How To Prepare Your New Home for the Holidays

There’s something absolutely special about celebrating your first Christmas in a new home, especially here in Scotland, where the winter festivities hold such deep cultural significance.  Our tips will give you ideas on how to prepare your new home for the holidays and make the preparations manageable and exciting.

1. Create cosy spaces

Scottish winters are long and dark, so creating warm, inviting spaces is all-important. Layer your rooms with thick throws and cushions in wool and tartan. Think about setting up subtle lighting with fairy lights and candles.

Your Christmas tree should definitely be the centrepiece of your holiday decor. You can choose a concept based on a specific colour palette or a collection of your favourite ornaments. 

If you want to elevate your decor or give your new home a warmer feeling, you can do this by incorporating natural items like cones along bannisters, fresh greenery on your holiday table, and aromatic floral arrangements in vases with seasonal blooms and branches for a more organic feel. You can easily create hooks for drying oranges and cinnamon sticks for an even more aromatic decor.

1. Create a special hot drink station

Set up a cosy corner in your kitchen or living room for a hot drink station. Here you can make your favourite festive Scottish favourites like mulled wine, hot toddies, and a selection of specialty teas. Buy from your local store special mugs, spices, and a selection of garnishes like cinnamon sticks and cloves, to create a little holiday cheer into your everyday routine.

1. Pet-proof your Christmas tree 

Decorating a tree is a joy, but keeping it intact with pets around can be challenging. Use shatterproof ornaments, anchor the tree to prevent tipping, and keep breakable or potentially harmful decorations higher up. Battery-operated lights are safer for pets and create less risk than traditional plug-in strands. With a few mindful adjustments, you can have your dream tree that’s safe for furry family members, too!

1. Embrace Scottish Christmas traditions

Make your first Christmas authentically Scottish by embracing its customs. Place a white candle in your window on Christmas Eve to welcome a stranger. Burn a twig of the rowan tree at Christmas to clear away bad feelings between family members, friends, or neighbours, and plan your Christmas Eve feast of Cullen Skink or cock-a-leekie soup. 

1. Don’t forget outside spaces

Your garden and entrance can be just as festive as the indoors! Install outdoor lighting to counter the early sunsets (often as early as 3:30 pm) and brighten up the exterior of your home. Consider simple string lights along the pathway or a wreath on the door to welcome guests with a touch of cheer.

1. Set Up a Festive Dining Table

Create a holiday-ready dining table with Scottish-inspired table settings. Plaid placemats, tartan napkins, or silverware tied with sprigs of rosemary or holly put a festive touch. Use natural materials like a pinecone centrepiece or small candles to bring warmth to your gatherings. A beautifully set table makes everyday meals feel more festive, even if it’s your everyday dinner.

1. Stock up on Scottish Goodies

Nothing feels more festive than a kitchen filled with seasonal scents and flavours. Stock up on Scottish treats like shortbread, tablets, and spiced holiday preserves. Prepare a traditional Scottish dessert, like cranachan or clootie dumplings, to make your celebrations feel even more special. These treats also make lovely gifts if you’re visiting family or friends!

As you prepare to celebrate your first Christmas in your new home, Muir Homes wish you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth and tradition. Our new build homes across Scotland are designed with comfort in mind, making it easy to create a cosy, inviting space for the holidays and every season to come. If you’re considering living in Scotland, contact us today, and we can walk you through all these benefits and more that your new home will come with.