5 NOV
1H 4M

Ep. 386: Carson Kressley's Holiday Must-Haves

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 On 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:

Follow along with images of this week's decorating dilemma on the How to Decorate Blog: CLICK HERE

Hi Pia,

First off, Carson 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

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