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As the holidays approach, we often find ourselves in a mad scramble working to create the perfect family celebration. These days there are fewer times that families can actually sit down together for a meal making it important to treat these occasions as celebrations.

We dust off our recipe boxes to find time honored recipes for “Grandmas Pumpkin Pie”. I advise clients to shop their own shelves and find the perfect recipe for a holiday tablescape.
We tell our clients to gather up their grandmother’s dishes, and anything else of sentimental value, and use them during the holidays to make their home feel warm and cozy. My mother-in-law gave me two sets of silverware, one in gold and one in silver. I bring these sets out at Christmas and use them. It is the only time my family sees them. I pretend not to see the eyes rolling when I mention that these dishes need to be hand washed, and bask in the familiar conversations that occur as the water flows into the sink. My daughter and son quip back and forth as they relate their memories of relatives long past. The ever present smart phones are nowhere to be found as the dishes are washed, dried, and put up until next time.

My design team always finds ways to blend the old with the new when decorating homes for the holidays. We often suggest combining greenery from the homeowners’ property with a fantastic amaryllis or new centerpiece. We love to use wreaths because they are easy to change. You can be as creative as you want, similar to an artist working with a blank canvas. I never put the same wreath on my front door. Sometimes I will use it over the mantle and other times I have one at the front and back entrances.

Lastly, for those of you who get stressed out by READING this article because you dread decorating, let one of our designers come decorate your home for the holidays using the things you love. Call early so you can get on our calendar.

For more ideas, please join us for our Christmas Open House Thursday, November 1st. from 10:00 to 7:00. My elves are busy filling our showroom with lots of treats and temptations. Enjoy live entertainment and refreshments as you become inspired.

Happy Holidays
June