As the holidays approach, homes begin to sparkle with a special kind of magic, the soft glow of candles, the scent of pine, and the warmth of family gathered together. This season, Carol Hatch, owner and creative force behind Designer Blvd., shares how to create a home that feels festive, inviting, and deeply personal.
“I love design and I love making things beautiful,” says Hatch. “Design has always been part of my story. From growing up helping in my dad’s 20,000-square-foot fabric store to designing my own clothing line that sold in Nordstrom, I’ve always loved creating beautiful things.” That passion evolved into Designer Blvd., a full-service design firm and boutique known for its handpicked treasures, signature holiday displays, and warm community feel.
Each year, Designer Blvd. transforms into a winter wonderland, inspiring locals with dazzling trees and thoughtfully curated decor. “Our team pours their hearts into every project, and our annual Christmas displays have truly become a community favorite,” says Hatch.
For those looking to bring that same Designer Blvd. charm home, Hatch offers her go-to styling advice. “I love our paper runners; they add personality, color, and make cleanup so easy,” she shares. “Then we add greenery in the center, it’s simple but so impactful. Taper candles are a must for that cozy glow, and name cards are the sweetest finishing touch.”
Her rule of thumb: thoughtful details over perfection. “Wrap your napkin with a bow or a small piece of greenery,” she says. “Add a little wreath or swag to the back of each chair. Bells are one of the easiest ways to make everything feel festive.”
When the season winds down, organization is key. “Wrap your breakables carefully and invest in newer Christmas storage containers; they make the next year’s setup so much easier. Keep florals and greenery in climate-controlled spaces.” For clients, Designer Blvd. even offers Christmas setup and takedown services, so each item is beautifully packed and ready to go.
To set the tone for the season, Hatch starts with ribbon. “I love it all,” she laughs. “Ribbon adds so much joy and a festive feel everywhere. I usually begin with my tree; it really sets the tone for the rest of the decor.”
This year’s color trends lean toward richness and comfort. “A classic red and gold tree will forever be timeless,” Hatch says. “But this year, our burgundy tree is the showstopper, elegant, moody, and luxurious. Our sage and brown tree feels warm and natural, and our gingerbread-inspired red, white, and brown design brings nostalgic charm.”
For those who love neutrals, she recommends soft layers of tone and texture. “Start with sage greens, soft wood tones, and layer in metallics for shimmer. Greenery is what makes any space feel festive.”
To keep things feeling fresh each year, Hatch suggests updating simple details. “Swap your ribbon, add a statement ornament, or tie bows to chandeliers or mirrors,” she says. “A little greenery and ribbon go a long way in making a home feel special.”
But above all, she encourages homeowners to blend new trends with sentimental pieces. “Those meaningful touches are what make your home feel full of love and tradition,” she says. “It’s never just about decor, it’s about creating spaces where memories happen.”
Whether it’s a moody burgundy tree, a candlelit table, or the scent of cinnamon filling the air, Hatch reminds us that true holiday beauty is rooted in warmth, joy, and connection. “If your decor reflects that,” she says with a smile, “it will always be beautiful.”
“It’s never just about decor, it’s about creating spaces where memories happen.”