The Interview

Neill Strain Floral Couture on dressing your home for the festive season

Planning on hosting during the winter months? Neill Strain, Founder of Neill Strain Floral Couture, shares his expertise on the decorations you need to creating a warm, welcoming home for winter
7th Nov 2024
The Interview Neill Strain Floral Couture on dressing your home for the festive season

Entrance

"The front door is the first impression of your home, and during the festive season, it sets the tone for all who enter. A wreath is essential for welcoming guests and family, and our custom-made creations allow you to showcase your unique style and personality. Whether adorned with a classic bow or one of our signature touches of opulence, the wreath is a statement piece. For added theatricality and luxury, choose a sumptuous satin bow. Unfortunately, city life can sometimes make it necessary to secure your wreath, so we recommend using a fine chain and lock from a local hardware store for peace of mind.

"Surround the entrance with lanterns, garlands, or bundles of birch and pinecones to create a warm, inviting atmosphere and signal the festive spirit before stepping inside."

Hallway

"As you step into the hallway, scent becomes a key element. The Neill Strain Floral Couture Christmas Eve candle, with its nostalgic festive aroma, is perfect for welcoming family and guests alike. Bowls filled with baubles, pinecones, and dried oranges add both colour and fragrance, creating a multi-sensory experience.

"Seasonal plants such as poinsettias, cyclamen, and amaryllis bring longevity and vibrant colour to this often overlooked space. Be mindful of draughts, especially for poinsettias.

"Fairy lights, lanterns, and fresh foliage elevate the hallway, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment from the moment one steps through the door."

 

Living Room

"The Christmas tree is, of course, the heart of the festive décor in the living room, bedecked with shimmering lights, colourful baubles, and topped with a beautiful tree topper. Consider finishing the look with a luxurious tree skirt to frame the base.

"Beyond the tree, don’t forget to extend festive cheer to other areas — glass finials, baubles, and pinecones on side tables, fresh garlands draping the mantelpiece, and bowls filled with oranges and festive touches on coffee tables. Our Petite Couture Candle Arrangements, available in medium and large, are the perfect addition for coffee and side tables, adding a chic, seasonal touch. Vases filled with spruce, eucalyptus, birch, and larch not only enhance the room's décor but infuse the air with a delightful festive fragrance.

"For a final touch of warmth and coziness, layer in soft, glowing fairy lights and lanterns. And of course, the addition of our Christmas Eve candle will amplify the nostalgic scent of the season."

Kitchen

"The kitchen and dining room often become the hub of activity during the holidays, so it’s important to carry your festive theme through these spaces as well. Hanging garlands at a height is a clever way to add festive touches without using valuable surface area, perfect for busy kitchens. A wreath of fresh foliage and fruit over the cooker brings both beauty and scent, complementing the aromas of holiday cooking.

"For the dining room, the table is the star — drape it in a luxurious tablecloth, then adorn it with candles, baubles, and delicate ornaments. A centrepiece of bowls filled with dried oranges, pinecones, and baubles adds texture and fragrance, while our long and low candle arrangement is the perfect addition to create an elegant, intimate atmosphere. These thoughtful touches turn the dining room into a space that invites loved ones to gather, linger, and enjoy the festive celebrations."

> Discover Neill Strain Floral Couture's Walpole member profile

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