logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
1h 3m

Ep. 386: Carson Kressley's Holiday Must-...

Ballard Designs
About this episode

We're excited to welcome back style icon and TV personality Carson Kressley, who shares his favorite holiday decorating and hosting tips as we get into the swing of the season.


From tree trimming parties and coordinating guest rooms to serving simple yet crowd-pleasing food for holiday gatherings, Carson's practical advice aims to make the holiday season festive and stress-free. He also He provides insight into his own yearly Thanksgiving traditions, including hosting the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade.


Watch this week's conversation as recorded on Ballard Designs YouTube.


What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 

  • 00:00 Introduction to How to Decorate!
  • 00:34 Welcoming Carson Kressley
  • 02:30 Thanksgiving Traditions and Tips
  • 04:24 Tree Trimming and Holiday Decor
  • 07:27 Guest Room Preparations
  • 19:08 Organizing Holiday Decorations
  • 22:37 Wreaths and Greenery
  • 27:10 Tailoring Decor to Your Space
  • 31:17 Christmas Traditions and Hosting Style
  • 33:15 Holiday Entertaining Tips
  • 34:05 Managing Guests and Multitasking
  • 34:54 Setting Up the Perfect Holiday Bar
  • 36:26 Holiday Brunch for Mom and Friends
  • 37:44 Tips for Large Holiday Parties
  • 39:41 Packing and Organizing for Trips
  • 51:59 Decorating Window Sills
  • 01:00:59 Current Projects and Social Media
  • 01:03:19 Conclusion


Decorating Dilemma:


Follow along with images of this week's decorating dilemma on the How to Decorate Blog


Hi Pia,


First off, Carson and the hosts commend you for the excellent choices you've already made with your window sill decor. Your use of monochromatic pots and sculptural elements shows a strong sense of style. Carson suggests continuing with plants in elegant containers as they are a classic and fitting choice for window sills. Adding small lamps is a great idea, especially with those long Swedish winters, as they provide warmth and light.


Carson also proposes getting creative with your window frames by painting them in a lacquered color. This could make them a standout feature without needing too many decorations on the sill itself. Introducing cafe curtains could also add a stylish backdrop to your arrangements, giving you flexibility with light and privacy. Remember, maintaining varying heights and textures can keep your window displays from appearing cluttered while ensuring they stay visually interesting.


You're definitely on the right track with your decorating, and these small tweaks could help you achieve that stylish and cohesive look you're aiming for. We'd love to hear back on your progress and any new ideas you decide to implement!


- How to Decorate


Also Mentioned:


Up next
Today
Ep. 428: Trials and Triumphs
Join hosts Caroline, Taryn, and Liz as they explore the latest decorating trials and triumphs from within their own homes. This time around you can expect the ladies to cover their bedroom revamps, clever storage solutions, and sprucing up spaces with the magic of new fabrics and ... Show More
53m 24s
Aug 19
Ep. 427: Crafting Contemporary Elegance with Kim Lapin
Join hosts Caroline, Taryn, and Liz as they chat with former model turned West Coast designer Kim Lapin. After transitioning from a modeling career and renovating seven homes in seven years, Kim founded Kim Lapin Interiors in 2020. Her design ethos focuses on mixing elevated mate ... Show More
1 h
Aug 12
Ep. 426: Designing Family-Centric Spaces with Cate Gutter
Caroline and Taryn are joined by interior designer Cate Gutter to discuss her innovative approach to creating refined, joyful family living spaces. Drawing from her own upbringing in a family that frequently redesigned homes, Cate blends functionality and sophistication in her de ... Show More
1h 12m
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
Sabyasachi on Building a Global Brand from the Global South
Born in the suburbs of Kolkata, India Sabyasachi Mukherjee grew up immersed in the rich cultural environment in the state of West Bengal. After attending fashion school, he focused on creating his own brand with a small team and a big vision: to create Indian fashion that honours ... Show More
23m 14s
Mar 2019
DFN PODCAST: MOHAMMED RABI FROM THE LETTER ON HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR EMOTIONS WHEN YOU ARE STARTING YOUR FASHION BRAND
I enjoyed so much this podcast that I think you are going to love it too. Today we speak about the pretty and the ugly emotions you might face when starting your own brand. Mohammed Rabi, the designer, and entrepreneur behind the brand The Letter will share with us his journey an ... Show More
49m 34s
Jan 2023
22\\ The Secret Sauce to Becoming an Award-Winning Full-Service Interior Designer with Ellen Walker
Is it possible to learn and grow as an interior designer, even if you've been in the field for a while? Absolutely! Ellen Walker, today's special guest, is a testament to this. She has been an inspiration to watch as she shares her expertise and journey to becoming an award-winni ... Show More
19m 16s
Mar 2021
Kiri-Moana Proctor – From Interpreter to Kids Wear Designer
I have such an inspirational guest for you today and one who breaks out into song – double bonus!Kiri began her career working as an interpreter for the deaf, she also trained in the beauty space, a skill set that she was able to use on her travels with her partner as his job too ... Show More
46m 58s
Oct 2023
Make Good Fashion: The Journey of a Fashion Entrepreneur
Join us on the inaugural episode of "Make Good Fashion," the podcast hosted by Jasmine Rennie. In this episode, Jasmine shares her incredible journey from fashion school to the corporate world and ultimately to becoming a successful fashion entrepreneur. She opens up about the ev ... Show More
10m 20s
Nov 2024
Jacquemus: A Coming of Age Story
When Simon Porte Jacquemus came on to the scene in 2009, he did so with a bang. The French designer’s playful take on Parisian fashion draws inspiration from 20th century sculpture, the French New Wave, and sunny afternoons in Marseille. His creations have catapulted him and his ... Show More
24m 56s
Mar 2024
Sumayya Vally: the South African architect on how growing up in a township defined her sense of place
Today I’m talking to the wonderful Sumayya Vally, founder of the architecture and research practice Counterspace. When in 2020 Sumayya designed the Serpentine pavilion, she joined the ranks of luminaries including Zaha Hadid, Peter Zumthor and Frank Gehry. In 2021, Time Magazine ... Show More
51m 32s
May 2017
DFN PODCAST WITH AAVVA FASHION AND THEIR SECRET RECIPE TO SUCCESS
In today’s Podcast, we interview Ahmad Ammar and Vincenzo Visciglia, the dynamic duo behind AAVVA Fashion. A brand that even though it is young it is becoming very successful. They share with us their secret recipe for success, how they started and how they managed to get in shop ... Show More
44m 19s
Jun 2016
Karan Bajaj: On Yearlong Sabbaticals and Real Jobs
This week, my special guest is Karan Bajaj. Karan is a #1 bestselling Indian novelist with a full-time corporate job and a rather unique approach to life, fulfillment, and personal happiness. His novels have sold more than 200,000 copies worldwide and both are being turned into m ... Show More
1h 7m
Feb 2025
227. The Man Who Lived A Thousand Lives: Taming Nature (Ep 1)
Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel's visionary work transformed the landscapes of India. From humble beginnings in Germany to an apprenticeship at Kew Gardens, Krumbiegel’s journey led him to Baroda, where he became the trusted landscape architect of the Maharaja. Designing the iconic Bri ... Show More
36m 30s