Christmas decorating

Holiday greenery front door

Fresh and Festive: How to Decorate With Natural Holiday Greenery

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.

Magnolia wreath

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.

cedar garland

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.

holiday greeneryHoliday greenery

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.

staircase holiday greenery

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.

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Holiday tablescape header

Create Stunning Holiday Tablescapes That Wow Your Guests

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. 

tablescapes runner

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! 

tablescape dark and moody

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.

holiday tablescapes blue

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.

tablescapes centerpieces

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. 

simple holiday tablescape

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small guest rooms

No Spare Room? Brilliant Guest Bedroom Ideas for Holiday Hosting

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!

Murphy bedmurphy bed 2

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.

trundle bed

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.

guest bedrooms lamp

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.

guest rooms luxury throw

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.

guest rooms luggage

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. 

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2025 Holiday trends

2025 Holiday Trends: Creating Festive Magic

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 elegant Christmas

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.

Moody Christmaswhimsical pastels

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.

modern Christmas

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.

Christmas black white and goldModern Christmas village

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.

Neutral Christmas

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.

holiday garlandhoneycomb Christmas trees

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. 

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Christmas tree decorating at the 2023 Festival of Trees.

The 2023 Christmas Tree Decorating Lineup

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.

Christmas tree decorating for the Melbourne Junior League.

Christmas tree decorating for the Melbourne Junior League.

Christmas tree decorating for Corcoran Premier Realty at the Festival of Trees.

Christmas tree decorating for Corcoran Premier Realty at the Festival of Trees.

2023 Christmas tree decorating for Orlando Infiniti.

Soho’s Christmas tree decorating for Orlando Infiniti.

One of the Christmas trees decorated for the Jaguar Land Rover Dealership.

One of the Christmas trees decorated for the Jaguar Land Rover Dealership.

Another one of the Christmas trees decorated for the Jaguar Land Rover Dealership.

Another Christmas tree decorated for the Jaguar Land Rover Dealership.

Here is another Christmas tree decorated for the Jaguar Land Rover Dealership.

Here is a third Christmas tree decorated for the Jaguar Land Rover Dealership.

Christmas tree decorating for a private residence.

Christmas tree decorating for a private residence.

The Christmas Decorators teardown crew.

My Christmas Decorators teardown crew.

The Christmas Decorators teardown crew busy at work.

The Christmas Decorators teardown crew busy at work.

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.

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Easy and Inspiring Winter Decor Ideas for 2022

Easy and Inspiring Winter Decor Ideas for 2022

Cozy! That’s the word that best defines winter decor. I’ll bet you want your home to be cozy and offer a warm welcome to family and friends, especially at holiday time.

You don’t need to do major renovations or spend a small fortune. Simple little changes to your spaces add that extra feeling of comfort and warmth.

Here are some simple ways to create cozy winter decor:

Cozy winter decor means blankets everywhere

Cozy, warm winter decor means lots of blankets.

Winter always provides a great opportunity to pull out more blankets and have them all around the home, doing double duty, adding a nice casual style, along with providing actual warmth when needed.

Lots of blankets for color, warmth and texture in winter decor

Blankets are an inviting way to make your house more cozy and comfortable. You can use blankets on the sofa, on office furniture, over an armchair, on the porch bench, or anywhere you might want to add a little extra color and texture, and yes, warmth.

Switch out the rugs

Time to put away the sisal rugs and pull out some high and fluffy rugs. In summer, natural fiber rugs are the best choice because they are cooler, in winter it is the opposite.

Thicker, warmer rugs will introduce "cozy" to your winter decor.

This season, look for high-pile rugs…remember that key word: cozy.

Invest in pillows

Cushions give you such a great option to introduce colors and textures, as well as comfort. All three qualities together definitely make for a cozy environment. Carry the idea of “warm” throughout your decor upgrades at holiday time.

For color, texture and warmth, investing in pillows for cozy winter decor makes good sense.

Here’s another tip: in the wintertime, use pillows with warm. tactile fabric covers, such as textured cloth, crochet, and velvet. Leave the satin covers for the summer.

winter decor ideas - blankets

Add some coziness with warm lighting

The color of the lamps also has a lot of relevance in winter decoration. The yellowish tones, considered warm, refer to fire, fireplaces and bonfires.

A lantern adds a lot of warmth and color to your wintry decor.

The warm colors that lamps and candles can introduce definitely enhances a mood of coziness. Yellowish, warm tones link to fireplaces and the hearth.

Easy and Inspiring Winter Decor Ideas for 2022

Light fixtures, lamps, and ceiling spots can easily convey warm tones of light that let you relax into the wintertime with family and friends.

Keep the whiter lights for places where focus and concentration are needed, such as the kitchen, office, and study.

Plants have their own lush warmth to add to your winter decor

Imagine plants like that yummy hug. Your house is more intimate, welcoming, and comfortable with them. They nicely pull a room together.

A warm bulb in a fixture can warm up an otherwise cool room

Plants are great for any room, whether bringing life and color into the living room, spreading vases around multiple rooms (vases also introduce variety with warm colors, textures, and natural tones), or even plants in the bathroom (they love the moist “hothouse” air).

Bring in the green with plants for your winter decor.

Do be careful with your selection of plants. Remember that each of them requires a different light level. Research what works best in each location ahead of time.

Scatter candles to warm up your winter decor

Candles are the best! They decorate, illuminate and add warmth. That description is exactly what winter decoration is all about.

Scatter candles everywhere for warm cozy winter decor.

For safety reasons, it’s best to place candles in holders of some kind, preventing fires. Glass and mirrors tend to bounce the light all around, adding a nice touch, and metal support bases can add another dimension of warm color into the room.

Also, be mindful of where the candle will be lit. Avoid locations near flammable objects, such as curtains, or dry, papery decor.

Light up that fireplace (or bring one inside)

Winter is also the ideal time to put away the fan and light up that fireplace, of course.

Light up that fireplace for cozy warm winter decor.

You don’t need to have a masonry fireplace in your living room. Nowadays there are very efficient, portable fireplaces that add that extra warmth for a cozy winter environment.

I hope these winter decor ideas help you find simple cost-effective ways to dress up your home for a wintry, cozy mood this holiday season! If you’d like to have me bring some holiday styling to your home or office, contact me. You can choose a contact method right below this blog post. And feel free to give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399, and we can explore some lovely winter holiday decor ideas together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

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Pro tips on how to decorate a Christmas tree.

Decorate Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro

Who doesn’t love Christmas decorations? If you got a chance to visit the Orlando Museum Council of 101’s recent Festival of Trees, I hope you were as inspired as I was.  

Held annually every November, Festival of Trees celebrates the beauty of the holiday season with designer-decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, raffles, and more.

This is the 8th year that I’ve participated in the event as a designer and this year I designed not one, not two, but three trees! Whew! It was hard work but so much fun and best of all the proceeds go to the many charities supported by Council of 101.

Silver and Gold Make for an Elegant Combo

Christmas tree decorating

Metallica, sponsored by Corcoran Premier Reality. This beautiful and elegant tree mixes silver, gold, and white to create a timeless look.

The Metallica Christmas tree sold

The Metallica tree I created for Corcoran Premier Realty sold, which means I’ll be setting it up at the purchaser’s location of choice.

Christmas tree decorating like a pro.

The Metallica tree’s skirt, made up of 5 yards of gold polyester material loosely draped around the base, adds the finishing touch.

A beautiful tree deserves to be in beautiful company. If your tree is in the dining area, or near it, don’t forget to show your dining room or buffet table some love. Using the same silver, gold, and white theme, I created a centerpiece to compliment the tree. The candles, feathers, linens, and flatware all add different textures to enhance the overall look.

Metallica place setting

Metallica place setting closeup

Here Comes Christmas

Red and green are a lovely combination to decorate a Christmas tree.

Here Comes Christmas, sponsored by Orlando Health.

Here Comes Christmas, sponsored by Orlando Health.

This is the 2nd year I’ve had the privilege to design a tree sponsored by Orlando Health. While red is a holiday staple, the lime green color really pops and makes any Christmas tree a bit cheerier. Instead of a traditional star on top, I created a tree topper from the same sprays I used in the décor to give the tree added dimension and interest.

May All of Your Wishes Come True

"May All of Your Wishes Come True" decorated Christmas tree.

May All of Your Wishes Come True, sponsored by Jon Paul Trevasani, M.D. and the Staff of The Aesthetic Surgery Centre of Maitland.

A section of "May All of Your Wishes Come True" pink Christmas tree.

Soft pinks and gold create a warm and traditional looking tree. I love how this tree gives off an old-fashioned Victorian vibe, yet still looks modern enough for today’s décor.

May All of Your Wishes Come True, sponsored by Jon Paul Trevasani, M.D. and the Staff of The Aesthetic Surgery Centre of Maitland.

Want to Decorate Your Tree Like a Pro?

Your Christmas tree is the centerpiece of your holiday décor so give it all the attention it so rightly deserves. 

Here are some of my Pro-Tips to make your tree stand out this holiday season. Warning: Your tree might look so good that the family decides to come over every holiday!

  • Invest in a high-quality artificial tree. Christmas trees crafted from premium materials provide sturdy and reliable support for decorations and can stand up to repeated use year after year, while maintaining its beautiful look. 
  • Change out your ribbon every year to give your tree a “new” look.
  • Use 2 types of ribbon on your tree—a solid and a print or 2 solids to create interest.
  • Take the time to fully fluff and shape the branches. Fluffing the branches helps to make your Christmas tree look fuller and more natural. It can be time-consuming, but totally worth it!
  • A new tree skirt can change the look of your tree but it doesn’t have to be expensive. I buy 5 yards of pretty fabric and drape it around the base to add a pop of color or interest. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box. In the past I’ve used a white fur rug (Ikea) as a tree skirt and it looked fabulous.
  • Design around a theme. A professional-looking Christmas tree has a central look that ties the decorations together. Deciding on a theme before choosing your decorations sets the tone and gives you a clear idea on how to decorate your tree.
  • Decorate from the top of the tree and then work towards the bottom. This way, you can easily check your design as you dress up your tree.
  • Don’t forget tree picks and sprays. Tree picks and floral sprays come in many forms, such as decorated branches, twigs, berries, or even pine cones. Use them as subtle accents to complement the entire look of your tree. Grouping picks together using floral wire is a creative way to elevate the visual appeal of your tree without overpowering other decorations. Sprays are also great for adding a splash of color to wreaths and garlands, as well.

A beautiful Christmas tree takes time and patience to decorate, but the joy it will give you and your family during the holiday season makes it all worthwhile.

I hope these Christmas tree decorating pro tips have inspired you! If you’d like to have me create some seasonal holiday styling for your home or office decor, you can choose a contact method right below this blog post. And feel free to give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399, and we can explore some lovely seasonal Christmas holiday decor options together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

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Christmas tree inspiration came from the light blue ribbon.

Christmas Tree Inspiration

My 2 Sponsored Christmas Trees for the Festival of the Trees

This is my 8th year designing sponsored trees for the annual Festival of the Trees event put on by the Orlando Museum of Art. I love doing it each year and have had so many happy sponsors pleased with the results. Each tree requires a good dose of inspiration and a lot of preparation, not to mention the actual setup, which must come off perfectly. While it is a lot of work, creating beautiful Christmas trees is so rewarding, especially seeing the faces of delighted children.

A special tree honoring our Healthcare Heroes

Healthcare Heroes tree for Orlando Health

For this year, I was asked to create a tree honoring our Healthcare Heroes by Orlando Health. They gave me some delightful nutcrackers representing doctors, nurses, and other frontline healthcare heroes for my Christmas tree inspiration, and I built a tree around these wonderful toys. I picked up on their colors and expanded it out through lights and decorations supporting the fun healthcare hero nutcracker and other ornaments. Check out the photos – I hope you like the tree! Who wouldn’t be inspired by such wonderful representations of our Healthcare Heroes!

Full Christmas tree sponsored by Orlando Health.

Sponsorship of the Healthcare Heroes tree.

This year, Spectrum News 13 interviewed me while I was decorating the Healthcare Heroes tree for Orlando Health, and featured a lot of my comments as a “seasoned designer”, having done this for so many years now. The interview was fun, and they captured some windy moments outside too, while I and my assistants were adding fake snow (flocking) to my second commissioned tree for  Corcoran Premier Realty.

Cool elegance to inspire warm memories of home

Chocky Burks, Broker at Corcoran Premier Realty commissioned me to do a tree that we call “Home for the Holidays.” My Christmas tree inspiration came from the color and style of the light blue ribbon I had selected, and led me to create a very elegant Christmas tree, complete with wintery snow-flocking. The silver, white, gold, and light turquoise colors are meant to impart the coolness of winter as well as the luxury and elegance of a finely-appointed holiday tree in a finely-appointed home. And the memories that can stir have a warmth all their own.

Carmen Dick and Chocky Burks with the elegant tree sponsored by Corcoran Premier Realty.

Holiday decorating is a year-’round pursuit

Of course, what I create for the Festival of the Trees spills over into my holiday decorating work and vice versa. The Christmas Decorators is my team (and myself) that’s totally focused on creating Christmas and other holiday decor throughout my clients’ homes this time of year. It takes a lot of planning and organizing, which is why I normally start advertising for bookings as early as June or July of any given year. And I’m collecting ideas and samples and materials throughout the year.

Ornaments and styling for the "Home for the Holidays" tree.

Inspiration is everywhere

Christmas tree inspiration is all around, I find it anywhere, from a fabric pattern or color to an object like the light blue ribbon I mentioned, to a client’s favorite piece of artwork…and sometimes even through a dream. I think to be truly creative in one’s work, you must be truly inspired, and I pair that with the ultimate goal of making my clients feel at home…in their home, whether it’s Christmas decorating, or complete interior design work. It all springs from the same source, and with the same goal in mind.

Healthcare Heroes tree nutcracker ornament.
Finishing touches on the "Home for the Holidays" Christmas tree.
I installed the furniture and rug around the "Home for the Holidays" tree too, thanks to La-Z-Boy Orlando!

I even created a restful space around the Corcoran Premier Realty tree. A special thank you to La-Z-Boy Orlando! They provided the two chairs, side tables and area rug, all of which tie in perfectly with the color scheme of the tree.

A new season of holiday decor will be here sooner than you think

I hope you enjoy what you see here, and that you’ll consider booking me to bring some of this holiday sparkle into your home for Christmas 2022. If that idea inspires you, be on the lookout for when I announce booking time mid-year 2022. And you know I’m always available to help you with the design and decor of all of your interior spaces throughout the year. Just 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.
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The Christmas Decorators - Soho Interior Design

Christmas Will Be Here Before You Know It!

Soho Interior Design offers The Christmas Decorators.

Just a reminder to everyone that booking early to have me and my Christmas Decorators team dress up your home or business for the holidays is a great way to avoid last-minute frustration! Our available slots tend to fill up fast! We’ve been doing Christmas decorating for 5 years now, and have several very pleased repeat clients. If you’re hosting a Christmas or holiday-time party or having family visit for the holidays, we can decorate your home and create that warm, inviting Christmastime vibe!

If you think you’ll be in town and want your home done up for the holidays, early booking is a great way to lock things in. Click this link to check out some of my past holiday projects, showcased on my website. We’d love to customize your home for your Christmas! Just click the contact link on this website and message me here, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com. And, of course, you can call me anytime at: (407) 947-7718. It’s easy to book The Christmas Decorators!

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