Festive Creativity Takes Centre Stage as the Christmas Theatre Delights Visitors on Opening Day

The Christmas Theatre proved to be one of the standout attractions on the opening day of the Ideal Home Show Christmas, drawing packed audiences and filling the hall with festive excitement. Visitors were treated to a programme of inspiring demonstrations and expert-led tutorials, each designed to spark creativity and elevate seasonal living at home.

Melanie Lissack’s Festive Wreath Workshop Delighted Crowds
One of the first sessions to captivate attendees was How To Make A Festive Christmas Wreath, led by four-time award-winning interiors blogger and stylist Melanie Lissack. Known for her seasonal craft projects and elegant floral creations, Melanie guided the audience through the process of building a decorative wreath that could be hung proudly on the front door or used as a show-stopping table centrepiece.

Her warm, creative approach made the session both accessible and inspiring, and the crowd was visibly enthralled as she shared clever styling tricks and insider tips shaped by her collaborations with brands from Laura Ashley to Dunelm. Many fans stayed afterward to catch a glimpse of her latest projects, often seen on her popular Instagram account, @melanielissackinteriors.

Annie Sloan Brought Artistic Magic to the Stage
The excitement continued as world-renowned decorative painting expert Annie Sloan took to the stage to explore The Joy of a Hand-Painted Christmas. With effortless charm and creative flair, Annie demonstrated how her iconic Chalk Paint® could be used to craft Matisse-inspired Christmas decorations - bold, joyful pieces that brought colour and energy to the season.

Visitors were keen to learn from the celebrated author and designer, whose 27 books and revolutionary approach to furniture painting have influenced creatives across the globe. Her session felt like a masterclass in artistic expression, delivered by someone whose contribution to interior design was formally recognised in 2023 with a CBE.

Style Makers Elevated the Art of Festive Tablescaping
The atmosphere at the Christmas Theatre remained electric as the Style Makers took the stage for their much-anticipated Festive Tablescaping demonstration. This talented duo shared their professional secrets to designing a picture-perfect Christmas dining table, from layering textures to incorporating seasonal colour palettes. Their beautifully styled table settings drew admiration from the crowd, who eagerly photographed the details and scribbled notes on how to recreate the look at home. The session was equal parts relaxing and inspiring, offering visitors a glimpse into the art of holiday hosting.

Missed These Highlights? Plan Ahead for More
Day 1 set the tone for an unforgettable line-up of demonstrations and expert sessions throughout the show. If you’re planning your visit, make sure you check the Christmas Theatre timetable so you can catch the talks that spark your festive imagination.