cost-effective way of creating a spa-like design.’

Or give your existing ones a good going-over using a limescale remover.

14. Treat yourself to colourful towels

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

Towels function just as cushions and throws do in a living room. So if you’re looking for a quick way to add colour or pattern, they’re your go-to. If you decide to mix and match pattern, stick to the same colour palette for cohesion.

15. Create a tropical oasis

Image credit:Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme

Adding a cluster of house plants to a bathroom is an easy way to freshen up a scheme. Many will thrive in the humid atmosphere and they’ll help clean toxins from the air, too. Try low-maintenance plants such as aloe vera or ferns.

You could also add a few faux plants for variety. Or for full tropical jungle oasis, pull together as much green as you can muster – botanical leaf-print tiles, textured green glass accessories and emerald green tiles will all take a bathroom from drab to fab.

16. Upcycle a vanity unit

Image credit: Future PLC/ Dave Burton

Create a focal piece that will impress the neighbours by upcycling a vanity unit from an old table or cabinet into a cool washstand. It’s surprisingly easy and you’ll be producing something truly unique that expresses your style. Use it to hide away bathroom clutter.

17. Tile a pretty splashback

Image credit:Future PLC/Lizzie Orme

Statement tiles behind a basin will provide an eye-catching splashback that won’t break the bank or take very long to create. If your bathroom is fairly plain, choose a patterned option to add extra interest. We’re fans of this mix-and-match patchwork approach.

18. Lay a vinyl floor

Image credit: Future PLC/ Jeremy Lawrence

If you’re blessed with a plain white bathroom, but you’re getting a bit bored, you could consider looking at bathroom flooring ideas. Vinyl is super affordable (you can easily find designs for less than £10 per m) and simple to fit yourself. You can even lay it over existing tiles, provided the grout lines aren’t too deep.

How can I improve my bathroom on a budget?

‘A bathroom should be a place of tranquillity, providing a moment where you can truly relax and unwind. A simple bathroom improvement that doesn’t need to break the bank, includes a fresh lick of grey paint – creating a calming ambience’, says Will Thompson, Head of Product Marketing at Valspar Paint

If the ideas above haven’t yet sparked your imagination and you want to go further with your refresh, think about where the money your spend could go furthest.

Helen Dennett, UK Marketing Communications Manager at Mermaid Panels says, ‘Sometimes, bathrooms require a little more than a lick of paint to refresh the space, but this can become costly. However, there’s a simple way to breathe new life into the bathroom on a budget. Bathroom panels like Mermaid’s Elite range are a cost-effective way to achieve this – they are 100% waterproof and can be used seamlessly, wall-to-wall to really transform your bathroom, or simply within splash zones such as within your shower enclosure.’

How do you update an outdated bathroom?

‘Some simple things you can do to update an outdated bathroom is create a monochromatic effect by painting the walls the same colour as the floors – using a colour you love, like a rich ‘Long Water’ teal,’ says Will. ‘ You can also spruce up your accessories by painting loo roll holders, ageing towel bars or old bathroom radiators. Do your research to ensure you’re using the right paint  – Valspar’s V500 Kitchen and Bathroom paint is specifically made to deal with mould, so ideal for bathrooms’.

As well as thinking about how your bathroom looks, you might be thinking about how your bathroom operates too. With new smart technologies appearing in the bathroom market regularly, it might be that your shower experience needs updating too.

Paul Bailey, UK Leader and Category Specialist for Grohe at LIXIL EMENA explains, ‘Shower heads that offer a selection of different sprays can be purchased and retrofit onto your existing shower system as an affordable way to enhance your shower experience. Gentle rain sprays that mimic the sensation of showering under a waterfall and even pulsating massage sprays are available to help deliver a more relaxing and indulgent shower, with very little cost or installation effort needed.’

How much should I spend on a bathroom renovation?

‘When planning your bathroom renovation, it’s always advisable to decide at the outset where you’d like to spend more budget on where you’d like to save- as it could be a false economy to cut corners,’ advises Sally Hough, Marketing Manager, Bathrooms to Love

‘Investing in some key pieces that are likely to have a lot of use, such as a spacious quality showering area which will have some heavy use in a large household, is a sensible option. Or perhaps you love a long luxurious bath, so investing in a quality freestanding bath makes sense’

Sally goes to to say, ‘Plumbing considerations are obviously key, and can absorb a lot of budget, so if you current bathroom layout of water and waste pipes works well, then stick to this existing layout to save on costs.’

How can I make a small bathroom feel bigger?

‘To increase the size of your bathroom, try avoid white ceilings and opt for different tones to break up the monotony of the space. To do this, you can use different shades of the same colour on the bathroom ceiling – like Moon Shadow, or Grey Morn, which will also make the room feel airy, fresh and sophisticated,’ advises Will.

Sally advises, ‘During the planning stages, really analyse whether or not you need a bigger bathroom space. Often simply reconfiguring the space or using clever design tricks can make a big difference. For example, consider moving doors or re-hanging them to provide better flow of the space- or perhaps even look at installing a pocket door so that it’s totally out of the way’

The post Budget bathroom ideas – 18 ways to update your washroom appeared first on Ideal Home.

Aldi has bought back its real Nordmann Fir Christmas trees –while stocks last. Grown sustainably on a plantation in the heart of Aberdeenshire, the Aldi Christmas trees are priced from just £14.99.

Aldi’s, small potted, medium and large Nordman Fir Christmas trees are available in-store while stocks last! Last year Aldi saw record sales of the British grown trees, with sales up by 25 per cent.

This year the store expects the trees to sell-out even faster thanks to the real Christmas trees being half the price of competitors such as B&Q.

This is the seventh year that Aldi has partnered with Lovania Nurseries, who will be supplying approximately 54,000 Nordman Firs in the lead up to the festive period.

Real Aldi Christmas trees

Aldi’s hand-selected Nordman Fir Christmas trees will return to stores across the UK, with prices starting at only £14.99 for a medium tree (5-6ft) and £24.99 for a large tree (6-7ft).

New for this year is the Pot Grown Nordman Fir Christmas Tree priced at £18.99. The little tree stands at just 3-4 ft high, it is small but mighty and can be looked after in the garden until next year. However, if space is still tight Bloom & Wild’s mini Christmas trees are a great alternative.

Image credit: Aldi

Nordmann Firs are famous for their strong needle retention, beautiful fresh scent and big, bushy branches. These qualities make the bargain Aldi trees outstanding value.

‘Thanks to our long-standing relationship with Lovania Nurseries, Aldi customers will soon be able to pick up a real Nordman Fir Christmas tree at everyday low prices.’

‘Each tree is handpicked by the experts at Lovania before being carefully wrapped and delivered to store, so that our customers can be sure they are buying a tree of the highest quality, with that nostalgic fresh pine scent that is so firmly associated with the festive season’ said Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland.

Caring for real Nordmann Fir trees

‘Nordmann Fir trees take at least seven years to grow, compared to around five for a Norway spruce.’ explains Lee Chambers, Head of Sales at Lovania Nurseries. ‘These extra few years allow the tree to develop its beautiful, dark green foliage and strong branches.’

To maintain the life-span of your Nordmann Fir, experts recommend cutting between one and two inches from the trunk of the tree. Do this as soon as you reach home, and stand it in a bucket of water overnight. By doing this you’ll allow for moisture to reach the branches much quicker. Helping to keep it fresher for longer.

With Christmas decorating ideas already well underway these discounts couldn’t be better timed! Pick up your bargain real tree this week in Aldi.

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