Gift-giving, decorating, and entertaining are seasonal traditions, but they’re not necessarily always enjoyable. Social media and retailers have raised expectations. Instead of living up to Martha Stewart, we must match the talents of umpteen influencers.
We asked local business owners for tips to lighten the holiday load.
Savvy Gift-Giving
Start by considering the recipients’ inspirations, hobbies, favorite animal or color, says Mimi Sullivan, owner of Bloom in Greenville and Newark. “This helps the gift-editing process,” she explains.
If you know where they shop, talk to the sales crew. “We can quickly look at previous customer purchases to see sizes, styles and preferences or see if they have a wish list on file,” says Amber Shader, founder of F+L Boutique and F+L Home in Middletown.
Shader recommends reviewing their social media pages to gauge style and interests. “Do they wear gold versus silver jewelry? Do they love the beach? Do they drink wine or love tennis?” she asks.
Certain items appeal to many people. According to Shader’s gift guide, hot ideas include cozy slippers, blankets, luxury candles, coffee table books, earrings and cuff bracelets. Don’t know the person’s size? Shader suggests a one-size cardigan, wrap or poncho.
F+L Home’s line of luxury candles and home fragrances are ideal for the person with everything. The shop also pre-wraps items such as a woven cardholder wallet with a gift card for easy grab-and-go. “We ship worldwide so that anyone can use an e-gift card or physical gift card from shopfandl.com,” adds Shader, who keeps wrapped items at home for last-minute presents.
She says she avoids personal items such as lingerie for casual acquaintances or colleagues. Lottery tickets and alcohol are also a no-no in the office. Don’t give food unless you know the person’s dietary preferences or allergies. Moreover, to avoid offending someone who doesn’t celebrate it, eschew products with a holiday theme, such as Christmas.
Decking the Halls
When it comes to holiday décor, interior designer Rosemarie Dodd Giroso recommends incorporating memorabilia. She has an original Elf on a Shelf. The knee-hugging elf was made in Japan in the 1950s and 1960s and rose to fame with the eponymous 2004 book.
Texture is another way to add interest—and for winter, Giroso brings out plush pillows and fake furs. Even her tabletop Santa Claus wears fuzzy, Ugg-like boots and a cable-knit sweater.
Shader has seen an uptick in vintage-looking Santas with pops of blush, pink and red, plus “anything gingerbread, including gingerbread houses and gingerbread men.”
Interior designer Samantha Kwiatkowski Stiglitz of SJS Designs uses wrapping paper to create a seasonal atmosphere. “I even wrap up empty boxes to put under the tree until it’s time for the real gifts,” says Stiglitz, who repurposes Amazon packages. She also wraps hanging artwork and mirrors and finishes with a festive bow.
Decorating with boughs and evergreens is a centuries-old way to warm a room. However, it doesn’t need to stay verdant. Giroso has painted branches in shades of gold or off-white and weaved in white fairy lights. While some branches stand in vases, others adorn the mantel. Feel free to incorporate realistic-looking artificial foliage or flowers. “There’s a lot of good products out there,” she says.
Shader agrees that nature-inspired décor is popular, as are flocked trees and garlands. Remember your tablescape, too: Photographer Ben Fournier has incorporated pine cones, dried hydrangea and berries for fall, along with evergreen sprigs and miniature red and clear crystal balls for Christmas.
Don’t be afraid to add sparkles, says Giroso, who’s sprinkled glitter on her DIY décor. Adds Shader: “Disco balls are still trending.”
Party Planning 101
Start preplanning regardless of the date. Marissa Guasperini from Moments by Bella Monroe recommends keeping a file—or Pinterest—with ideas. When the party approaches, use the file to create a mood board.
Co-Kema Parker of Concepts by CoKo notes that there are many types of parties—brunch, luncheon, dinner and tea, which is her personal favorite. Guasperini says Friday and Saturday afternoon parties get more RSVPs. “They don’t interfere with family plans,” she says, adding that it’s important to send out your invitations early.
Pick a color scheme and a theme for stress-free decorating. The décor can be affordable. Parker has shopped for party accessories at Dollar Tree, Gabe’s, Family Dollar and Big Lots. She hits At Home, HomeGoods, Macy’s or Target for more upscale designs. A party planner often has a stash of décor, so you don’t need to buy and store it.
Guasperini asks clients for a head count and budget, something you must consider even if you’re not using a professional planner—especially if hiring a caterer. Always overestimate the amount of food and beverages you’ll need, she says.
If the menu is a DIY project, “prep heavy and plan accordingly,” says chef Andrew Cini. “The more you can do ahead, the better—and always have a spread set out before guests arrive to keep them from getting grumpy.”
Similarly, if the event is a family affair, don’t forget to set up a station with coloring books and games. “Kids get bored quickly,” says Guasperini.
Related: A Guide to This Season’s Holiday Markets in Delaware
