I’m an etiquette expert & it’s tacky to put your Christmas decs up early – the correct date is far later than you think

IF YOU are getting excited about Christmas being around the corner and are wondering when you should put up your tree - you may wish to hang fire for now.

An etiquette expert has revealed the exact date that is the earliest you can decorate without looking tacky.

William Hanson told Fabulous that you shouldn’t consider putting up your decorations before December 20. 

He explained: “The acid test is still very much the later you put your decorations up the more upmarket you and your Christmas décor will be.  

“For 2021, putting everything up and out the weekend of December 20 or 21 will be the most appropriate - but feel free to leave it until a bit later if you want.  

“Generally one finds that those who put their festive adornments up earlier are the fake tree and tinsel brigade.”

William also revealed what decorations you should avoid at all costs, and it is bad news if your tree is fake.

He said: “Anything fake is always a social no-no. 

“The real deal is much smarter and now sustainable, which makes it even better.  

“Accordingly, wreaths, garlands and trees should all be real.

“‘Santa Stop Here’ signs are also tragic.  

“They are the yuletide equivalent of ‘baby on board’ car signs.  

“And remember, in this country we should call him Father Christmas as we’re not American.”

And you should also be careful what fairy lights you buy too. 

William explained: “Fairy lights always look better as white or off-white, although regardless of colour ones that violently flash are totally de trop.”

He also said the UK’s relatively new love of Christmas gonks is “worrying”.

Generally one finds that those who put their festive adornments up earlier are the fake tree and tinsel brigade.

William Hanson

In order to have a classy Christmas, you should aim to not go overboard as “less is definitely more”, said William. 

He added: “A few, tastefully placed pieces of good quality is always better than a deluge of cheap tat.

“Don’t worry that every room has to have something.  There is no need to spruce up lavatories and bathroom.  

“A fig-scented candle or spiced reed diffuser is the most you can get away with in there. 

“Outside your house, resist any downmarket urges to drown the house in lights and inflatable reindeer and snowmen.  

“Illuminating one (existing) tree in lights is a much smarter way to go.”

And as for when you should take decorations down, William said: "Twelfth night, which for 2022 is January 5."

We shared how you are ‘common’ if you have matching Christmas PJs & a faux wreath, etiquette expert claims – how to get it ‘right’.

William also revealed that you’re ‘common’ if you have a fake Xmas tree & tinsel – here’s how to get the festive decor ‘right’.

Meanwhile, these are the best & worst celeb Christmas decor, from Luisa Zissman’s ‘chaotic’ effort to Michelle Keegan’s chic ‘winter wonderland’.