Donna Chalas FOR THE LOVE OF DECORATING
By Rana Aytug
Donna Chalas, born in the USA, has been living in Greece for 25 years and is the owner and head artist of Donna's Sweets and Events. The first of its kind in the country, Donna's is a prestigious cake design studio devoted to creating the most spectacular and glamorous cakes, sweets, events, weddings and decorations for all type of celebrations. Chalas is well known as an artist who designs extraordinary edible and non-edible works of art. The unique combination of craft and incredible originality of designs, together with the most exquisite and innovating ideas have made her cakes and decorations the favorites of the most exclusive events of Greece.
What inspires you most in your designs?
Katherine Collection Collectable Dolls and Decorations by Wayne Kleski… amazing characters that spring from Wayne Kleski's imagination...just pure fantasy! Brilliantly painted angels, feathery fairies and puckering fish dangle swimming from the ceilings, while mischievous elves and masked jesters seem to wink from the shadows. Apple-cheeked Santas in sumptuous velvet robes are frozen in mid-belly laugh. And everywhere, there is a touch of glitter...I love glitter! Wayne's eclectic creations have sent my Imagination into overdrive for more that 25 years.
What is your most favorite project and why?
Every design project is my favorite… it is always the one I just finished that I love the best.
What is the most favorite part of designing?
I am not an interior designer, I studied fine art. I am an event and holiday designer, which gives me some flexibility and extravagance in what I design. For me it is about adding a fun and whimsical touch to the great work of an interior designer or DYI home decorator. I have the best of both worlds.
What are some trends for Christmas decorations this year?
One tree is not enough! Many families are having two to three trees in their home. One for the family room, one “adult” tree and one tree for the kids. And forget about tree toppers…they are so passé!!! Just add extra fullness at the top of the tree with flowers or full fluffy bows. Ribbon is in...tinsel is out... Christmas lights, lights, lights and more lights...The most elegant trees can have few ornaments and decorations, but the more lights there are the better for creating and elegant and regal look. Do not skimp on lights.
Can you also tell us more about the design services you provide?
Donna's Sweets & Events is a onestop solution for all your events and festive holiday decorating needs from a small intimate dinner party at your home to a birthday celebration, charity theme event, luxury wedding to holiday decorations and happenings such as Christmas, Easter, Eid and christenings. We are based in Athens, Greece, and Atlanta, Georgia. I design events in the USA, Europe and the Middle East. I specialize in the design and installation of interior and exterior Christmas decorations for businesses and residential properties. I also specialize in creating perfect winter wonderland weddings and fabulous themed Christmas and New Year parties. Over the years my client list has grown to include some of the world’s top hotel brands, restaurants, prestigious venues, retail venues as well as some of the most stunning residences
in the world including here in Jordan. Christmas decoration and design can range in price from $500 to $20,000 and up...there is a budget for everyone!
What is your favorite part about Christmas decorations?
Once upon a time, there was an event designer who was a little bit obsessed with all things Christmas. She loved the lights, the decorations, the trees, ornaments. . .all of it. Hello, my name is Donna and I have a Christmas decorating obsession. I have always been crazy about Christmas and I’m not sure there are any limits. When it comes to Christmas decorating, it’s the one time of the year when I can get a bit crazy and go way over! It’s what makes this time of the year so exciting and fun.
If you could collaborate on a project with any designer, who
would you select and what project would you design together?
I would like to create New Christmas characters with Wayne Kleski What a creative trip that would be! I would also love to create an amazing float for the Brazilian carnival.
What does the Christmas season signify for you and how can homeowners on a budget decorate for the season?
Some DIY holiday decorations use several recyclable materials for your desired holiday decoration at home. This offers another appearance if you use old CDs and cut them into bits and glue them to old Christmas ball ornaments. You can also utilize yarn balls, old socks, thumbprints and even Lego to make lovely and multicolored decorations. Fill your tree with Christmas lights. Apart from that you don't really
need to acquire a fancy Christmas tree, you can utilize tumble weeds, driftwood, hard book covers and wine corks. Also, a Christmas tree doesn't have to be at all times huge. You don't need to overspend when buying holiday ornaments or any other Christmas décor. I recommend purchasing one very nice ornament to add to your collection every year. Ask your friends and family to give you a Christmas decoration as your Christmas gift. You will build a super collection in no time. Make an extra-special table setting. You should also think about placing additional efforts on your Christmas table decorations. You can hang mistletoe over your dining table, customize the place settings by adding a poinsettia flower to each dinner napkin, place a wreath in the middle of your table with lovely candles or sweet treats for the kids. Learn to play the with colors and angles to attain that amazing Christmas table decoration.
What do you remember about your first project and how has your style evolved since then?
As a professional art teacher turned event and holiday decorator I believe in handmade! I believe you can never truly create a home and family ambiance in your Christmas decor without some DYI projects! In my beginnings I may have incorporated more handmade decorations than I do now, although I still do make many things with my hands. These days there are so many decorations readily available that it is more cost effective to buy them sometimes.
How do you go about striking the balance between space, scale and proportion?
Your tree should always fit your room like a glove. It should look as if it was made for the space, not too big and shoved in and not too small as if it were a second thought. The amount of decor or decorations in your room or on your tree is a very personal issue; everyone has different taste. No two people are the same and there is decoration that is just perfect for each person.
If you could give your younger self, who had just ventured into this profession, a piece of advice from all that you have learned to this day, what would it be?
Decorating in a client’s home or office is a one-on-one personal interaction. As an artist you have a vision that you want to create, but many clients are not able to see your artistic vision, and during the progress some clients may not like the proposed designs. My recommendation is to have a lot of patience and try to explain your vision.
What are some common decorating mistakes many home owners make and how can they be avoided?
1. Avoid gimmicky items like nodding quaking penguins and skiing Santas in your main living and entertaining areas of your home. If you have young ones, I suggest having these items in other rooms like kitchens, bedrooms or playrooms if possible to keep your main display beautiful.
2. Do not expect perfection, being perfect is brilliant, but don't let it take the fun out of decorating. Let your personality shine through in this festive season and ensure you put a personal touch on your trees and displays even if you hire a professional Christmas designer this year, put your foot down and keep some of your personal style and taste in your home decoration! My Christmas signature this year is incorporating themed objects such as dolls, animals, ribbons, whether you put them around the bottom of the tree or mixed into the trees and wreaths - it will give a new depth to your decorating.
3. While decorating in your formal living room, sitting room and entertaining areas, always try to keep the decor in the traditional Christmas colors of red, green, gold or silver or choose to blend theme with your rooms style, color scheme and design.
How would you describe the design of your own home?
My style, there is never too much Christmas! Disclaimer: extreme Christmas decorating should not be tried at home without the guidance of an expert.
