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What is the first thing to remember? You are responsible, Christmas should be what you want

On Christmas Eve 2021, Country Life visited Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's new studio in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. We chatted with the dressing room host and gorgeous interior designer (known for his bold style and quirky use of patterns and textures) about all things Christmas.

"Christmas is a very important time of your year. This is the time to recharge yourself before the very, very cold and gloomy January and February. So make sure you like it," Lawrence reminded us , Enter the essence of baubles and garlands before we arrive.

He wants us to remember that, in the final analysis, we are the owners of our own homes, and we should decorate in a way that suits us, rather than being correct in terms of fashion trends and traditions.

"The absolute secret to a good Christmas is to do it your way. Don’t think you have to be something you didn’t have at Christmas. Don’t think you have to do the whole Dickens red and green thing.

"Christmas can be your color. Christmas can be your thing. I think it should always be something you drive, not something that drives you."

With this authorization in mind, here are nine valuable Christmas decoration courses by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, from color schemes to forgotten place decorations...

"Don't feel like you have to do everything. One thing we struggle with in the house is that the ceiling is very low, so, in fact, the Christmas tree-very Victorian, high ceiling and verticality-never really worked," Lawrence admitted when talking about his home in the Cotswolds (see picture here).

"About five or six years ago, I just said,'Okay, we will make garlands.' This is a kind of liberation. The garlands are much more traditional, and they are exactly the same as they used in the 17th century. So there is always a way to find Method to ensure that what you are doing is tailored to your identity and lifestyle."

Reading: 14 Christmas wreaths to make your home full of joy and light

"I think the most important thing about Christmas decoration is to make sure you have enough time to finish it correctly. Never try to compress it to an afternoon. These days you will live with these decorations for six weeks. Take your time. , Think about it," Lawrence said.

"For things like Christmas decorations, I always like (like you are doing a cooking show) to list all the different options," Lawrence suggested. "So you know how many swings you have, how many purples you have, how many gadgets you have..."

"On a practical level, always put Christmas tree lights on lit Christmas trees. Never let them dim, or you will suddenly realize that you have these huge lighting blocks in a corner."

"I think Christmas itself always makes people feel very claustrophobic. We are very lucky to live in the country-you can go for a walk, you can open the door and truly become a part of nature-but I will always use light bulbs like spring Such things are a very important part of my Christmas decoration plan, especially on the windowsill," Lawrence said, which is different from our expectations of Christmas flowers and leaves.

"I like the fact that you planted them a few days before Christmas Eve, but they will still exceed New Year's Day. You have the feeling that spring is coming, the feeling of optimism and progress, which really eliminates claustrophobia... and Bean sprouts...and grandma. She always smells bad at Christmas."

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"For Christmas trees, the real secret is to understand that there is no such thing as Christmas tree decorations. The decorations themselves are gifts. You see the Victorian etchings. They have a small Christmas tree and a table in the middle of the room. Hang toys on it, or they will hang jewelry. I really like this. I think it’s very important to give your Christmas tree a real personality," Lawrence said, nostalgic.

"I even said to combine your child with your grandson. These days they always bring their own small things back from school. My mother is very ruthless with that kind of stuff. When I came back from school, she left." Pot, pot pot, pot pot. We might keep that one. Guo Guo, Guo Guo... "I am a bit like my children and my grandchildren. But I think ensuring that your ideas have a certain level of personality is very important for the Christmas tree."

"If you really do, you must choose a Christmas tree with wide needles. They can hold more moisture, longer, and are less likely to fall. Also, try to find one based on your height, and never forget Most of the height is taken off by the elongated thing that protrudes like an antenna from the top. Make sure that once you cut it off, you will love your Christmas tree as well, because you need to cut it half the time just to make sure you can Put it in."

"Water your Christmas tree. Even if it's just sitting in the sand, I always like to do this. Put it in the sand and continue to water the sand because it will continue to absorb water and last longer."

Reading: Renting a Christmas Tree: How does renting a tree work, where to rent it, and choosing the right Christmas tree

"One thing I really like about Christmas is to find a romantic color scheme. I think Christmas should be romantic and nostalgic. I think nostalgia is a very important part of this special holiday.

"I really like the idea of ​​using pink and soft green as an antidote to those holly-colored subconscious reds and greens. Giving it a soft look gives it a taste. It gives it a sugared almond, nutcracker Very suitable, especially in the mid-century modern or Hollywood regency environment.

"Pattern is also very suitable for Christmas. Never underestimate the effect of wrapping paper on the appearance of Christmas decorations."

"I started decorating the stairs. It felt a bit American, but it was actually much older than that time. In many ways, it really enhanced the drama of Christmas.

"We all live together now-I have two daughters, their husbands, grandchildren and grandchildren-the feeling of going upstairs to sleep through the wreath on Christmas Eve is a very evocative for all of them. time.

"It may be a place you don't necessarily want to decorate because it is not really part of the focus of celebration. But in fact, the stairs have become very popular."