If you know me, you know I love adding fresh flowers and greenery to just about every occasion—but the holidays are my absolute favorite. There's nothing quite like the look and scent of natural holiday greenery to make your home feel festive. While our Central Florida winters don't bring snow, we have access to beautiful fresh greenery that can transform mantels, tables, and doorways into stunning seasonal displays. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to bring that cozy, organic feel indoors, decorating with real greenery is easier than you might think.

Why Choose Natural Holiday Greenery?

Real greenery brings something artificial décor simply can't replicate—texture, fragrance, and a sense of nature that makes any space feel warm and inviting. Fresh-cut greens like magnolia, cedar, and pine add depth and dimension to your holiday decorating, and many varieties last for weeks with minimal care.

Plus, there's something special about working with natural materials. It connects us to the season in a meaningful way and creates a collected, organic look that feels both timeless and personal.

There's a reason magnolia wreaths are a holiday favorite. The lush, glossy leaves bring instant elegance to any front door, while the bronze undersides add warmth and dimension. It's a simple, stunning statement that captures the beauty of the season without overwhelming your entryway.

Best Greenery Options for Central Florida

Living in Central Florida means we have access to some gorgeous greenery that thrives in our climate. Here are a few favorites to look for:

Magnolia leaves – Glossy green on top with a beautiful bronze underside, magnolia is a Southern classic that adds elegance to any arrangement. It holds up beautifully indoors and dries gracefully over time.

Cedar and cypress – These soft, feathery greens smell amazing and add wonderful texture. They're easy to find locally and work well as a base for arrangements.

Pine and spruce – Traditional and fragrant, pine branches bring that classic holiday feel. Look for varieties with sturdy needles that won't drop too quickly.

Holly – Those bright red berries paired with deep green leaves are instantly festive. Just watch out for the prickly edges!

Eucalyptus – A trendy option that adds a silvery-green tone and a subtle, refreshing scent. It pairs beautifully with more traditional greenery.

Nothing anchors a room for the holidays quite like a fresh greenery garland on the mantel. The layered mix of textures and shades of green creates a natural, collected look that feels both festive and relaxed. There's something about walking into a room with real greenery that just feels like the holidays—warm, welcoming, and a little bit magical.

 Simple Ways to Use Natural Holiday Greenery Around Your Home

You don't need to be a professional florist to create beautiful displays. Here are some easy ideas to get you started:

The mantel – Layer different types of greenery along your mantel, tucking in pinecones, berries, or battery-operated twinkle lights for added warmth.

The front door – A classic wreath is always welcoming, but you can also create a simple swag or asymmetrical arrangement for a more modern look.

The table – A low greenery runner down the center of your dining table makes an effortless centerpiece. Add candles, ornaments, or citrus for extra color.

Unexpected spots – Tuck small sprigs into napkin rings, drape garland along a staircase, or place a few stems in a simple vase on your nightstand. A little goes a long way.

Tips for Keeping Your Greenery Fresh

Natural greenery will last longer with a little extra care:

• Mist regularly – A light spray of water every day or two helps keep greens hydrated, especially in our air-conditioned homes.
• Keep away from heat sources – Avoid placing arrangements near fireplaces, heating vents, or direct sunlight.
• Use floral water tubes – For cut stems in wreaths or garlands, small water tubes can extend freshness significantly.
• Buy fresh and local – The fresher the greenery, the longer it lasts. Check local nurseries, farmers markets, or even your own backyard.

Make It Your Own With Natural Holiday Greenery

Here's the best part about decorating with real greenery—there are no rules. Mix textures, play with different shades of green, and add personal touches that feel right for your home. Tuck in dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, or velvet ribbon. Go lush and abundant or simple and understated.

Over the years, I've created countless floral arrangements and holiday displays for clients and events, and I always come back to this: natural holiday greenery never goes out of style. It's classic, it's versatile, and it brings a warmth that simply can't be replicated. 

This holiday season, skip the plastic and embrace the beauty of fresh, natural greenery. Your home will look gorgeous, smell amazing, and feel truly festive!

Need help creating custom arrangements or decorating your home?

I'd love to help bring your vision to life. Contact Soho Interior Design today. You can reach me by calling me at (407) 743-2399 or emailing me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com. for a free consultation.

We are halfway through this year's Orlando Festival of Trees, and I have to tell you – even after more than a decade of participating, I still get butterflies when I start planning my tree design! There's something magical about being part of this incredible event at the Orlando Museum of Art, and I'm thrilled to share a peek behind the process with you.

What Makes Orlando Festival of Trees Special

If you haven't experienced Festival of Trees yet, you're missing out on one of Central Florida's most beloved holiday traditions! Each year, Council 101 sponsors this spectacular fundraiser for the Orlando Museum of Art, inviting 50 designers to transform Christmas trees into works of art. Walking through the museum and seeing all these uniquely decorated trees – each one telling its own story – is truly breathtaking. And knowing that it's all supporting our wonderful local museum? That makes it even more meaningful.

A Decade of Holiday Design Magic

This marks my 10+ year of decorating for Festival of Trees, and honestly, it never gets old! Each year brings a new challenge, a fresh theme to explore, and the chance to push my creative boundaries. I've done elegant, whimsical, traditional, and even some unexpected themes over the years. The beauty of this event is that it allows designers like me to really showcase our artistic vision without the usual practical constraints we work within for clients' homes.

The Design Process for Festival of Trees

People always ask me how I approach designing for this event, and the truth is, it starts months in advance! I sketch ideas, gather inspiration, and think about what story I want to tell. Unlike decorating a tree in someone's home where we consider their existing décor and personal style, this tree is pure creative expression. I source unique ornaments, sometimes custom-create elements, and think about every angle since people will be viewing the tree from all sides as they walk through the museum.

Like most years, the seed for this year's tree began in July when I visited Atlanta to make a trip to "The Market". The Atlanta Market is an incredible wholesale marketplace--a  designer's dream, with 500,000 square feet of showroom space dedicated to holiday and seasonal décor alone. I'm talking five entire floors (Floors 16-20 in Building 1) filled with everything from stunning ornaments and spectacular trees to gorgeous ribbons and the most realistic faux botanicals you've ever seen.

One very tiny section of the Atlanta Market! 

Ribbon: The Secret Backbone of Every Great Tree

Let me tell you a designer secret: ribbon is the bones of your tree! I'm absolutely obsessed with it, and here's why – good ribbon creates structure, movement, and visual flow that pulls your entire tree design together. When I'm at the Atlanta Market, I can spend hours in the ribbon showrooms because the options are endless: luxurious velvets, shimmering metallics, whimsical prints, and gorgeous wired edges that hold their shape beautifully. The way you weave ribbon through your tree branches creates that professional, polished look that makes people stop and say "wow!" It adds dimension, fills in gaps, and guides the eye through your design. Whether I'm using a single statement ribbon or layering multiple coordinating patterns, it's the foundation that everything else builds upon. Trust me – invest in quality ribbon, and your tree will go from nice to absolutely spectacular!

Getting it All Together

Once I've gotten my design down, the real treasure hunt begins – and honestly, this is one of my favorite parts! I start collecting all the pieces that will bring my vision to life, and let me tell you, this year's tree wasn't just a tree. I created an entire vignette scene complete with a fireplace mantle, a beautiful rug, and the coziest chair you've ever seen. Picture it: a complete little holiday moment that tells a story and makes you want to curl up with hot cocoa right there in the museum!

Now, finding that perfect fireplace mantle? That became my mission. I spent hours scrolling through Facebook Marketplace, hunting for exactly the right piece with the character and charm I envisioned. Was it a bit obsessive? Maybe. Was it totally worth it when I finally found the one? Absolutely! There's something so satisfying about sourcing unique pieces that you can't just walk into a store and buy. It adds authenticity and soul to the design – and honestly, the thrill of the hunt is half the fun of what I do!

Design Day

Then comes the fun part – loading up my car! I'm talking trunk packed to the brim, back seat filled, maybe even the passenger seat if I'm being honest. It's like Christmas morning as I carefully arrange boxes of ornaments, rolls of ribbon, and all those special pieces I've collected. The drive to the Orlando Museum of Art always feels a bit surreal – I'm equal parts excited and nervous, running through my mental checklist the whole way.

Why Community Events Matter

Being part of Orlando Festival of Trees isn't just about decorating a beautiful tree – though I won't lie, that's incredibly fun! It's about giving back to our community and supporting the arts. The Orlando Museum of Art enriches our city in so many ways, and I'm honored to contribute my skills to help raise funds for their important work. Plus, events like this bring our community together during the holidays, creating shared experiences and memories that last far beyond the season.

More Than Just Pretty Decorations

What I love about participating year after year is the connection it creates. Former clients come specifically to see my tree, new friends discover Soho Interior Design through the event, and I get to interact with people who are passionate about design and the holidays. It's also a wonderful reminder of why I fell in love with this profession – the joy of creating spaces (or in this case, trees!) that move people and bring beauty into the world.

It's Gala Night! Here I am with one of my oldest and dearest friends (we went to grade school together!) enjoying the Festival of Trees Gala night. This tree was created by another designer and I just love the bright cheerful colors!

Come See It in Person!

If you're in the Orlando area this holiday season, I'd love for you to visit Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art. Come find my tree, take in all the incredible creativity on display, and soak up the holiday spirit. It's truly a feast for the eyes and a wonderful way to support local arts while getting inspired for your own holiday decorating. The event runs November 15 - 23 and you can find out more by clicking on Festival of Trees.

And if my Festival of Trees tree inspires you to transform your own home this holiday season – or any season – you know where to find me! I bring that same passion and creativity to every project, whether it's a Christmas tree, a complete home transformation, or anything in between. Contact me at Soho Interior Design, and let's create something beautiful together. You can reach me by calling me at (407) 743-2399 or emailing me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com. for a free consultation. 

Here's to another year of creativity, community, and celebrating the season in style!

The holidays are almost here, and you know what that means – it's time to gather around the table with the people we love! Creating beautiful holiday tablescapes doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. In fact, some of my favorite tables are the ones that feel warm and inviting rather than overly fussy. Let me share some of my go-to tips for setting a table that'll have your guests talking (in the best way!) long after dessert.

Start with a Strong Foundation

Before you bring out the fancy china, think about your base layers. A beautiful tablecloth or runner sets the tone for everything else. I love using rich, textured fabrics during the holidays – think velvet, linen, or even a subtle metallic weave. Don't be afraid to layer! A runner over a tablecloth adds depth and interest without overwhelming your table. And other times, a simple runner looks best - no tablecloth needed! It's all a matter of personal choice. 

Layer Your Holiday Tablescapes for Visual Interest

Here's where the magic happens. Layering is the secret to creating tables that look professionally designed. Start with your chargers, add dinner plates, then salad plates. Mix metals and textures – a brass charger with white china and a linen napkin creates that perfect balance of elegant and approachable. And please, don't stress about everything matching perfectly! Some of the most beautiful tables I've designed mix patterns and pieces with intention. And don't be afraid to think outside the box. The color box, that is. Red, green, and gold aren't the only colors you can use around the holiday. You can go light and bright, or dark and moody. It's up to you! 

Light It Up

Lighting transforms everything, and your holiday table is no exception. Candles are my absolute favorite – they create an instant sense of warmth and intimacy. Vary the heights with taper candles, votives, and pillars. Just remember to keep them unscented if you're serving food (you want to smell that delicious meal, not competing fragrances!). String lights woven through a greenery garland can add a subtle sparkle that feels magical without being over the top.

Create a Show-Stopping Centerpiece

Your centerpiece should be beautiful but not so tall that guests can't see each other across the table. I love using natural elements this time of year – fresh greenery, pinecones, seasonal fruits like pomegranates or pears, and even vegetables like mini pumpkins or artichokes. Keep it low and lush, or go for multiple smaller arrangements down the length of your table. Fresh flowers are always gorgeous, but don't overlook the beauty of simple eucalyptus or magnolia branches.

The Power of Personal Touches

This is where you make your table uniquely yours! Place cards show thoughtfulness and help with seating arrangements. I love adding a small favor at each place setting – maybe a sprig of rosemary tied with ribbon, a handwritten note of gratitude, or even a small ornament guests can take home. These little details show your guests how much you care and create those memorable moments we all cherish.

Don't Forget the Details

Beautiful napkins (cloth, please – it's worth the extra laundry!), polished silverware, and sparkling glassware make all the difference. If you're serving wine, make sure you have the right glasses. And here's a practical tip: set your table the day before if you can. It's one less thing to worry about on the big day, and you can adjust anything that doesn't look quite right.

Make It Your Own

The most important thing about creating holiday tablescapes? They should reflect your personal style and make you happy! Whether you love traditional reds and greens, prefer a modern all-white palette, or want to incorporate family heirlooms, let your personality shine through. Your guests aren't coming for a museum exhibit – they're coming to spend time with you.

Remember, the most beautiful table is one where everyone feels welcome and comfortable. So yes, make it lovely, but don't forget to actually enjoy the gathering yourself. After all, that's what the holidays are really about – connection, gratitude, and making memories around the table with the people who matter most.

Do you need help making your decorating dreams a reality? Contact me at Soho Interior Design, and let's create something beautiful together. You can reach me by calling me at (407) 743-2399 or emailing me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com. for a free consultation. 

The holidays are approaching, and you know what that means—family and friends will soon be knocking on your door, suitcases in hand! But here's the million-dollar question: where exactly will everyone sleep? If you're nodding along thinking, "Good question!" then you're in excellent company. The truth is, most of us don't have a pristine, Pinterest-perfect guest room just waiting for visitors. Instead, we need clever guest bedroom ideas that work with real homes and real spaces.

The good news? Creating a welcoming sleep space doesn't require a dedicated room or a massive budget. With some thoughtful planning and the right furniture pieces, you can transform almost any area into a cozy retreat that'll have your guests raving about their stay.

The Multi-Tasking Marvel: Office by Day, Guest Bedroom by Night

Let's be honest—that home office has been working overtime since 2020. But with a few strategic pieces, it can pull double duty as a welcoming guest space. The secret weapon? A Murphy bed that disappears into a sleek cabinet when not in use. During work hours, you have a fully functional office. When guests arrive, simply fold down the bed, and voilà—instant guest quarters!

Small Space, Big Hospitality with Smart Guest Bedroom Ideas

Working with a tiny room? Don't panic! Some of the most memorable guest experiences happen in compact, thoughtfully designed spaces. A daybed with a pull-out trundle is your best friend here. During the day, it takes up no more space than a single sofa. But when bedtime rolls around, that hidden trundle slides out to accommodate a second guest—it's like magic, but better because it's real!

The key is choosing pieces that feel intentional, not makeshift. Look for daybeds with sophisticated details like tufted upholstery or clean-lined wooden frames. Your guests should feel like they're staying in a boutique hotel, not camping out on furniture that clearly belongs somewhere else.

The Art of the Convertible: Furniture That Works Overtime

Today's convertible furniture has come a long way from those clunky futons of decades past. Modern sofa beds and convertible desks are designed with both style and comfort in mind. Some of the most impressive pieces can transition from a work surface to a comfortable sleeping space in mere minutes.

When shopping for convertible pieces, prioritize quality over price. A well-made daybed or Murphy bed will serve you beautifully for years, while a cheaper alternative might leave your guests (and your back) regretting the investment.

Creating Atmosphere in Unexpected Guest Bedroom Ideas

Here's where the magic really happens—turning a multi-purpose space into a place where guests genuinely want to spend time. Start with lighting that can adapt to different needs. Table lamps provide warm, welcoming ambiance for evening relaxation, while good task lighting ensures your office space remains functional.

Layer in textiles that feel luxurious: a soft throw draped over the daybed, quality sheets that feel amazing against the skin, and pillows that actually support a good night's sleep. These details signal to guests that you've thought about their comfort, not just found them a place to crash.

Storage Solutions That Keep Everyone Happy

Nothing ruins the guest experience quite like searching for a place to put their belongings. Built-in storage solutions—like daybeds with drawers or Murphy beds with integrated shelving—keep guest essentials organized and easily accessible.

Create a dedicated space for their suitcase, whether it's a vintage luggage rack or simply a clear corner of the room. Small touches like hooks for hanging clothes or a side table for personal items show thoughtfulness that guests will appreciate.

Making It Feel Like Home

The most successful guest spaces feel purposeful, not like an afterthought. Choose a cohesive color palette that flows with the rest of your home. Add personal touches that reflect your style—a beautiful piece of artwork, fresh flowers, or carefully chosen accessories.

Remember, your guests aren't expecting the Ritz-Carlton (though they wouldn't complain!). They want to feel welcomed, comfortable, and cared for. With these smart guest bedroom ideas, you can create exactly that experience, no matter how much space you're working with.

Ready to transform your space for the holidays? Start with one key piece—a quality daybed or Murphy bed—and build from there. Your future guests will thank you! 

Do you need help getting your home guest-ready? You can reach me by calling me at (407) 743-2399 or emailing me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com. for a free consultation. 

How to bring the season's hottest 2025 holiday trends into your Florida home with sophistication and style

It might be July but it’s never too early to start thinking about the Christmas holidays and this year’s 2025 holiday trends. Gone are the days when holiday decorating meant defaulting to traditional red and green schemes. This year, we're seeing a bold departure from convention, with trends that celebrate both nostalgia and innovation—perfect for Central Florida homes that want to capture holiday magic while maintaining year-round elegance.

2025 Holiday Trends: The Great Color Revolution

The traditional red and green color scheme that once dominated Christmas décor is fading away, making way for more sophisticated and versatile palettes. At Soho Interior Design, we're particularly excited about the emergence of two distinct colorways that are redefining holiday style.

Moody Sophistication is taking center stage with forest green, wine red, burnt terracotta, dark gold and charcoal black. These rich, dramatic tones create an atmosphere of cozy elegance that works beautifully in Orlando's diverse architectural styles—from sleek downtown condos to charming Winter Park bungalows. Velvet and flocking are vital elements — very elegant and charming, adding texture that catches Florida's abundant natural light beautifully.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Whimsical Pastels are offering a refreshing alternative. This combination of deep and soft hues reflects a growing trend toward unique and personalized holiday décor choices. For Orlando homeowners who love to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, these lighter tones create seamless transitions to our year-round subtropical gardens.

The Rise of Sustainable Glamour

Black, white and gold holiday collections will continue to gain popularity as tastes trend toward a simple look to integrate into everyday décor. This sophisticated palette speaks to the growing desire for holiday decorations that don't require complete storage after the season ends. In Orlando's luxury market, where homes often showcase year-round entertaining spaces, this approach makes perfect sense.

This color scheme lends itself to a variety of other popular holiday styles: sophisticated holiday, Scandinavian-inspired holiday and handmade holiday. For our clients in communities like Baldwin Park or Thornton Park, where modern aesthetics reign supreme, these elegant neutrals create holiday magic without compromising their carefully curated interiors.

Textural Innovation and Natural Elements

The emphasis on texture is particularly relevant for Central Florida homes, where we're always seeking ways to add visual warmth to balance our consistently warm climate. Paper products are among the leading 2025 holiday trends, including honeycomb trees, ornaments, snowflakes, garlands and practically anything you can think of. These elements evoke a nostalgic feeling, remembering Christmases from the 1950s and 1960s, while adding a modern twist.

For Orlando homeowners who love the idea of winter wonderlands but live in a land of perpetual sunshine, these paper elements offer a whimsical way to create seasonal atmosphere without heavy, traditional materials that might feel out of place in our climate.

Implementing 2025 Holiday Trends: The Soho Approach

At Soho Interior Design, we believe holiday decorating should enhance your home's existing beauty, not overwhelm it. Whether you're drawn to the dramatic elegance of moody metallics or the playful charm of vintage pastels, the key is integration with your lifestyle and space.

Consider starting with one trend element—perhaps gold Resin Imperial Ornaments that bring a luxurious, timeless touch to holiday décor—and building from there. For our Orlando clients who entertain frequently during the holiday season (and let's face it, with our beautiful weather, that's most of you), we recommend focusing on elements that transition beautifully from day to evening, and from intimate family gatherings to larger celebrations.

This holiday season, embrace the unexpected. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated soirée in your downtown Orlando penthouse or creating a cozy family gathering in your Windermere estate, 2025 holiday trends offer endless possibilities for creating spaces that are both timelessly elegant and refreshingly current.

Ready to transform your Orlando home for the holidays? It's never too early to start planning! Contact Soho Interior Design to discover how these 2025 holiday trends can be seamlessly integrated into your unique space, creating holiday magic that's as sophisticated as it is memorable. 

If you'd like to discuss a design project - no matter how small, I'd love to help you! You can reach me by calling me at (407) 743-2399 or emailing me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com. for a free consultation. 

The 2023 holiday season was a good one for Christmas tree decorating this year and quite the whirlwind! I've got a handful of photos to share with you of some of the decorating done for some of my holiday decorating clients.

Let's talk about holiday decorating for your own home or business (or both) for this upcoming 2024 fall holiday season. I always encourage people to book early – and even though we're at the start of the year, I can pencil you in for later this fall, so let me know if you're interested.

Below, you'll see photos from some of my Christmas decorating this season, including creations for Corcoran Premier Realty at the Festival of Trees event, Melbourne Junior League, Orlando Infiniti, the Jaguar Land Rover dealership, a private residence...and even the tear-down crew!

And just a good note on the Festival of Trees: we had a very successful event with over 13,000 attendees, 1,000 more than last year! And that is very good news because money raised from the event ultimately supports the arts and art education at the Orlando Museum of Art.

If you'd like me to do some holiday decorating for your home or business, consider booking with me (the earlier the better) for 2024 holiday decorating. And remember, it doesn't have to be just Christmas. Many clients like to have something that starts in the fall, transitioning to Thanksgiving, and then beyond, to Christmas. You'll definitely get holiday decorating done right by my team and I.

Choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.