Though Christmas might look a little different this year, that doesn’t mean we can’t still get into the festive spirit and bring some joy to our homes
One of the most-loved traditions at this time of year (apart from family gatherings and gift giving, of course) is decking out our interiors in cheery decorations. And with all the doom and gloom of 2020, what better reason to do something a little bit special and celebrate the festive season in style.
We spoke to Pam and Helen from Käthe Wohlfahrt in York about how you can make your Christmas decorations stand out this year.
Making memories
Gone are the days of hanging a bit of tinsel and a few baubles on the tree and calling it a day. Now, there’s much more emphasis on decorating our homes with unique and nostalgic decorations that will evoke special memories for years to come.
“A lot of people want to add to their Christmas memories and traditions with items that can be handed down through generations, whether it’s a traditional hand-carved figurine or a specially chosen tree ornament,” says Pam.
“Many of the exclusive ornaments and decorations at Käthe Wohlfahrt are handmade from wood, glass and pewter,” adds Helen. “A lot of love has gone into the design and making of them and you can’t get them anywhere else.”
Twinkle, twinkle
Lighting plays an important role in creating an inviting ambiance for cosy evenings indoors. Illuminating your tree is a given, but why not go all out this year and bring some real sparkle to your home with statement lights?
“As well as being functional, lights can make attractive displays,” says Helen. “Our decorative Schwibbogen candle arches with illuminated winter scenes are a lovely Christmas tradition from the Erzgebirge region in Germany.
“For something really special, our wooden pyramids look really festive and bring a warm glow to the room. When you light the candles, the heat turns the propellers and creates an interplay of light and shadow on the walls and ceiling. It’s really beautiful.”
A showstopping centrepiece
The Christmas tree is the focal point for most homes during the holiday season, but if you want to give your interiors some extra festive flair, try creating eye-catching displays elsewhere in the home.
“Standout displays such as our advent calendar houses that play festive melodies and have moving parts are guaranteed to impress family and friends,” says Pam. “You can also try grouping a few ornaments together to create a wonderful display away from the tree, such as a nativity scene.”
Another spot where you can create impact is the dining table. Pam suggests playing around with height and texture with different sized candles, wreaths, table runners and textile placemats to make a spectacular setting for your festive feasts.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
Käthe Wohlfahrt is a family-run company specialising in traditional and contemporary Christmas decorations, many of which are designed by expert artists and craftspeople in the Rothenburg workshop in Germany.
The UK’s first all-year-round Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop opened in York in 2016 in Mulberry Hall, one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful buildings. Here, customers can browse a huge variety of high-quality decorations across two historical floors.
“You have to see it to believe it,” says Pam. “We’ve got some stunning displays, including a huge Christmas tree that reaches up into to the first floor. There really is something for all tastes.”
Visit the shop at 17-19 Stonegate, York, YO1 8ZW, or go to kaethe-wohlfahrt.com to browse a wide range of decorations.
