Create a summer-ready festive home that welcomes and inspires

Can you believe the festive season is upon us again? 2025 has flown by and while some may argue that November is too soon to put up the Christmas tree, it’s definitely not too soon to start introducing about festive décor and how to bring the spirit of the season into your home. It’s not all about Christmas decorations though – it’s also the time of year for al fresco dining and long summer evenings enjoyed with friends and family creating that warm, celebratory atmosphere that makes the season truly special.

Jawitz Properties has put together this guide to striking the perfect balance between holiday cheer and relaxed, welcoming vibes. The secret to success lies in setting the scene with the right décor, creative al fresco dining and entertaining ideas, staging your home to host gatherings and adding finishing touches and personal flair.

Setting the scene with holiday décor

One of the great things about living in South Africa is that Christmas-time is summer time.

Decorating for the holiday season is all about creating a light, airy ambience, which is easy to achieve with a palette of soft whites, creams and sandy tones that work beautifully in any setting. You can then add surprising pops of red and green to introduce the Christmas spirit.

This year’s Christmas trends centre around creativity and simplicity. The focus is on texture, warmth and personal touches. There’s also a strong emphasis around eco-friendly décor, with synthetic wreaths being exchanged for ones handmade with love, using South African florals and greenery, from king proteas to clivia berries and yellowwood twigs. Pair your wreath with fairy lights and some personalised decorations to create a festive décor scheme to remember.

Creative al fresco dining and entertaining ideas

With longer days and balmy evenings, al fresco dining and entertaining say “summer in South Africa” like nothing else. Think about meals that can be served in versatile manners, such as tapas, braai platters or fresh salads that are easy to share and enjoy outdoors. Comfortable seating with cushions or throws invite guests to linger long into the evenings, while small decorative touches like festive napkin rings or mini potted plants can make your outdoor entertainment area feel thoughtfully curated.

Lighting is another important element of your outdoor entertainment area, and it be both practical and beautiful. String lights can be draped across patios to create a warm, inviting glow. They can also be hung between trees or on fences to create a relaxed environment. Solar garden lights are another great option, perfect for illuminating walkways and creating a soft ambience.

Presenting your home to host gatherings

Perhaps you don’t have an outdoor entertainment area, or maybe a summer storm has driven your gathering indoors. Whatever the case, there are plenty of ways to style your home’s interior so it feels warm, inviting, and perfectly suited for the holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas or simply enjoy the summer break with loved ones, your home can still look festive, relaxed, and ready to host.

First things first: make space. Clear away as much clutter as you can to make space. Remove unnecessary furniture, ornaments and bulky décor to make your space feel airy and social. Decorate for the occasion with greenery, flesh flowers and dashes of seasonal colour.

Creating zones for socialising is a great way to make way for conversations. Set up drinks stations and snack tables so that your guests can help themselves and mingle easily.

If your home naturally spills from the living room to the patio or garden, use it to your advantage. Shift your furniture just enough to open up movement, create little pockets for conversation, and keep pathways effortless. Your space should feel like it invites people to wander, mingle, and settle in.

Adding your signature touches that make your home shine

Adding the finishing touches to your holiday season décor is about capturing the essence of a southern hemisphere summer - it’s easy, breezy and light-filled, while still bringing in the festive moments you love.  The added touches that make your décor uniquely “you” are the pièce de résistance. A rising trend in recent years has been Christmas baubles emblazoned with family members’ names. Handmade items, festive memories in photo frames and children’s crafts all add heart and authenticity to your festive décor.

Above all, the holiday season is a time to relax, recharge and reconnect with the people you love. The Jawitz Properties team wishes you and yours a wonderful end to 2025 and as always, we’re here to help with all your property needs.