Clueless about Christmas decorating the house

[daftlump]

A can manage the tree but how do I make my home pretty, tasteful and festive?
We have a lovely big mantelpiece but it looks sad with a few glittery balls.
Can anyone give me an idiots guide?

[Rupster]

This is our mantelpiece. The garland has warm white LEDs which look lovely at nighttime.

The Range has a great range of Christmas ornaments.

[Rupster]

Personally I go for gold and deep red colours, and warm white lights.

[daftlump]

That is pretty Rupster.
We have a garden full of greenery, who do I do that?

[GarethSouthgatesWaistcoat]

I've made my own wreath from garden greenery but I've yet to try a garland.

There are some very impressive instructional videos on YouTube.

Googling threw up this sort of thing:
www.amateurgardening.com/junior/how-to-make-a-fireplace-garland-12503

I cheated last year and bought an artificial garland. It's a nice size to drape over the mantel. I prettied it up with some sprigs of holly from the garden and baubles. The added greenery made it look far more realistic! I added a pair of tapered copper candles (about £1 from Wilko!) in concealed Ikea holders (those tiny glass block ones). I didn't light them - they were quite close to the mirror/wall - purely decorative
Wilko garland
same thing at Argos

Pinterest no doubt has some good inspiration for hearth decor.

[GarethSouthgatesWaistcoat]

Do you have stair bannisters/handrail? I always love a good bannister garland! You can use a couple of the ones linked and decorate with baubles/ribbon

I forgot to say I added a pack of warm white lights to my mantel garland. The battery powered ones are handy if no plug socket in range (ditto bannisters). Use rechargeable batteries for greater longevity

[Rupster]

The garland was from a shop.