My home interior design style is what I like to call, “cozy minimalist.” Furniture is classic modern, always in neutrals, and accent pieces are simple, whimsical items that add texture and dimension to the space. When it comes to the holiday season I stick with three basic rules to maintain my signature look.

#1 Seasonal Greens and Flowers

As soon as December hits I swap out my usual white roses for arrangements that evoke the spirit of the season. Florals will include white roses as a base but also lisianthus, sweet pea, kumquats, seeded eucalyptus, cedar and holly. I also have fresh garland made to cascade over the dining table and the TV console. The garlands include cedar, holly, seeded eucalyptus, and boxwood. For candles, instead of beeswax tapers I use thicker white tapers.

#2 Bring Holiday Colors in through Food and Snacks

The holiday season is the only time of year I add pops of bright or bold colors to my decor palette. I do it using food and snacks. Use all the traditional hues of green and red but mix in muted pastels with soft-toned candy and yogurt covered toffee. You can also add dark neutrals with caramel popcorn and roasted herbed nuts.

#3 Be Untraditional with Placement

The holidays and tradition are synonymous, but even working within time-honored family traditions you can add a modern flare with untraditional placement. Instead of the stockings hung on the chimney or console, lay them on a statement chair or across a side or end table. Instead of placing candy canes on the tree, put them at the ready for eating by placing them in a cream dish on the coffee table where everyone who visits will feel welcome to partake. Again, the idea is modern elegant wonderment and whimsy, so get creative!