These winter home accessories will jazz up your home before Christmas

Winter home accessories jazz up your place without having to go full-on Christmas.

I was in the National Gallery at the weekend and spent as long in the shop and I did looking at art. I love gallery shops. They are such a joy of sophisticated presents that you want to keep for yourself. They have a subtle little 'winter' section there at the moment with snowy hued nice things to gift people with. To give them credit, it's not in your face Christmassy, but it will get you in the mood for the festive season.

This Halloween, a lot of houses in my neighbourhood went to a lot of effort to decorate their front porches. There were spooky elements like cobwebs and ghosts, but my favourite displays were the ones that were more autumn than Halloween. Pumpkins will cover both, of course, but some people had the most gorgeous wreaths on their doors with autumn leaves and berries. I think it's safe to say that the majority of people like decorating their houses for Christmas, but why not get in the spirit at other times of the year?

The Americans have been doing it for years; different sized pumpkins on their stoops in Fall, baskets of coloured eggs at Easter. I think the lack of sabotage has proven that we, too, can get in on the action and have ourselves a merry little *insert time of year* all year 'round.

Like how the National Gallery hinted at The Holidays via the colour palette, the way to do pre-Christmas decoration is with non-Christmassy accessories. There shouldn't be any sign of Santa or Baba Jesus or even mistletoe, holly or bells until December. Ivy, though, is a go since it's acceptable decoration throughout the year. It should be all very 'hygge', cosy and lovely and inviting. Yes, we're starting the celebrations early, but in a very November way.

Obviously, a lot of the decorations are "for Christmas" but style them right and you'd never know.

Penneys

Christmas Fragrance Bowl €5

Faux 1Ft Christmas Tree €7

20 LED Snowflake Lights €3

Dunnes Stores

Paul Costelloe Living Pre Lit Tree €70

Artificial Flowers Various Prices

River Island

Small Gold Candle Holders €10

Decorative Bird Cage €85

Folkster