We’re excited to welcome back style icon and TV personality Carson Kressley, who shares his favorite holiday decorating and hosting tips as we get into the swing of the season.
From tree trimming parties and coordinating guest rooms to serving simple yet crowd-pleasing food for holiday gatherings, Carson’s practical advice aims to make the holiday season festive and stress-free. He also He provides insight into his own yearly Thanksgiving traditions, including hosting the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Watch this week’s conversation as recorded on Ballard Designs YouTube.
What You’ll Hear This Episode:
- 00:00 Introduction to How to Decorate!
- 00:34 Welcoming Carson Kressley
- 02:30 Thanksgiving Traditions and Tips
- 04:24 Tree Trimming and Holiday Decor
- 07:27 Guest Room Preparations
- 19:08 Organizing Holiday Decorations
- 22:37 Wreaths and Greenery
- 27:10 Tailoring Decor to Your Space
- 31:17 Christmas Traditions and Hosting Style
- 33:15 Holiday Entertaining Tips
- 34:05 Managing Guests and Multitasking
- 34:54 Setting Up the Perfect Holiday Bar
- 36:26 Holiday Brunch for Mom and Friends
- 37:44 Tips for Large Holiday Parties
- 39:41 Packing and Organizing for Trips
- 51:59 Decorating Window Sills
- 01:00:59 Current Projects and Social Media
- 01:03:19 Conclusion
Decorating Dilemma:
Hi team!
I am a long-time listener from Gothenburg, Sweden. And I have a bit of a dilemma that I hope that you brilliant ladies (and guest) can help me with.
So the problem I have is with windowsills! What to put on them? How to decorate to make the windows look gorgeous, stylish and nice. Pictures in magazines and on sites usually cut off by the windows or the windows are huge and missing windowsills. I have regular size windows with a regular size windowsill in a small house with no special features.
I want to know how to decorate with plants and lamps and what else one can have on the windowsills? Not the curtains. I am not too fond of an empty windowsill but I am doing something wrong because my windows feels meh… I have included some pictures from my home but I have this as a generic problem. So are there any guidelines to follow?
Here are some different problems:
- When there is a patio door next to the window?
- When there is a sofa in front of the window?
- When there is a work table in front of the window?
- When there are a lot of plants?
- Do you have some ideas on how to make windows look good and stylish?
What am I missing? Doing wrong? Can I and how do I move from “meh” to gorgeous?
I really don’t care about people looking in and I never draw the curtains so privacy is not an issue. But during winter the outside is black from 4-5 PM to 8-9 AM so basically all the time we are at home the windows are dark so lamps are a bit of a must.
Please, help!
I would love your input! Any specific products you can suggest would be highly appreciated and I can drool on your website and then I need to look for alternatives for Sweden. 🙂
Thanks in advance!
– Pia
Hi Pia,
First off, Carson Kressley and the hosts commend you for the excellent choices you’ve already made with your window sill decor. Your use of monochromatic pots and sculptural elements shows a strong sense of style. Carson suggests continuing with plants in elegant containers as they are a classic and fitting choice for window sills. Adding small lamps is a great idea, especially with those long Swedish winters, as they provide warmth and light.
Carson also proposes getting creative with your window frames by painting them in a lacquered color. This could make them a standout feature without needing too many decorations on the sill itself. Introducing cafe curtains could also add a stylish backdrop to your arrangements, giving you flexibility with light and privacy. Remember, maintaining varying heights and textures can keep your window displays from appearing cluttered while ensuring they stay visually interesting.
You’re definitely on the right track with your decorating, and these small tweaks could help you achieve that stylish and cohesive look you’re aiming for. We’d love to hear back on your progress and any new ideas you decide to implement!
– How to Decorate
Also Mentioned:
- SHOP NOW: Carson’s Favorite Holiday Ballard Products
- @carsonkressley | Instagram
- Ballard Designs
- Watch the Full Episode w/ Images: Ballard Designs YouTube
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Happy Decorating!
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