Necessary decorations

[xalyssx]

This year I have the opportunity and funds to decorate a whole house but I don't know what to have! I will have a 7 month old baby and an almost 3yr old. I already have a nice quality fake tree, and somewhere safe to put it, and a few tree decorations. What else do I need, and what is a waste of money?

I would go for less little bits and do significant items in a few areas which have more impact. In each room choose features that are focal points, and then look at areas that would benefit from brightening. In a lounge for example you would go for a garland on a fireplace, coffee table ornaments or a festive arrangement, a Christmas tree, and as you have DC something like paper chains or large snowflakes from the ceiling. In a hall you might do a garland up the stairs and if there is a table, a small tree or a festive vase of foliage. In a dining room you would have a decoration on the table and a sideboard, or if limited room a wall hung tree or wreath. You can't go wrong investing in Christmas tree decs.

You will need to consider where to put the toddler's festive creations as well. You could start a tradition of them having their own small tree in their room. If you are worried about low level decs being trashed, move the decorating to a level out of reach, such as on bookcases or shelves. On a safety note, it might be best to have no lit candles, but a string of battery powered lights are safe and look pretty when intertwined with an arrangement of foliage or a wreath or garland on a table.

Outside a wreath or decorated bay trees are welcoming to guests. We don't do outside lights but you may wish to. Because our kitchen is at the front of our house, we have a large lit snowflake and some white iridescent snowflakes in the window, mainly for the benefit of passing schoolchildren and the young DC who live across the road!

Do you want to have a few statement pieces - like the tree with gorgeous lights (you can never have too many lights ) .Like all things there's a trend. Bright white one year, blue one year. Last couple of years have been warm, golden lights.
I bought some of the tiny glow-worm lights (IIRC B&Q) which are pretty.

Decorations, (child friendly) those Christmas Shops that spring up are good. M&S , John Lewis all sell lovely ones.

We have a wreath for the front door , battery operated with a 6 hour timer. Flashes or steady lights.

Costco do the huge USA style outdoor decorations (from Nativity scenes to bauble wreaths, Nutcracker Soldier to Father Christmas)

You could get some nice Christmassy plates (like Spode or Portmerion) TKMaxx had some. Just one or two for tea-time.

When my DS was little we had an interactive singing Santa (pure tat) but he loved it.

I'd get a really lovely stocking, one that will last years and will be a decoration up to Christmas Eve

And flameless candles - atmospheric and safe.

(We had a fibre optic tree when DC were little. It was nice at the time but probably way out of date now)

Oh and Dunelm Mill for throws/fleece blankets and cushions
Great for beds and snuggling on the sofa