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C hristmas is the time for snuggling up and getting together with family, leaving the cold outside and embracing the warmth within. A crackling

fire, chunky woollens and mug of hot chocolate – what could be more hygge?

Creating a festive retreat that makes your guests feel at home instantly needn’t be stressful, says Tony Beradis, Partner and Home Design Stylist at John Lewis & Partners. It’s all about creating the right atmosphere, and that starts with candles – lots of them.

“Candles of all shapes and sizes are great for ambience. If you have a fireplace, this should be your focal area.” Tony suggests decorating the hearth with wreaths and then decorating the mantelpiece with fairy lights, stockings stuffed with treats and green foliage, interspersed with dried fruits and cinnamon sticks.

Textiles are key – think cashmere blankets, plush fabrics draped over sofas and beds. Plump up the cushions, switch on the TV – a Sony Bravia OLED HDR 4K is perfect for turning everything into a cinematic experience – and lounge in front of your favourite Christmas movie.

What could be more inviting than seasonal smells wafting from the kitchen? “I love to cook – baking your own Christmas cake soaked with whisky or brandy fills the home with a personal touch,” says Tony.

Of course, no festive home is complete without its showstopper – the tree. Tony recommends standing it “tall and proud beside the fireplace, decked in all its glory”. Opt for glass baubles and a tree skirt (wicker or fabric) for a more finished look.

Left: John Lewis & Partners Brooks Velvet Side Dining Chair, set of two, teal, £250. On chair: little home at John Lewis, Addison Knitted Throw, blue/grey, £32; Croft Collection Knitted Waves Cushion, putty, £30; John Lewis & Partners Ombre Faux-Fur Cushion, mocha, £25. On floor: John Lewis & Partners Knitted Waves Throw, smoke, £79; John Lewis & Partners Ombre Faux-Fur Cushion, mocha £25; Chunky Knit Throw, £65. Above, main picture: Sony Bravia OLED HDR 4K TV, £3,999; Tree decorations, all John Lewis & Partners Moonstone theme; John Lewis & Partners Arlo RHF chaise, £1,349. On sofa: Croft Collection Knitted Waves Cushion, steel, £30; John Lewis & Partners Honeybee Cushion, smoke, £20; John Lewis & Partners Plain Wool Throw, light grey (over sofa), £65; Croft Collection Mongolian Sheep Hair Cushion, graphite, £60. On floor: John Lewis & Partner New Sheepskin Rug Quad, grey, £175; John Lewis & Partners Collector’s House Hexagon Tray, blue, £30. Food is available at Waitrose & Partners.

‘Textiles are key – think blankets draped over sofas, and cushions for lounging in front of your favourite Christmas movie’

Soft fabrics, twinkling candles and a fragrant fruitcake in the oven... John Lewis & Partners know how to create the ultimate Christmas retreat

For the moments that make your Christmas

Tony Beradis, John Lewis & Partners home design stylist

Don’t forget the all-important star on top – John Lewis & Partners’ Moonstone Beaded Snowflake Tree Topper – part of its snowy white and silver Moonstone range – will add a decadent finish to any tree. There are seven other decorative themes, ranging from Desert (gold), to Tropical Jungle (emerald) and Sea (sapphire).

Colour blocking, using one or two tones, is on trend this year, but Tony is sticking with the classics – red and emerald. “Those colours are Christmas for me,” he says.For that perfect Noël look, book an appointment with our in-store and online home design stylist

Cuddle up and get cosy