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 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.