When it comes to decorating for the holidays, I’ve always
believed that more is more—if one can
execute it tastefully. And each
year, thanks to my longtime client and good friend Susan, I get to try my hand
at putting this philosophy into practice. For the past several years, I've been collaborating with
Susan on her holiday décor, decking the halls of her stunning 1920s Georgian
in Greenwich, CT. Though ropes upon ropes of thick, freshly-cut garland are always
a signature part of my design, I like like to try different variations—whether in
color or style—every year. This season, Susan and I were inspired by persimmon, together
with lustrous shades of copper, burnt umber, chestnut, and cinnamon found in throw pillows and Oriental rugs throughout the house. 28 wreaths, 5
archways, 2 columns, 2 fireplaces, 1 staircase, and a staggering 283 feet of
garland later, Susan’s home is pure holiday magic! The elves have been hard at work, so pour on the brandied egg
nog, everyone. These halls are about to be decked—again!
Since you never get a second chance to make a first
impression, we always pay special attention to the entryway and foyer. There’s
a trio of archways, together with a magnificent staircase, the real
showstopper of the house. Here’s a look back at
the front door (where we'll hang wreaths on both sides) and the main archway in
the entrance—before it's decorated with
44 feet of garland and two decorative centerpieces!
On the left side of the foyer is a small archway leading to
an informal den. Though smaller
than the other archways in this entry space, it makes a big statement when
decorated with 18 feet of garland.
On the right side of the foyer is the archway leading to the
living room, which, like the main entrance archway, will be covered on both sides by
44 feet of garland and two centerpieces.
Staircases, like fireplace mantles, are perfect places to
add holiday touches. Beginning at the top of Susan’s staircase landing, we'll wrap 55 feet of
garland along the entire length of the banister. Swags, placed evenly along the railing and secured
with glittered faux poinsettias and double face satin ribbon, will add even more decorative drama.
Both the living room fireplace and the small archways that
flank it on each side will be decorated with garland—almost 40 feet
in all!
I love decorating for the holidays with beautiful, natural elements, so as always, I'm using fresh garland. This year, though, Jaithan had the brilliant
idea to incorporate magnolia—mixed with juniper and Fraser fir—into the
garland to pick up on the persimmon hues in the rugs and pillows. The day before we arrived, I had the garland delivered and kept outside to preserve the freshness—and its wonderful
fragrance—as long as possible. Bundled up below is more than 280 feet of garland!
Here I am with Jordan (she of this IKEA magic makeover), lugging a 22 ft piece inside. Trust me—it’s heavier than it looks!
As they say, go big or go home: here, 55 feet of continuous garland, earmarked for the
staircase. I love how the copper-colored underside of the magnolia complements the persimmon tones in Susan's house.
Just like last year, it takes more than a few elves to deck these halls; among them, my mother Margie (it's a family affair!), together with our intern
Meagan, twist-tying tiny, cinnamon-colored glass balls into bundles. Later, we’ll embellish the garland with them.
Meanwhile, Jaithan and our dear friend Ronnie (remember her fantastic arrangements from my friend Tina's wedding on the water?) complete the
archway to the right of the fireplace. Notice how the leaves of the garland are pointing up and away from the
fireplace. We made sure the direction of the garland leaves was consistent
throughout the house. Though that
may seem a minor detail, consistency with the garland makes a big difference when it comes to the
cohesiveness of the overall décor.
Here, Jordan and I wrangle 55 feet of garland along the
staircase banister—with the leaves pointing up, of course! When decorating with garland, remember
to protect your woodwork from scuffs and marks at the point of attachment. I like to cover the banister with wide
pieces of the clear plastic sheeting that typically wraps flowers, though newspaper or plastic bags from the grocery store would also work.
WIth the garland for the stairs in place, Jaithan and Mom work at different points to embellish it. While Jaithan tucks pearl-like flower pods into the garland to brighten it up here and there, Mom arranges persimmon-colored silk flowers and ribbon at the top of each swag.
Meanwhile, Meagan adds the metallic glass balls, now bundled into large
clusters, into the fireplace garland and Jordan finishes up a centerpiece at the
center of one of the archways.
Speaking of bundles, here I am bundled up against the
cold to put the finishing touches on the 50 feet of garland wrapping two
outside columns. In the
background, you can see one of the 28 wreaths that we hang on the windows and
doors!
Now that you’ve seen firsthand all the elves at work, I hope you’re
as excited as we were to see the fruits of our annual labor of love. Be sure to check back tomorrow for all the pretty pictures of the finished house. In
the meantime, I’d love to hear about your own holiday decorating traditions—is
there a certain décor that you turn to year after year?
I love it!! What a beautiful canvas that home is with it’s gorgeous archways. Love that mix of magnolia leaves and greenery in the garlands. Where do you order your garlands and wreaths from?
How do you attach garland to doorways and archways? I’ve always wondered how to properly do that, since there is nothing to tie it to, without nailing it into place, or doing anything that leaves permanent damage?
Hi everyone!
Lydia, I love US Evergreen in the city for garland.
And Nicole, attaching such heavy garland without nailing is nearly impossible. We nail along the archway, then use long pieces of floral wire to keep it in place.
Thanks for the comments and happy holidays!
Eddie
Eddie, the house came out wonderful. Loved last year, but this year turned out just as fab.
XOXOXO
Oh my goodness! You guys have been working so hard. How absolutely lovely! Having a perfect canvas (that gorgeous house) sure helps the decorating process along. I am so excited to see the finished house now.
I love to add fresh magnolia and cedar to my garlands. I have never had an entirely fresh garland, but use an artificial one and embelish it to make it look real and more full. I think I have pictures throughout the front page of my blog if you want to take a peek. We are finishing up with the fresh stuff tonight in preparation for our annual Christmas eve dinner with friends.
Have a great week,
Jennifer
Wow – it’s looking beautiful – and it looks like a really fun time! I absolutely covet the Magnolia garland!
So fun to see a pic of your Mom! She looks great. Looking forward to the pics of the finished decor.
i literally can not wait to see!!! i love the idea of adding the magnolia in. i have been struck by the loveliness of magnolia this year.
Give Jaithan a raise! The magnolia leaves were inspired! Truly lovely. I do look forward to seeing it finished!
ooooh i just can’t wait to see it!
Now how cute is your mom!! So cool to see everyone pitching in to decorate for the holidays! The staircase is my favorite, what a beautiful home, I can’t wait to see the finish product. You’re so talented.
I tend to stick with the traditional green and red every year and I love to use anything that is “live” wreaths, garland, potted urns, and even fruit!
I’ll be checking back tomorrow!
I love using natural garland inside. I hang varieted boxwood wreaths in my windows inside every year. Can’t wait to see the results tomorrow!
xx-Gina
Your tip on keeping all the leaves pointing one direction is what makes you such a talented decorator. Just like picking the colors from existing decor – fabulous. And thank you for sharing, it will make my decorating better in the future.
Here in the south, Florida for me, magnolia leaves are often used because of their wonderful two colors. Can’t wait to see the finished house.
Looks great! I can’t wait to see it all together. I love magnolias!
This is wonderfully done, can’t wait to see the finished house. Love magnolia and evergreens, love all your elves and now I can see where you’ve got your good looks from… your MOM! Sweet pictures of all your hard work!
Kisses!
Victoria
That is going to be absolutely stunning…..can’t wait to see the finished product!
Oh Eddie you are a big tease….I am DYING to see the result! The magnolia just MADE these garlands! That was a great idea and one I might steal:):) See you tomorrow!!!! Pinky
Wow! Another home run. What a treat to have the Elves do the decorating. Merry Christmas.
I love magnolia wreaths and garlands. It just dawned on me that I have a magnolia tree in my yard! duh! I clipped a few leaves and mixed them in to the cedar garland. I can’t imagine how much 55 ft. of garland weighs. Happy Holidays. Delores
That magnolia garland is just stunning– what a showplace her home is! Waiting eagerly for the next round of photos…
Every year, no matter what our theme, we always display a small brass candle-driven chime that was a gift to me on my first Christmas. I love it, and I love sharing it with my children now.
So so elegant, outdone again! I love the magnolia leaves garlands. I have one on my front door!
Please, please — don’t be such a tease! Look forward to seeing the big reveal tomorrow.
eddie,great job and all your little elves!! marge you look fabulous….hope you all have great christmas holidays..love,eileen
Take a lovely home and make it elegant with personal touches, you did it again.
How many trips to transport all that material to the site?
How gorgeous! And, Eddie, your mother is, too..I see where the sparkly eyes come from – must be the Irish!
As you gentlemen are returning to Richmond in February, you need to get in touch with me! I think I know where you can stay…
Susan
I know the results will be so gorgeous and well worth the wait! All the greenery is fantastic, the magnolia leaves are just the right touch. Love the copper influences throughout. I’ve used some copper colored touches throughout the house this year. It’s not your typical red and green, but still manages to be festive combined with a little (or a lot) of sparkle. Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Oh how marvelous! Your Mother is gorgeous, I see the apple did not fall far from that tree!
I love that home and all the feet and feet of garland!
Wow!!
Her house looks like it’s straight out of the pages of Veranda!
The colors of the magnolia leaves are stunning. I can only imagine the impact this makes en masse!
Can’t wait to see the finished product!
I was at my local garden centre yesterday and they had the most gorgeous assortment of magnolia wreaths and accessories. Its not something I’ve ever used before for decorating but now I’m more intrigued than ever.
Looks gorgeous already! I had to go back and look at the text a second time – that’s your mom! Wow! She’s beautiful.
Merry Christmas to all of you from Columbus, OH.
PS – we have a Scott’s Show, too. In fact, I think the originator lives here. Just sayin’.
Thank you for showing this beautiful home and all your efforts in the making. I can’t wait till tomorrow to see the finished product.
wow!
who is that gorgeous blond on the ladder?????
oh, what fun!! I cant wait to see more!
Really lovely home 🙂 nice carpets!
Cool! this a good ideas gift basket,thank you for sharing.
Wow, the garland looks gorgeous,I like the copper-colored side of the magnolia leaves, fantastic idea.
Would you consider doing a feature on making the garland itself? I have come to love the natural fragrant garland, but the ones I have tried to make look amateurish at best.