No-one does Christmas better than The White Company.  It’s founder Chrissie Rucker OBE, (celebrating 25 years at the helm of this iconic business) shares her Top Tips on creating the perfect Christmas whilst taking out the stress…

Adopt a mind-set of ‘it’s OK not to be perfect’.

As a working mum with a large family I know only too well that Christmas can be very overwhelming. I have learnt over the years that it’s really ok not to be perfect and it is even more ok to cheat!

Aim to finish presents and wrapping before December!

A good friend of mine said to me about five years ago that she did all her Christmas shopping and wrapping by the end of November. I remember thinking wow that is just too organised! But the next year I tried it and I have never looked back.

Decorate in good time.

I aim to have decorated the house as much as possible two weeks before Christmas and I mix real and faux! You can find some amazing faux finishes for trees, wreaths and garlands and if you mix these up with fairy lights and candles and add any real flowers and greenery a couple of days before, it’s a real timesaver.

Have more than one tree!

When it comes to our main tree, I like to keep it simple. White fairy lights go on first and then a mixture of glass and white baubles and we always do the tree all together with the children. I also love to use smaller pre-lit faux trees on the windowsills in the kitchen and in guest rooms.

Dress-up your mantlepiece.

A mantelpiece is a great focal point of the room to make extra special at Christmas. I love to dress ours with greenery from the garden or a faux garland then wind in fairy lights (battery operated are a great option) and then add a few pine cones or tree decorations and layer in some storm lanterns with candles.

Be guest room ready. 

Start with a really comfy bed, lovely linen and soft pillows. At Christmas time try to get the rooms ready a week before and dress beds with extra cosy throws and cushions. Every guest room ideally needs to smell great (use a diffuser) have a super soft robe, towels, soap and some special treats to use in the bath or shower. Magazines or books are great for making it a lovely place to retreat to and on the day of arrival add a vase of fresh flowers, water and an alka-seltzer to the bedside table!

Enjoy dressing the table. 

It’s the perfect time of year to make the table look extra special and add some sparkle. I start with a white linen table cloth and napkins, plus always use our best glasses and china. Beaded place mats look fantastic and add a magical glow as do mirrored scapers and layers of candles, tall and small. For flowers I stick to white and mix in seasonal greenery, with snowberries and herbs such as rosemary. In each place setting, I add a cracker and tie the napkin with some greenery, a small decoration and a named white heart gift tag.

“It really is ok not to be perfect and it is even more ok to cheat!”

Get the Look!

Follow Chrissie’s invaluable tips and create the perfect Christmas experience…

Click HERE for inspiration!