DecorBook Classic : Christmas, 2025

Happy Holidays! Who knew I'd become addicted to orange decor with my blue&white collection sprinkled throughout? Let's take a look.

This year, in the entryway, I bought a few more branches of olive leaves. I'd love real cedar but this is more practical as they're allergy-free. Newly painted ornamental balls, more lifelike tangerines. I use a dab of rubber center to glue paper doilies on the mirrors.

Nothing beats holiday movies as part of your decor. The Bishop's Wife (1947 with Cary Grant&Loretta Young) or the remake, The Preacher's Wife (1996 with Whitney Houston&Denzel Washington) are favorites. We had watched the Whitney Houston version a zillion times. I also play P's Pandora Christmas playlists which flood the house with jazzy tunes and memories of him.

If some of your decor is 50+ years old like mine, it's worth taking time for upkeep each year. I touched up moss balls and balls covered with leaves where the original covering had rubbed away.

With no "under the tree" moment, a few gifts land on benches in the living room.

Bear and Jimmy the Mouse wear leftover headbands from last year's annual dim sum lunch.

The "main" wire tree is on the kitchen table.

I love decorating with real citrus on the kitchen counters.

A little festivity on the bedroom level.

In my bedroom, I love waking up to my favorite Santa P bought me on Piedmont Avenue while walking the street one December. The Mexican doll was bought in San Diego where we celebrated a wedding anniversary.

And on my bathroom counter, I have two new objects - a Murano glass Ellin bought me and a little crystal-ish pink wire tree (60% off at Michael's - $6). And don't you adore Kimberly's tree and ornament covered from vintage rhinestone jewelry?

In the main floor guest room, my Italian angel wears a homemade gift wrapped skirt and an old necklace.

Next door, my little study with angels in the cupboard and ribbons awaiting more Christmas cards.

Every month, Connie and I compare notes in our favorite magazine, Veranda. If you are looking for a gift for anyone interested in interior decor, I'd recommend a subscription. And Santa treated me to Nate Berkus' new book, Foundations: Timeless Design That Feels Personal ($33, Amazon). Another amazing present for an interior enthusiast.

I might be the only person who doesn't know, but did you know?

On the Amazon app, you can ask Amazon to tip your driver. When you see the order delivery information on your app, look at the top of the screen where it reads, "Search or ask a question." Type in, "Thank my Amazon driver" in the search field. Amazon will pay your driver $5! No charge to you. It's just for the holiday season, so if you have a good delivery, it's a sweet gesture.

In the meantime, don't forget HGTV's White House Christmas 2025 special airs tonight, Sunday, December 14, 2025, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the holiday decorating with 300+ volunteers from all over the country. Since 2002, I've never missed - no matter what administration! Happy Sunday!