This Morning’s interiors guru Clodagh McKenna has revealed her top tips for being the perfect host this Christmas.
The Irish TV star, 49, dishes out the best interior and festive decorating trends to look out for ahead of the festive period, which she claims will ‘elevate any host occasion’.
Her first major tip is to ‘go big on colour’ and Clodagh says the ‘retro’ look is back in a big way.
She says: ‘Bring vibrant colours onto your table with candles, Christmas decorations and a colourful statement tablecloth.
‘Have fun with it, it’s not about perfectionism – it’s more about being bold and fun.’
This Morning’s Clodagh McKenna – seen here alongside Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch host Portia Freeman – gave her top tips for how to decorate your home for the festive season
Also making a comeback is ‘the candy stripe’ which, according to Clodagh, should be all over your kitchen table.
She explains: ‘Striped tablecloths with bold colours like blue, red and green bring such a sense of fun to the table.
‘Or buy a roll of striped coloured ribbon with a wide width for wrapping and tie a bow in your napkins for a little splash of fun.’
Clodagh has partnered up with Italian beer brand Peroni Nastro Azzurro this Christmas
Place settings are also a must-have and Clodagh has come up with a cute idea which adds a subtle twist.
Clodagh, who’s partnered up with Italian beer brand Peroni Nastro Azzurro, says: ‘String a pretty, thin ribbon in the eye of a Christmas bauble (tree) decoration and use as a place setting on your napkin.
‘These can also act as cute festive party favours, which guests can take home with them.
‘Alternatively, I love using seasonal fruit, such as pomegranates or satsumas, for a twist on tradition.
‘Insert 4-inch sprigs from your Christmas tree into the centre of each satsuma, so the sprig stands upright to create a mini tree, with a handwritten name card on each.’
Another way Clodagh says to brighten up your ‘Twinky Table’, quite literally, is to place battery-operated fairy lights down the centre. looping around vases, flowers, and candlesticks to create a sparkly festive feel.
She also recommends to ‘Play With Height’ by placing cake stands to add an elevated dimension to your table runner.
Clodagh adds: ‘I love to add lots of grapes, or pears stood on top of each other and a few scattered at the base of the stand.’
And, in keeping with the retro theme, she encourages hosts to put together a playlist of festive classics to create a ‘fun and festive atmosphere’.
When it comes to booze, Clodagh says be prepared to entertain the increasing number of people who now opt for zero percent beverages.
Clodagh – who is a fan of bold, striped tablecloths – encouraged people to have fun with decorating their home this Christmas – and not focus too much on perfection
She adds: ‘The perfect host will always ensure there is something to drink for everyone. Include a good non-alcoholic drink option such as Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% for those who may not wish to drink alcohol.
‘Keep it chilled and some fun colourful glasses to serve it in.’
Clodagh is teaming up with cocktail expert Portia Freeman, star of Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, to host a series of tablescaping and cocktail making masterclasses throughout November and December, at Winter by The River’s The Glasshouse in London.
Credit To book your ticket on one of the masterclasses, visit Design My Night page here. For more information about Winter by the River, visit: www.londonbridgecity.co.uk
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