As the eldest daughter in my family, I’ve recently embraced the role of holiday host. This new responsibility feels like juggling the roles of chef, bartender, sommelier, bed-and-breakfast owner, Martha Stewart, and Santa Claus, all while honoring family traditions and updating them in a fresh, respectful way. Needless to say that the pressure to curate a magical, Pinterest-worthy scene for the season has been exhausting, so I’ve been desperate for any and all holiday decorating hacks.
Last year, I went overboard, gathering fallen tree branches from Prospect Park to craft a ceiling centerpiece—an incredible project that consumed hours and left me forgetting dessert entirely. To avoid such mishaps this year, I turned to five experts for their secret holiday decorating hacks for effortless last-minute hosting. Keep scrolling to learn more, free of charge.
This platter of produce features grapes with bows.Photo courtesy of Salter House
Tie Up Loose Ends With Ribbons
When it comes to impromptu holiday hosting, Sandeep Salter, owner of Salter House and Picture Room, has simple yet impactful advice: “Candles, bows, and paper doll chains! Lots of candles on the mantle and windowsills instantly make the space feel warm and inviting,” she says. “I hang one of our Salter House bows on the front door or, as it is right now, draped on the mantle. It only takes a moment and looks very festive.” Her go-to decorating essentials for quick and stylish holiday flair? “Ribbons, garlands or evergreen trimmings, and beeswax candles.”
AD PRO Directory designer Tara McCauley also champions the versatility of wide ribbons, noting that “they’re reusable and work just about anywhere. From adorning a front door to tying onto the back of a dining chair, a giant bow can make almost anything feel instantly festive.” This is only the beginning of bownanza…
Candles Give the Room an Instant Glow Up
For Brooklyn-based writer Lily Sullivan it’s all about setting a mood. “Taper candles everywhere,” she recommends. “My godparents had a collection of these amazing Ted Muehling candle holders that instantly brought warmth and atmosphere to a space. I take a more eclectic approach with tapers of all materials and heights. My favorite candles are the painted ones from Pierce and Ward.”
Sullivan offers a practical pro tip: “Also, always keep bubbles on hand—immediately festive.” Her other must-haves include ribbon (“lots of it”), greenery like branchy leaves, and versatile lighting. “My old boss, Kate Berry, had boxes of color-coded ephemera—it’s so inspiring and a quick decor fix,” she adds.
For an effortlessly elegant holiday touch, McCauley swears by the classics. “Ivory taper candles in simple brass holders create an instantly festive ambiance and never go out of style,” she insists. Also don’t forget to “make sure they’re fragrance-free—you should never put a scented candle anywhere people are eating,” she says.
