Holiday Decorating Tips & Tricks

This week I wrote a guest post for 

Toma Clark Haine's blog, The Antiques Diva.  

I share some of my secrets about hosting a holiday fete.  For the full story, read Hosting Diva Style.  Over there I offer  seven helpful tips, but mindful of my overall philosophy of keeping it fun and light as well...

I believe entertaining should be fun and certainly stress-free.  The most important secret weapon for successfully hosting a fete is to bring creativity to your home, table and cooking. This puts your guests at ease no matter how formal the event, and makes for a festive time for all! " 

-Tamara Stephenson

my tree sparkled in a Velveteen Rabbit theme
at historic home, Bartow Pell Home

Now that I have added fabric and wallpaper designer to my resume the past few years as co-owner of root cellar designs, I have another vantage point in design.  Textiles are a key way to bring beauty into your home and table, and especially when entertaining.

Susan and I decorated this table at The Hope Lodge fundraising Holiday gala -- we custom created our blue willow fabric pattern in "orange punch" and "sky blue" colors for a holiday table in a Dutch theme. It's a wonder what a bright and vibrant colored table linen can do for your holiday table, and it sets a festive, unexpected tone.  

Happy Nesting

XO Tamara