Dear Alice – Interior Design Podcast
Episode: Unwrapping the Holiday Collection | Our Alice Lane Home Picks
Date: October 23, 2025
Hosts: Jessica Bennett & Suzanne Hall (Alice Lane)
Guest Contributor: Corey
Overview
In this festive episode, Jessica, Suzanne, and Corey from Alice Lane unwrap their 2025 Holiday Collection, sharing design inspiration, top tips for holiday decorating, and their favorite picks from the newly launched Alice Lane Home collection. Listeners are treated to actionable styling tricks, behind-the-scenes stories, and insider recommendations on holiday décor, all delivered with signature wit and high taste.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Launch of the Holiday Collection
- [00:31] The new Holiday Collection debuted Monday and is already a hit.
- “It’s gonna sell out fast. I hope you're listening to this, not two weeks late.” – Host
- [00:59] Focus on taking listeners “behind the scenes” to share the inspiration for this year, especially the use of color, texture, and "feels."
- [01:24] Decorating timelines:
- Jessica waits till after Thanksgiving to decorate.
- Suzanne starts with her mantle early.
Color & Style Inspirations for 2025 Holidays
-
[02:02] Runway fashion inspired palette: red oxbloods, persimmons, and shades of blue.
- Heavy Chanel pearl presence translated into home décor.
- Visual inspiration through shared Pinterest boards.
- “Red oxbloods, persimmons… and shades of blue.” – Host
-
[03:52] Ribbon:
- Layered, draped, and tied ribbons evoke either an East Coast (tied/formal) or relaxed West Coast (draped/casual) vibe.
- “More is more” is the foundational message.
- “The loose, like just the ribbon draping… I'm going to call it a relaxed west coast ribbon trick versus like a tied up east coast [one].” – Susan Hall [04:18]
-
[04:39] Fringe & Ribbon as Trends:
- Fashion’s runways (leather/wool with fringe) inform the home’s layered, casual vibe.
Must-Have Items & Decorating Tricks
Velvet Ribbons
- [05:06] Custom-milled velvet ribbons; affordable and chic.
- “This whole trick could be like $25, which is insane. Crazy.” – Host
- Sold out last year in both colorways in less than two weeks.
- Three shades of red, with varying widths for styling versatility.
Ornaments & Garlands
- [07:10] Silver ball ornaments with tandoori spice velvet ribbons and “egg” shapes.
- Multipurpose—as ornaments or in decorative bowls.
- [10:51] Hand-blown glass ornaments available in classic and new aged colors.
- “Classic trick. You'll have these your whole life. Your kids will fight over them.” – Host [15:51]
- [11:09] Pearl garlands inspired by Chanel runway; two sizes for dimension.
Wreaths, Mantles, and Trees
- [08:28] Susan’s pro wreath tip: Use green floral wire for secure, beautiful ribbon bows and ties.
- “These are like my go to tricks I just keep in my fanny pack when I'm doing Christmas decorating.” – Susan Hall [00:00]
- [12:27] Anatomy of a decorated tree:
- Large ornaments deep into the trunk (no hooks needed).
- Drape garlands second.
- Hang mid and small ornaments last for dimensionality.
- “Put our biggest ornaments in at the trunk. … Then we drape all of our pearls … at the end we go in and we hang our ornaments.” – Host [12:58]
Quantities & Sizing
- [18:29] Rachel Folkman’s Rule of Ornaments [19:10]:
- “For every foot that your tree is, buy that many varieties and quantities of ornaments.” Over-index to allow for breakage and variation.
- “You should not be coming to the cash wrap with any less than eight if you have an eight-foot tree.” – Host [19:11]
Bells & Tassels
- [19:27] Handmade brass bells; great as gifts, on doors, wreaths, or mantles.
- [20:32] Gold tassels as ornaments, package toppers, or accent details on lamps or candlesticks.
- “You could get like a handful of these … hang these on the tree. Or you could wrap these on your package… or use in your decorating.” – Host [21:12]
Candle & Tabletop Styling
- [21:52] Mix up candle sticks color, sizes, and patterns for a festive vibe. Striped, gold, and off-white candles suggested.
- “Vary your candles…will really make it feel like a party.” – Host
Greenery & Stems
- [23:13] For large jars, use 24–32 stems for fullness.
- Mix stem varieties (darker/lighter evergreens, cedar) for organic feel—“Like hair extensions for your garland.” – Host [25:51]
- [27:10] Mini wreaths:
- Favorited behind dining chairs, secured with velvet ribbons or T-pins; also make great gifts or mirror/table accents.
Petite Trees and Tabletop Touches
- [29:25] Petite trees for entryways, islands, or kids’ rooms. Decorate with pearl garlands or dried oranges/cranberries.
Crystal Candlesticks
- [31:07] New ‘columnar’ candlesticks; pair with faceted classics, mix for varied heights.
- “More is more, and less is a bore.” – Susan Hall [31:53]
- Crystal is the “ice” your holiday table needs.
Honorable Mentions & Giftable Accents
- [33:19] Modern Heirlooms: brass angel wing as table ornament or meaningful gift (mourning, spiritual, symbolic at holiday).
Scents & Atmosphere
- [34:36] Favorite holiday scents:
- Trudon’s Gabriel, Lafco’s Faux Dubois and Big Sky, Vespa’s Silver Birch Peppercorn.
- “These just evaporate … beautiful gift … they smell like winter, not just Christmas.” – Host [35:35]
- Tatine soap and lotion: “Smells like pine orange and is my very favorite all year round.” – Susan Hall [35:54]
- [36:22] Scent’s impact:
- “In your home, scent contributes to your mood more than anything else.” – Corey [36:22]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Ribbon Styling:
- “The loose, like just the ribbon draping … I'm going to call it a relaxed west coast ribbon trick versus like a tied up east coast [one].” – Susan Hall [04:18]
-
“This whole trick could be like $25, which is insane. Crazy.” – Host, on affordable velvet ribbon upgrades [05:06]
-
On Decorating with Family:
- “Susan Hall has three boys…so that's why she's wiring everything down. She has a soccer team, so…she wants things to stay nice.” – Host [09:46]
-
On Tree Anatomy:
- “We drape all of our pearls in this case and then at the end we go in and we hang our ornaments…dodging and weaving past the garlands.” – Host [12:58]
-
On Crystal Candlesticks:
- “More is more, and less is a bore.” – Susan Hall [31:53]
- “Your holiday scene needs ice. And this is how we're getting that look is through crystal.” – Host [33:03]
-
On Scent and Atmosphere:
- “In your home, scent contributes to your mood more than anything else.” – Corey [36:22]
- “There really is something about lighting that candle. It's almost like you feel like you're lighting a fire.” – Host [36:35]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:31 — Holiday collection goes live & overview
- 02:02 — Color/fashion-inspired design board revealed
- 03:52 — Ribbon styling: East vs. West Coast
- 05:06 — Affordable velvet ribbon decorating tip
- 07:10 — Silver balls, ornaments, and colorways
- 08:28 — Wreath wiring pro-tip
- 11:09 — Pearl garlands & Chanel inspiration
- 12:27 — “Anatomy of a Tree”: Step-by-step layering
- 19:10 — Rachel Folkman’s ornament quantity rule
- 21:52 — Candle styling tricks & festive tabletop ideas
- 23:13 — Proper number of greenery stems in jars
- 25:51 — Cedar stems: “Hair extensions” for garlands
- 27:10 — Small wreaths for dining chairs/mirrors/tables
- 29:25 — Petite trees for accent areas
- 31:07 — Crystal candlestick recommendations
- 33:19 — Brass angel wing: Meaningful gifting
- 34:36 — Favorite holiday candle scents
- 36:22 — The power of scent in holiday decorating
Final Takeaways
- Shop early: Alice Lane’s holiday decor sells out fast!
- More is more—layer ribbons, candles, ornaments, and greenery for lush, editorial-worthy rooms.
- Luxe materials (velvet ribbon, glass, crystal, brass, pearl) create warmth and nostalgia.
- Don’t neglect scent—elevate the holiday mood with best-loved seasonal candles and soaps.
- Apply pro-tips for mantles, trees, wreaths, and tabletops for a festive, personalized look.
- Many Alice Lane picks serve dual roles: stylish home upgrades and thoughtful, lasting gifts.
Resources/Mentioned:
- Holiday Collection: Alice Lane Home
- Candles: Trudon, Lafco, Vespa
- Textiles: Cozy Earth Bubble Cuddle Blanket
- Stems and Garlands: Alice Lane Home
Happy Decorating!