Post Category - Family LifeFamily Life
Post Category - StyleStyle - Post Category - Style For HomeStyle For HomeWe’re officially into December mamas and that means it’s finally acceptable to start decking your halls with Christmas décor. (Shhh, we started a little early as just couldn’t resist!) We’ve got the ultimate décor guide below with everything you’ll need to make your December a little jollier: from Christmas cards, to tree ornaments to the good old tree itself, we’ve found oodles of options for you to pick up festive finds.
Christmas Decorations
Shops
Accessorize
This one’s a surprising secret mamas, Accessorize surprisingly has a sweet selection of tree ornaments! We adore their interactive wooden policeman ornament as well as their cosy knitted decorations, all of which will look fab on your tree. Skipping away from home décor for a moment, keep your eyes peeled for their puppy Christmas tree headband – who said your pets couldn’t get involved in the festivities?
Accessorize, See all locations here, www.accessorize.com
Ace Hardware
Who knew Christmas came in different colour schemes? With six varying Christmas décor collections ranging from Mistletoe (the traditional red, green and gold) to the very Frozen-esque Ice Crystal collection full of pale blues, whites and silvers, you’ll be able to grab tree ornaments, fairy lights, tinsel, table runners and even more at Ace Hardware. They even have a kids’ selection of personalised stockings and adorable wrapping paper – make sure to grab one of their quirky camel baubles to bring your tree a splash of the Middle East!
Ace Hardware, Dubai Festival City, (+971)(0)80 027 5223
Ace Hardware, Sheikh Zayed Road, (+971)(0)43 411 906
www.aceuae.com
Crate and Barrel
This American furniture brand definitely knows how to do Christmas! Their collection has a thoughtful focus on the sentimental aspects of Christmas: an insane collection of ornaments for you and the family to decorate your tree with, festive dining sets perfect for the traditional festive meal and even artificial mistletoe perfect for cheeky canoodling. Aside from the traditional fare, you’ll also find quirky reinterpretations like this humorous skiing nutcracker and their sophisticated tree collars. Their miniature ornamental trees are definitely something to write home about as well.
Crate and Barrel, Mirdif City Centre, (+971)(0)43 990 125
Crate and Barrel, Mall of the Emirates, (+971)(0)42 843 151
www.crateandbarrel.com
Daiso
Christmas is all about the kitsch mamas, and Japanese export Daiso’s got a number of wallet-friendly options for ladies looking to decorate on a budget! With Santa-printed bunting, miniature wreaths and the sweetest little tabletop Christmas trees, your only problem will be finding space in your car to take it all home. Tip: hang little wreaths on the backs of your dining table chairs for an extra festive feast.
Daiso, Lamcy Plazza 3rd Floor, Near American Hospital, (+971)(0)43 351 532, www.daisome.com
Home Centre
Where better to decorate your home for the festivities than Home Centre? They’ve got something for every mama whether you’re looking for something a little more modern with crown Christmas toppers (AED 25) and Advent Calendar drawers (AED 99), or stick firmly to tradition with a selection of wreaths, good old Christmas crackers (AED 99) and glitzy baubles (beginning at AED 25). With an affordable selection of products, they’ve even got a selection of jolly kids crockery and décor – for that extra Christmassy atmosphere mamas, grab an orange cinnamon reed diffuser (AED 49) and bask in the festivities.
Home Centre, Reef Mall, Level 1, Dubai, (+971)(0)42 227 755
Home Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Level 1, Dubai, (+971)(0)43 414 441
Home Centre, Oasis Centre, Level 2, Dubai, (+971)(0)45 154 070
Home Centre, Mirdif City Centre, Level 1, Dubai, (+971)(0)42 843 332
Ikea
Oh, Ikea. What would the world do without you? This Swedish import full of great products impossible to pronounce is your affordable one-stop Christmas shop this year, with a collection of Christmas décor that you’ll be poring over for hours. We particularly love their Christmas tree decoration sets, full of multiple and colour coordinated ornaments that’ll help you stray away from boring baubles. Their candle collection is fab and they’ve even got a present wrapping section to die for, with prints to spare and even candy-cane striped ribbons for you to tie everything up in. For those of you mamas who can’t resist a festive party, there are even Christmas themed napkins, coasters and disposable cups and plates. (Merry Christmas indeed!)
Ikea, Festival Boulevard, Dubai, (+971)(0)42 037 555, www.ikea.com/ae
Marks & Spencer
This good old British go-to store has holiday decorations a plenty, from door wreaths to candles, baubles to cute tree accessories (plus fabbo stockings, fake trees, lights, garlands – in fact everything to get your home looking festive.) Oh and don’t forget to stop at their food section to pick up Christmas treats and edible stocking fillers!
Marks & Spencer, Festival Waterfront Centre, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, (+971)(0)42 066 466
Marks & Spencer, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai (Burj Towers), Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, (+971)(0)37 840 900
Marks & Spencer, Galleria, 2nd Floor, Mall of Emirates, Dubai, (+971)(0)43 958 977
Marks & Spencer, Mirdiff City Centre, Dubai
global.marksandspencer.com/ae
Pottery Barn
When it comes to intricate festive details, Pottery Barn should definitely be a port of call. They’ve got the cutest Christmas ornaments (we’re loving the animal themed ones), and their icicle string fairy lights are a creative way to light up your tree. You’ll be able to get your hands on a range of decorated Christmas stockings, a seemingly endless collection of candles and, of course, door wreaths. For those of you with smaller homes, they’ve even got miniature trees for you to display on your coffee tables…cute!
Pottery Barn, Mirdif City Centre, Ground Floor, Dubai, (+971)(0)4 800 802
Pottery Barn, The Dubai Mall, Lower Ground Floor, (+971)(0)4 800 802
www.potterybarn.me
The One
Fashion for your home, The One is packed full of a mix of unusual and traditional accessories this festive season. We love their selection of fake flowers and foliage, from orchids to amaryllis and everything in between – add to vases and decorate with mini baubles or even weave into your tree.
The One, Fusion Al Quoz Theatre & Café, Junction 3 Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz 1, Street 4b, Dubai, (+971)(0)43 468 977
The One, Jumeirah Theatre & Café, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, (+971)(0)43 456 687
The One Outlet, Dubai Outlet Mall, Dubai, (+971)(0)44 273 157
The One, Wafi Boutique, Wafi Mall, Dubai, (+971)(0)43 241 224
The One, Mall of the Emirates Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, 121523, Dubai, (+971)(0)43 413 777
Zara Home
Zara Home is one of our favourite stops for home decor and accessories whatever the season. Whether you’ve gone traditional with your Christmas decs this year or have a particular colour scheme to follow, head here for a selection of gorgeous options for your tree and your living space. The Zara Home scented Christmas candles and room sprays are a fab way to get your home smelling as good as it looks while their Christmas Jazz CD’s will get everyone in the holiday spirit and cute front door wreaths will set the tone for what lies inside.
Head to Zara Home for inspiration on setting your Christmas table – from candelabras to tablecloths, napkin rings to beautiful dinner sets we want it all!
Zara Home, The Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road, Dubai
Zara Home, Palm Strip Mall, Jumeirah Road, Dubai, (+971)(0)43 453 373
Zara Home, Deira City Centre, Port Saeed Road, Dubai, (+971)(0)42 952 092
Zara Home, Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, (+971)(0)43 414 184
Zara Home, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Jumeirah Beach Road, (+971)(0)44 380 650
www.zarahome.com
DIY
Baked Orange Slice Garlands
If you’ve seen our 25 Ways to Feel Festive post, you’ll have noticed this handy DIY there. We can’t stop raving about it; they’re a great way to decorate your tree and get your home smelling absolutely divine. Check out how to make them below:
What you’ll need:
6 oranges
Baking paper
String twine or thin sparkly ribbon
Step-by-step:
Cut oranges crosswise into ¾ inch slices to create a pinwheel effect (try to keep the thickness the same)
Lay on a baking sheet in the oven set at the lowest temperature (around 150 degrees f)
Bake for approximately 4 hours then turn with a spatula and check until they are almost dry but still with a little moisture in them and an orange colour (they continue to dry at room temp)
Make a tiny hole in the top of each with a sharp knife and thread your ribbon or string through before hanging on the tree!
Button Christmas Wreath Ornaments
Created by our very own editorial assistant Vanessa, all you need to do is gather a few green buttons and string them along a bit of jewellery wire for a cool alternative Christmas wreath. (Get creative with it too ladies, we’re thinking bigger wreaths to hang on doorknobs, button wreaths in different colours and more!) Check out the full tutorial on Vanessa’s blog here.
Popcorn Strings
This one’s an oldie but a goodie, mamas. Popcorn garlands are a great way to get that snowy Christmas look on your tree and they’re so easy to make as well. Thread a needle and string through your popcorn pieces (we recommend leaving them out for a day beforehand so that they’re less crumbly) and string them across your tree the same way you would tinsel and voila! Easy as pie.
Christmas Cards
Elf Yourself
Always good for a laugh, opt for an online greeting this year with Elf Yourself’s hilarious video e-cards. Simply choose your favourite photos from your Facebook account, computer memory or even snap a quick pic with your webcam and they’ll superimpose your face and up to four others onto a troupe of crazy dancing elves. Super fast, free and convenient, it’ll be sure to tickle the kiddos and make your loved ones grin.
Elf Yourself, www.elfyourself.com
Hallmark
Need a quick last minute fix? Greeting card great Hallmark is always a good shout with a massive range of designs on the racks and there always seems to be one within a stone’s throw. From sophisticated glossies to witty watercolours, there’s something for every relative and friend in this holiday go-to.
Hallmark, see all locations here, www.hallmarkgcc.com
Heidi & Luca
These personalised cards are the epitome of adorable. With a sweet illustration of your kiddos and a tagline wishing your loved ones well, you can get it all fully customised with yours and the kiddos names printed on the cover. In typical Heidi & Luca fashion, you can even shoot them an email if you want a completely bespoke design – cute! Get them delivered to your door and bust out those coloured pens mamas, Christmas is a very serious business.
Heidi & Luca, www.heidiandluca.com
Paperless Post
Go eco this year mamas and choose from Paperless Post’s gorgeous range of e-cards; and when we say range, we mean range. With over 350 Christmas cards in stock by independent artists and even designers like kate spade new york, the biggest issue will be choosing just a couple for the festivities! If you just can’t quite break with tradition ladies, don’t worry – some of their cards come in paper too.
Paperless Post, www.paperlesspost.com
Christmas Trees
Artificial
Ace Hardware
If you stumble through the aisles at Ace Hardware and into a forest in Narnia, don’t worry mamas – it’s just their massive Christmas tree selection. Aside from the classic green in a number of heights, they’ve put a spin on the staple with artificial firs with pinecones and berries, as well as statement snowy trees that’ll positively illuminate your home. If you’re still longing for that good old Christmas spice, pick up some Scentsicles to hang on your tree which come in a number of festive scents like cinnamon, fir and more.
Offer home delivery.
Ace Hardware, Dubai Festival City, (+971)(0)80 027 5223
Ace Hardware, Sheikh Zayed Road, (+971)(0)43 411 906
www.aceuae.com
Carrefour
Head over to Carrefour this year mamas for an affordable (yet stylish) Christmas tree! With a number of different shapes and styles, you can opt for a classic green or feel the winter chill with snow-tipped version. Keep an eye out for their other quirkily coloured trees and break away from the standard colour scheme.
Carrefour, see all locations here, www.carrefouruae.com
Home Centre
Kill two birds with one stone and grab one of Home Centre’s pre-lit Christmas trees! These gorgeous trees are between 6 and 10 feet tall (probably a better option for those of you with high ceilings) and all come in a deep luscious evergreen. Don’t worry if you haven’t the space though ladies, they’re doing glass trees perfect for your dining table or mantelpiece as well!
Christmas trees range between AED 599 -1299. Offer delivery.
Home Centre, Reef Mall, Level 1, Dubai, (+971)(0)42 227 755
Home Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Level 1, Dubai, (+971)(0)43 414 441
Home Centre, Oasis Centre, Level 2, Dubai, (+971)(0)45 154 070
Home Centre, Mirdif City Centre, Level 1, Dubai, (+971)(0)42 843 332
Ikea
Well mamas, are you surprised Ikea has showed up again? With two different tree size options (150cm/180cm) along with a more modest one that comes in its own pot, they’re great quick fixes for your inner interior decorator. Trees not enough for you? Why not scoop up some of their simple artificial wreaths or holly sprays for some jollier greens?
Ikea, Festival Boulevard, Dubai, (+971)(0)42 037 555, www.ikea.com/ae
Real
Ace Hardware
Fake trees not quite cutting it? No worries mamas, skip past the artificial aisle and follow your noses to Ace Hardware’s real fir trees (which just arrived this week!). Shipped from North America, if you’re one of the lucky mamas who pre-ordered in mid-November then you’re guaranteed one of these babies. However you might as well try your luck and see if there are any still in stock!
Offer home delivery.
Ace Hardware, Dubai Festival City, (+971)(0)80 027 5223
Ace Hardware, Sheikh Zayed Road, (+971)(0)43 411 906
http://www.aceuae.com
Dubai Garden Centre
Oh Christmas trees, oh Christmas trees; your select stocks destroy us. Don’t worry though mamas, Dubai Garden Centre’s shipping in gorgeously scented Nordman firs this winter – at 2.5 metres tall, they’ll certainly make for the most impressive centerpieces. Get in while stocks last!
Trees are priced at AED 750.
Dubai Garden Centre, Exit 42, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, (+971)(0) 43 400 006, www.dubaigardencentre.ae
Ikea
Surprise mamas, it’s Ikea once again. Besides their décor and artificial trees, you can expect to snag up a real tree here as well in the first couple of weeks of December. However it’s best to leg it while they’re still in stock – with trees between 180-210cm starting at AED 499, this is an offer you won’t want to miss.
Ikea, Festival Boulevard, Dubai, (+971)(0)42 037 555, www.ikea.com/ae
Spinneys
With a number of Spinneys across Dubai, you’ll be happy to hear that they’re flying in a select number of Christmas tree straight from the USA to the desert city! Available in the early weeks of December, treat your family to a festive fir this holiday season.
Spinneys, see all locations here, www.spinneys-dubai.com
Satwa
Satwa’s one of our favourite places to snag more budget-friendly Christmas trees and if you’re really determined mamas, you’ll be able to haggle your way down to the perfect price. With a number of plant stores transformed into miniature evergreen forests for the festive holiday, you’ll almost forget you’re in the golden city.
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