DON'T MISS A THING

As the founder and principal of Wade Weissmann Architecture, Wade has spent the last twenty-five years designing classically inspired estates of many genres around the world. Known for his fine attention to craftsmanship and design detail, and for lending homeowners a feeling of resort living, if you are looking for holiday celebration ideas from an expert aesthetic eye, this article is for you!

With their creative studio based in Wade’s hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Wade Weissmann Architecture also has offices on the west coast in Southern California as well as on the east coast in Pittsburgh, servicing projects nationwide.

In addition to designing, Wade recently released his first book, Heirloom Houses: The Architecture of Wade Weissmann, written by Steven Stolman. A gorgeous book that features 15 of his beautifully crafted homes, each designed to stand the test of time so as to be passed down to future generations—a must-read for design lovers!

Wade Weissmann’s Designer Tips to Spruce Up Your Holiday Decor & Celebrate Safely!

1. Invest In Your Kitchen

Holidays are a time of incessant cooking and kitchen use. This year is the time to invest in a top-of-the-line oven. The British AGA stove is a beautiful investment appliance that brings a classic look to your kitchen space. There’s a definite learning curve to using it, but it brings the added benefit of staying on safely, which warms the house in the colder months.

2. Add Textiles

Think about adding rich fabrics, luxurious linens, and colorful rugs to your home. I am particularly fond of Fortuny, E. Braun & Co., Stark, and Mansour.

3. Turn On the Music

I love listening to opera music year-round, but there is something especially enjoyable and fitting about listening during the holidays. Favorites include Luciano Pavarotti, Sondra Radvanovksy, and Cecilia Bartoli.

4. Elevate Your Cocktail-Making Skills

The winter season is a great time to elevate your cocktail-making skills. Mulled wine is a beautiful drink best enjoyed on a cozy night in watching holiday classics or playing board games around the fire. It also fills your home with a lovely, rich smell. Moreover, to really impress and delight guests, pair festive herbs with Empress 1908 Gin for sophisticated flavors (and don’t forget to play around with the beautiful amethyst color of the gin—pairing it with different liquors and mixers can produce different color results!).

5. Set the Table With Luxury Dinnerware

Make the small details matter in the big moments around the dinner table by indulging in a set of luxurious dinnerware. In particular, I love Ginori 1735 for their designer collections that fit every taste and table setting.

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6. Light the Candles

Create an atmosphere of warmth throughout your home. Candlelight exudes a soft, cozy glow that will put everyone in the holiday spirit. Taper candles are a great option for the dinner table, and since they are available in so many colors, can be coordinated with your tablescape. Meanwhile, a gloriously scented candle such as one by Diptyque encourages relaxation. Try their Feu de Bois scent, which is warm, familiar, and reminiscent of a wood fire.

7. Make Room for New Traditions

Perhaps this year it is hosting a festive cocktail-making competition with family and friends or a private dinner party in which guests make small contributions to a charitable cause important to you. After the changes of the past year and a half, new holiday celebration ideas could be a breath of fresh air!

8. Break Out the Luxury Throws

Pillows, blankets, everything to keep you and your guests feeling comfy and cozy. Embrace velvets, chunky knits, and cashmere when considering the best way to incorporate this holiday decor tip.

9. A Perfect Time for New Coffee Table Books

Refresh your coffee table book collection, perfect for flipping through in those bad weather days and in the quiet week between Christmas and New Year’s. Assouline has a great selection of books to satisfy your winter wanderlust.

10. Create Time for an Outdoor Fire         

Build an outdoor fire in a classic brick fireplace or firepit and take delight in some fireside drinks and s’mores, all while curled up with some blankets.

We hope these holiday celebration ideas and decor tips help you enjoy this cheerful season in style!

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