Christmas in a small space

If you've downsized, live alone after a separation, or have one room that has to do everything, Christmas decorating can feel like a puzzle. A full-size tree takes the space where the chair goes, and boxes of decorations have nowhere to live in January.

The answer is usually height, light and one strong focal point. Go up the walls rather than across the floor, use lights to make the room glow, and decorate one spot properly rather than scattering pieces everywhere.

Small-space mistakes to skip

• Too many small pieces. Twenty little ornaments on every surface read as clutter. Three bigger ones read as decoration.
• A tree that blocks the walkway. Measure the spot first, including the width at the bottom branches.
• Buying for a house you don't have. If it won't fit in your storage, it'll cost you space all year.

If you're on your own this Christmas

Decorating for yourself is worth doing. A few lights in the window and a favourite ornament on the table can make a home feel like yours. Keep it as simple as you like.

Lights and candles: check cables for damage before you hang them, don't overload sockets or extension leads, switch lights off when you go out or go to bed, and keep candles away from greenery and fabric. See the Electrical Safety Foundation International holiday safety tips (US) or London Fire Brigade Christmas fire safety (UK).