Master Class

Tina Langley Walsh on Holiday Decor

12/14/2020

When Tina Langley Walsh entered 2020, she was the longtime designer and fashion director at a major footwear company, having paved her way with years working in editorial: GQ, Harper's Bazaar, Nylon and Seventeen. Then came March. And Covid. And the pandemic. And she joined the millions across the U.S. who became furloughed. But then a pretty amazing thing happened—Walsh decided to find the silver lining.

"It was tough, but I remember feeling like this is a blessing," she says. "I took it as a sign that this was meant to be." So the Florida native took her shot and turned her gardening hobby into a full-fledged career, with the launch of her own landscaping business, Lavish Gardener, this summer. "It's not unlike working in accessories," adds Walsh, who received a horticulture certificate from Cornell University. "I'm accessorizing your space, whether it be with flowers, potted plants or furniture."

The winter season, however, is where she's really getting to shine. Her bespoke holiday decor services transforms both indoor and outdoor spaces into fantastic wonderlands. In addition to custom wreaths and installations, Walsh offers beautifully themed Christmas trees, including several inspired by this year's pent-up yen for travel—festive firs inspired by New York, London, ski slopes and the Far East. Our favorite? "The Beach" tree, of course, filled with seashells, tropical flora and fauna, and tiny hand-blown margarita and daiquiri ornaments. #manifesting

Here, in a one-on-one with Walsh, she shares her expert guide to decorating your own home for the holidays.

The List

Decor How-To

1. Decide what your mood is. Are you going for traditional, fun, modern, neutral or exotic?
2. Decide what your color story is. It helps tie everything together—from your tree to your garland to your front planters to what's on your mantel.
3. Think about the unexpected spaces. You can extend the holiday cheer to children's play rooms, foyers, console tables…
4. If you have kids, be sure to place special or delicate ornaments up high or out of reach.

Outdoor Decor Tips

1. If you're decorating the outside of the house, concentrate on the front entryway. If you have pillars, light those up, wrap them in garlands. If you have planters, fill those up. I put mini Christmas trees in mine.
2. If you live in an apartment, add a wreath to your fire escape or in your windows.

"The Beach" Holiday Tree

Tree-Trimming How-To

1. Start with your lights, always. Set them deep into the branches to create a glow from within.
2. Mix different sizes of ornaments. I love a tree with both big and small balls.
3. Intricate and specialty ornaments go last.
4. Pro tip: Stick with key 5 colors, at most, for all your decorations. The color story will keep everything looking curated and not crazy.
5. Extra: If you have room, why not add a second tree where you can have a little more fun? I have a traditional tree with red ribbons, candy canes, snowmen and Rudolph—which my kids love—in the living room while, in the dining room, I have an over-the-top chinoiserie tree that reminds me of the Philippines, where I was born. You can pop a small tree in the foyer or the bottom of the stairs.

The Lavish Gardener team at work: Langley Walsh, left, and Lee Ann Porter

Holiday Floral Recs

I love red roses, white roses, Oriental lilies and magnolia—or magnolia leaves—this time of the year. And, of course, poinsettias are classic. They come in all different colors now, which is exciting—white, blush, buttercream yellows.

And Because It's 2020…
1. The holidays are different this year, of course. To make your home feel special—and connected to loved ones, even if you're not together—tie in any sentimental memories into your decor. Add anything nostalgic that reminds you of your childhood holidays, like red poinsettias or colorful Christmas lights. Because that's when the holidays are most magical, when you're a kid.
2. Also, extend the holiday touches throughout. A little red bow on a sconce in the bathroom or on the door to the garage—or gold votives here and there—can tie the theme together.

Yola Sequin Cable-Knit Pullover

Langley Walsh adds the final touch—a massive custom bow

Master Class

The List

Discover More on VB Edit

Related Posts

Related Posts