With studios in Dublin and London and multiple design projects in train, interior designer Sara Cosgrove is rather busy, and her own Christmas preparations happen only when all the demands of her practice are under control. Here’s how she decorates in her own home – it should inspire you to get the job done this week.

I love using as many natural elements as I can such as garlands, Christmas tree cuttings and ivy clipped from our back wall. I use coloured baubles that do all the in-between work and cover up any gaps!

Another key element to creating my ideal scene is the lighting, and specifically the Christmas tree lights. My top tip would be to get the largest single set of lights you can in warm white. The more fairy lights the better!

It also may sound a bit boring, but last year I invested in clear storage boxes to safely store my decorations. It meant decorating this year was done in a jiffy as I had everything organised from the Christmas before!

www.saracosgrove.com