Is your home ready for the Christmas period? With all the other things you’ve got to remember, like food, decorations, and gifts, it can be easy to forget about those little touches that make the Christmas period such a special time of year. Christmas wreaths are one of these essential decorations; they provide a warm, cheering welcome to all those visitors you will doubtless be expecting. No home is complete without one this Christmas.

What type of wreath should I get?
There are a fabulous range of Christmas wreaths available nowadays. You could choose one with seasonal, rustic, shabby chic or even sparkly charms; perfect for adding that festive touch to your front door. There are styles, sizes and colours to suit all types of door, whether traditional or contemporary, and you can even pick a theme to match the rest of your decorations, such as:

• Light-up LED wreaths in a variety of cheerful Christmas colours
• Seasonal wreaths made up of leaves, berries and other seasonal materials
• Delicate and pretty heart-shaped wreaths
• Metals: gold, silver or brass wreaths
• Simple and rustic wreaths made of decorated pine cones or twigs to create the perfect shabby chic look
• Traditional Christmas wreaths made of green holly and red berries

Whichever one you choose, make sure to buy a weather-proof one, unless of course you’re lucky enough to have a porch. Finally, remember to hang it correctly – you don’t want it falling down before the Christmas celebrations even begin!

I am sorry to say it, but there is only 10 weeks to go until Christmas and there are plenty of gifts to be bought, preparations to be made and food to cook in order to have a truly enjoyable Christmas.

Decorating your home for Christmas is one of the most fulfilling things to do during the festive season. Choosing your Christmas tree, hanging your ornamental lights and putting the wreath up on your front door are some of the many things you might do.

Most wreaths for your front door are now made to last for a good few years, rather than buying a fresh new one every year. Dried branches of wicker or willow are often moulded into shape, entwined with berries, other twigs and leaves or even a touch of holly to make you feel really Christmassy. Most wreaths are able to sustain most weather conditions, so even the snow and frost won’t damage it. Some wreaths are the traditionally round shape, with others shaped like hearts.

Decorating your front door with a beautiful wreath will be welcoming to all of your Christmas guests.

Gift sacks for young and old!

Invest in a good quality gift sack today and it could see years of presents!

Every child likes to have a Christmas stocking to put out for Father Christmas, but in many ways, stockings can be less practical than you think. Fitting all the gifts into stocking-shaped bag can be difficult, which is why more people are turning to gift sacks.

What’s the difference between gift sacks and stockings?

In both cases, you’re looking for something that can hold a variety of presents. Most stockings and gift sacks are designed for children, but there’s no reason why you can’t invest in a more grown-up product that lets you collect a variety of gifts together for a parent, spouse or sibling. Gift sacks look great, are easy to fill and, if you choose good quality gift sacks, will last for years. Gift sacks are often more versatile than stockings and, of course, allow children and adults to tidy away their Christmas presents with ease – helping you to get through the day without stepping on fragile presents or tripping over stacks of books and computer games.

How do I choose my gift sacks?

Whether you’re looking for a single gift sack, or for several gift sacks to give to your family, take the time to think about what will work best for you. Gift sacks come in a variety of sizes, so make sure you choose a size that meets your needs – too big and your child may be disappointed if it’s not full. Gift sacks also often come with an accompanying toy, which may be perfect for little ones, but make sure you check the age limit, as many soft toys could have parts which are not suitable for those under 3 years old. Think about the type of material you want your gift sacks to be made from. You can get linen or cotton gift sacks, but if you’re looking for a little more luxury, why not go for a leather-effect gift sack, trimmed with faux fur for an extra-special look.

Remember that good quality gift sacks will last for years, so although you may spend a little more on buying gift sacks than you do on stockings, they will grow up with your children and become part of your family’s Christmas traditions. You may even find that your children want to take their gift sacks with them when they leave home and pass them onto their own children.

Looking for Christmas gift sacks?

The Orchard has a wide variety to choose from. Just visit the Christmas Shop for all the Christmas Gifts and Decorations you’ll need this year.

The Orchard is a sanctuary for those tired of characterless contemporary furniture, and who want something a little bit different. You can find a wide collection of luxury homeware and unique gifts all with a unique vintage style. Add a touch of vintage glamour to your home and garden and make sure you check out the Shabby Chic collection for our French Antique inspired collection.