Lu’s Approach to Christmas Decorating

Lu’s holiday interiors are magical without using the traditional red-andgreen Christmas color scheme. Here’s how she creates the soft, yet dynamic, look through a creative use of color:

• THINK PINK. It’s taken Lu a bit of time to figure out what colors she truly loves, but one that’s claimed her heart is pink. “I consider pink to be a neutral, and I use it that way,” she says. “I pair it with anything and everything.” Pink comes in a range of hues, so finding a soft shade of pink makes it perfect for using as a neutral.

• GO GOLD. With pink as a neutral base, she then adds in warmer tones to create her inviting and ethereal holiday aesthetic. “My other favorite colors that I consider cozy are beige, golden yellows and browns, mauves, mossy greens and creams, so I layer those into my designs,” she says. Using these hues for Christmas is unexpectedly fresh and packs a lot of “punch,” despite being softer colors.

• COLOR POP. Finally, Lu sparingly incorporates pops of holiday hues as accents. “I just sprinkle them in,” she says. They are striking against the neutrals, but because they aren’t used heavily, the neutrals stay center stage.

TREASURED KEEPSAKES. Alyssa collects quite a few keepsakes for Christmas. “One day, I hope to pass them down to my children,” she says. Nutcrackers, a Papa Noel pitcher and various plates and cups fill her collection.

FLORIST’S FLAIR. Alyssa’s florist background comes alive in her décor. “I must have flowers, always, always, always!” she says. “They just make me happy!”

HO HO, COCOA. Hot cocoa, cookies and marshmallows are a must in the Long household. “However, we don’t go for basic cocoa— we like it ‘cute,’” Alyssa says. She stops in at HomeGoods to find fun marshmallows and visits Trader Joe’s to find creative goodies for hot chocolate.

The family’s Christmas tree is a masterpiece that embodies Lu’s magical aesthetic. It’s chock-full of detailed ornaments accented with glitter, profusions of dried flowers and glimmering bulbs.

Another eye-catching moment occurs in her kitchen, where a village of sparkly, wintry houses form a village across open shelves. “My mother-in-law, Diana, also has a love for holiday decorating, as well as traditions,” Lu says. “She gifts me a Department 56 Christmas Village house every year for Christmas. I will treasure these houses for years to come and get so excited to add to my collection year after year.”

And because Lu loves mixing and matching, she also adds in her larger glitter houses. Wherever you are in Lu’s home during the holidays, you can feel the magic emanating not only from her décor, but also from the memories made decorating the home, baking Christmas cookies as a family and making merry with those nearest and dearest.

DIY CANDELABRA. A dazzling candle display was a DIY project Alyssa’s husband took on. “I saw this DIY display made by author and stylist Liz Marie Galvan,” Alyssa says. “My husband drilled holes in a board, and I found all these soft-hued candlesticks at Hobby Lobby.”

PURE SIMPLICITY. Cedar garlands above the windows make the primary bedroom smell amazing, as do a DIY wreath and a garland from Maddox and Klaus. “In general, I keep things pretty simple in here, but these little touches have a big impact and make it magical,” she says.

|ABOVE, LEFT| QUAINT COTTAGE. A warm, Christmas cottage sensibility is created in the children’s room via a tree in a bucket. While most of Alyssa’s trees are festooned with lots of decorations, this one is only adorned with twinkle lights for a more sweetly-simple look.

|BELOW, EXTREME RIGHT| HOPE AND JOY. Alyssa’s “Hope” ornament is made by Maddox and Klaus, a small shop she loves browsing through to find unique pieces.