John Kiernan
Garden designer

I’ve always loved Christmas lights since I was a child. There is something magical about their light in the darkest time of the year. I generally take care of the outdoor lights while my husband has full autonomy over the indoor decorations. I normally put some lights on the spherical bays each side of the hall door each year. However, in view the year that we have had and restrictions around indoor gatherings, I decided to do something special with the outdoor lights this year and to cheer up all our neighbours as well as passers by. I particularly like lights on living trees and the way it turns each tree into a Christmas decoration itself. I dressed the bay trees and the larger photinia red robin trees with over 3000 LEDs. I supplemented these with some pre-lit artificial trees to mimic winter flower cherry blossoms. The reaction from our tight knit neighbourhood has been phenomenal with people calling to the door to thank me for cheering them up and making the place feel really festive.

Celine Gill
Interiors stylist and blogger, @styleatno5

As a stylist and blogger I love decorating for Christmas and documenting it so others can get some inspiration too. This year our preparations have started earlier than normal. With everything going on, we all need the extra excitement. While we have a faux Christmas tree, I try to introduce nature in other ways around the house. I made this mantel display using just cuttings from my Dad’s garden. This year I plan to make some brown paper bag stars, dried orange slices and air dry clay decorations that the kids can paint and of course I’ll be using lots of twinkly fairy lights. We’re spending so much time at home it’s important it looks and feels cosy and inviting. www.styleatno5.com

Alison Vaughan
Interiors lover, @aliv123

I start prepping for Christmas by making my own wreaths and table decorations, I replace all my lightweight cushions and throws with warmer fabrics and textures like velvets and knits. I also add scented candles, fairy lights and lots of stars (maybe too many!) wherever I can to create a festive ambiance.

Mandy Taylor
Interiors lover, @country_living_cottage

Our tree will be delivered to Ducksberry Cottage on December 14, in the meantime I am making wreaths from wire, acorns, beads and baubles and I am also foraging greenery from the garden; there will be conifer boughs, holly and branches from the sloe shrubs. I will decorate them with baubles, ribbons and lights to add a natural and festive touch. I’ve also filled clear baubles with raffia and wooden and ceramic ornaments to hang by ribbon from the tree for a traditional feel. These will sit alongside Christmas ornaments collected throughout the years.