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What started as a side hustle for two creative, driven sisters has now become one of the Midwest’s premier event planning and design firms. At Elevate, we find pure, unbridled joy in celebrating all aspects of life - big moments, small gatherings and anything in between.

Deck the Halls with… Personality! A Glimpse into How our Team is Decorating for the Holidays

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and our team is diving headfirst into the holiday spirit with a burst of creativity, individuality, and a touch of festive flair! Join us on a virtual glimpse into our homes as we share the unique ways a few of our team members are adorning their living spaces for the holidays.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own decor (there’s still plenty of time, don’t worry!) or are just eager to get a sneak peek into how our design gears spin, you’re in for a treat, particularly because we’ve also provided some helpful links to some of the items we’ve discovered along the way. So, grab a cup of cocoa, cozy up by the fire, and let the merry exploration begin!

Mallory: Cozy Colonial Christmas

We live in a traditional “salt box” colonial and recently made the decision to modernize all of our windows – so while we are reconsidering some of our home staples, I’m over here trying to FULLY lean into a “Colonial Christmas!” I absolutely love the feeling of layers – piling lots of cozy quilts on the guest beds, wrapping anything I can get my hands on with a luxurious velvet bow, and wrapping my gifts with lots of warm-toned, textural and patterned papers. We’re also planning to gather with friends and loved ones for a cozy yuletide celebration, and I’ll admit that I’m pining after some adorable children’s holiday wear – is this the year I splurge?? 

Wishing you all a very cozy and Merry Christmas!

Mallory’s Shopping List:

Kelsie: Classic & Textural Tidings

I love to find focal points in my home like my double-sided fireplace and the buffet in my dining room to make a statement. As you could also guess, I try to find moments to encourage my kiddos to embrace the festive spirit! A lush garland adorning my mantle and hanging the personalized stockings traditionally along the fireplace and individual trees to use as fun nightlights in each of my boys’ rooms are my favorite décor pieces. Every year I let them pick out a new ornament to add to their tree! 🙂 I also really enjoy decorating my dining room table for the holidays! For this, I like to get a special holiday arrangement from a local florist such as daffodil*parker or Sunborn Gardens. For gift wrapping, I really enjoy doing calligraphy as a side hobby and with plenty of nieces and nephews to shop for, I love to write their names on their gifts to make them extra special! 

Kelsie’s Shopping List

Katie: Nostalgic Noel

I am really leaning into the classic green and red Christmas vibes this year! These colors just feel very nostalgic to me. I am also loving incorporating fun wood and velvet textures into my decorating!

Katie’s Shopping List:

Paige: Colorful Vintage Christmas

I’m never one to shy away from color, and the holidays are no exception! This year I’m leaning into contrasting textures and styles to add dimension – vintage bottle brush trees from my grandma, mixed in with mercury glass, velvet, and of course some soft shimmer! I’m a huge fan of mixing styles in a tasteful way so that you can incorporate sentimental family items with fun new finds. I love to start with a classic round glass ornament set to bring cohesion to the tree. For gift wrapping, you’ll never catch me with a bag – classic wrap + ribbon is the only option in my mind! 

Paige’s Shopping List

April: Hygge for the Holidays

I am planning on decorating this year in a  “Neutral Cozy Christmas” style.  Think neutral colors, a lot of texture and a sense of hygge.  Christmas is my favorite time of year!  I love finding joy in the small, intimate moments along with the larger events.  

April’s Shopping List

Kallie: Candy Cane Christmas

It’s Kallie’s first Holiday Season in her new house and she has been loving the vintage inspiration this classic candy provides!  

Kallie’s Shopping List:

Amber: Citrusy Childhood Cheer

For me, Christmas has always felt cozy and nostalgic. So when I’m decorating, I try to incorporate elements that create warmth and remind me of that childhood joy the holiday season seems to bring about. 

Amber’s Shopping List

Kirstie: Minimalist Christmas

It’s our first Christmas in the new home! After a busy year and some continued construction taking place after our remodel, we’re leaning into “easy” and minimal this year: think simple candlesticks in the front windows of our Colonial home and garland and cut greens sprinkled throughout the home. The sparser branches in ribbed glass vases, for instance, lend a negative space that pulls your attention to the surroundings. On the Christmas tree, in particular, your eyes are drawn to the garland and ornaments. Giving ourselves some breathing space this holiday season and not mad about it one bit – it feels good to be home!

Kirstie’s Shopping List

We hope this glimpse into our team’s homes has sparked your own creativity and inspired you with the warmth of the season! From classic elegance to quirky charm, each of us tapped into the holiday spirit to feature our unique personalities and styles.

As we navigate the hustle and bustle of this joyful time of year, may these small glimpses into our surroundings inspire you to infuse your own with the spirit of the holidays. Wishing you a Christmas filled with health, laughter, love, and the simple joy of warm, beautiful spaces.

Happy Holidays from the Elevate Team!

See our past holiday decorating inspiration here!