The festive period is often filled with long-standing traditions, with many families having adopted many of their own over the years.
One high-profile family whose long-standing Christmas Day traditions have filtered down into many people’s homes is the British royal family. Whether it be dressing up to attend church on Christmas morning or tuning into the King’s speech at 3pm, royal traditions are already a part of many people’s festive season, but why not go the whole way?
In the US searches for ‘British Christmas’ are up 116% this month whilst on this side of the Atlantic searches for ‘Royal Family Christmas’ are also up 425%, suggesting that many people are intrigued and inspired by the idea of a traditional British Christmas.
So, to help people create their own regal vibe this Christmas, British clothing brand Joules has provided advice on small ways you can add a royal touch to your day to help ensure you and yours have a right royal time.
- Cohesive colour palette
“To achieve an understated elegance, focus on a cohesive colour palette for your Christmas wardrobe – consisting of forest green, deep red, navy, gold, and silver. To effectively capture a royal theme, avoid using too many sparkles or bright colours. Instead, choose muted tones that are subtle yet sophisticated.
“These tones also make great colour schemes for your decorations – if you’re planning a royal-inspired table setting, choose napkins, centrepieces and place settings in these classic colours. ”
- Add a Touch of Royal Blue
“The clue is in the name but adding hints of royal blue throughout your Christmas day is a sure way to add a regal touch. For a put-together but comfy look on the day opt for a rugby shirt with a blue stripe, a go-to look for Princess Diana back in the 90’s. For a dressier look men should consider a pair of blue tailored trousers paired with a shirt, whilst for women a blue/navy midi skirt or dress is a great choice.
“You can also incorporate hints of royal blue into your décor. Add some navy ribbons to your tree, include pops of blue in your tablescape or invest in some navy accent cushions.”
Perfect gift for him: Montague Burgundy Fleece Lined Dressing Gown
- Classic Silhouettes
“Tailored outerwear has long been a favourite of the royal family when they embark on their Christmas Day walk to and from the Church at Sandringham. Adopting a classic silhouette for your look, like Princess Kate, is sure to elevate your look. Styles such as midi-length dresses, tailored trousers, or A-line skirts will help you achieve this.
“If you’re heading out on Christmas day, make sure to opt for a classic blazer or a longline tailored coat, a coat with a belt will help further accentuate your silhouette.”
- Luxe Winter Fabrics
“Whether you spend your day in loungewear or dress up for the occasion, the best way to inject a bit of royal style to your look is by making sure your outfit is made from a luxe winter fabric. Velvet is a firm favourite amongst the royal family, having been donned by Princess Kate, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and most recently Prince William stepped out in a blue velvet blazer.
“Opt for rich, textured fabrics like velvet, wool, cashmere or tweed, not only are they warm but they have a luxe feel, so even in your PJ’s, you’ll feel as fancy as a royal.
“This trick can also be translated in your homeware choices on the day, for a regal feel opt for white or ivory table linens paired with classic silver hardware. Add rich textures through your napkins and table decorations, velvet is a great choice for these.”
Christmas Day outfit: Melanie Green Velvet Blouse & Green Velvet Straight Leg Trousers
- Elegant Embellishments
“For a regal touch think about incorporating elegant touches into your outfit with velvet or satin accessories, such as ribbons in your hair. Consider adding some royal-inspired jewellery to your look in the form of emeralds, sapphires or even some pearls for something more festive. Pearls were a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, always worn for special occasions and now the tradition has been carried on by Princess Kate.
“These embellishments can even be added to your gifts for an extra special touch. Add velvet or satin ribbons to your wrapping with a touch of greenery like a sprig of pine or rosemary and finish your cards with a wax seal.”
- Family Coordination
“There’s nothing more royal than the prestige of a Christmas family portrait. One way to incorporate the tradition of coordination into your Christmas day is by establishing a theme for the day. Ensure each member of the family sticks to the same complimentary colour palette to create a polished, unified look that’s portrait-ready.
“Alternatively, if dressing up on the day is not your style you can adopt the matching sentiment into your loungewear choices. Why not elevate the matching family PJ’s tradition with matching family robes?”
Mini Me Matching for her: Matilda Pink & White Fleece Lined Striped Dressing Gown & Girls’ Matilda Pink & Cream Stripe Fleece Dressing Gown
Mini Me Matching for him: Boys’ Montague Green & Blue Stripe Fleece Dressing Gown & Montague Green & Navy Stripe Fleece Lined Dressing Gown
For more inspiration for your Christmas Day look visit the Joules website.
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