As I write this, I am preparing to visit my daughter in the USA. When I’m there Thanksgiving will be well underway and the shops will be full of Christmas goodies. Americans love to decorate their homes at times of celebration, and this year will be extra special for those of us who can celebrate all together as a family again. What will your decorating style be this Christmas? Here are my suggestions.

American folksy
Inspired by my trip, I plan to decorate my home US style this year with lots of home-crafted decorations. I will be looking out for tablecloths and napkins in bright folksy patterned textiles, coloured candles and hand painted candlesticks.

Check out Anthropologie for more festive ideas. I particularly like the frosted bottle brush trees and gingerbread house tree ornaments. Be sure to book early on a wreath making course – no American home is without a wreath on the door at Christmas.

Nostalgic charm
Christmas will be so much more family focused this year and many of us will be looking back to Christmases past. Our image of a traditional Christmas originated in Victorian times. If you love the idea of a scene straight out of a Nutcracker ballet, go for a green and red scheme.
Invest in the biggest tree you can; load it with much loved decorations you have collected over the years (I add to my collection every year), and pile up presents wrapped in bold festive colours under the tree.

Nordic cool
For a soft, romantic feel, look to Scandinavia for inspiration. Think light, natural driftwoods and faded textiles in white, cool blues and soft mauves for this simple pared-back style. Decorate with cut-out snowflakes and festoons of twinkly lights. I love the paper Christmas stars from Nordic Nest.

Create a Christmas tablescape with lots of glass and soft candlelight, using silvery olive-green foliage, eucalyptus, dried sea lavender and frosted berries. Invest in an on trend natural willow tree-skirt to complete the look.

Natural country
If you love a calm and natural style, choose soothing colours like soft green and white. Add rustic touches with garlands of foraged evergreen branches, pinecones and ivy. Accessorise with silver baubles and soft white twinkling lights.

For your Christmas table, create a centrepiece with natural greenery and ivory church candles, fill little terracotta pots with seasonal white hyacinths and paperwhites. For my daughter’s winter wedding, we hung huge bunches of mistletoe from the ceiling, they looked really effective.

Contemporary chic
For a more contemporary look, add personality with pops of bright purple or neon pink for candles and table decorations. Search out unusual or humorous Christmas tree ornaments. This year I have seen exotic animals, bright iridescent sea creatures and even hipster pugs on Instagram. Whatever your Christmas style, have fun and enjoy your preparations!