Deck the halls (fast)

Don't let those garlands get the best of you – clever Christmas prep ideas are served

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1 Scent subtly 'I wouldn't go down the scented candle route in a main party space, but having one flickering away in the bathroom and the hallway helps elevate those spaces,' says interior designer Lonika Chande.

2 FORGO YOUR USUAL TABLE LINENS 'My perfect Christmas table combines homemade, personal touches with some of my favourite purchases over the years,' says Tiffany Duggan, founder of Studio Duggan and Trove by Studio Duggan. 'I love using leftover fabric scraps from projects where I can: thin strips do a beautiful job of tying napkins or cutlery, perhaps with the addition of homegrown foliage. I like a mix of eucalyptus, rosemary and mint for the scent.'

3 TRY TRAD 'We love to fill bowls with oranges studded with cloves and dot them around the house – it's such a simple yet nostalgic way to scent your rooms with the warm, spiced notes of the season,' says Charlie Wickenden of Hutley & Humm.

4 Decorate with fruit