Last-minute Christmas decorations

Two days to go and you're just beginning to feel the Christmas spirit? Don't worry, it's not too late to add some sparkle to your home, which will help to bring the warm feeling of Christmas in.

Here are a few ideas to try out:

A can of spray paint can go a far way. Try spraying (silver, gold or other colour of choice) on to dried leaves, seed pods, dried heliconias and branches and use these in vases or in a tabletop arrangement. Breadfruit leaves are particularly good for this and could be sprayed and used as place mats for the dinner table. Spray-paint items at least a day before the big day. Remember to use drop cloth or old newspaper.

Fill baskets or trays with pine cones, dried coconuts or colourful Christmas ball ornaments, and place on a table.

Make cushion covers out of Christmas fabrics (with poinsettias, etc.) and stuff these with your regular cushions for the season. Or check your favourite home décor store for the covers. It's a quick and easy way to bring the feeling of Christmas to your home.

Poinsettias speak of Christmas time - a pot or a few will brighten any décor.

Make a bouquet of dried plants (you may spray these), tie with a colourful ribbon and hang on your front door for a special welcome - your own home-made Christmas wreath.

Use Christmas garlands as curtain toppers or drapery tie-backs. For an extra pop, add artificial poinsettias to these.

String colourful Christmas ornaments and use these as tie-backs.

Layer different fruits in a large glass bowl to create a natural centrepiece. You may top this with fresh flowers.

Group candles (preferably scented) on a tray and fill the spaces around with river stones, shells or ornaments.

Combine garland and empty ackee pods (filling these instead with small ornaments) to create an interesting tablescape.

Use Christmas ribbons to tie table napkins. You could add small ornaments to this or dried flowers.

Have children make placemats with Christmas designs for the dinner table.

Fay Wint-Smith is an interior designer/editor HHG ('Health, Home & Garden') Magazine