Ep. 386: Carson Kressley's Holiday Must-Haves – Detailed Summary

In Episode 386 of How to Decorate by Ballard Designs, hosts Caroline and Liz sit down with style icon and television personality Carson Kressley to delve into his holiday decorating traditions and hosting strategies. Released on November 5, 2024, this episode offers listeners a wealth of insights into creating festive and memorable holiday gatherings.

Kickoff to the Holiday Season: Thanksgiving Preparations

Carson begins by emphasizing the significance of Thanksgiving as the start of the holiday season.

[02:32] Carson Kressley: "Thanksgiving for me is the kickoff to the holiday season. So I'm all about like pumpkins and gourds and everything..."

He shares his love for harvesting aesthetics, showcasing his extensive collection of pumpkins and gourds that create a warm, welcoming atmosphere at his Pennsylvania farm. Carson balances traditional elements like Pilgrim and Indian corn decorations with personal touches, such as artisanal gourds reminiscent of Cinderella's carriage.

Hosting Dual Gatherings:

Carson manages two significant gatherings on Thanksgiving Day:

• Friendsgiving Luncheon at the Farm: A casual midday event for friends from New York City.
• Family Dinner at His Mother's House: An evening meal with family members.

Additionally, he hosts the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade on ABC, intertwining his professional commitments with personal celebrations.

[04:03] Carson Kressley: "I greet guests on Wednesday night... I've been hosting that parade for like 10 years. So I have it down to a science now."

Mastering the Art of Hosting

Carson shares his meticulous approach to hosting large gatherings, highlighting the importance of preparation.

Meal Preparation:

To manage the extensive cooking required for Thanksgiving, Carson prepares most dishes the night before, leaving only the turkey to be cooked on the morning of the event.

[06:02] Carson Kressley: "I cook the food the night before... you have to have a couple ovens."

He utilizes multiple ovens to accommodate the variety of baked dishes, ensuring that everything is ready efficiently for his guests.

Guest Room Organization:

Ensuring guest comfort is paramount for Carson. He:

• Designates Specific Rooms: Regular guests have their own bedrooms, each with a unique color-coded towel system for easy identification and organization.
• Utilizes Quality Bedding: Invests in high-quality pieces from Ballard Designs, such as a wing chair bed in the guest room, to create a warm and inviting space.

[08:17] Carson Kressley: "Make sure your guest room is flawless and well appointed... you have all the things that a great guest room should have."

Efficient Decorating: From Trees to Wreaths

Carson discusses his strategies for decorating swiftly and beautifully, completing his Christmas setup by the Saturday following Thanksgiving.

Christmas Tree Selection and Setup:

He opts for both pre-lit and traditional trees, layering additional lights for a vibrant appearance. Carson owns multiple artificial trees stored at his farm, allowing for rapid deployment and maintenance.

[16:35] Carson Kressley: "I have four of them at the farm. They're all just in their little boxes in the attic..."

Personalizing Ornament Collections:

Each tree reflects different themes and memories, with Carson collecting ornaments from his travels, fostering conversations about each piece's origin.

Wreaths and Garlands:

Carson prefers real wreaths, particularly magnolia wreaths, adding a touch of Southern charm to his decor. He also supplements artificial garlands with fresh greenery, enhancing the aesthetic without excessive cost.

[22:37] Carson Kressley: "I do not have to go out and spend thousands... fresh greenery is just simple and chic."

Distinct Decorating Styles for Different Spaces

Carson tailors his holiday decor to complement each room's existing design, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

Living Room vs. Family Room:

• Living Room: Features a more formal setup with white lights and metallic ornaments, aligning with the room's elegant furnishings.
• Family Room: Embraces traditional red and green hues, creating a warm and inviting space with tartan patterns.

[27:11] Carson Kressley: "I don't do the same holiday color story throughout my house. I do it based on the room."

Flexible Decor Elements:

He incorporates trendy elements, such as pheasant feathers or specific ribbon colors, into established decor themes to keep the look fresh without overhauling his entire setup.

Entertaining Tips: From Bars to Coat Management

Carson offers practical advice on managing large gatherings, emphasizing the importance of streamlined services.

Home Bar Setup:

In Pennsylvania, his home features a dedicated bar area with under-bar lighting and a well-stocked wine fridge, making entertaining effortless.

[35:00] Carson Kressley: "I have a full bar with just the basics... it makes entertaining so easy."

Hiring Help:

To ensure seamless hosting, Carson hires bartenders and uses rolling coat racks, reducing the host's workload and enhancing guest experience.

[36:47] Carson Kressley: "If you have a favorite waitperson... they can help make drinks and keep your house organized."

Creative Solutions for Window Decorations

Addressing listener Pia's dilemma about decorating window sills, Carson provides tailored advice focusing on functionality and aesthetics.

Utilizing Plants and Lamps:

He suggests using potted plants in cohesive containers and incorporating charming lamps to add warmth without overcrowding the space.

[57:00] Carson Kressley: "Use decorative items like marble slabs with potted plants... and a charming lamp can symbolize hospitality."

Enhancing Architectural Features:

Carson recommends highlighting architectural elements by painting window frames or employing cafe curtains to create a balanced and inviting look.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Simplicity and Joy

Carson concludes by reassuring listeners that holiday hosting doesn't need to be overly complicated. Focusing on simple, delicious food and thoughtful decor creates a memorable and enjoyable atmosphere for both hosts and guests.

[49:53] Carson Kressley: "Simple and delicious is always going to be appreciated... how much fun they had is what they're going to remember."

Upcoming Projects and Farewell

Before signing off, Carson shares updates on his current projects, including hosting on RuPaul's Drag Race and participating in live shows in Las Vegas. He encourages listeners to follow him on social media for the latest updates.

[61:03] Carson Kressley: "Check out RuPaul's Drag Race on MTV... follow me on Instagram to see where I'll be."

Carson expresses his appreciation for the hosts and their show, leaving an open invitation for future appearances.

Conclusion

This episode of How to Decorate with Carson Kressley offers a blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes, providing listeners with actionable tips for holiday decorating and hosting. Carson's balanced approach—emphasizing preparation, personalization, and simplicity—serves as an inspiring blueprint for creating festive and welcoming holiday environments.