The £3 B&M dupe you need this Christmas – after we tested the most viral high street decorations at home

IF you’ve been kitting your home out for Christmas with the same decorations for the last decade and fancy giving your pad a refresh this December, you’ve come to the right place.

With the high street overflowing with decorations, I wasn’t sure where to start, so got in touch with the experts for their professional advice.

Before heading to the shops and splashing the cash on viral baubles, cushions, candles and more, I spoke with some of the top interior gurus to get their thoughts on which Christmas trends are getting the expert seal of approval this year.

Not only did I get a thumbs up to bows and all things burgundy, but according to interior designers, Ralph Lauren-style decor and vintage decorations are also getting the green light. 

So if you want your home to look fabulous this Christmas, it’s time you took notes and listened up – and waved goodbye to an all-white tree…

THE NEW RED

According to Katie Malik, an award-winning luxury interior designer from Essex, white is out and burgundy is the in colour this season.

Katie told us: “I will be avoiding all white – I did all white for a few years and am tired of it.  

“Burgundy is a very visible colour, it is the new red.”

As well as this, Chloe Barrow, an interior expert at Laura James, agreed: “Burgundy and soft pink themes are really gaining traction this year.” 

While I’m not a huge fan of pink, burgundy is definitely a favourite colour of mine and a viral one this year, so hearing this expert advice was like music to my ears.

I found a variety of burgundy decorations from many different shops, with B&M and M&S having the best selections of stylish options.

I flooded both of my trees (because one just wasn’t enough) with a large variety of burgundy decorations, including the Felt Hanging Sausage Dog Decoration from M&S which is a particular favourite of mine.

For burgundy baubles, B&M had loads to choose from – and the Merry Moments six pack of burgundy baubles were a total steal at just £4 – that’s £1.50 each! 

As well as this, Morrisons had me equally impressed with their tartan and foliage baubles, which are even cheaper at only £1.60 for four. 

BOWS, BOWS AND MORE BOWS

As well as burgundy decorations, bows are having their moment this December.

Interior expert Katie shared: “I am definitely all in for the current trends, especially embracing the oversized bows.

“Bows, particularly oversized, can be used on trees in supersizes.

“I love the bows, I have already purchased one and am thinking of making one from satin or velvet. That is my favourite trend.” 

Like Katie, I can’t get enough of bows, so I made sure to add a variety of them to my Christmas trees – I got small and large ones, as well as burgundy and red ones.

Bows have been going viral on social media for a few months now, so it didn’t come as too much of a surprise that there was a real shortage on the high street.

Luckily I nabbed a four-pack of bow napkin rings (which can double up as a tree decoration) from B&M for £3 which do just the trick in my tree. 

Not only were they affordable, but they affordable dupes were much cheaper and looked practically the same as ones I had my eye on from John Lewis, which are priced at £14 for two. 

Morrisons also had some of the cheapest bows on the high street, with a pack of four at just £1.60. 

And of course I was left jumping for joy when I spotted the IKEA bow door mat for just £8, which if you ask me, is a real bargain.

But that’s not all, as I even kitted out my table with bows too. As well as bow candle holders from Tesco, I also got crackers and napkins from Lakeland that fit with the burgundy and bow decor trend.

I’m equally as obsessed with my Sophie Robinson Christmas bow beaded coasters, which were once £10 but now have been slashed to just £7. 

Not only are they super trendy, but they look incredibly luxurious and far more expensive than they actually are. 

And to top it all off, I even made sure my dinner plates, which are so adorable and are from Primark, had bows on too. 

VINTAGE VIBES

While bows and burgundy are reasonably new Christmas trends, vintage vibes are also getting the expert seal of approval. 

Interior guru Katie recognised: “Anything that is vintage inspired is quite trendy to buy – glass bauble lights, classic nutcrackers, handmade wooden or glass ornaments.  

“Dramatic and oversized is on trend at the moment, with those rich colour palettes and nostalgic vintage decorations.”

To add some vintage vibes to my home this December, I followed Katie’s advice and opted for two cute nutcrackers to go next to my tree.

I nabbed a sweet teddy bear nutcracker from Tk Maxx, which was only £14.99, and my ceramic pink and gold nutcracker from Asda was also reasonably priced at just £14. 

The Range also came through with the Glitter Water Spinner Telephone Box Decoration, which lit up my kitchen counter and was £18.99.

Similarly, the Santa LED Hot Air Balloon is a real showstopper and will add a vintage touch to any home for £24.99. 

Dramatic and oversized is on trend at the moment, with those rich colour palettes and nostalgic vintage decorations

Katie Malik

To channel the vintage vibes in my Christmas tree, I stocked up on fun baubles from John Lewis. 

There were plenty to choose from, and the Heirloom Splendour Retro Santa Head and the Heirloom Splendour Vintage Radio are two of my favourites. 

And to ensure I added a touch of vintage to my sofa, I also added a Cream Nutcracker Cushion which I nabbed in the sale from Matalan. And at £9.75, as well as being soft and cosy, it also adds a chic touch of festive cheer. 

APRES-SKI AND RALPH LAUREN DECOR 

Chloe recognised two other viral trending styles, as she discussed Après-ski touches and Ralph Lauren-style Christmas decor, which according to her, “both lean into slightly more traditional aesthetics.”

Chloe added: “Après-ski combines winter’s much loved cabincore trend with nordic styling to create a luxury lodge feel.

“While Ralph Lauren inspired Christmas decor really leans into the classic red and green colour palette.”

I channelled Chloe’s advice in my home and noticed that the high street has plenty of affordable options for these two trends.

I nabbed the Après-Ski Cushion from Matalan, which was once £13 but has since been reduced to £9.75.

And that’s not all, as I also got my hands on the stylish Aspen Faux Mohair Cushion from Habitat, which is £12 and very trendy. 

Similarly, I slightly leaned into the classic red and green colour palette of Ralph Lauren inspired Christmas decor with my holly tea towel, which was just £4.99 from Tk Maxx. 

ADD A NATURAL TOUCH 

If you haven’t added any nature to your home this season, you’ll need to pay attention. 

According to Chloe: “I recommend incorporating natural elements like pine cones and twigs to create a rustic, yet cosy atmosphere. 

“When paired with soft fabrics like linen or cotton, and subtle metallic accents as part of a mantlepiece or tablescape decoration, these naturistic elements create a look that really stands out.”

And when it comes to trees, Chloe continued: “For those with artificial trees, consider adding foliage such as dried fruit and leaves in and around the branches to create a natural, authentic feel. 

“Opt for artificial trees that have lifelike needles and branches that mimic the look and feel of a real tree. 

“To do this, look for slight variations in tone and texture, as these subtle imperfections are what makes an artificial tree appear realistic.”

To ensure my decorations lived up to Chloe’s standards, I got the Pinecone & Star Single Tealight Holder from John Lewis, which I thought was well-priced at just £10.

As well as this, I also added red berry sprays to my tree, which made it look luxe in seconds.

At £2.29, they’re incredibly great value and a real must-have if you want a tree that’ll leave guests gawping. 

Not only this, but I was also left beaming with Dunelm’s Artificial Red Berry & Spruce Arrangement, which even comes in a gorgeous vase.

It contains vibrant berries, pine cones and more and adds lasting seasonal charm to my pad with no watering or wilting involved. And despite the £40 price tag, it’s a real showstopper that’s already racked up compliments from almost every visitor.

I also followed Chloe’s advice when deciding on which trees to buy – I first of all got the Habitat six foot Mixed Tip Upswept Christmas Tree, which was once priced at £120, but is now half price, and looks incredibly lifelike. 

My second tree, which also mimics the look of a realistic one, is the six foot Pre-lit Ultra Mountain Pine from Christmas Tree World, which doesn’t come cheap at £229.99, but is super easy to assemble and is complete with warm lights. 

LIGHT IT UP 

I’ve always been a huge fan of candles, so I was beaming when the experts told me to stock up.

Interior professional Chloe acknowledged: “Nothing says ‘hosting season’ quite like candlelight. 

“Mixing different shapes and sizes of candles adds dimension and ties the entire room together – giving the space that all-important finishing touch. 

“By strategically grouping candles on mantlepieces or dining tables, it can create special corners, reinforcing a sense of warmth and intentionality. 

“As an extra tip, pair candles with natural touches such as pine cones or garlands, as these can help create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.”  

Not only this, but South African-born British interior designer Kelly Hoppen is also into adding candles to homes this December.

While some might think my table is a bit overkill, why have one candle when you can have six?!

Abigail Wilson

She explained: “When it comes to decorating for Christmas, there are no ‘no-gos’ for me – I say, do whatever makes you happy. It’s Christmas! 

“For the table, I use varying candles like the gold, silver or white ones in my new collection – with pinecones, vintage baubles and some real or faux greenery down the centre.” 

While some might think my table is a bit overkill, why have one candle when you can have six?!

I made sure to stick to the expert’s advice and mixed in tall taper candles, which I picked up from IKEA.

I also nabbed a candy cane candle from Primark and am particularly impressed with my huge White Company candle dupe from Aldi.

I’ve long had my eye on the original, but at £95, I simply can’t justify it. However, Aldi’s viral and affordable dupe is only £24.99, which saved me a whopping £70.01.

Not only this, but I also nabbed a similar botanical candle from The Range for just £5.99, which was £29.01 less than a similar buy from The White Company. 

GO STARRY EYED 

The final trend you won’t want to miss this season involves adding stars around your home.

Chloe explained: “This year, we’re seeing more people move away from traditional round baubles in favour of star-shaped decorations.

“They create a gorgeous visual interest that adds a modern take to traditional Christmas decorations. 

“They also match perfectly with star shaped tree-toppers to give a tree an organised and cohesive look.”

As well as a few star decorations dotted about in my tree which I nabbed on the cheap from Tk Maxx, I was also overjoyed to get my hands on the Rainbow Bell Star Tree Topper, which you can buy for John Lewis for £20.

While I’ve kept the colours to red and burgundy on my tree, this star tops off the festive feels with a splash of colour – and it even jingles too.

But that’s not all, as I also nabbed star wine glasses from Tesco, which were only £3 each but look so much more expensive. 

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