These are some of the items I’m using for holiday décor this year — they’re my faves. Hopefully you can also find something for decking your halls! This year, I kept things simple. In fact, if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably only use a third of your décor. After all, it’s the little things that make the biggest statement when decorating your home for the holidays. Of course, your tree is the star … so make that fabulous! I found the most beautiful glass balls (see below) to add to our tree, and along with special family ornaments, they nicely compliment the beaded garland and pinecones.
Once you’ve set the stage with your tree, you can add other festive touches here and there. Bowls of pinecones, small “tabletop” faux trees, accents of vintage ribbon tied around vases or candles, beautiful wrapping paper for presents under the tree, new hand towels at the ready for bar clean up … you get the idea. Switch out a few things and your home will feel ready!
Clouz Houz Tip: One of the easiest things you can do to make your home feel festive is use cut fresh greenery. Mix it in with faux stems for arrangements all around the house. This helps the faux look more real, AND you don’t have to worry about the entire arrangement drying out and looking horrible by Christmas!
Next week on the blog, I’ll be sharing more tips and pics for the holidays, as well as ways you can bring little festive touches to your home this holiday season.
1
8' Faux Tree
This is our first year with a faux tree, and we must admit, it's pretty nice! No debating about the tree being too small or too big, or straightening it in the stand, or untangling and adding lights, etc. What a major production! This year, it took me all of 30 minutes to assemble and fluff the branches -- gotta love that. We purchased this pre-lit, 8' King Noble Fir and it's very realistic. I do miss the smell of a fresh tree, but we added plenty of fresh cut cedar throughout the house ... and besides, that's what candles are for!
2
Faux Wreath with rope
This wreath is soooooo good for the price! I added a few clippings of real cedar and pine to each one to fill it out a bit, but otherwise it's realistic and cute. Hang it in a window, over a bed, or in a bathroom for a festive touch.
3
Buffalo Check Wrapping Paper
I'm all about wrapping pretty packages! I typically try to find a color palette that I also want to use for under the tree. This year, I went with navy and white buffalo check paper from the Amber Interiors Collection for Etsy. I also used mustard yellow velvet ribbon, and brown butcher paper with navy velvet ribbon. And, I found the cutest little green pine sprays from Amazon to add to each package's bow.
4
Iridescent Glass Ornaments
These ornaments are the perfect addition to our Winter Wonderland-vibe tree!I wanted something that was subtle but pretty with the white lights. This set comes in varying shades of white, light brown and the prettiest blush color. I ordered two sets, and they really don't disappoint.
5
Tabletop Tree with Lights
This tree is the perfect size for tabletop. We installed it on the table in our office/dining room, and it's so pretty when lit up! It also looks great in a basket with nothing else. It's all about simple greens and white lights in this case.
6
Tree Collar
In years past, we have wrapped the base of our tree in a blanket or tree skirt. But, this year, we finally decided to try a tree collar. This one is simple yet gorgeous, and we're really happy with it.
7
Kitchen Dish Towel
I bought a couple of these kitchen dish towels to have on hand at our bar and sink area. They come in handy, and don't feel so holiday-ish that you couldn't extend their use beyond the holidays. I could see also using them for wrapping a bottle of champagne as a holiday party hostess gift!
8
Mohair Throw Blanket
This blanket is super soft and cozy. It comes in a beautiful green as well, but I chose the charcoal grey since I knew it would go the distance beyond the holidays. These blankets are the perfect accompaniment for curling in by the fire and watching a good Christmas movie.
I used this ribbon everywhere, from wrapping packages to tying bows on wreaths. It's the perfect weight, and easy to tie. And, I LOVE choosing a color that is a bit out of the "norm." Although this reads somewhat gold, it gives a more current look to an old time, traditional holiday color.
10
Beaded Garland
We love the natural quality this garland added to our tree! It would also look equally beautiful strung on a mantle with garland. I used the natural color (which is now sold out), but the brown color is really pretty as well. In fact, I may have to snag some to add to the garland I strung on our living room fireplace.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about how I run my business… so whether you are a prospective client or a new designer here’s something I wanted to share…
After 15+ years, I can tell you this: running a design studio is about so much more than creating something beautiful.
Most days, it feels like 80% of my job is understanding people—how they live, what they need, what matters to them and only 20% is the actual design. And honestly, that might surprise you.
A lot of how I operate comes from my early career as an Executive Assistant at Nike, where I learned the value of being organized, anticipate needs, and keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. That foundation shapes everything we do.
Because in the end, it’s not just about pretty homes… it’s about creating spaces that truly support the people living in them. And the process in getting there can completely change the entire experience.
So if you are questioning if you have what it takes to do this, or maybe you are considering working with us- know this: if you think designers are just “creatives” you are wrong- it’s also all the unsexy stuff - the process in which we create a beautiful space.
If you want your home to feel more custom, look up.
One pet peeve is when electricians “swiss cheese” your ceiling with a bunch of recessed can lights. By strategically placing them you can get a beautiful and seamless look. Standard recessed lights have a visible trim that creates a subtle shadow line on the ceiling.
These 3” mud-in recessed lights are installed and finished directly into the drywall, so there’s no trim, no harsh edge, no visual interruption. Seamless.
A subtle ceiling detail I have never done before but I’m soooo glad we did!
It’s quieter. Cleaner. More intentional.
Save this and bring it up early in your planning phase. This is a detail WORTH considering! Also, If you want the exact lights we used comment ‘ME’ and we will DM you the link.
Happy St Patty’s Day! I used to love celebrating this holiday when I was younger… the excitement every morning coming into the kitchen before school and pinching my parents if they weren’t wearing their item of green. Did you do this too? So much fun!
I still love the color green. From rich paint colors to heirloom-inspired accents, garden textures, and even a fresh cocktail recipe (because obviously)… I pulled together everything inspiring me this month.
Green is a classic imo. It feels alive. It feels hopeful. It feels like the shift into spring.
Cover image is from a dear friend’s son’s bathroom and I absolutely loved that she wanted to go green in the shower. All the other images here are ones I found on Pinterest. Do you follow us yet? It’s become my obsession for getting inspired.
Later today we will be diving into the favorite color of mine on the blog. Live today at 3:00 PST!
Hear me out on something...I want to break down the WHY behind this service.
Over the years, we’ve had so many people reach out who don’t necessarily need full-service design... but they know they still want expert guidance before making big decisions in their home.
Maybe you’re working with a contractor and need help choosing finishes. Maybe you’re stuck on a layout. Maybe you just want to make sure the pieces you’re investing in will actually work together.
That’s exactly why I created Designer for a Day. It gives you 6 hours with our team, split into two 3-hour sessions so you have time to sit with decisions, talk with your contractor, and come back with questions or revisions.
During our time together, we tackle whatever is holding you back so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Everything happens live in the session, which means we can talk through ideas, problem-solve, and make decisions together in real time.
And the best part? It works beautifully virtually. For example: I’m in Tennessee, our junior designer Kaylei is in Oregon, and our clients can be anywhere.
I truly believe good design shouldn’t be reserved for only the biggest projects. Sometimes all you need is the right guidance at the right moment.
If you’re navigating a remodel, renovation, or design challenge and feeling a little stuck, this service was created with you in mind. Link in bio (or head to our website) to inquire!
A little design lover’s guide to Franklin, Tennessee — from a day we spent wandering, shopping, and eating our way through town.
If you’re starting the day right, it has to begin at @perennbakery. Coffee first, obviously. But the pastries are what keep us coming back. My personal favorite is the crème brûlée croissant — it’s perfect. For shopping, @storehouseno.9 is always worth a stop (actually two. They have two locations close to each other — one in the cutest cottage turned shop and another with beautiful outdoor displays (and even some Visual Comfort pieces).
Lately I’ve been on a bit of a thrift / antique kick, trying to source pieces for our home renovation. We popped into @riversidefranklin, @t.nesbittandco, and @winchester_antiques hunting for furniture and decor finds.
A few other favorites worth bookmarking: • @whitesmercantile — a Franklin classic. (If you know, you know... Holly Williams owns it.) Great for gifts, clothing, and little finds you didn’t know you needed. • @culaccino.tn — Italian restaurant meets wine bar. • @redponyrestaurant and @cork_and_cow — one of our favorite spots for dinner with family & friends.
Save this for the next time you find yourself with a free day in Franklin🤍
Ours aren’t just buzzwords They’re the things we actually come back to when we’re choosing the extra trim detail... when we’re deciding if that chair is worth the splurge... when we’re asking, will this space still feel right in five years?
Layered. Lived-in. Designed to evolve. Invest in quality. Made for gathering.
Clouz Houz Tip: One of the easiest things you can do to make your home feel festive is use cut fresh greenery. Mix it in with faux stems for arrangements all around the house. This helps the faux look more real, AND you don’t have to worry about the entire arrangement drying out and looking horrible by Christmas!
