Christmas decorations can take on a character of their own. A weird mixture of old and new, with treasured home-made bits created by the kids hanging sideby-side with expensive items bought from a swanky London store as a souvenir of a once-ina-lifetime visit.

In between, there will be items accumulated over the years to replace items that grew old, faded, simply fell apart or were broken when being packed away. In some homes, items are thrown away and a new theme introduced each year, but that can mean losing some of the wonder of Christmas, as memories of special times are simply discarded with the objects that they are so often associated with.

So how about having a creative Christmas this time around, with items from the home being put to good use alongside professionally made centre-pieces?

Many items around the home can easily be transformed into Christmas decorations. Teddies, dolls and other toys can take on a new life. An old wooden sled, soft throws or quilts in traditional holiday colours can all be put to good use. Jars, clear vases or metal biscuit cutters in holiday shapes can all be utilised. The wooden sled can stand in the porch with some artificial snow and a few ribbons and shiny bells to give an authentic winter’s scene as guests arrive.

You could also drape a bit of garland around it, add a couple of wrapped “pretend” presents and you have a simple yet effective tableaux. Pop teddies or dolls on the window sill and add winter scarves, socks and hats. The kids will be delighted that their treasured friends are being given such a prestigious role in the proceedings.

Other toys can be propped under the tree and you can use wooden alphabet blocks to spell out a Christmas greeting on the mantelpiece or by the front door step. Fill jars with Christmasthemed sweets or berries, mini ornaments or pine cones and tie the neck with a big bow that matches your Christmas colour theme.

Metal biscuit cutters make quirky ornaments and can hang by a ribbon from the tree. A throw with Christmas colours could drape over a chair or sofa to add another festive touch.

Food can also be great for decoration. You can prepare platters of Christmas biscuits or glass bowls filled with red and green sweets. Canes on the tree or in a clear vase on the sideboard all make cheerful additions.

Keep the decorations simple and home-made. If you dedicate an evening to this activity, your family will treasure the memories it makes for years to come. Christmas is about warmth, love and sharing and it’s the little things you do together that make it memorable.