The Ideal Home Show Christmas brought an enchanting blend of festive inspiration and stylish seasonal finds to Olympia London from November 27th to December 1st. From beautiful decorations and thoughtful gifts to the latest home interiors and indulgent treats, this year’s event was a celebration of Christmas under one roof.
One of the show’s most exciting highlights was the debut of the Ideal Christmas Home. This full-sized, life-like home invited visitors to step inside a beautifully styled festive retreat, showcasing unique interiors and Christmas decor from some of the UK’s most beloved brands and emerging independent designers. The Ideal Christmas Home isn’t just a display, but an immersive experience designed to inspire, featuring fully furnished rooms like the Laura Ashley dining and living rooms and a beautifully decorated hallway by Not On The High Street. Warm up your space in style with the sleek, eco-friendly fireplaces from Bentley Bioethanol Fires, featured throughout the home and adding to the magic, Lights4fun will showcase how festive lighting can transform any space. To top it off, visitors saw a New Year’s Eve-themed games room that adds a playful twist, and visitors could finish their tour with a glass of bubbly at the Champagne Bar.
For those seeking something truly special, the new Ideal Christmas Handmade Village spotlighted small businesses, offering visitors the chance to discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts that you won’t find on the high street. And no festive event would be complete without delicious food and drink. The Eat & Drink Festival, held alongside the main show, brings together a variety of Christmas food stalls and deli-style stands, serving everything from festive street food to artisanal treats. There were also be live demonstrations from talented chefs, sharing tips for the perfect holiday feast.
This year’s line-up of celebrity guests and experts added to the excitement. Keith Brymer Jones, renowned British ceramicist and co-judge of The Great Pottery Throw Down, joined, along with gardening expert David Domoney, co-presenter of ITV’s Love Your Garden. Fans of Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals saw judge Cherish Finden, while Matt Smith Wood, finalist from BBC Interior Design Masters, also made an appearance, sharing his expertise on festive decor.
Visitors could get hands-on with a variety of workshops, from wreath making with natural materials to festive wine tastings and cocktail mixing. There was also the chance to create your own Christmas decorations, perfect for adding a personal touch to your holiday celebrations.
For even more inspiration, visitors could head to the Christmas Theatre for free 45-minute sessions where experts guided them through creating stunning centrepieces as well as showcased live cooking demos. They could learn everything from how to prepare a Caribbean-style Christmas feast with Chef Dom, winner of Channel 4’s Five Star Kitchen, to mastering the art of traditional holiday treats like mince pies and chocolate logs.
With so many unique experiences and expert insights, this year’s Ideal Home Show Christmas was a must-visit for anyone looking to make their festive season extra special.