At L&Q, we believe that supporting independent businesses is a crucial aspect of building strong communities – and shopping local and supporting these businesses has never been more important than it is this Christmas!

So this December, we’ve teamed up with interiors and lifestyle influencers Becs Home Style and The Novice Blog, to share their top Christmas decorating tips on a budget, using local businesses – with all items available to order online too.

• I’ve used a linen tablecloth & napkins to add a relaxed feel from @layeredlounge, drawing into the focus point using an artificial foliage Christmas garland down the centre of the table (I have gone for gold instead of the traditional green) from @ebayuk seller. I also wanted to have pops of green, so I have real dried festive foliage in small vases and on the napkins.
• I think small paper decorations, mini bottlebrush trees and stars scattered around the central garland are the perfect way to add a little something extra to the table décor (the paper decorations are actually tree decorations – you can use anything for added extra Christmas touches!). I found a fantastic selection from @thepapersnowflakeco and @etsyuk.
• We can’t forget finishing touches! Hurricane candles (perfect for if you have small children who are prone to knocking things over) are a great addition – my favourites are @marquisdawe and @modaireinteriors. I’ve also added fairy lights to my ceiling lantern and around the windows and doors – command hooks are my secret weapon. Removable snowflake stickers from @nutmegwallart and hanging paper stars and snowflakes from @thepapersnowflakeco finish the picture-perfect festive feast setting!

• Candles are a great way to dress up any space and make it feel really cosy at the same time. I love the look of a tapered dinner candle, but I always have a scented candle on the go too – my current favourite is Warmth by @katiemariearomatherapy – it smells deliciously festive so it’s the perfect addition to any seasonal styling!
• Consider using a good range of different textures to add interest and depth to your styling. This year I’ve tried to include lots of natural materials such as foliage, dried fruit, and this delicate wooden star from @fromvictoriashop
• When decorating with hanging decorations, try to think about different levels rather than just sticking one length or height. I had fun arranging the decor on the hearth too and think the star garland from @designvintage on the top of the mirror just finishes it all off.
• Baubles aren’t just for the tree! In fact, I find that some can often weigh down the branches on a real tree too much, so any ledge can be a great place to display any heavier baubles, like these vintage style glass ones from @biggiebest.uk and @etsyuk.
• It’s always good to have some faux foliage that you can bring out every year, but bulking it out with fresh stems will not only give you a softer, more natural look, it will add a beautiful scent too. I regularly visit my local florist for fresh eucalyptus because it smells so good, and dries out beautifully.