We Asked Two Local Stylists How They Actually Decorate for the Holidays
Updated: 3 days ago
Everyone I know, that also knows Kacie and Emily, could not believe we hadn't met yet and were enthusiastic that we needed to do so. Multiple people. So, we got in touch, met for coffee and, without anyone even saying a word, we understood why. So many common friends, shared interests, kids of similar ages, and all of us building careers and businesses based in Boise, Idaho. The one thing that we do not have in common is that they are incredible interior decorators, and I am not. In fact, decorating is one area I really feel like I struggle in. I have zero confidence in the arena. When they started talking about the collective fourteen Christmas trees between the two of them, I had to ask them to share their best decorating advice with Babble. Below is just that - inspiration for all of us and a chance to steal some best tips and tricks as we head into the holiday season.
Kacie and Emily of Perfectly Placed Homes start with pieces they already own, then layer in texture, metals, greenery, fur, leather, and dried grasses so the house feels warm and collected. Once the main rooms feel right, a few additional trees often find their place around the house. The fun part is letting each tree follow the mood of the room it lives in.
How They Style A Tree
🎄Lights go on first and get woven deep into the branches so the glow comes from inside.
🎄Bigger ornaments go deeper and lower for fullness. Smaller ones sit toward the front.
🎄Colors stay tight and textures get mixed (matte, glass, wood, metal).
🎄Ribbon or garland is optional and used lightly.
🎄The base gets texture too with a faux fur skirt, throws, or a basket of greenery.
Trees in other rooms simply follow the vibe and feeling of the space. If you have a playroom, a tree filled with the kids’ handmade ornaments feels right at home. A bar area can lean into the mood of the room like a western vibe. A formal living room might call for a more polished tree, while the main living space stays soft and cozy. The trees do not have to match. Giving each room its own feeling is what makes the whole house feel special.
A Few Trees They Love
A Snow Ski Tree
Each year Kacie adds that season’s ski passes. Many include photos, so the tree has become a timeline of the family from when the kids were little through the years (the resorts put pictures on the passes). New passes from different resorts go up whenever they visit.
The palette stays consistent with plaid, black and white accents, red, white polka-dot balls, red beaded string, ski ornaments, and bows. This tree lives in McCall, so the mountain theme feels right at home up there.
A Boho Tree
Dried grasses, wooden beads, burlap, velvet, soft neutrals, and touches of gold, plus a few leather accents. Relaxed, layered, and full of texture.
Classic Red & White
A classic red and white tree done in a Ralph Lauren inspired way adds a flair of class and timelessness. Deep red, tartan plaid, warm brass, velvet ribbon, a mix of big and small classic ornaments, family initials, and wood ornaments keep it cozy without feeling overdone.
The Keepsake Tree
This one holds all the ornaments the kids have made since preschool, plus the special moment ornaments collected over the years that don’t really go with anything else. It becomes the star of the show. Bows and red beads fill in the gaps and keep it feeling intentional.
A “Pet Tree”
If you have pets, a smaller pre-lit tree in the laundry room filled with little balls and little animal ornaments is a really special touch.
Two Other Quick Tips
Mantel
Start with green garland. There are all different types depending on what you like. On the ends, swags of ribbon and brass bells always look good. Tucking in sprigs of berries, pinecones, or wooden beads warms everything up. Stockings make the whole thing feel sweet, and hanging them all on one end can be especially fun. They are an inexpensive way to change the look from year to year.
A set with everyone’s initials looks especially nice with the Ralph Lauren vibe. For a boho mantel, mix burlap, velvet, and fur textures. For the ski tree, ski boot stockings add a personal touch. Check out HomeGoods, Etsy, World Market and local boutique home stores and Christmas markets for those special ornaments that nobody else will have.
Small swaps that make a big impact.
Switch out a couple of throw pillows for more texture and pops of color. Add warm candlelight that smells like the occasion. Tuck a mini tree into unexpected places like by the kitchen sink or in the entryway. These simple changes usually do more than buying all new décor.
Kacie Florence and Emily Shepherd run Perfectly Placed Homes in the Treasure Valley. They help people turn what they already own into cohesive, elevated spaces, including seasonal decorating. Their style mixes clean lines with warm, rustic textures so rooms feel refined but still lived-in.
If you’re in the Treasure Valley and want your home to feel intentional for the holidays (or need a refresh any time of year), reach out.
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