How to make the most of December
December arrives with a softness that invites us to slow down, breathe deeper, and savour the present moment. It’s a month made for gentle rituals, warm gatherings, and the kind of beauty that feels both comforting and intentional. Here are some of our favourite ways to embrace the season with presence and grace:
Begin a Gratitude Journal
Capture the big and small moments you appreciate each day. Gratitude shifts the atmosphere - both within your home and within yourself.
At Life & Style Agency, we believe that a beautiful life is created through small, meaningful choices that accumulate into something extraordinary. A gratitude journal is one of these choices - simple, elegant, and profoundly impactful.
This month, give yourself the gift of noticing. It is the first step toward elevating both your home and your inner world. A home should not just look beautiful, it should feel beautiful. Gratitude acts as an invisible layer of design; it influences the tone of your day, the softness of your thoughts, the energy you bring into a room.
You may not notice it at first, but each moment of gratitude subtly reorganises your emotional landscape. It trains your mind to linger on what is nourishing rather than what is missing. It rewires your brain toward optimism - a process supported by neuroscience.
Gratitude gently interrupts the noise of daily life and helps you reconnect with the quiet truths of your experience. Capture the big and small moments you appreciate each day. Gratitude is a chance to reconnect with the beauty of the present moment.
Your mindset shifts. - Your home feels different. - You feel different.
You start noticing beauty where you once passed by quickly.
Here are a few gentle ways to begin Your Gratitude Journal:
1. Choose a notebook you love: Texture, colour, weight - let it feel inviting. This is part of the aesthetic pleasure of the ritual.
2. Write three things each day: They can be small or profound. A warm cup of tea. A conversation. Light falling on the floor. A moment of courage. It is important though that these three things are different every day.
3. Be specific: Instead of “I’m grateful for my home,” write: “I’m grateful for the quiet corner where I drink my morning coffee.” Specificity roots gratitude in sensory reality.
4. Keep it visible: Place your journal on a nightstand, desk, or shelf where it gently calls you back into the practice.
5. Let the ritual become atmospheric: Light a candle. Play soft music. Create a moment that feels like you.
Host a Cosy Dinner Gathering
Reunite with friends and family around a beautifully set table. Think candlelight, soft textures, shared stories.
Reunite with friends and family around a beautifully set table. Think candlelight, soft textures, shared stories. A celebration of connection, warmth, and the quiet luxury of welcoming others into your home.*
December is a month that naturally draws us closer – to. light, to comfort, and to one another. As the days grow shorter and the world softens into a winter glow, there is something deeply meaningful about opening your home and sharing a slow, cosy evening with people you love. Hosting is not simply about preparing a meal; it is about creating an atmosphere where your guests feel cared for, nurtured, and welcomed into your world.
A cosy dinner gathering is one of the most beautiful rituals of the season - a moment where design, intention, and human connection come together around the same table.
The Joy of Being a Host
There is a unique pleasure in preparing your space for the arrival of guests. Laying the table, choosing the menu, arranging flowers, dimming the lights - each gesture becomes an expression of care. Hosting turns your home into a stage for meaningful moments, where time feels slower, conversation runs deeper, and the simple act of being together becomes its own celebration. The magic of hosting lies in presence. Your guests will remember how you made them feel - welcomed, relaxed, cherished - far more than any elaborate detail. Let the evening unfold naturally. Let warmth lead the way.
Begin with a Gentle Aperitif
There’s something wonderfully grounding about starting the evening slowly. Offer a glass of champagne, a seasonal cocktail, or a warm spiced drink accompanied by small bites:
olives or nuts in beautiful bowls
artisanal cheeses
fresh bread
a simple homemade dip
This creates a soft transition into the evening - moment where everyone arrives, exhales, and settles into the mood.
Cook Something Nourishing - but Stay Present
Preparing a thoughtful meal is one of the most intimate ways to care for your guests. Choose dishes that feel seasonal and comforting, but allow you to stay present at the table.
Think:
* one elegant main you can prepare in advance
* roasted vegetables or a winter salad
* a warm dessert that needs little attention
Let the food be warm, generous, and uncomplicated - a natural extension of the season. Remember, your presence is the most important ingredient. Your guests came to spend time with *you*, not to admire your ability to multitask behind closed kitchen doors. Create an evening where you can sit, talk, laugh, and truly share the moment.
Dress for the Occasion - Elegance Meets Ease
One of the joys of hosting is dressing in a way that feels both refined and comfortable.
Choose something soft, warm, elegant - an outfit that allows you to move with ease while still feeling beautifully put together. Your presence sets the tone, and a thoughtful outfit signals to your guests that the evening is special.
Set the Atmosphere - Table, Fragrance & Light
A cosy dinner is created long before the first dish is served. Focus on crafting an atmosphere that feels warm, intimate, and inviting.
1. Table Decoration - You don’t need extravagance - simplicity is often the most elegant choice.
Think:
* soft linens
* natural elements (evergreen branches, dried flowers, or winter fruits)
* mismatched candles in varying heights
* warm neutrals with touches of brass or wood
Aim for a table that feels lived-in, layered, and quietly luxurious.
2. Scented Candles - A soft, subtle fragrance transforms the mood instantly. Choose scents like pine, amber, vanilla, cedar, or soft citrus to create a warm, comforting atmosphere. Light the candles *before* your guests arrive - let the glow greet them first.
3. Lighting - Dim overhead lights and let candles do most of the work. Soft light makes everything - and everyone - look more beautiful.
4. Music - Play gentle Christmas jazz, acoustic winter playlists, or warm instrumental notes. Music is the invisible host - it fills the silence, sets the tempo, and creates emotional depth.
The Art of Welcoming
The way you open the door is the beginning of the evening’s story. A warm smile, a soft greeting, an embrace, a gentle “I’m so happy you’re here” — these moments matter more than any perfectly plated dish. Hosting is an emotional experience. It is the offering of your time, your space, your presence. And in December - a month defined by warmth and togetherness - this gesture becomes even more meaningful.
A Celebration of Togetherness - A cosy dinner gathering is, at its heart, a celebration of human connection.
It is an invitation to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasure of being with others: the laughter, the shared stories, the clinking glasses, the soft candlelight flickering over familiar faces. These are the moments that stay with us. These are the moments that make December feel so special.
So open your door.
Set the table.
Light the candles.
And let the warmth of the season fill your home - and your heart.
Create a Spa Night at Home
Soothing masks, herbal teas, soft playlists. Let your home become the sanctuary your body craves.
Take Slow Walks in Nature
Notice the subtle shifts in light, colour, and temperature. December teaches us the poetry of quiet transformation.
Organise a Game Night or Craft Evening
Simple joys have a way of bringing people closer.
Watch Classic Holiday Films
Blankets, warm drinks, soft lighting - embrace the nostalgia.
Wander Through Seasonal Lights
A winter walk or drive to admire the glow that brightens the darkest days.
Make Space for Deep Conversation
Slow down long enough to truly listen and connect.
Set Intentions for the Winter Season Ahead
Write them down, revisit them often, and let them guide your December rhythm.
Celebrate CHRISTMAS in STYLE
THE TREND COLOURS
Christmas is just around the corner, and it's time to bring the festive spirit into YOUR HOME. Discover Life & Style Agency’s colour trends for 2023 and deck your halls with joy! Please don’t worry if your colour preferences aren’t listed here below. We would like to encourage you to set your very own trends and use those general tendencies as an inspiration.
For your Christmas home scaping, follow your inner voice and MAKE IT IN YOUR STYLE,
If you need any help or a little quick fix by answering specific questions, we’re happy to assist. Just fill in the form below or send us an e-mail to jg@lifeandstyle.agency.
Now let us return to trendy colours for the most beautiful season of the year.
Embrace the timeless elegance of RED, GREEN,
and GOLD
Embrace the timeless elegance of RED, GREEN, and GOLD
When it comes to Christmas décor, there's nothing quite as iconic as the traditional colours of red, green, and gold. Whether your home boasts a classical or modern aesthetic, decking the halls with these colours will ensure a captivating and enchanting Christmas. Those classics are channelling a sense of tradition that never goes out of style.
Elevate these hues to new heights by incorporating them into every facet of your home, from wreaths to garlands, table centrepieces to tree ornaments. Splashes of red, green, and gold will envelop your space, creating a beautiful symphony of colours.
To infuse a modern touch into your traditional Christmas décor, include the trendy tartan patterns. Originating from the Scottish Highlands, those timeless patterns consist of intersecting lines in bold shades of red and green, resulting in a stunning visual display.
Create an irresistibly cosy and trendy atmosphere with your very own interpretation of the classics red, green, and gold.
Introduce the luxurious metal mix of COPPER, GOLD, BRONZE with a natural touch of BROWN and BEIGE
Introduce the luxurious metal mix of COPPER, GOLD, BRONZE with a natural touch of BROWN and BEIGE
Looking to add a touch of glamour to your Christmas decorations this year? If traditional reds and greens are starting to feel a bit worn out, this is the trend for you.
Imagine stepping into a room adorned with the rich and decadent hues of the luxurious regal hues of copper, gold, and bronze, combined with the earthy elegance of natural brown and beige. This exquisite palette strikes the perfect balance between opulence and nature, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that will leave guests in awe.
The gleaming copper accents bring warmth and radiance, casting a mesmerizing glow that fills the air with magic. The shimmering gold elements, reminiscent of glistening snowflakes, lend an air of grandeur and majesty, infusing your space with an unmistakable air of luxury. And let's not forget the lustrous bronze, effortlessly adding depth and character to your Christmas decor. To create a seamless harmony with nature, embrace the organic beauty of brown and beige. These natural tones ground the colour scheme, offering a soothing and neutral backdrop that allows the metallic elements to shine even brighter. The warm and earthy vibes they exude summon feelings of comfort, reminding us of cosy winter evenings spent by the fireplace.
The key to achieving elegance with this colour scheme lies in the careful balance between opulence and nature. Let the metallic shades take centre stage, while the natural browns and beiges provide a sense of tranquillity and grounding. The result is a space that is both luxurious and inviting, perfect for entertaining family and friends during the festive season.
Be stunningly trendy with DEEP BLUES, PURPLE, and a little bit of GREY
Be stunningly trendy with DEEP BLUES, PURPLE, and a little bit of GREY
This holiday season, transform your home into a magnificent display of vibrant colour and bold design. Let the combination of deep blues, vibrant purples, and hints of soothing grey breathe new life into your Christmas celebrations, ensuring a festive atmosphere like no other. Get ready to dazzle your guests and make this holiday season an unforgettable one.
Allow your creative spirit to soar as you infuse your living space with this bold and unique palette. Picture it: a majestic Christmas tree adorned in deep blue and purple baubles, intertwined with ribbons of grey. Its branches gracefully drape in strands of twinkling lights, casting an enchanting glow throughout the room. For an extra touch of elegance add a little bit of gold or glass elements.
To truly set the trend for yourself, extend this colour scheme to every corner of your festive home. Imagine filling glass vases with delicate gold or silver-dusted pinecones, complemented by clusters of deep blue and purple ornaments artfully arranged on tables and mantels. Combine shimmering golden candle holders with elegant deep blue or purple candles to create a bold, sophisticated ambiance.
Embrace this unique Christmas colour scheme by incorporating it into your holiday table setting. Set the stage with deep blue table linens, adorned with playful purple and gold placemats. Place sleek, modern silver cutlery alongside eye-catching glassware in various shades of blue, purple, and grey. For an extra touch of elegance, add centerpieces of natural branches intertwined with vibrant purple flowers.
Scatter deep blue and purple throw pillows and grey cashmere blankets throughout your living space, inviting friends and family to cosy up and feel the warmth of the season.
Remember, the holidays are a time to unleash your creativity and express your personal style. By courageously embracing this powerful combination of deep blues, vivid purples, and soothing greys, you will set a trend for yourself and inspire others to step outside the confines of traditional Christmas décor.
Exude elegance and femininity with GLIMMERING AND MUTED PINKS, GOLD, and a touch of GREEN
Exude elegance and femininity with GLIMMERING AND MUTED PINKS, GOLD, and a touch of GREEN
If you're seeking a Christmas decoration theme that exudes elegance and femininity, look no further than the nude-coloured Christmas decor. With shades of beige and pink, all muted or blushed, this theme casts a subtle yet enchanting spell on your abode. Like a gentle make-up for your home, this beautiful and discreet colour scheme provides a warm welcome to your guests.
Blended with the allure of gold and bronze accents, the nude-coloured Christmas theme adds a touch of glamour. Picture delicate ornaments adorned with shimmery gold and bronze finishes, reflecting the soft glow of festive lights. These metallic touches complement the blushed hues flawlessly, creating a visual symphony that delights the senses.
To infuse a touch of nature, consider adding light and natural green elements. From miniature Christmas trees in all sorts of materials, branches faux greenery (for example eucalyptus) to wreaths adorned with a sprinkling of adorable foliage, these additions can signify the renewal that accompanies the holiday season. The gentle green tones bring a sense of balance and freshness, gently intertwining with the pink colour palette.
As for the other themes, it is all about balance. Embrace the delicate beauty of the pink-toned baubles while mixing in metallic accents for a touch of extravagance. From rose gold ribbons cascading down your staircase to bronze candle holders adorning your mantlepiece, these luxurious additions will add to the overall opulence.
To complete the serene and feminine ambiance, consider incorporating cosy textures. Soft blankets in muted tones, plush and faux fur cushions create an inviting atmosphere that complements the delicate colour scheme. The tactile experience will encourage your guests to snuggle up with warm mugs of cocoa as they revel in the beauty of your Christmas wonderland.
In essence, this Christmas theme offers a refined and elegant alternative to traditional festive decorations. Its muted tones and delicate palette transport you to a world of sophistication, while the addition of metallic accents and natural green elements adds richness and depth.
So why not transform your home into a haven of femininity and glamour this Christmas season?
Peach Fuzz, an Optimistic Colour
Let’s walk through March in PEACH FUZZ, Pantone’s colour of the year …
Each year, the announcement of Pantone’s favourite colour sets the tone for trends in interior design and decoration. In 2024, the chosen hue is PEACH FUZZ, described as “a gently burnished hue that warms the spirit and encourages play.”
This soft, peachy tone evokes feelings of serenity and positivity. It is a warm, inviting shade that brings a sense of comfort and optimism to your home. Let’s explore together, how this delightful colour can be incorporated into your interior design in a way which makes you feel good.
As always, follow your intuition and go for a bold or subtle utilisation, depending on your very own inner feeling. Here are some ideas especially for you.
Painting walls in PEACH FUZZ instantly adds a soft, inviting ambiance to a room. It works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, or even as an accent wall in a dining area.
Incorporating PEACH FUZZ into furniture pieces can be a bold yet sophisticated choice. A PEACH FUZZ sofa or an armchair can serve as a focal point in a room, especially when surrounded by neutral tones or complemented with soft pastels.
For a more subtle approach, use PEACH FUZZ in accessories such as throw pillows, blankets, rugs, or curtains. These accents can easily be switched out if you want to change the look of a room without a general overhaul. Foster a playful, imaginative environment in your children’ rooms by pairing PEACH FUZZ with vibrant colours like teal, coral, or sunny yellow.
Artwork featuring PEACH FUZZ tones can add a harmonious touch to walls. Decor items like vases, candles, or small sculptures in this colour can tie a room together without overwhelming the space.
PEACH FUZZ pairs beautifully with neutrals like white, beige, and grey. These tones create a serene, balanced look, allowing PEACH FUZZ to stand out without overpowering the space. Transform your bathroom into a spa-like oasis with towels, bathmats, and accessories in PEACH FUZZ, which can promote relaxation and tranquillity.
For a dreamy, ethereal feel, combine PEACH FUZZ with soft pastel shades like mint green, lavender, or soft blue. This combination creates a soothing palette ideal for bedrooms or cosy reading corners. Create yourself a cosy sanctuary for relaxation and sleep by using PEACH FUZZ for bedroom curtains, bedding, and a plush rug or for a decorative blanket for your comfy reading chair.
Brass, gold, or copper accents complement PEACH FUZZ’s warm undertones, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space, whereas wood textures or woven materials enhance PEACH FUZZ’s organic feel, bringing a sense of nature indoors. For an elegant dining area for example, combine PEACH FUZZ with rich wood furniture and accents of gold or brass. This generates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.
PEACH FUZZ, Pantone’s colour of the year for 2024, offers a versatile and inviting palette for interior design. Whether used as a bold statement or a subtle accent, this warm, comforting hue brings a sense of optimism and tranquillity to any space. By pairing PEACH FUZZ with complementary colours and textures, you can create rooms that are not only stylish but also welcoming and harmonious—a true reflection of the beauty of this trending colour.
The Home Styling Secret
For the last couple of years, we were spending a lot of time at home. With the world being an even more confusing place right now, we are more than ever in need of a safe haven for comforting ourselves. This makes a lot of us focus on our overall home feeling and how we can improve it. The truth is our mood changes every now and then. So, to feel in tune with ourselves, we need a frequently adaptable living space. The first thing we need to do is to create a well-thought out and streamlined basis. We then can be playful with all decoration possibilities the world has to offer.
The secret formula is to FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS.
