Make Christmas a summer affair

Christmas in South African is all about summer sunshine.

As we prepare to host dinner parties and spend time with family, Decorex SA has compiled tasteful, ornamental and decorating ideas that could easily be incorporated into every home to make Christmas a #livingdream.

The decor ideas are gentle and soothing, creating an environment which will revitalise mind, body and soul for a refreshing start to the new year.

According to Decorex SA, make your space your living dream with a neutral, earthy colour palette that creates a relaxing environment. Copper and gold will maintain that metallic Christmas feel while white, rose and blush hues will create a gentle contrast that warms the home. Natural decoration is in this season and is also environmentally friendly and functional. Blush, rose and soft green-coloured succulents are elegant decor.

DIY is encouraged this season. That way you can also save for something more important. You can be creative by keeping it simple with a focus on environmental sustainability. You can craft ornaments and create decorations that can be reused throughout the household or given as gifts after a festive dinner or lunch.

Ideas for decor and design this Christmas include:

• You can bring the beach feeling to your space by using oceanic gems. Seashells, dried starfish, driftwood and even sand can be fashioned in various creative ways for effective holiday decorations.

• Spraypaint seashells and apply a thin wire adorned with small beads to create stunning tree or table ornaments.

• Transparent glass balls come in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes and can easily be transformed into beach-like decorations.

• Christmas candles can be replaced with white or blush candles, housed in glassware. Fill them with soft sand to illuminate your table elegantly.

• Create a wreath using a selection of rose and green succulents and use a ribbon to hang it. It is original and creates a summer feeling.

• Re-purpose metallic baubles by putting them in a bowl and creating a beautiful table centrepiece.

• Set the mood by decorating your table. Leaves and soft coloured flowers wrapped in brown paper with twine make a perfect centrepiece. After dinner, guests can take the flowers home.