Christmas is about the celebration of family and good memories of loved ones so display any special decorations.

This year why not refresh the look by purchasing new decorations. It’s no use dragging your old decorations out of storage, particularly if they are dated and showing their age.

Trends do go out of fashion but it will certainly provide a different ambience and the wow factor.

Most decorations are inexpensive so you can decide on a theme and certain colours.

Traditionally Christmas had red, green and gold colours although the past few years have been influenced by silver and blue and now towards natural colours such as buff, beige, cream and wood hues.

It's the season to enjoy Mother Nature's gifts to us with curious creatures, sparkling icicles and bright berry bursts to remember natural wonders.

Just a few of gold and silver pieces can set an elegant table while classic red and green, poinsettias and wreaths won’t be out of fashion anytime soon.

Add character to your Christmas decorations and a bit of fun such as cheeky elves, a Santa or reindeer.

Even black is making an entrance if a splash of it is combined with red and silver as well as a more formal palette using gold, silver, black and pewter tones.

For a bolder look, gold and orange work well together. For the whimsical factor, pine cones, rustic colours and lots of forest animal figures.

If more traditional, stay with the Santa’s home look with lots of bright red checks, deep greens and happy Santa figurines and banners.

Adding a personal touch is one of many successful festive decorating tricks.

Personalised ornaments are popular with names or bright message glittering on giant baubles.

When decorating a Christmas tree, it is recommended to start with the lights followed by the baubles and other ornaments.

Less is more sometimes otherwise a tree can look over-crowded.

If you have an excess of decorations, you can hang them in other places such as the dining room or lie on the mantelpiece or festive table.

Some people go for style where everything has to match exactly – that’s fine as long as you can afford it and can cope with the stress.

If you’re not feeling too festive this year because of a personal tragedy or other problem, then listen to your feelings. 

If you have young children and pets, watch that they don’t tip the tree over and eat the baubles – they all look so tempting.