Decorate with Christmas elves, gonks and Santas

Christmas gonks and Christmas gnomes are popular festive decorations, often recognised by their tall hats, soft beards and distinctive noses. Inspired by Scandinavian Christmas traditions, they add a playful touch to seasonal decorating and work particularly well with natural textures, simple greenery and understated Christmas colours.

Place a gonk on a windowsill, sideboard or shelf, or group a few smaller figures together to create a simple festive display. If you prefer a more coordinated look, choose decorations in complementary shades of red, green, grey and neutral tones. Mixing different heights can add interest without making a surface feel overcrowded.

The terms gonks and gnomes are often used interchangeably, so both are worth considering when looking for characterful Christmas decorations.

A Santa figure is a familiar favourite for the festive season. With traditional colours and recognisable details, Santa Claus decorations can bring a sense of nostalgia to your Christmas interior. A larger figure can make a welcoming feature in an entrance or living room, while a smaller Santa works well on a shelf, side table or as part of a display near the Christmas tree.

For a classic Christmas look, pair Santa decorations with greenery, warm lighting and red or gold accents. You can also combine them with other Christmas figurines to create a small seasonal scene. Check the dimensions before choosing a larger decoration to make sure it fits comfortably in your chosen spot.

Christmas elves are often associated with Santa's workshop and the excitement of preparing for Christmas. Their colourful outfits, pointed hats and long legs make them distinctive decorations that bring a playful element to your home.

Arrange Christmas elves on shelves, windowsills or sideboards, or use a taller figure to draw attention to an otherwise empty corner. Some designs have adjustable legs, allowing you to change their height to suit the display. Check the details of each product for its dimensions and features before deciding where to place it.

You don't need to decorate every surface to create a festive atmosphere. Start with one or two key areas, such as a hallway table, living room shelf or windowsill, and build your display around your chosen characters. Smaller figures can sit alongside decorative trees and other ornaments, while larger pieces can stand out on their own.

For more inspiration, browse our Christmas decorations and Christmas lights to add finishing touches to your display. You can also explore the full Christmas assortment for more seasonal ideas.

When the festive season is over, store your decorations carefully to help protect their shape and details, ready to bring them out again next year.