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Photo by Jami Carlton
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Photo by John Magor
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Photo by Joe Bernado
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Photo by Kip Dawkins
Bring back baby’s breath
“Long since abandoned as filler in the grocery [store] flower cooler, baby’s breath is back in a big way, but in large, single-flower clusters. My holiday buffet table will be all white this year, with several airy white mounds of baby’s breath in assorted hand-thrown white pottery vases.”
—Janie Molster, Janie Molster Designs
Make the time
“A piece of advice my mom gave me is probably the most important thing: Designate time on your planner for decorating and un-decorating. That has made all the difference for me. It used to stress me out so much. Set time aside time to [decorate] so that you can actually enjoy it.”
— Natalie Reddell
Involve the kids
“Make a garland out of holiday craft paper. The kids can cut shapes out of the festive paper — we stuck with circles — and then they can hand them to you one by one as you sew them under the sewing machine. The machine will stitch right through the paper and connect them all.”
— Holly Kidwell, Holly Kidwell Interiors
Focus on quality: “Invest in decorations. Splurge once and get the good stuff and every year you will look forward to unpacking and decorating.” — Lesley Glotzl
Keep it real
“Splurge on some live greenery for your mantels, banisters and chandeliers. Fresh evergreens just provide a fullness and draping effect that you can’t get from artificial greenery. I especially love to drape a chandelier with greens and hang ornaments from it. ... You can carry the wonderful scent throughout your home instead of just concentrating it at the Christmas tree.”
— Jennifer Stoner, Jennifer Stoner Interiors
Involve the senses
“Holiday colors don’t always have to be red and green. Metallics are big this season, as well as white! … And don’t forget the smells: paperwhites, pine, spice. All of these evoke the holiday spirit.”
— Susan Jamieson, Bridget Beari Designs
Back to basics
“I am a fan of sticking with the basics in Christmas décor and turning up the volume on abundance. I am a big believer in fresh greens, wreaths, fruit and candles. It may sound a little Colonial Williamsburg, but I think the retail Christmas machine has lured us away from some of the easiest, simplest and prettiest decorations.”
— Janie Molster, Janie Molster Designs
Tie a ribbon: “Festooning your chairs or barstools with a ribbon brings a festive flair to your holiday decoration.” — Jamie Coffey, Williams & Sherrill
Photo by Craig Hutson
Don’t forget the stairs
“Stairs are a great opportunity to place objects that give a festive mood. Lanterns mixed in with pumpkins or small evergreens are a nice accent. Fill the lanterns with acorns or small pinecones, with or without flameless candles. I always paper my risers with a fun print all year round, but for the holidays, you could use a fall- or winter-themed paper.”
— Amy Spearing, Amy Spearing Interiors
