Summon spirit of Christmas Past

Yorkshire Post Mid-Week Life & Style Supplement - 30th Nov 2011

Homes and Interiors

Times might be hard, but there is no need to forego all festive cheer. Interior designer Jamie Hempsall turns his attention to decorations.

The High Street is reflecting that now is the time for tradition, comfort and home values, rather than ostentation. There is a lot of emphasis on retro style decorations that could be adored heirlooms from the past (and could be in the future).

I have a cherished glass Father Christmas that was owned by my Grandmother and now is part of our decoration ritual with the youngest member of the family placing it on the tree. It is lovely to see this style of bauble back in the High St in all manner of designs. A great example are the Retro Glass Christmas Hanging Decorations from The Contemporary Home featuring robins, bottles and even an old red phone box. Prices start at £2.99 (www.tch.net, 02392 469400).

There are also a lot of beautifully decorated tin decorations around this year, which hint at turn of the 20th Century toys. My personal favourite is a set of five vintage style painted metal birds from Drift Living that could easily adorn your home all year round: £22.50 (www.driftliving.co.uk, 01289 330480).

Betsy Jaris of Holmfirth specialises in Hand-crafted Vintage inspired items. This year she has produced twelve cotton labels printed with the words from the twelve days of Christmas. They have been stained with a coffee and cinnamon mix, then frayed round the edges for a vintage feel and are perfect for a themed tree or table-centre piece. £14.99 for a set of 12 (www.betsyjarvis.co.uk, 07540 076769).

If you fancy cooking up a storm, how about baking gingerbread shapes, icing them, tying with ribbon and hanging on the tree for a traditional Continental look. Alternatively, pop over to Melody Maison and pick up some realistic looking decorations that may not be biscuits, but look good enough to eat: set of three Ginger Bread Tree Hangers £11.95 (www.melodymaison.co.uk, 01302 711116).

Needlework enthusiasts can take this opportunity to use those scraps and buttons to fashion decorations, which also make a lovely alternative to Christmas Cards. For those who are challenged in this department, but still like the look, the Fabric Christmas Tree Decorations from Retreat Home should fit the bill. They have a beautiful vintage and homely touch and come in a range of styles: from £9.99 for a set of four (www.retreat-home.com, 01628 471056).

Tinsel is out and garland can be overkill, but it is great to see the return of the humble paper chain. They are fun to make and an ideal way of occupying little hands on a chilly afternoon. I have a feeling that parents will fall in love with the Handmade Re-cycled Vintage Paper Chains from Ellie Ellie that are crafted from vintage annuals, music score sheets, old maps or vintage comics. Terrific hung on a tree (being wary of placing near to lights) or for adding colour to a child's bedroom. A 3m length is £5 (www.ellieellie.co.uk).

I hope that this gets your festive decorative creative juices going, be it to fashion something yourself or pop on-line to purchase the perfect solution.

Jamie Hempsall, BIID, is a multi-award winning interior designer. Visit him at www.jamiehempsall.com or call 0800 032 1180