Elves at Work

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?

Comments

[Loretta Clark]

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.

[Florist Sydney]

Wow, the garland looks gorgeous,I like the copper-colored side of the magnolia leaves, fantastic idea.

[starcraft]

Cool! this a good ideas gift basket,thank you for sharing.

[silk bouquets girl]

Really lovely home :) nice carpets!

[LindsB]

oh, what fun!! I cant wait to see more!

[sarah kaplan]

wow!

who is that gorgeous blond on the ladder?????

[Donna]

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.

[Marla in Columbus]

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'.

[Connie @ Sogni e Sorrisi]

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.

[Jennifer Juniper]

The colors of the magnolia leaves are stunning. I can only imagine the impact this makes en masse!

[Sara Jane]

Her house looks like it's straight out of the pages of Veranda!

[patricia]

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!!

[Frances Jackson]

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!

[SuSu]

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

[Barbara at Daisy's]

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?

[eileen]

eddie,great job and all your little elves!! marge you look fabulous....hope you all have great christmas holidays..love,eileen

[Sharon in Chicago]

Please, please -- don't be such a tease! Look forward to seeing the big reveal tomorrow.

[Karena]

So so elegant, outdone again! I love the magnolia leaves garlands. I have one on my front door!

[Melissa]

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.

[Delores]

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

[ABCOroville]

Wow! Another home run. What a treat to have the Elves do the decorating. Merry Christmas.

[Pinky]

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

[Tamara]

That is going to be absolutely stunning.....can't wait to see the finished product!

[Victoria Zlotkowski]

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

[Laura Casey Interiors]

Looks great! I can't wait to see it all together. I love magnolias!

[Bellen]

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.

[WillowDecor]

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

[Laurie Jones]

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!

[Belle on Heels]

ooooh i just can't wait to see it!

[Pamela]

Give Jaithan a raise! The magnolia leaves were inspired! Truly lovely. I do look forward to seeing it finished!

[honey living]

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.

[My Notting Hill]

So fun to see a pic of your Mom! She looks great. Looking forward to the pics of the finished decor.

[LaurelStreet]

Wow - it's looking beautiful - and it looks like a really fun time! I absolutely covet the Magnolia garland!

[Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee]

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

[Shandell's]

Eddie, the house came out wonderful. Loved last year, but this year turned out just as fab.

XOXOXO

[Eddie Ross]

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

[Nicole]

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?

[Emily A. Clark]

Can't wait to see it! Love the last pic of you, btw. Classic.

[Lydia Bryant]

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?