A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST CHRISTMAS TREE FOR YOUR HOME

December has just started and we are all thinking about decorating our homes for Christmas, with a special attention to the Christmas tree.

In the collective imagination inspired by seasonal movies, the lovestruck couple wearing matching bobble hats, trudge through snow-covered New York streets  pulling a plump Christmas tree behind them. They arrive to their cute apartment, where they spend joyful hours decorating the tree with heirloom baubles in beteween sips of marshmallow-filled hot chocolate. The reality, for most of us, is far form an American fairytale and a bit more like a nightmare of the fairy lights as we haul boxes down from the attic, ob the top off the tree because it's too big, and berate ourselves, once again, for not doing a better job with the decorations. But this year, with some advice, we can all end up with a beautiful-looking specimen that blends perfectly with our décor and living situation. Of course, choosing between a real or artificial tree is the first step, considering if you prefer the picture-perfect tree which will not droop throughout the season or the smell and memories which can be made when choosing one.

Anyway, the ten top Christmas tree tips according to famous interior design experts are the following:

1) When deciding between a real or artificial tree consider room temperature and whether you want picture-perfect symmetry or natural shapes and pine scent.

2) Measure the space and allow at least 15 cm between the top of the tree and the ceiling.

3) If you're keeping it real look for a tree with good colour, shape and scent that is not too densely branched and has a straight trunk, and water it regularly. If going artificial, make sure you have enough space to store the tree when festivities are over.

4) Decide a theme and colour scheme on your decorations if you wish, matching with the interior colour scheme of the room where it is placed, without forgetting the children. Personally I've sticked to gold, which I find an everlasting classic.

5) Place the tree in a low-traffic area for safety reasons to avoid bumping and toppling it over.

6) It's a great idea to invest in some beautiful pieces and add to the collection every year as they can be passed through the family and make great gifts for the next generation.

7) If your tree is not pre-lit, add lights first, 100 for every 90 cm of tree height, starting from the top, and draping them in a circle, front and back, layer by layer until you reach the bottom and trying to hide cables behind the branches. Moreover, if you need to use a multi-socket extension lead run it down the centre of the tree, so it will not be seen when the tree is decorated.

8) Position the tree topper then weave garlands, bows and ribbons  down the tree if you're using them.

9) Add focal points with big, oversized baubles decorations.

10) Fill in with ornaments and balls, remembering to place the larger ones towards the bottom, medium in the middle and smaller ones on top.

Now, it's up to you to create you ideal Christmas tree, and perhaps, the selection of beautiful Christmas trees I chose for you will stimulate your creativity.

Rustic inspiration

Pastel tones

Silver & blue combo

White & golden inspo

                            

FALL DÉCOR YOU CAN KEEP UP TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

Although fall is one of the shorter seasons, it has some of the most noteworthy decorations and symbols such as pumpkins, leaves, natural materials, and orange & brown or neutral color schemes. I love Fall décor, which can give us a warm and comforting feeling, as the weather gets chilly and we look for comfort & relax in our homes.

While Thanksgiving is closer to American culture than to European one, its aesthetic matches with Fall and is perfect also for worldwide interiors. We don’t have to take down our fall decor at the end of October, but there are plenty of ways to make it work and a variety of fall decorations that you can display all the way up to the Holiday season.

• Pumpkin Decor : Pumpkins are the biggest symbol of Fall and they can still be relevant through the whole season. Pumpkin pie is also a traditional dessert for the season, so pumpkin décor can still match with our table setting, but also displayed indoor and in outdoor decorations. Pumpkins can be a part of our Fall decor as long as they aren’t Halloween themed or have spooky designs on them, so as to get either a glam-rustic or refined urban style, according to our home mood.

• Fall Flowers and Wreaths: The Fall season reflects nature and natural elements through leaves, foliage, pines and seasonal flowers. These elements work because of the warm color schemes that bring comfort to the table. With sunflowers, orange and yellow leaves, and touches of burgundy, combined with matching candles these Fall decorations and wreaths are general enough stay up through all your fall days.

• Lanterns: Fall is such a warm and cozy time of year and to celebrate the season, why not decorate your home with lanterns and tea-lights, both indoors and out.

SIX BAG TRENDS FOR FALL 2021/2022 TO LOOK OUT FOR.

Far from fading into the background, bags were even bigger—quite literally–on the fall and winter runways. This trend comes as a relief, as we finally re-started our old routines, being out and about, longing for more than just cute micro bags, perfect only for glam night-out. Whether you're looking for something shiny and new like a fabulous chain-link bag, or simply need a back-to-work accessory boost (maybe a very polished single strap shoulder bag?), I've broken down the biggest winter bag trends for you. 

1) Extra-large geometric totes Is bigger actually better? These bags will argue yes. For winter, ditch your multiple carrying vessels for an extra-large tote that can handle your laptop, an extra pair of shoes, and so much more.

2) Chunky chain-link bags More posh than punky, chunky chain-link bags are still trending. Choose the season's "it" bag with either a gold or silver metal to suit your style. 

3) Soft Shearling and faux-fur bags won't just live on winter jackets this season. They're leaving their huggable mark on handbags too.

4) Lock bags The Chloé Paddington bag was once the talk of the town and all fashionable girls possessed one. This winter, locks are having their moment yet again. There's no better way to secure your goods than with one of these padlock-adorned purses.

5) Single-strap shoulder bags A bit retro and undeniably-sleek, these single strap shoulder bags can be handheld or conveniently cradled under your arm.

6) Coin-purse-closure bags the traditional coin purse got a stylish, modern revamp. 

DIOR MICRO BAGS ARE AS SMALL AND FUN AS YOU'D EXPECT, AND ARE RAGING THIS LATE SUMMER.

The unexpected success of micro bags was something that took many bag lovers, by surprise. After all, a bag is intended to carry your most needed wares,  and when the trend of tiny bags became more than just a moment but a movement, it seemed like it might not hold. But hold it has (well, not holding all of your items like your much needed phone) and all fashionistas find themselves utterly infatuated with micro bags. These miniature versions are playful and meant to make a fashion statement, and while our bags are intended to be functional, many of us grow our collections extensively to fill just about any and every category that exists. we want our bags to be different and fun, and if you are just a bit obsessed with all things miniature, then you'll quickly fall in love with Dior micro bags. The brand reinvented and launched some of its most iconic bag silhouettes in micro sized versions, just allowing for your AirPods, lipstick, keys, and a bit of cash + credit card to fit inside. 

Dior Micro Vanity Case: When Dior introduced the Vanity Case as a bag option, many felt this instant longing for it. The shape is more utilitarian, intended to be that of a makeup bag, but once you add the shoulder strap and turn it into a bag, the new shape is really lovely. This Micro size has a single compartment that you access by the open top double zip closure. The removable and adjustable leather shoulder strap allows for you to carry the bag by hand, wear it over the shoulder, or crossbody. As this bag is a part of the Lady Dior family, a D.I.O.R charm hangs from the outside hardware where the strap attaches. The outside features Cannage topstitching on the lambskin leather and there are ample colorways to choose from. The dimensions are small of course, 12 x 7.5 cm or 4.7 x 3 inches. 

Dior Micro Lady Dior: The Lady Dior bag is one of the most iconic and recognizable bags in handbag history, and this fun-loving sizes allows the sometimes more demure Lady Dior bag to feel a bit more lively. The Micro Lady Dior has every feature that makes the Lady Dior the staple that it is, from the iconic cannage motif, to the recognizable architectural lines, to the golden Christian Dior signature. The smaller size is meticulously crafted by the House’s leatherworking Ateliers in Italy and the elements of this tiny accessory are then assembled one by one by the petites mains. Dior offers a variety of colors from basic black to pastel hues and there’s a long, adjustable shoulder strap included as well. Dimensions are 12 x 10 x 5 cm / 5 x 4 x 2 inches. 

Dior Micro Saddle Bag: The blue is a dreamy hue, perfect as the water backdrop to our day at the pool, and also my favourite together with the same model in logo canvas. You can pair this bag with micro shoulder straps or opt for one of Dior’s embroidered shoulder straps to really give a different look. Dimensions are 12 x 7.5 x 5 cm / 4.5 x 3 x 2 inches.

Micro Dior Caro Bag: A model matching classic chic and modern vibes, thanks to the choice of material in smooth calfskin and iconic cannage motif. As for the hardware, this flap bag features the brand’s monogram closure inspired to Christian Dior’s perfume bottle sealing and chain strap. Dimensions are: 13 x 8 x 4 cm / 5 x 3 x 1.5 inches.

Dior Micro Montaigne Bag: Inspired by the famous address of the "maison", as for the hardware, this flap bag features the brand’s monogram closure inspired to Christian Dior’s perfume bottle sealing and an adjustable leather strap. Dimensions: 13 x 8 x 4 cm / 5 x 3 x 1.5 inches.

AREN'T CAPRI LACE-UP SANDALS ONE OF THE COOLEST ACCESSORIES IN SUMMER 2021?

As you probably know, Capri lace-up sandals are nicknamed "naked shoes" for their quality of leaving much of the foot bare, yet decorated with interlaced straps. Their minimalism makes them one of the "it" accessories of Summer 2021, and of course the latest vacation shoe trend. 

They're every girl's Mediterranean holiday dream, because of their sexy, yet easy-going style and their ability to dress up any outfit without feeling over-the-top, with their long laces wrapping elegantly around the leg to be flaunted with a denim mini-skirt / pair of shorts, or revealed partially through loose midi-chiffon dresses / skirts for off the hook looks.

Personally, I bought a pair of them at Syrenia Capri Sandals, a brand from the Amalfi Coast offering a line of high-quality materials, artisan sandals with timeless charm made with traditional craftsmanship and high-quality materials. Thanks to a customised customer service, I was actually able to select every detail according to my requirements, from the golden tone of the laces to the 3 cm heel height, with the addition of my monogram engraved on the edge of both soles. If you are a last-minute fashioniser, you can still order a pair online and have it home-delivered in a few days.

Certainly, I'm going to include this fresh, versatile, easy-to-wear accessory to my Mid-August weekend suitcase and I won't certainly get enough of this trend for the rest of the season, and even they will be a staple for Summers to come. It will match perfectly with a white organic cotton layered buttoned-up dress, and a Dior mini saddle bag, for a breezy, easy & chic look. And last but not least, this new comfort footwear which has taken over fashion will make hours of walking less painful while staying chic and feminine.

So, let's call it slinky style to make you sure of creating your next iconic, boho look, but without the sting!