Design Guide Online Editorial

DG welcomes guest blogger Denise McGaha, President of M Designs, who's gabbing about all things fa-la-la-fabulous for the holidays!

The Holidays for my family begin early. With travel and entertaining throughout the South, we are a busy bunch. I like to begin planning in late October since we have guests and start traveling to visit family in early December. Below are my top ten tips to help you create a beautiful home for the holidays and make a warm and welcoming space for everyone who visits.

1. ALWAYS bring in fresh. If you have an allergy to cedar, then use magnolia leaves and amaryllis, but always use fresh items in your decor. I love narcissus, amaryllis, fresh flowers for the table and powder baths. The "wow" factor is amazing. Every time I smell the scents of the season, it instantly brings back memories.

2. Candles......but not scented. Low votives are wonderful on the tables, and I love long tapers for more formal occasions. I bought beautiful hand-dipped apple green tapers when we were last in Paris and every time I use them, I remember our romantic trip that Spring.

3. Make it your own. On the tree, dining table, and tablescapes, inject your personality. Whether using your favorite whimsical napkins and napkin rings, your grandmothers silver tea service, or calligraphy on the place cards, make sure it reflects your personality. You will make your guests comfortable and it creates great conversation when a little fun is injected in your decorating.

4. Don't forget the kids!! Make their table for dining fun with butcher paper and crayons, small gifts that can be opened AFTER eating, Mac and cheese buffet- style and games to play until the adults are done. They will love coming to your house for the holidays and make sure it's anything but boring for them! You could even have iTunes gift cards to download a list of games and music you preview and leave for them to choose from...you won't hear from them until dessert is served!

5. Make guests comfortable. Find out what their favorite drinks and snacks are and have them ready. Give them a place for coats and bags when they arrive and greet them warmly when they arrive. Don't get so wrapped up in entertaining that you forget who you are entertaining for!! And always have gifts for guests when they leave. I prefer a natural gift..a bag of nuts with a nutcracker or a plant or seedling.

6. Create a theme each year that is incorporated into your wrapping, table settings and overall decoration. Whether it's a ribbon color used for packages and napkins, or a particular style of font on your place card and gift tags, it will help create a cohesive look.

7. Change pillows and throws on furniture for the season. I have great cashmere pillows being made for the sofa this season. These cozy down-filled pillows will coordinate with my red felt pillows I already own. I can just imagine snuggling up next to the fire now!

8. Whenever possible, use fresh fruit and berries for decoration. Try to stay away from kitschy seasonal decor. This will keep your look sophisticated and timeless.

9. Create holiday memories and record them in a holiday journal. I have leather-bound Christmas albums with photos from our friends and family cards each year. I love going through these albums and seeing how everyone has grown and changed over the years.

10. Adorn mirrors and doors inside with wreaths and ribbon. I also love to hang wreaths from drapery rods in our front windows. This allows me to use the color theme from our ribbon on the inside of our home as well as the outside.

Guest Blogger: Denise McGaha; M Designs

Denise McGaha, President, built the design firm around creating interiors for high-end residential, multi-family, and commercial clients. M Designs was founded in 2001 with one design assistant and now boasts a team that includes accredited designers and registered architects.

With corporate offices in Dallas, Texas, M Designs provides design services to our clients nationwide. Great pride is taken in delivering unique, one-of-a kind, functional and outstanding design - every time. With active involvement at each step, M Designs is able to deliver the excellence and efficiency our clients have come to expect. The firm offers project management, purchasing of FF&E, and budgeting services on each design project.

• Rayven's blog

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by: Rayven