LOVE THE PRESENT
There’s something invigorating about the fresh scent of evergreens at this time of year. The real thing is easy to find locally, whether it be from the grocery store or cut from your backyard, but it’s also a synch to pull out your tried-and-true faux garlands from storage. Whatever your preference, evergreens usher in the holiday season with undeniable crispness. Use them in the usual places and try to find ways to sprinkle them throughout your home in unconventional spots, that still get high traffic, for maximum impact.
As that chill settles into the air, I cannot wait to layer up and embrace sweater weather. Chunky knits can be as festive as they are functional. Let your knitted throws take the spotlight when styling living spaces—they beg to be showcased in all their intricate glory just as much as they wish to be wrapped around those snuggled up on the sofa. Sprinkling oversized ornaments atop folded blankets will give them even more intent.
Though stockings are traditionally hung by the chimney with care, not everyone has a fireplace. I love the opportunity to hang stockings in unexpected places, as the little gifts they hold are some of my favorite items to give to friends. Repurpose a coatrack or a set of functional knobs as makeshift stocking holders.
For presents, brown paper packages tied up with string…and greens! Let sprigs of needles, pinecones, and frosted forest flowers adorn your wrapping. The pine hues will shine against natural craft paper—layer with sheet music for that added touch of whimsy. Remember: it’s what’s inside that counts, but presentation is everything, and with the extra time we have this holiday season, we might as well go all-out with the details!
SHOP THE FEATURE
1. CB2 Acrylic Small Snowman $79.95 from www.cb2.com 2. Anthropologie Iced Cedar Garland $58.00 from www.anthropologie.com 3. West Elm Pure White Ceramic Vases $13.00 to $250.00 from www.westelm.com 4. West Elm Embroidered Beaded Felt Stockings $40.00 from www.westelm.com 5. Anthropologie Twinkling Pinecone Branches $48.00 from www.anthropologie.com 6. Crate & Barrel Hanging Branch Decor $99.95 from www.crateandbarrel.com
Managing Editor Lauren Barisic
Décor Stylist Olivia Schmitz
Photographer Ellie Koleen
Olivia Schmitz
Décor Stylist
Olivia previously earned both a law and nursing degree before accidentally ending up in design. Design has always been an interest, but it took becoming a stay-at-home mom to discover her true passion. Self-taught, she started with a gut remodel of a personal home and went on to help friends with their projects, eventually joining the EMID Design Group. Olivia is especially talented at styling and décor and can embrace most styles, but has a particular love for Scandinavian simplicity.
Ellie Koleen
Photographer
Ellie is a lifestyle, wedding, and brand photographer based in Fresno, California. An artist behind the lens, her trademark airy, light-filled style and masterful camera angles make her work easily recognizable. She uses her love for all things design related as inspiration for her work. The Fresno Bee named Ellie Best Photographer for the People’s Choice Awards in 2018 and 2019.
