John Lewis could bankrupt me at this time of year. Their Christmas bauble selection is always inspiring and it is not uncommon for me to get carried out away and then feel slightly winded when I hand my debit card over at the till.
As much as I love a glass winter palace and a sparkly leopard head, old-school decorations still give me the fizzy. My Mum was the queen of the crepe paper when I was a child and you can work wonders with a roll of cotton wool.
Most cheering is a paper chain. Hours of fun can be had glueing strips of paper together. There are loads of kits on the market, all pre-cut, pre-glued and mess free. If you are feeling crafty you can make the paper strips yourself and wield the PVA glue with abandon. Add glitter at will.
There is something deeply satisfying about creating long, bright chains. Deck the tree, use them as garlands, wind them through bannisters – all gorgeous. If you have the patience to make loads you can also pile them under the tree to hide the pot or legs. The humble paper chain can do it all.
It is the most basic of craft projects, everyone can get involved and everywhere will look festive. Basically, the fizzy dream.