HOME & DESIGN

merry & bright

Cheers to the hostess! A beautiful table is always inviting, so add a little something extra special this holiday season. Clockwise from top left: Bernardaud Noel dinner plate; Michael Aram White Orchid wine coaster; Martha Stewart Collection holiday server, created for Macy’s; Vera Wang golden With Love toasting flutes; Michael Aram Vintage Bloom extra-large, 21-inch cheese board with knife; Hermés Mosaique au 24 dinner plate; Versace Virtus holiday dinner plate; and Villeroy & Boch Bellisimo glass dinner plate.

HOLIDAY DECOR IDEAS FOR MERRY-MEMORY MAKING by Karen LeBlanc

Experts Share Tips to Spark Joy This Holiday Season

DECORATING FOR THE HOLIDAYS CAN SPARK JOY BY ENGAGING YOUR SENSES IN A CREATIVE PURSUIT THAT MAKES AND EVOKES HAPPY MEMORIES.

W T hether your holiday decor style is crafty or contemporary, trend-driven or nostalgic-focused, we asked the experts to share ideas to inspire your decorating rituals this season. Their resounding advice — let the latest trends inspire rather than dictate your decorating style.

“I am a big believer that the holiday season is less about trends and more about what’s personal,” says Edward Perotti, one of Hollywood’s top event designers. For inspiration and theme ideas, Edward suggests browsing your local fabric store. “When you find a fabric that interests you, get a couple of yards. This will become your base for tables and other surfaces. Don’t worry about hemming because you can use an iron-on tape or keep it rough, depending on where you land with your inspiration,” says Edward, who has planned parties for celebrities including Ariana Grande and Nick Jonas, and hundreds of

events worldwide.

Celebrity interior designer Jonathan Rachman takes a classic approach to holiday decorating, opting for “old-school” natural materials tinged with nostalgia. “After the pandemic, I believe we all miss the holiday celebrations with our families. I predict nostalgia holiday style is going to be back with a vengeance. Classic traditional holiday decor will be the theme in many households,” Jonathan says. The San Francisco-based designer’s work has appeared in many popular fashion and home magazines. Jonathan recently authored his first monograph, Currently Classic, chronicling his 20-year interior design career.

MAKE MOTHER NATURE FESTIVE

Natural materials capture the sensory experiences of the season, from the fresh scents of pine needles, greenery, cedar, and cinnamon to the textures of twigs, berries and pinecones.

“I always encourage people to use

organic natural material versus plastic and artificial materials. For your wreath, tabletop and Christmas tree, be sure to plan it cohesively. I love using consistent materials throughout the house,” Jonathan suggests. His favorite materials for wreath, tabletop and mantle decorations play with complementary color combinations. fragrance, texture and scale. Natural materials ideal for holiday decorating include magnolia leaves, cedar, Douglas fir, holiday greenery, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, eucalyptus leaves, branches and seeds, olive branches, aspen logs, narcissus, amaryllis, ornamental pepper berry, privet berry and snow berry. “While some of these materials will last longer than others, some will need to be refreshed throughout the holidays,” he says.

Edward also brings the outside in during the holiday season infusing his decor with fresh greenery and garlands around doors, mantles and consoles. He uses wood and faux fur to create themes such as a winter lodge style with pine branches, wood and fake snow. “Keep it feeling organic and homey with candles with pine and woodsy scents,” Edward adds.

DECORATE FOR THE DURATION OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Edward’s number one holiday decorating tip is choosing design elements that carry through the season with minimal change. “Multiple use is the name of the game this

year. Think about your décor needs for different occasions throughout the holiday season.

Consider holiday decor elements that multitask, such as pine, bay leaf or fir tree garland placed around your fireplace for Christmas that you can easily spray paint in a festive color to be reimaged as part of your New Year centerpiece/table runner,” Edward says.

SPARK JOY WITH SPARKLE AND SHINE

Candles set the mood and create sensory experiences with evocative scents of the season. “Don’t underestimate the power of mood lighting. I am all about natural candles with seasonal fragrances, except for my dining table, where I use unscented candles. Use candles all around your home,” Edward says. Style your candles by wrapping the base in materials that

match your theme. “For example, for a winter cabin vibe, wrap the base of each candle in faux fur. It’s simple to set up but it’s a detail that will be noticed,” he adds.

Metallic accents bring in the bling, reflecting flickering candlelight to sparkle up a space. “Shine and metallic don’t always mean bright — it can also be a moody, cool vibe,” Edward says. He suggests playing with contrasts such as black and white, shine, and matte. “Copper, brass and pewter have more depth, so I prefer them to the traditional gold and silver,” he adds.

MAKE MEMORIES WITH MINDFUL DECORATING

Whatever your decorating style, take time to be mindful of the moment — fully present in the sensations of hanging ornaments, scents of hanging wreaths, twinkling tree lights, and the sounds of your favorite holiday music.

The holidays are a time to reflect on family, celebrate traditions, and revel in memories while making new ones, whether unpacking boxes of your children’s handmade ornaments or tissuewrapped heirlooms from generations past.

“Create a moment to connect/reconnect with your family and heritage by teaching and telling stories through decor and food. Share about your history and get others to share as well. As we have been separated for so long, let’s remind ourselves why we are together and why we need each other,” Edward says.

“Honor your family traditions, preserve them to pass on to future generations, and create new ones,” Jonathan adds.

For more decor ideas and inspiration, you can check out edwardaperotti.com and jonathanrachman.com.

Karen LeBlanc is host of The Design Tourist series. She travels the globe attending some of the world’s premiere design events in search of the latest trends, tastemakers and unique finds. Learn more at thedesigntourist.com.