Thanks!

The gifts have all been opened and family has all gone home... now its time to put away the china, take down the garland and store the stockings until the magic begins again! Thanks to our clients and supporters for Mistletoe Chateau's great first Christmas season.  Check back in the fall when we'll share more great entertaining and decorating tips for a holiday season to remember! 

...and don't forget to get one last kiss under the mistletoe.

Santa Claus is coming to town...

Can you believe there are only 2 weeks left until Christmas?!?  If you are not quite ready for your upcoming party or family gathering, fear not! We can still make your home festively beautiful just in time for the holidays. Contact us soon to discuss design package options.

gretchen@gretchenleighclark.com | design.hilary.elizabeth@gmail.com

    

Holiday Tips from Gretchen + Hilary

If you listen to Gene & Julie on 103.7 in the morning, you might have heard Kimberly Schlegel Whitman talking about Chateau Mistletoe last week on her radio segment. Here are some tips we shared with Kim for memorable holiday entertaining and decorating!

* Layers for your home - Just like winter fashion... layer your home with blankets and pillows.  This is a quick and affordable way to change the look of your home.  Make sure to mix different textures (mohair, silk, jute, cashmere, linen, wool) for a luxurious and livable look!

* Experiment with Style - Afraid to commit?  Now is the perfect time to try out a style you secretly love.  Mix mirrored accessories and glass ornaments for sparkling Christmas glamour!  Or skirt a table in burlap and top with winter flowers in white pottery for antique swedish charm!

* Make a Family Tradition - Christmas is all about memories, so create a new family tradition! Try decorating the Christmas tree as a family... play a mix of favorite holiday music, start a cozy fire and lay out a spread for "indoor smores"!

* Fresh is Best - Whenever you can afford it, use fresh garland, wreaths and trees.  The smell is incredible and they will look great for weeks!  Be sure to lightly mist often with cool water to keep them fresh and green.

* Gifts as Decoration - Coordinate your wrapping papers to create a collected (not matching) look around your christmas tree.  If you're a last minute shopper like me, wrap empty boxes which you can use again next year!

* Inside Out - Don't overlook patios and loggias, which should be decorated as an extension of the home.  Be sure to have a fire source, a basket of blankets and hot spiced wine for family and friends.  They will love to cuddle up outside and talk for hours!

* Set the Table - Host a whimsical and memorable holiday tea by setting the table with assorted plates and tea cups.  If you don't have enough sets to make an eclectic mix, borrow a few from family or friends.  If you're intimidated to mix patterns, stick with all white dishes in different styles!  Keep the look polished with paper white flowers potted in footed silver serving bowls.  For a personal touch purchase individual glass teapots for your guests to keep!

Classic Christmas

Sometimes all you really want for Christmas is a touch of tradition! Beautiful trees, wreaths and swags of garland, accentuated with ornaments, bows and berries set the tone for a classic Christmas home.  This look can work well in both casual and formal rooms by using a few easy tricks!  Keep the color scheme understated in formal rooms, sticking with neutral accents of gold, silver and ivory and add sparkle with glass and mirror.  For a more casual and festive look, introduce brighter colors and always remember to add personal touches that are special just to your family.

via Traditional Home

  

  

   

  

 

 design by Mary McDonald

Rustic Beauty

Sorry its been awhile, but I have been out of town styling a photoshoot in Colorado. All of the beautiful scenery has gotten me in the mood for Christmas decor inspired by nature! If not done well the rustic look can be a little too masculine and uninviting... Pair soft elements like floral, ribbon, berries, and decorative ornaments to rustic branches, nests and grapevine wreaths for a sparkling rustic Christmas that is pretty, organic and totally gorgeous!

ornaments from Pottery Barn

via marthastewart.com

ornaments from Pottery Barn

via Material Girls blog

via Country Living via Cottage Living

 

      via Southern Accents

First Impressions

With most festivities happening indoors, don't neglect the outside of your home!  Greet your guests with a warm and inviting entrance that begs them to come in.  Set the tone for your holiday decor with garland, wreaths and pots full of wintry plants.  Be sure to think creatively and use unexpected materials like moss, magnolia and bay leaves, boxwood, and mixes of traditional evergreens. Texas winters are mild and great for outdoor entertaining - make your backyard a cozy retreat for family and friends by decorating your patio or loggia.  

 

images via martha stewart

 

images via twolia.com

  

via cottage living

   

via southern living

Home for the Holidays

Don't you just love the holiday season?  Hot cocoa by the fire, sparkling window displays at your favorite stores, and giddy children trying to be on their best behavior...  It just never seems to lose its magic to me, and this year is even better because it's my first Christmas with a baby!

 

  

If you love the holidays, but don't love getting ready for them - we can help! After an initial consultation at your home, our design team will create a custom plan within your budget to complement the style of your home.  We'll quickly have your home ready for the season so that you can enjoy it. We also offer our services for private and company holiday events to take the "work" out of your party. 

Book a free consultation now, because it will be here before you know it!   

 

Gretchen Clark

gretchen@gretchenleighclark.com

Hilary Campbell   

design.hilary.elizabeth@gmail.com

Chateau Mistletoe on the radio

Kimberly Schlegel Whitman will be talking about "Chateau Mistletoe" by Gretchen and Hilary on her radio segment next week.  Kim will be sharing great holiday decorating and entertaining tips that you won't want to miss!  Be sure to listen to her segment on Gene and Julie's morning radio show on 103.7 light fm and let us know what you think.