Kelley Gable of Gable Interiors in Rehoboth Beach knows how to get festive within an existing space. By marrying style and function, Gable Interiors provides a distinct look that is clean, functional and classic. For holiday parties, Gable recommends working within your space and elevating it rather than transforming it completely.
Here, Gable offers her top five tips for creating a welcoming space to invite friends and families over during the holidays.
1. It starts with scent
Scent is often associated with many core memories, and holiday fragrances are no exception. When entertaining and hosting loved ones, ensure your home hits all senses—scent being one of them. The scent will be the first thing that your guests notice as they walk into your home for holiday parties and will linger once they leave. Gable’s go-to scent over the holidays is Thymes Fraiser Fur, which comes in a candle, diffuser or fragrance form. Not only is the scent amazing, but it adds the perfect decorative touch as the vessels are beautiful holiday decor in themselves. Pro tip: if going for a faux tree, spritz this scent directly on your tree for that real tree smell.
Thymes Frasier Fir Pine Needle Candle | $34 | Amazon
2. Stick to your home’s existing color palette
When decorating for holiday parties, Gable loves to see clients amplify their home’s existing color palette with holiday touches. And while she enjoys the traditional reds and greens of the season, she advises against clashing with the home’s existing color palette by layering the seasonal hues on top of what already works. For example, if your home’s color palette is primarily blue and white, amplify those tones (think jewel tones, metallics or soft blues) while adding holiday decor like tapered candles along your table or soft ribbon tied on a wreath. Use the colors you love, then add in cozy texture with velvet and knits. Prefer to stick with neutrals? Opt for items such as rattan decor, pewter elements or natural stone decor.
Tapered Candles | $28 | Serena & Lily
Dusty Blue Velvet Ribbon | $12 | Amazon
Woven Wicker Bells | $60 | McGee & Co.
Antique Pewter Willow Wreath | $78 | McGee & Co.
Varen Travertine Stone Tree | $32 | McGee & Co.
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3. Deck the halls
When it comes to greenery and garland in your home this holiday season, Gable says that “more is more.” Greenery, in her opinion, can do no wrong, and she uses it as a decorative moment all throughout the year. That could mean olive branches in the summer, eucalyptus in the spring, magnolia through fall and lush garlands in the winter and during the holidays. Make a statement by draping garland across your mantle, down the staircase and hung over doorways and/or windows both inside and out. Not up for real garland this year? One of Gable’s favorite faux garlands can be found below. Pro tip: double it up for a super lush look! And don’t forget to trim your garland with touches like vintage bells and ribbon.
Blueberry Pine Garland | $42 | Michael’s
Pine & Eucalyptus Garland | $30 | Michael’s
Hanging Iron Bells | $28 | McGee & Co.
Fringe Chiffon Silk Ribbon | $11 | Amazon
4. Make it personal
When decorating for holiday parties, make it personal for your guests. Hosting an intimate dinner party? Gable loves including pretty tabletop items like name cards. Some of her favorite holiday party name-card holders are listed below. She also loves decorating the whole table — including the chairs — by using small wreaths like these to hang on the backs of each chair.
Metal Bell Place Card Holders | $36 | McGee & Co.
Gingerbread House Place Card Holders | $29 | Pottery Barn
Cricklade Cypress Wreath | $67 | Wayfair
5. Cheers to the season
We love a holiday cocktail (or mocktail) when hosting a holiday party. Get creative with both your glassware and your presentation (think sugar-rimmed cocktail glasses or cinnamon stick garnishes); it certainly goes a long way with your guests. Additionally, we love how decorative glassware can be the perfect touch on open shelving in your kitchen or bar. It’s the perfect time to display pretty champagne coupes, your grandmother’s fine china or vintage wine glasses. Some of our favorite glassware of the season is listed below.
Green Aperitif Glasses | $40 | Crate & Barrel
Rustic Forest Cocktail Glasses | $56 | Pottery Barn
Hobnail Drinking Glasses | $22 | Amazon
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