Living Well

Southern Living Christmas Feature- Behind The Scenes

Christmas came early for us when Southern Living published a feature on my home in their December issue.  While the issue is now out on newsstands, I thought it would be fun to take a look behind the scenes.

 

I had the best time this summer shooting with them, as their team is so much fun.  We had these polite, young men and ladies who helped us decorate, and guess what?   They did not complain once. 🙂  Christmas decorating made easy!!   With Christmas a few weeks away, I sure could use their help now.

 

Their team came in for a week in August to set up and shoot, and with a 10′ Christmas tree delivered directly from North Carolina, we decorated, Southern Living style.

 

The talented photography team
The photography team with stylist Buffy Hargett pointing out something specific

 

 

Buffy and I decided to keep the colors simple- gold, white, with touches of purple. Lots of greenery and white flowers- We were going for texture and unique ideas versus busy and color.

 

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Love Buffy’s idea of a Eucalyptus garland draped over my bed

 

 

 

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Boxwood garland holding up an angel over my Family Room mantle

 

 

Look how gorgeous this mantle arrangement is in my Living Room that Buffy and her team created.   It was stunning and I wish I could have kept it alive to enjoy a little longer.

 

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Close up of the arrangement

 

 

The feature ended up being several pages and shows different spaces throughout my house.  It is interesting, too, how some of the colors in the rooms read differently in the magazine versus in person.

 

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Photograph of my upstairs’ landing in the Southern Living December issue

 

To see more photographs, pick up the December issue now.   I hope you see something that inspires you this holiday season-

 

dana

 

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Living Well

Simple, Elegant Ways To Decorate For Christmas

It’s hard to believe the holidays are here.   With Christmas around the corner, I am looking for simple, easy elegant ways to decorate.   Jesus didn’t mean for the season to be stressful, and I am determined I am going to stay calm and relaxed this year.

 

Your home should be a place you can live in comfortably and that works well for your family, even during the holidays! While shooting for the feature of my house in the December issue of Southern Living, I had the chance to stream this VIDEO live with them to discuss tips for decorating.  Click on the first one listed to watch.

 

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Southern Living team working their magic!

 

Here is a recap of the tips in the video:

 

  1. Simplicity: Create spaces you can live in and that work for your family. This goes along with holiday decorating, too! Sometimes the simplest detail is the most elegant.  It doesn’t need to be fussy or expensive.

 

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Magnolia wreath sprayed with white paint and hung in my foyer

 

 

2. Texture: Mix textures to achieve a layered look.  By adding simple greenery to shiny ornament balls on my mantle, I added some softness to my limestone fireplace. When decorating, think of pairing shiny with matte sheens, smooth finishes with textural, etc….

 

 

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3. Repetition: Pick a couple of colors and repeat them throughout all of your decor. In this instance we chose white and gold and mixed textures through the wrapping paper, ribbons, and calling cards.

 

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4.  Surround yourself with things you love.  I showcased this sweet nativity set from Amano in Mountain Brook Village.   I love how it reminds  me the reason for Christmas in such a subtle way.

 

 

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I hope these tips make decorating for Christmas a little easier for you this year.  Take care and enjoy the season-

 

dana

 

 

 

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