Local Designers Share Their Best Holiday Tips

For many of us, the joy of the holidays starts right at home, when we pull out the bins of decorations, dust off the ornaments, and begin the ritual of decking the halls. But with so many styles, traditions, and Pinterest-perfect trends vying for attention, it can be hard to know where to start. 

That said, is there anything more magical than December in Cape May? The town transforms into a veritable snow globe—Victorian homes wrapped in garlands, shops twinkling with lights, and the salty ocean air providing the perfect backdrop to horse and carriage rides. Fortunately, Cape May is home to a handful of particularly creative interior designers. We asked each of them for one favorite holiday decorating tip—something readers could take and use right away in their own homes. What came back was a collection of ideas that are equal parts practical and inspiring. From greenery and tree placement to minimalism and personalization, these five local talents show us that holiday decorating isn’t about following a formula. It’s about creating a home that feels festive, welcoming, and uniquely yours.

Stay True to Your Style

“When it comes to holiday decorating, I always recommend designing in a way that complements your existing aesthetic rather than following fleeting trends or traditional color schemes,” says Jennifer O’Connor of O’Connor Home Design. “Your home should feel cohesive and true to your personal style, even during the festive season. Whether your space leans modern, rustic, minimal, or eclectic, choose holiday elements—like textures, colors, and accents—that enhance what’s already there. This approach not only keeps your home feeling authentic but also ensures your holiday décor blends beautifully with your everyday design rather than feeling out of place or overly themed.”

It’s easy to get caught up in the latest holiday trends. One year it’s neon-colored trees, the next it’s all about maximalist metallics. Jennifer’s tip is a reminder to resist the urge to chase what’s hot and instead lean into what’s you.

The result? A home that feels festive but also authentic. When décor reflects your personality, the holidays feel more meaningful—and less stressful.

The Power of Greenery

“Don’t skimp on fillers! Greenery is a huge staple of my holiday decorations and using well proportioned, full boughs and garlands can absolutely take your look so much further,” says Katie Rementer of Cedar Mill Lane. “One of my favorite shortcuts in a pinch or when the good stuff just isn’t in your budget is don’t be afraid to layer. Mix and match thinner or lower-cost pieces together to achieve the fullness you’re looking for!”

For homeowners in historic Cape May houses, this tip feels especially timeless. Greenery connects us to Victorian-era traditions while still feeling fresh and modern. And beyond looks, there’s something grounding about bringing natural elements indoors during the darkest months of the year.

Making the Tree a Focal Point

“(Our) tip as we approach the holidays is to carefully consider your Christmas tree placement when moving into a new home,” says Dot Taccarino of Asbury Kitchen and Bath. “Select a room that is a central gathering point within your household and, within that, create a space that becomes a central focal point and allows for easy viewing and gathering. When the tree is no longer on display for the holidays, you can always fill that blank space with a moveable item, such as a large plant, a coat rack, or an occasional chair.”

Tree placement can make or break the holiday vibe, because more than just décor, the tree is the centerpiece of family memories. Choosing a location where everyone naturally gathers means your tree becomes the backdrop for hot cocoa nights, gift exchanges, and family photos.

Dot sets her tree at the edge of her Florida living room, illustrating the point beautifully: it’s not always about putting the tree in the obvious corner. Instead, it’s about finding the spot where it feels both central and celebrated. When the tree has pride of place, the whole house feels infused with holiday spirit.

Less Is More

“Skip the clutter and embrace freshness,” says Matthew Wetzel and Don Thomas of Thomas Matthew Designs. “Paperwhites and seasonal greenery instantly elevate a space without overwhelming it. Focus on one or two key focal points—like the mantel or entry table—and keep high-traffic surfaces clear. The result? A festive look that feels natural, refined, and makes entertaining effortless.”

Minimal holiday décor allows a home’s natural beauty to shine. It also makes entertaining easier, since clutter-free surfaces leave room for serving trays, drinks, or spontaneous moments. This approach is perfectly suited to Cape May’s breezy homes, where natural light and architectural details already provide plenty of charm. Add a touch of greenery and the effect is chic, not chaotic.

Personalize the Season

“My best advice on decorating for Christmas, and all holidays is to do your best to personalize the occasion,” says Allison Valtri of Allison Valtri Interiors. “Kinship with loved ones is often the true hallmark of the celebration. It is our family’s tradition that each guest in our home for Christmas receives their own monogrammed stocking filled with tidbits to be enjoyed. Seeing the names line the staircase unifies the party. They are also very charming accessories that showcase the occasion. And, a lovely, handwritten place card, trimmed in gold, greets them atop the place setting on the table. I find that the best decor for Christmas is the one that serves to say, ‘Welcome to our home.’”

Allison reminds us that the heart of holiday decorating isn’t just aesthetics—it’s hospitality. Her monogrammed stockings and handwritten place cards aren’t just charming; they’re a way of saying you belong here.

Readers can take inspiration from her tradition and make it their own. Maybe it’s personalized ornaments, customized hot cocoa mugs, or a signature holiday playlist that greets guests as they walk in. The beauty of personalization is that it turns décor into memory-making. Guests don’t just admire your home—they feel embraced by it.

Wrapping It All Up

Five designers, five distinct tips—and together, they form a philosophy of holiday decorating that feels both practical and inspiring. Whether you’re layering greenery, choosing the perfect tree spot, staying true to your style, keeping things simple, or personalizing the details, the message is clear: holiday magic comes in many forms.

The common thread? Each of these ideas helps transform a house into a home that feels warm, inviting, and ready for celebration. And at the end of the day, that’s what holiday decorating is really about—not perfection, but connection.

So, pour yourself a mug of cocoa, put on your favorite carols, and start where it feels right. Your version of holiday magic is waiting.