All the senses of Christmas: Darren Palmer's guide to styling your home for the festive season

Every year, Christmas announces it’s coming far too early and far too loudly – but then suddenly seems to be upon us while we’re still in the midst of our working life.

While the shopping centres might be driving us up the wall with non-stop carols, there is a lot to be said for styling the inside of your home in preparation for the big day.

Coming home to a Christmas vibe does put a smile on your face and allows you to quickly change gears, brush aside the working day and mentally make way for the celebrations to come.

Sound

Christmas muzak is so last decade and we’re nearly in 2019, so put away those creaky old carols and get onto a great playlist on your favourite streaming service.

If your thing is Michael Buble and Mariah Carey it’s all well and good, but there are so many interesting, diverse and upbeat choices to create your own festive feels this Christmas.

Or go to the plethora of existing playlists to discover something new.

Smell

Of course the smell of your Christmas lunch cooking in the oven is enticing, but in the lead-up to the day think about making your home smell festive to you get into the spirit.

Real pine trees let off a great scent and can’t be denied for their olfactory appeal. Candles, too, can set the mood and have a lasting impact on your rooms.

I designed a tuberose, white sage and musk candle (exclusive to Myer) to bring a really light, floral aroma.

Other scents to look out for are star jasmine, anything with a touch of spice and smoke, or even pine tree-scented candles for those who prefer the convenience of a plastic tree.

Sight

Fairy lights, festoon lights and paper lanterns all make for fantastic festive lighting, both indoors and outdoors.

Transform your undercover or open air outdoor areas with garlands of lights that pepper the immediate air above your head for a welcoming and wondrous outdoor space.

Technology has added to the functionality of Christmas tree lights, with nearly endless variations in control, colour and frequency.

If there is one time of the year to go overboard with the whimsy and wonder that lighting can provide, it’s Christmas.

But what’s a Christmas tree without the decorations?

Adding decorations to the tree, and around the home, is guaranteed to get you into the spirit of Christmas.

Consider how you decorate your tree, too. It can be wild, whimsical crazy and fantastical, with colours and clashing and craziness galore. Or you can opt for a monochromatic look of all gold, silver or white.

Remember to have fun with decorating and styling your tree as a household – whether that means inviting friends around, getting your extended family involved or letting your spouse and little ones run wild with the placement and choices.

That chaotic look could be just the thing to make you smile every morning.

A wreath on the door is the perfect way to greet yourself, and guests, when you arrive home. You’ll be surprised at how it can put a little festive spring in your step.

Think about the little touches – an arrangement of decorations as a centrepiece on the coffee table can be twee, but can also be just the right reminder that we’re actually in the festive period and we should start slowing down and connecting with the ones we love.

You don’t have to go full-blown deck the halls, but shaking up your coffee, dining and console table styling to include some festive objects can really lighten your home.

With the stress and strain of the festive season, don’t underestimate the value of those little reminders of why Christmas is actually a wonderful time of year.