Shh: 4 Secrets To Dressing Up Your Home For The Holidays

Osyth Henriquez, the mastermind behind Aruba’s first-ever overwater villa development, is a gifted artist and entrepreneur who single-handedly brought her passionate vision to life. The boutique collection features eight bespoke overwater villas, each reflecting a unique energy. A champion of working with nature, this year’s holiday presentation showcases the seagrape leaf. Dried leaves become ornaments using ribbon or twine. To add variation, some leaves are cut into unique shapes while others are embellished with gold spray and glitter. Still others will include coastal elements like seashells, driftwood, tiny fish and crabs to inject a surprising plot twist.

The property’s tree topper will display a star crafted using layered, star-shaped seagrape leaves. Since dried coconuts are light, Henriquez is spraying them gold and using them as giant Christmas balls. Her rustic holiday design is a celebration of nature, she explains, reflecting a seaside holiday spirit.

Pro Tip: Henriquez suggests letting nature drive your holiday strategy — use dried flowers and leaves, for example, and spray them gold for added pop. An advocate of venturing outside the box to create something highly memorable, Henriquez’s main hotel reception space will have a Christmas tree chandelier. Adorned with orchids, it will hang from the ceiling. “The tree becomes a chandelier,” she says.

Bettoja Hotels

Featuring three family-run properties in Rome, the Bettoja Hotels present alike and different for the holidays, exhibiting unique touches without straying from the décor concept. Creative Director Stefania Bettoja says they all include a tree, wreaths, gnomes, elves and various themed pieces, while the color palates vary to best represent each property.

But it’s only at Hotel Mediterraneo where one can experience the legendary nativity scene — as much honoring Italian tradition as providing a place of connection for guests and staff, Bettoja explains. Each year, the nativity scene is lovingly assembled, a collection of handcrafted figurines that include sheep, shepherds, the Magi, and Joseph and Mary. At midnight on Christmas Eve, the Baby Jesus is laid in the manger. The display offers a full-sensory experience with a starry sky, flowing fountains and lighting dimmed to transition from day to night. “These features create a magical and immersive atmosphere, transporting anyone who gazes upon it on a journey back in time to the true essence of Christmas.”

Pro Tip: Reach for traditional décor, such as vintage glass ornaments or cherished family heirlooms, Bettoja suggests, adding that the hotels’ ornaments have been passed down through five Bettoja generations. To surprise and engage, she encourages the addition of mistletoe, poinsettias, holly and little red elves in corners.

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

The Georgetown hotel embraces the ethos of giving back at Christmas by celebrating nine patients from the Children’s National Hospital. This partnership, now in its eighth year, is helmed by acclaimed decorator Tom Kehoe, CEO and founder of Kehoe Designs. Anchoring the hotel’s expansive lobby, the heartwarming display is a creative way to support the hospital’s noble work. “It is both an honor and a privilege to continue partnering with the patients of Children’s National Hospital in making their holiday dreams a reality,” says Kehoe.

To bring joy and light to the children and their families, Kehoe translates their tender stories into breathtaking, artistic displays. “[The children’s] resilience and personal stories are truly inspiring and being able to transform their visions into something tangible is a deeply rewarding experience."

Pro Tip: Kehoe suggests identifying a loved one who is ill or suffering and weaving them into your holiday décor. Create or purchase personalized ornaments with their name, a meaningful date or a photo to literally make them present. Gather past holiday cards from them to form a display and prompt reflection. Or, make a themed festive jar or small box to collect encouraging messages and read them to the person throughout the season.

As promised, though I’m no professional, I have a few fabulously simple tricks up my sleeve to pass along:

Tip #1: I prefer using the same wrapping paper for all gifts. I find one I like — selecting a base color usually a deep red, brushed silver or gold, with a subtle pattern (if any). When you think about it, presents around the tree become part of the overall décor, and it’s nice to have them work seamlessly with other holiday accents. At the very least, they work together as a harmonious grouping themselves, rather than appearing as a cacophonous stash of boxes.

Tip #2: Making minor switcheroos can yield outsized results. For example, I like changing out my taper candles to feature Christmas hues. If you have a bowl on display with faux Granny Smith apples, substitute pinecones or shimmery ornament balls for a kick of holiday spirit.

Tip #3: At my house, it’s not Christmas until our beloved Smoker Guy, aka Räuchermann from Germany — a hand-carved wooden figurine — is unpacked and cheerily emitting “smoke” from his pipe. It has space inside for cone incense, which, when burning, is forced through his pipe as if he’s smoking. We bought him in Germany long ago, where we lived and where our daughter was born. Travel and global living are part of our family story.

What kind of decorations do YOU put up for the holidays? Let us know in the comments below.