Washingtonian Magazine:
What kind of accents/decorations can you put up to make things look festive, but not tacky?
DSI: Use faux Christmas gifts- wrapping empty boxes in color paper and bows, is a colorful and inexpensive way to make your decor look festive. Also consider placing wrapping paper and bows over family photo frames that are already displayed on the wall. Choose wrapping paper that carefully coordinates with the colors and patterns of whatever room you are decorating.
Washingtonian Magazine:
If I’m having a dinner party for the holidays, is there anything you recommend to make the dinner table or dining area look more festive?
DSI: Consider using candles! Candles are affordable and can be purchased from a variety of retailers from Dollar Stores to Pier Right now there are a variety of choices available in different colors, shapes and sizes. Arrange candles in interesting groupings as centerpieces, or place in a single row of tapered candles directly along the center of your dining table. Candles provide intimate light, room for food and a clean, sophisticated decoration choice!
Washingtonian Magazine:
How can you accent your home for the holidays on a budget?
DSI: Holiday food is very colorful from fruit, candy to nuts. Take advantage of your holiday food choices by arranging each dish colorfully and with a variety of interest. Cookie platters can be displayed with green and red holiday candy such as peppermints! Pine cones and cranberries can dress up other dishes.
Washingtonian Magazine: If you have a small apartment (a studio or a little one bedroom) but you still want to spice things up for the holidays, what kind of decorations do you recommend?
DSI: I would recommend large glass vases filled with colorful, festive Christmas tree bulb ornaments. Make sure the ornaments are small enough to place in the glass vase. Place them around your home, on your fireplace mantel, sofa table or side tables. This provides a simple, yet elegant decoration that spices your space up for the holidays.
Washingtonian Magazine: If you could recommend only one holiday decoration, what would it be?
DSI: A simple live Evergreen Wreath for the front door. The pine scent will welcome visitors and place all who enter in the holiday spirit.