Christmas is less than 90 days away, and while it may feel too early to start thinking about Christmas décor, now is the time to start planning if you want to embrace the trend for show-stopping outdoor displays inspired by the likes of Rochelle Humes and Abbey Clancy.
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Over the last few years, there's been no escaping the growing trend for creating incredible festive installations at home, featuring everything from life-size nutcrackers to jaw-dropping arches, and 2022 is set to be no exception.
Early Hours London transformed Rochelle and Marvin Humes' house
If you've been inspired to create your own show-stopping Christmas doorway, help is at hand from Early Hours London, the team responsible for the beautiful displays at the homes of Rochelle and Marvin Humes, Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch and Kimberley Walsh, not to mention several well-known restaurants and shops across the capital.
Lizzie Powell and Latoyah Lovatt, owners of Early Hours London, have shared their top tips for transforming your home for the holidays and reveal the favourite of their celebrity projects…
Where do you start when creating your amazing Christmas doorways?
Firstly we look at the type of door we're working with and what's physically possible, then we assess what blend aesthetically with the style of home, the surrounding planting and so forth.
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How long does it take to set up a scene like at Rochelle Humes or Kimberley Walsh's houses?
It's very difficult to provide an estimate as it depends on the type of doorway we're dressing and its complexity i.e. if it's made of glass we have to use a different type of fixing to one that's made of wood or if it was a listed building we're not allowed to make any fixings and this has a huge impact on how long it takes for something to be made. It can be anything from four hours to a full day because each project is unique with bespoke design.
Kimberley Walsh's sons were delighted with their Christmas doorway
What has been your favourite project to date?
Every year as the trends change as do our favourites! A current favourite is the Ivy Chelsea Garden installation because we loved working with the Narnia concept and it has been amazing to see so many people enjoying it. We have just finished a fantastic Christmas doorway for Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy and Rochelle Humes' is also a favourite because the country style entrance design is so fitting with the style of her home. Also although not festive one of our all-time favourite doorways to dress was the epic backdrop for Millie Mackintosh's wedding which was beautifully covered in HELLO!.
Early Hours London's display at Ivy Chelsea Garden restaurant in London (Photo: Nataly J Photography)
What should people consider before decorating their own doorways for Christmas?
Ensure you have access to an electric point because lights make all the difference to a Christmas display. In fact, more is more on the light front as the winter nights draw in early you really want that magical sparkle. Also, a big mistake people can easily make is not ensuring the components they are using are suitable for outside. For example, you don't want to use things that potentially run their dye onto brickwork! So make sure everything is water-resistant.
What are your top tips for getting started?
Take the time to consider your design and make sure you have a framework to work onto. Have that basic shape in mind throughout to keep your design focused.
The team also worked their magic at Abbey Clancy's house
How do you protect exterior decorations from rain or bad weather through the winter?
There isn't a great deal to do to protect from the elements apart from ensuring everything is as securely fixed as possible and all water-resistant (nothing paper-based or fabrics that may lose their colour or go limp in the rain or lights that aren't suitable for outdoor use).
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Balthazar has been turned into a festive gingerbread house (Photo: Binky Nixon Photography)
Where are your favourite shops for Christmas decorations?
You cannot beat garden centres for an affordable mix of decorations, lights and an abundance of items specifically designed for outdoor areas.
READ: How to have a sustainable Christmas - from the tree to the dinner
What is an easy way for people to add some festive style to the front of their house?
Foliage is a very easy way to make your door more festive as it's readily available, you can even forage your own back garden. A little foliage garlanding around a doorway will look very classic and beautiful.
Will you be following up with spring-themed doorways?
Absolutely! Actually, before spring, we'll probably be creating Valentine's doorways to wow loved ones.
SHOP THE LOOK
ANSIO Christmas icicle lights, £33.97, Amazon
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Winter Fayre pine cone wreath, £40, John Lewis & Partners
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Pre-lit Christmas door set, £125, Argos
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Starry Nights 2m pole tree, £69.99, ALDI
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Red present trio LED lights, £32, B&Q
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6ft Nutcracker inflatable, £45, Homebase
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