Step into Christmas
A fresh look at how to dress your tree
Take your tablescape up a level
Create your own bespoke Christmas wreath
Believe in Christmas at your local Otter Garden Centre
Whether you're looking to create a festive table to entertain or a whole new look for your decorations, we have a range of magical themes to transform your home this winter. Our Christmas range has never been more diverse, and it's a reflection of our commitment to both the festive season and the planet. Keep scrolling to find lots of Christmas inspiration...
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from all of us at Otter.
Dressing your tree
There are so many options when it comes to picking a theme for your Christmas decorations, whether you go for a luxury feel with sparkling ornaments and lavishes golds, or the traditional palettes of red, white and green. This year we've embraced the natural world and gone for a woodland theme with cheeky squirrels, whimsical toadstools and glittering ferns.
Dressing your tree
There are so many options when it comes to picking a theme for your Christmas decorations, whether you go for a luxury feel with sparkling ornaments and lavishes golds, or the traditional palettes of red, white and green. This year we've embraced the natural world and gone for a woodland theme with cheeky squirrels, whimsical toadstools and glittering ferns.
Step 1
The first job is to add the lights, unless you have opted for a pre-lit tree! Often, the hardest job is unravelling the lights after a year in the attic. The trick is to remember on twelfth night to wrap them up neatly, ready for the following year. And always test them before you place them on the tree!
Step 2
When you have the lights in place, the best method of dressing the tree is to start at the top and work your way down, using the biggest baubles first.
Step 3
Once you've attached your decorations, step back and identify any 'dark' areas. These can be filled with ferns, bows or flowers, depending on your theme.
A wonderland of Christmas tree decorations
Whether you're a traditionalist at heart, a garden enthusiast, or someone who craves the whimsy of Santa's bakery, we have just the theme to turn your Christmas tree into a festive masterpiece.
Fit for a feast
Your Christmas dinner is an hour away, the roast potatoes are browning nicely, a bottle of fizz has just been opened...
It's your last chance to finesse the table
Fit for a feast
Your Christmas dinner is an hour away, the roast potatoes are browning nicely, a bottle of fizz has just been opened...
It's your last chance to finesse the table
Everyone wants their Christmas dinner to look as good as it tastes, and a gorgeous tablescape is the perfect backdrop to the most important meal of the year.
Follow our simple tips to impress your guests even before the food arrives.
The scheme
Christmas doesn’t have to be about the traditional palette of colours. Choose a colour that makes an impact, or a theme that matches the decor of your dining room.
The centrepiece
The perfect centrepiece is impactful, but doesn't take up too much valuable space on the table that will be needed for the food!
The centrepiece can of course be Christmas themed, but you may prefer to go for a classic design like one of our golden candlesticks that can be used again and again, all year round.
If you don't fancy candles, you could use a vase filled with fairy lights to add a rainbow glow to the scene.
The essentials
Remember, your plates and glasses are as much a part of the tablescape as the decoration. Opt for the classics if that's what will best compliment your table, or you could add colourful, or themed plates to bring the table to life.
When it comes to glasses don't make do with an everyday tumbler; whether you're drinking red, white or rose, the shape of the glass really does add to the experience and flavour so have a variety of styles to hand if you can.
The finishing touches
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of a napkin, while functional, it can also add a pop of colour to the table. Ours match with the table runner to tie the place settings with the rest of the tablescape.
We also love a napkin holder – a great way to add a finishing sparkle to the scene – but if you're a dab hand at folding, get creative with your presentation.
Personalise your table
Finishing touches are a wonderful way to make your Christmas table extra special.
Decorate your door
Christmas is just around the corner, and there's no better way to welcome guests into your home than by adorning your front door with festive decorations. Whether you're a traditionalist or prefer a more contemporary look, decorating your door for Christmas can set the tone for the entire season.
Step 1: Add a door garland
You have the choice of using either faux or real foliage, depending on your preference and convenience. Real garlands bring a fresh, natural scent to your entrance, while faux garlands are durable and can be reused year after year. To add extra interest to your garland, consider incorporating seasonal faux flowers such as poinsettias and berries. These touches of vibrant color will ensure your decorations last throughout the entire season. Poinsettias, with their classic red and green hues, are a quintessential Christmas flower that adds a touch of elegance to any door.
Step 2: Add a wreath & lights
Choosing a wreath style that coordinates with your garland is essential for a cohesive look. For instance, if you've opted for a classic garland, consider a wreath with traditional elements like holly leaves, pinecones, and red bows. Lights play a significant role in creating a magical ambiance during the holiday season. A softly lit entrance is very inviting and adds a touch of enchantment to your home.
Step 3: Personalise it!
Now comes the fun part – personalising your decorations to make your front door uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to express your style and creativity. For a traditional feel, consider adding mini Christmas trees with lights or decorations on either side of your door. Lanterns hung on hooks can also contribute to a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere.
If you want to make a bold statement, consider adding a pair of giant nutcrackers either side of your entrance. These iconic holiday figures are sure to become a conversation starter and will leave a lasting impression on your visitors.
For a more contemporary look, try incorporating lit rattan cones and beautifully lit giant baubles. These modern elements can add a touch of sophistication and playfulness to your door decor.
Decorate your door
Christmas is just around the corner, and there's no better way to welcome guests into your home than by adorning your front door with festive decorations. Whether you're a traditionalist or prefer a more contemporary look, decorating your door for Christmas can set the tone for the entire season.
Step 1: Add a door garland
You have the choice of using either faux or real foliage, depending on your preference and convenience. Real garlands bring a fresh, natural scent to your entrance, while faux garlands are durable and can be reused year after year. To add extra interest to your garland, consider incorporating seasonal faux flowers such as poinsettias and berries. These touches of vibrant color will ensure your decorations last throughout the entire season. Poinsettias, with their classic red and green hues, are a quintessential Christmas flower that adds a touch of elegance to any door.
Step 2: Add a wreath & lights
Choosing a wreath style that coordinates with your garland is essential for a cohesive look. For instance, if you've opted for a classic garland, consider a wreath with traditional elements like holly leaves, pinecones, and red bows. Lights play a significant role in creating a magical ambiance during the holiday season. A softly lit entrance is very inviting and adds a touch of enchantment to your home.
Step 3: Personalise it!
Now comes the fun part – personalising your decorations to make your front door uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to express your style and creativity. For a traditional feel, consider adding mini Christmas trees with lights or decorations on either side of your door. Lanterns hung on hooks can also contribute to a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere.
If you want to make a bold statement, consider adding a pair of giant nutcrackers either side of your entrance. These iconic holiday figures are sure to become a conversation starter and will leave a lasting impression on your visitors.
For a more contemporary look, try incorporating lit rattan cones and beautifully lit giant baubles. These modern elements can add a touch of sophistication and playfulness to your door decor.
Decorating your door for Christmas is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer and create a warm welcome for family and friends. Start with the basics – a door garland, wreath and lights – and then let your creativity shine through by personalising your decorations to suit your style and preferences.
Explore more door decoration ideas and get inspired to create your own unique Christmas door.
The wreath lecture
A wreath adds festive flair to your front door through the Christmas season, welcoming guests in from the cold with a cosy and magical impact. They look classy, they smell great and they are simple to customise at home!
There’s an abundance of wreath making classes to book, and even more materials available to buy if you want to do it yourself.
The wreath lecture
A wreath adds festive flair to your front door through the Christmas season, welcoming guests in from the cold with a cosy and magical impact. They look classy, they smell great and they are simple to customise at home!
Why do we hang wreaths on our doors?
The first advent wreaths were used by Lutherans in Germany in the 16th century, but the modern shape arrived a bit later. Lutheran priest, Johann Hinrich Wichern, made a wreath in 1839 using the wheel of a cart to teach children of the meaning of Christmas, and to help them anticipate its approach.
The tradition of making wreaths began centuries ago
The tradition of making wreaths began centuries ago
If we look back even further, to ancient Rome and Greece, members of society would handcraft ‘coronas’ (ring-shaped decorations) from fresh branches, leaves, fruits, twigs and flowers and then hang them on their door as a symbol of victory.
The Romans were pioneers, even in their use of wreaths
The Romans were pioneers, even in their use of wreaths
But wreaths are no longer restricted to religious celebrations, or even the festive season; spring, halloween, and autumn are also great times to decorate with a wreath. And why limit them to your front door? They can be used very effectively indoors to decorate sideboards, or hang on a mirror in your home.
Make your own bespoke wreath
A step-by-step guide to making your own
1 A wreath: there’s a variety of plain wreaths available - or start from scratch with a pre-made ring to add foliage to. Micro-lights: cool, warm, rainbow, whatever your preference to bring a glow to your wreath. We recommend battery operated.
2 Extra foliage: Don't be shy – when it comes to foliage, more can be more, whether that's faux foliage, available in our stores, or gathered from your garden.
3 Pine cones: can be gathered in your local wood or bought in store, and used au naturel, or painted to add a splash of colour. Decorations: use your Christmas tree decorations to add more depth - we loved using the clip-on mushrooms to give a woodland feel and complement our pine cones.
4 The final flourish: If, after decorating and shaping your wreath you still feel it needs a bit 'more', a few pieces of dried citrus fruit can add a natural touch, and a great smell.
As the holiday season approaches, crafting your own Christmas wreath allows you to add a personal touch to your home's decor. The process of creating a wreath is a creative journey filled with joy and imagination.?
Come and visit us in store where our friendly, expert team are always on hand to offer advice
Picture credits: Terry Benson; Sepia Times/Universal Images Group/Getty Images; Science Source/Photo Researchers History/Getty Images/Smart Garden Products
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