This season, I had the joy of sitting down with the Lulu & Georgia team here at home to chat about holiday decor, life in Dumbo, and what it’s really like to live in the same building as both my sister and my best friend. (Spoiler: it’s as wonderful as it sounds!) Our conversation reminded me how much I love creating a space that feels festive yet timeless—a place where the holidays can be celebrated in style, without ever feeling overwhelming.
Finding Home in Dumbo
Moving to Dumbo was never part of some grand plan, but rather a happy accident. What drew me in instantly was the balance of modern living with historic charm. I love walking down cobblestone streets, hearing the hum of the city in the distance, and then returning to a loft that feels like a sanctuary. The fact that my sister and one of my closest friends live in the same building only makes it sweeter. We share dinners, quick coffee runs, and sometimes even holiday decorating sessions. There’s a built-in sense of community here that feels rare in New York City.
Decorating with Intention
When it comes to holiday decor, my philosophy is simple: less is more. I’m not someone who enjoys clutter or excessive ornamentation. Instead, I like to choose pieces that feel special and long-lasting—items I’ll want to bring out year after year, not just this season. Browsing the Lulu & Georgia site made it easy to curate decor with that mindset. I gravitated toward timeless essentials with just enough personality to feel festive.
My approach started with greenery, because nothing says “holiday” quite like fresh foliage. A eucalyptus garland instantly brought life to my space, draping softly across the table and adding a natural fragrance. Paired with a few arrangements of fresh flowers, the greenery set the tone for a holiday atmosphere that feels organic and inviting.
Lighting the Mood
Lighting has the power to transform a room, especially during the winter months when evenings seem to arrive earlier and earlier. I added warm, ambient lighting in the form of candles and a few carefully chosen fixtures. If you’re looking to invest in holiday decor that lasts, I’d suggest a timeless chandelier or a sculptural table lamp. These pieces aren’t just seasonal—they’ll elevate your home long after the decorations have been packed away.
The soft glow created the perfect backdrop for gatherings, making even the smallest get-togethers feel magical. For me, mood lighting is the ultimate holiday accessory.
Elevating the Details
Beyond the greenery and lighting, I focused on a few details that add character without overwhelming the space. A cake stand became one of my favorite pieces—it’s simple, practical, and beautiful. Who doesn’t love dessert? Displaying treats on a raised stand gives even the most casual gathering an elevated, celebratory feel.
I also introduced subtle color through my tableware. While my overall palette leaned neutral—think gray and beige with a touch of natural wood—I added blush wine glasses for an understated pop. They’re soft, sophisticated, and just playful enough to feel festive. For flowers, I couldn’t resist red ranunculus. Their bold yet refined presence was the perfect accent to the muted palette, bringing a spark of color that felt merry without tipping into excess.
A Mindset for the Season
Holiday decorating doesn’t have to be about doing more—it can be about doing less, thoughtfully. By sticking to a minimal approach, each piece feels intentional and each detail shines. For me, that’s the essence of chic holiday style: creating beauty that feels effortless.
Whether it’s a garland of greenery, the glow of a chandelier, or a single vibrant bloom, the joy is in the details. The holidays are about gathering, celebrating, and creating memories, and I love when decor reflects that same sense of ease and togetherness.
Celebrating Together
One of the best parts of this season is sharing it with the people I love. Having my sister and best friend nearby means our doors are always open to one another. Sometimes it’s as simple as an evening glass of wine, other times it’s gathering around the table with dessert displayed proudly on that beloved cake stand. These little rituals, framed by thoughtful decor, are what make the holidays feel so magical.
Timeless, Not Trendy
As I look around my decorated loft, I’m reminded that the best pieces are the ones you’ll want to keep forever. The eucalyptus garland may fade, but the chandelier, the lamp, the wine glasses—they all become part of your home’s evolving story. That’s the beauty of investing in timeless design: it transcends trends and creates a backdrop for years of celebrations to come.
So this season, my advice is simple: keep it elegant, keep it minimal, and let the holidays unfold naturally in a space that feels like you. Because sometimes the most understated decor leaves the most lasting impression.
