Double Up
The living room mantel (above) features multiple strands of cedar and Frasier fir garland for a lush look. To create even more texture, Lisa added eucalyptus strands and then wove magnolia garland and gold satin ribbon along the top and sides. Clusters of silver balls and sugar pine cones finish the look.
Holiday Mix
A white-and-green arrangement on the coffee table (above) includes both cut and planted flowers, such as amaryllis, tulips, hydrangeas, roses, and eucalyptus. Bare branches add texture and draw the eye up while also providing support to the amaryllis.
Winter Wonderland
Lisa created an enchanting, wintry scene on the entry table (below) using a collection of wooden and bottle brush trees, along with candles and a sprinkling of faux snow. Pine cones and greenery fill a large bowl underneath. Evergreen wreaths hang on the doors, and sugar pine cones are tied to mirrored sconces. “The wreaths and pine cones are graced with knotted gold velvet ribbon,” Lisa says. “I’m not a great bow maker, so I often like to go with the simplicity of a little knot.”
Make A Statement
Lisa likes to work with containers that enhance her designs. A sculptural gold vessel (below) cradles a red poinsettia nestled into reindeer moss and enhanced with white amaryllis, paperwhites, and ilex berries.
Highlight Interiors
The study (below) showcases leather chairs and wood-paneled walls, so Lisa opted for rich golds and warm hues to complement the masculine tones. A garland gracing the carved limestone mantel consists of cedar; eucalyptus leaves and pods; glittered branches; sugar pine cones; and faux, decorative game birds that nod to the husband’s love of hunting. Magnolia leaves show both sides—shiny green tops and caramel-brown undersides. Green velvet ribbon drapes from a corner for a showy finish. A deer mount is set off with a wreath of cedar, Frasier fir twigs, and pine cones. An arrangement of Parrot tulips enhances the cozy scene.
Entry Point
Lisa repeated materials inside and out for elegance and consistency. Garlands of cedar and magnolia frame the entry (below), while swags of sugar pine cones and satin gold ribbon adorn gas lanterns.
Lisa’s Decorating Tips
Help greenery last longer by keeping temperatures in the house a little cooler—heat dries them out more quickly. If possible, use a mister to lightly spray them daily.
Instead of stapling or pinning ribbon, hold it in place with florist wire. The wire prevents holes and allows you to reuse your ribbon each year.
When hanging fresh garland it’s ok to cut it. Don’t feel like you must use one long piece. In fact, when draping garland around a door, Lisa actually prefers to cut it to ensure that it hangs correctly. “And if you cut it too short, don’t panic,” she adds. “Simply use florist wire to put it back together.”
LISA BAILEY
Lisa Bailey is a magazine-stylist-turned-floral-designer and owner of Lisa Bailey Designs. She started her career working behind the scenes at Time Inc. For 10 years, she helped create the iconic Southern Living Christmas covers before venturing out on solo shoots for floral designs in catalogs such as Summer Classics and Ballard Designs. Today, Lisa provides floral design for practically any type of event, including weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, and, of course, Christmas parties in and around Birmingham. During the holidays, when she’s not decorating her clients’ homes, Lisa is likely to be found in the car with husband Chris and kids Ben, Ella Kate, and Anna—all with hot chocolate in hand and comfortable in pajamas—as they continue the annual tradition of checking out Christmas lights around the city.
Lisa Bailey Designs • 205.821.4128
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