Cork home interiors guru shares secrets to creating festive magic

From trees to tablescapes, Helen Coughlan of Meadows & Byrne has seasonal looks sussed. She talks to Home Editor Eve Kelliher

Helen Coughlan, Meadows & Byrne. Pictures: Miki Barlok

I'm a sucker for the “one and done” idea — I’m looking at you, super-blendable shimmering eye pencils that double up as smoky winter shadows.

Fine, I wouldn’t go so far as the friend of a friend who marks mid-December by levering down his clingfilm-covered Christmas tree from the attic to dodge decorating it every year (hacks for this practice are shared by many on YouTube) but I’m in love with interiors guru Helen Coughlan’s seasonal savvy. “To really pull a well-thought-through look together, it’s a matter of sticking to one theme,” says the Cork businesswoman.

“While many will love the traditional reds of a classic Christmas, keeping to one colour scheme will bring your whole look to another level.”

The relief: Breaking it all down like this makes everything elegant as well as easy — win, win. “The key is to ensure that your dinnerware doesn’t fight or clash with the décor of your room or you’ll be on the back foot before you start,” adds Helen, operations manager and director at Meadows & Byrne.

So how does she figure it out in her own home, a stunning country cottage in Glanmire? Helen takes two days in late November each year to dress her tree and entire house. 

Red-themed tablescape: Gold cutlery set, €59.95, metallic angle plate, €9.95, dinner plate, €9.95, seven-taper holder, antique gold, €49, wine glasses, set of six, €44.95, jacquard runner, €24.95, all Meadows & Byrne. 

“I would describe my own style as classic featuring lots of red but with a modern twist,” says the mum of two. “Christmas colour themes come and go, but the reds are always in demand — still the nation’s favourite!”

She loves a pared-back look but adds this “would go down like a lead balloon” with her children, Louis, 9, and Ava, 14. 

“When you have family and young kids, they’re not going to accept a minimalist approach. It’s just not going to cut the mustard at home. Sentimentality and memory do trump style or trend, so work both in.”

THE TREE

What does Helen look for in a Christmas tree? “The fuller the better,” she says. “If you are opting for an artificial tree it’s important to create a natural look Ensure the trunk is well hidden by pulling each branch outwards but make sure they are not flat.

“Lift the branches up and down, alternating the direction of every second branch as you go to create a ‘full look’.”

LIGHTS

Next, add your lights, says Helen. “I always recommend warm, white LED lights to create the perfect base for decorating,” she says.

And here’s her tip for tackling the tangle trauma: “When adding your lights always start at the bottom.

“To ensure depth and warmth wrap the lead of the lights around the trunk of the tree and weave your lights in and out upwards. The average seven-foot Christmas tree will need two sets of 360 lights.”

DECORATIONS

It seems so obvious, but before you begin, consider the wall colour of the room where the tree will be on show, she says: "Your walls will dictate what's going on."

For the perfect tree look, add layers: "baubles, jewel trimmings and seasonal foliage like rose or poinsettia can really make an impact,” according to Helen.

“To give your tree a sense of volume get a roll of wire from your local florists, tie three different colour baubles together and combine them into one. Stay away from tinsel — it’s done.

TRENDS

“Currently we see collectables as a concept that people love, especially families,” says Helen. “It’s all about the purchase of a particular decoration each year, that ultimately builds up into a full collection, mapping the family’s Christmas journey over the years and preserving the memory attached to each individual tree trim. People also love a fun decoration Christmas shoppers love a little bit of retro-nostalgia!”

Meadows and Byrne tablescape. 

TABLESCAPING

Here’s Helen’s recipe for a feast-like setting: “A variety of stemware of different heights adds a banqueting feel to a table, always including water, white and red wine glasses.”

LIGHTING

Use subtle lighting to create mood and “an unintimidating atmosphere”. “This is essential for an adult table,” she adds. Helen recommends plenty of tealight holders as they are safe and stable on the table and won’t block conversation.

CANDLES

Again, don’t let your love for a dramatic candle centrepiece obscure the vision across the table and ensure the candles sit securely on the piece.

If you’re hosting, take this piece of advice from Helen: “Always, always have place names attached to each setting, it stops that awkward shuffle around the table with guests not quite sure where to perch.”

TABLE TRICK

“A console table or sideboard area removes the hassle of having too much on the table, ideal for extra veg serving dishes, wine stocks and condiments,” says Helen.

Most importantly, set the table well in advance of dinner, she adds. “You will be far too busy prepping, cooking and entertaining to set the table on the fly. Enjoy the process.

Meadows and Byrne tablescape: Leaf-print napkin set, €29, Fantasy dinner plate, €19, salad plate, €15, rattan placemat, €5.95, napkin rings set of four, €17.95, Donner gold reindeer, €22, Holden candle holder, black, small, €25, Holden candle holder, black, large, €29, Chef & Sommelier Krysta white wine glass, set of six, €55. 

“Even if your cooking doesn’t quite live up to your own self-imposed MasterChef standard, a stunning table, weighed heavily with considered detail and an abundance of candle glow, will forgive all!”