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Laura Whitmore 'incredibly excited' as she's named judge for UK competition

The Irish presenter is 'incredibly excited' to be hosting a new Christmas competition where you could be the winner.

[Laura Whitmore attends the ITV 70th Anniversary Celebration at Guildhall]

The TV star is 'incredibly excited' to be part of a new Christmas competition (Image: Getty Images)

British households are supersizing their Christmas decorations - with nearly half putting up two or more trees this year. A poll of 2,000 adults who decorate for the season found one in 10 plan to have more trees in their home this year compared to previous ones, with the living room, dining room and hallway the most popular rooms to decorate.

Over half are also spending more time and money on deciding and organising the trees, decorations and lights at Christmas now than they did 10 years ago. This is because it makes them happier and they want to make a welcoming space for loved ones.

Whats more, a third think it makes their home look better in snaps. The luxury artificial Christmas tree and decor brand Balsam Hill conducted the research to launch its competition to find the UKs most talented, self-taught tree-decorator.

The winner will design a festive wonderland for presenter and Christmas enthusiast, Laura Whitmore. The Irish media personality said, Christmas has always been my favourite time of year, so Im incredibly excited to be judging this competition and to help celebrate all the amazing talent out there."

I always collect a new bauble from every place I visit, so when I decorate, Im reliving all those beautiful memories," she added.

Thats what I love most about Christmas decorating- its so personal. I cant wait to see how people across the UK express their stories and style through their trees.

The study found as many as 18% will have their tree up before the end of November. But as many as 17% wont get theirs sorted until between December 15th and 24th.

Theyll spend an average of four hours ornamenting the trees along with other rooms in the house, with Londoners taking a marathon 5.27 hours. Meanwhile, men were more likely to spend the most time and money decorating, compared to women, spending 4.35hrs vs 3.68hrs and 79.28 vs 49.69 respectively.

This year, less than one in five of Gen-Z will be using an angel as the topper this year, with the star deemed more popular for 47%. However, tinsel is making a comeback with 27% of Gen-Z, 31% of Millennials and 44% of Boomers planning on using it on their tree this year.

For more than a third, decorating their home for Christmas is one of the most important parts of the season, and often involves putting Christmas music on, sipping festive drinks and wearing a Christmas jumper to set the mood.

Mac Harman, CEO of Balsam Hill, says, Weve seen a clear shift in Christmas decorating to become a significant creative outlet and an opportunity to stand out. Its no longer just a hobby; for many, it's a creative performance where their tree is the star.

Our research shows that Christmas is now a showcase, and many are honing their craft so much that theyre an amateur interiors expert for friends and family.

Our Top of The Tree competition is here to give these talented individuals the spotlight they deserve. We want to celebrate the passion and skill that goes into creating a memorable Christmas.

THINGS PEOPLE DO WHILE DECORATING THEIR CHRISTMAS TREE:

1. Put Christmas music on

2. Sing along to the music

3. Take photos or videos

4. Hang up sentimental ornaments

5. Light a Christmas-scented candle

6. Wrap a few presents to place under the tree

7. Watch a Christmas movie in the background

8. Sip on a festive drink

9. Wear a Christmas jumper

10. Share the moment with family or friends via video call

11. Sharing pictures of my decorating on social media

12. Bake Christmas cookies

13. Put on a Santa hat or reindeer antlers

14. Dance around the tree

15. Get pets involved

16. Play a festive game or quiz

17. Make a DIY ornament

18. Listening to a podcast

19. Lifestream my decorating on social media

20. Read a Christmas story aloud

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