Creating a Warm Holiday Welcome With Suzanne Broyles

Christmas is many splendors of things; the crackling of a fire, the scent of a fresh-cut evergreen, and twinkling lights amid a menagerie of ornaments and keepsakes. It is the hustle and bustle of holiday greetings, a skinny Peppermint Mocha to warm the chill, along with the opportunity of hosting family and friends both near and far.

Having a home that welcomes friends and family is all part of the magic; helping to create warm moments where the world stops its cogs and your home – through its sights, scents, and sounds – envelops the spirit and cheer the season so naturally brings. Holiday home design, according to Suzanne Broyles, a 16-plus year interior designer [specializing in distinguished custom projects] of the Coastal Home Design Center, best reflects the comforts and joys of the season – from the first impression of an entry to a memorable mantel and vignettes through the home.

This is the splendor of the season with both heart and home in mind.

First Impressions: Creating an Inviting Entryway

The entryway to any home is just that – a grand entrance into the very place in which you live life, where memories are created daily with beloved family and friends. Constituting both the exterior entry and the foyer, it gives guests that first impression and invitation to your home.

Broyles: My desire during the holidays is to transform my porch into a magical experience where my guests feel welcomed as they arrive. I always start with fresh garland that will wrap around the entire entryway – it can be hung around the door frame and even the garage entry. The aroma from the greenery is sure to capture memories of ol’; and this, to me, is as traditional as having a tree.

Topiary trees with miniature white lights add beauty to your walkway or steps; lining them with lanterns filled with tea lights and fresh flowers adds a beautiful layer. Lighting comes in an array of colors, from one solid theme (of blues, reds, and greens) to multi-colored. Traditional clear lights, when accented with ornaments and/or garland, present a dazzling scene that exudes warmth and elegance. I also love to use large wreaths with lots of layers to add that finishing touch.

At the end of the day when my entry is complete, I love to sit with a glass of wine as I welcome in the sights and sounds of the season; fondly remembering festivities of the past, but looking forward to a new season of endless possibilities.

Fireside Finishes: Creating a Memorable Mantel

Framing the glow of a flickering fire, mantels are a natural focal point and can help set the tone of a room. Stockings and wreaths are quintessential, most often filled with trinkets, toys, and treats. But do not forget the garland; whether it is simply draped or neatly fitted to the mantel top, garland adds that touch of natural greenery to any holiday theme with the ability to generate some added drama.

Broyles: I like to weave in my collection of nutcrackers along the mantel; but no matter what your collection offers, display them proudly as family keepsakes [whether it be antique ornaments, a selection of reindeer or snowmen, possibly a menorah, a village or even Santa Clause figurines]. Placing a collection together will give it a substantial presence in the room, but also exudes continuity and visual appeal. In addition, it is always important to use different heights on your mantle for added depth and that "wow factor."

Next to the fireplace, I like to fill glass vases halfway with cranberries and holly, then fill ¾ with water; lastly, place a floating tea light on the surface. Too often we forget to add a special touch to the hearth.

Additional Ideas:

• Present a monochromatic scene of ornament balls, candles, and collectibles.
• Add varied fruit (including apples and pears) or florals to the display for a more rustic appeal.
• With different sized glass jars, place unequal amounts of pinecones and cinnamon in each for a burst of holiday scent.

Sugar & Spice: Creating Seasonal Flavors in the Kitchen

There is no doubt that the kitchen warms the home for the holidays; from baked goods and family dinners, it somehow always becomes a gathering place for great conversation and fellowship. The key, of course, is to limit the number of decorations as to not add clutter to space.

Broyles: The kitchen is a place where people love to gather, but is most forgotten when decorating for the season. My favorite design tip is to line an artificial, yet beautiful garland along the top of my cabinets. I place decorations and small lights throughout to customize it and blend elegantly with the rest of my home; in addition, the small white lights add a wonderful glow all night long.

Tabletop Tips

• Adding groupings of candles always illuminates and adds a special touch.
• Fill varied sizes of vases with Baby’s Breath; small sprigs can be added to food displays and be placed inside the napkin ring for a more organic feel.
• Do not be afraid to add in color with the choice of glassware or serving pieces.
• Using white or off-white linens gives the table a more luxurious presence. Patterns or solid colors can often appear too busy – but can be downplayed with white dinnerware.

Additional Ideas for the Kitchen

• Pick a theme (such as candy canes, baking or tea); allow the theme to be displayed on a small tabletop tree, garland across a window or a possible hutch.
• Placing an advent calendar on the fridge or bulletin board is a fun, interactive activity for kids of all ages.
• Hang a cranberry or boxwood wreath as a focal point – above the sink or on the main window. A round shape is more classic, whereas a square is more modern.
• Oranges or pinecones make great visual additions to tabletops, window ledges, and countertops; not to mention the presence of a fresh seasonal aroma.

Deck the Halls: Creating Holiday Vignettes Throughout the Home

More than just a tree with lights and garland, consider the entire home when selecting and planning holiday décor for a burst of festive spirit throughout; from a grouping of nativity scenes atop a desk to a cluster of glittered stars [or possibly star fish], dangling mistletoe and layered swags of greens, branches and bows along the staircase.

Broyles: Garland around your door is as traditional as a tree. But, perhaps this year try a contemporary flare by using white garland with clear glass ornaments. I might also suggest taking ornaments and hanging them on the ends of silk ribbon, mingling contemporary as well as traditional; hung at a variety of lengths – along the staircase, the ceiling or even the window.

Additional Ideas for your Home

• Choosing three coordinating colors will help pull a look together, while gold and silver are classic tones; try turquoise, cocoa, and burgundy for a rich and sophisticated look; for something a bit more fresh and coastal, try green, blue and white; or possibly grey, red and cream for something more modern and clean.
• For the illusion of snow-capped branches, use wispy pieces of cotton batting to lighten the overall look of the tree.
• Place crumpled newspaper under your tree skirt to bulk it up and eliminate that flat look.
• Elevate your tree; place it on a low table for elevation, add a skirt and topper for height.  
• For looks without a tree skirt, try placing the tree in a large decorative pot, a wicker basket, or even an orchard basket with walnuts, batting or ball ornaments as filler.
• Paper chains and handmade snowflakes are a festive addition to any child’s room or play area.

Coastal Home Design Center