I simply adore the holiday season. It’s a time my husband and I cherish, filling our home with friends and family. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of helping countless clients prepare their homes for this festive time.
Now, I’m thrilled to share my top eight designer-approved tips for hosting and decorating. These ideas will help you create a beautiful, cohesive, and stress-free environment that is sure to impress your guests.
1. Develop a Cohesive Color Story
When starting a holiday decor project, color is always the first conversation. Your holiday palette should be a thoughtful variation of a few shades that harmonize with your home’s existing color scheme.
Subtle & Serene: If your home is already filled with neutrals, lean into a more natural, muted holiday palette. Think soft greens, creams, and earthy metallics for an elevated, subtle look.
Bold & Bright: Want to energize an existing neutral space? Go for a pop of color with brighter reds, deep jewel tones, or even a vibrant, unexpected hue like indigo.
Once you’ve chosen your color story, use it cohesively throughout your entire home. This simple step is what separates a truly designer-quality space from random holiday clutter.
2. Complement Your Existing Home Style
Building on your color palette, think about the style you already have. Your holiday decor should be chosen to complement, not clash with, your everyday aesthetic.
If your home is sleek and modern, choose holiday pieces that share that clean-lined description. You can certainly layer in a few traditional or eclectic items (like a beloved family heirloom!), but use them as unique focal points rather than the overall theme. Incorporating a family piece can be a fun design challenge that makes your decor truly unique!
3. Create a Perfect First Impression
Whatever colors and style you choose, be sure to bring that look to the exterior of your home. A warm and welcoming curb appeal helps set the tone for the hospitality guests will find inside.
The Classic Door: A beautiful, full wreath is a perfect starting point.
Warmth & Light: Lanterns with flameless candles add a touch of color and inviting glow.
Elegant Draping: Wrap garland with warm white lights and drape it artfully around your entryway.
Door as a Gift: For a classic, elegant touch, wrap your entire front door with a large, festive ribbon to make it look like a stunning present.
4. Add Seasonal Touches to Private Spaces
Don’t forget the bedrooms and bathrooms your guests will be using! Adding small, thoughtful seasonal touches here ensures the holiday feel is consistent throughout your home.
This can be a subtle detail, like:
– A seasonal-scented candle or a small wreath on the guest bedroom door.
– Harmonizing Linens: Use guest bed linens, a comforter, or even hand towels that bring in your overall color scheme to unify the design.
5. Stock Up on a Few Guest Favorites
Hospitality is all about making your guests feel seen and cared for. Show them you remember the little things!
Make a note of a few of their favorite indulgences—anything from a specific type of chocolate or wine to a favorite scented lotion. You can leave a small welcome note and basket in their room with these items. Taking this extra time ensures your guests feel truly comfortable and at home.
6. Incorporate Natural Elements
Whenever possible, bring the outside in! Natural elements ground your decor and add an organic, timeless beauty that mass-produced decorations can’t replicate.
Depending on where you live, you might be able to gather your own inspiration and items with a nature walk. If that’s not your style, excellent options are readily available—you can even have fresh spruce sprigs, pinecones, and greenery delivered right to your door.
Display them creatively:
– Use them to create a beautiful tablescape centerpiece.
– Tuck sprigs into a garland on your mantle or mirror.
– Consider hanging fresh wreaths on interior windows.
7. Curate the Perfect Playlist
Sound is just as important as sight when creating an unforgettable atmosphere. A curated playlist is a fantastic way to welcome guests and create a memorable environment.
Pro Tip: When you send out invites, ask your guests to share a favorite song or artist. This allows you to prepare a mix ahead of time that feels uniquely personal. Whether you stick to classic themed holiday music or keep it general depends on the goal of your gathering, but the element of personalization always shines through!
8. Simplify and Prep Your Menu
My favorite tip I ever received as a host was to simplify the menu. Don’t try to make ten different dishes.
Instead, think like a gourmet restaurant: focus on one or two delectable sides and a fantastic main dish, accompanied by a side salad and a seasonal dessert.
Crucially, invest in preparation time a day or two early. Prepare everything that can be done ahead of time so that when your guests arrive, you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying their company—and less time stressed in the kitchen.
We are off to our new design project.
Fondly,
Pamela Hope Designs
MEET PAMELA, A LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGNER IN HOUSTON
Pamela O’Brien is the founder of Pamela Hope Designs in Houston, Texas. Pamela is an award-winning luxury interior designer, writer, and speaker. Prior to founding Pamela Hope Designs, Pamela served as a spokesperson in media and public affairs, working with media outlets like Dateline NBC and 48 Hours. This experience allowed her to travel the world and furthered her love for travel, culture, and interior design. After attending an executive course at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Pamela launched her own interior design firm full-time. Pamela is known for building strong relationships with her clients, who later become friends and collaborators. She is highly influential in the Houston interior design space and shows no signs of slowing down.
