Every December, Birmingham comes alive in spruce and sparkle. Mantels glow, garlands drape like ribbon candy, and wreaths announce the season before the front door even opens. Behind it all are the designers, stylists, and florists who make holiday magic look effortless—turning familiar spaces into something magical.
Mary Beth Jones | @marybethjonesdesign
Mary Beth Jones has been styling homes for the holidays long before velvet ribbon and citrus garlands were trending. An editorial stylist with more than a decade of experience—including time at Hoffman Media—she’s worked on everything from interiors to food sets and books. Now a sought-after freelance stylist and designer, Mary Beth brings that polish home for the holidays.
“Over the years, Christmas décor has shifted, but lately, I’m seeing a beautiful return to the classics,” she says. “Traditional colors, plaid, fruit, lush greens, velvet ribbons—cozy and timeless.”
For this mantel, she layered two faux cedar garlands with fresh cedar to create a lush, full base. Relaxed velvet ribbon weaves through the greenery, while dried oranges, magnolia, pine, and pepper berries add depth, color, and an old-world warmth. Silk and velvet bows drape softly down the sides, giving the entire arrangement movement and romance.
Mary Beth’s Pro Tip: When she makes dried oranges, she slices them thin, pats them dry, then bakes them low and slow—around 200 degrees on a rack-lined pan—turning them until they’re hardened but still bright. The method keeps the color beautiful and the slices from molding.
Mary Beth’s mantel sets the tone for a season that leans into tradition, layered greens, gathered textures, and the kind of holiday warmth that makes a room feel alive. She’s one of many local designers, stylists, and florists bringing Birmingham’s fireplaces, mantels, and doorways to life this December.
Scott Renshaw — Postmark Paris Antiques | @postmarkparisantiques
“A vibrant holiday mantel comes to life with stems of winterberry and evergreen garland in an antique silver jardiniere,” says Scott. “It’s flanked by 18th-century giltwood Italian fragment candlesticks.” Sophie, the standard poodle, approves. White phalaenopsis orchid stems in beaker vases bring what he calls “a crisp, sculptural note to the season.”
Lindsey Harrington — Dopamine Design Co. | @dopamine_design_co
“Inspiration for me is always—what’s weird, or hasn’t been done often or ever,” says Lindsey. Foraged cedar, branches, and boxwood meet a hint of palm for a relaxed, beachy twist. “Red ranunculus and approachable gladiolus elevate the arrangement with a cheerful burst of color,” she adds. “It’s a look that leans on the unexpected—classic greens paired with playful, offbeat elements.”
Emmie Leath — Glorious | @gloriousbhm
Monochromatic red makes a bold holiday statement with roses, poppies, tulips, billy balls, and strung cranberries. Pomegranates and draping amaranthus add layers of texture and richness. “It’s a celebration of red—in every shade—that transforms the space into a festive showstopper,” Emmie says.
Persimmons, pears, and orchids tucked into harvest greenery drape the fountain and entryway for a warm holiday welcome. Soft hydrangeas and rose-gold plumosa fern nest into magnolia, maple, and oak for a look that’s soft and elegant. Door swags of grevillea, orchids, and pears create a simple, striking statement.
Brooke McAffe — Lilt Floral | @liltflorals
Brooke’s signature look blends live greenery, potted florals, and what she calls “just the right amount of sparkle.” Because these homeowners don’t prefer red, she leans into a soft palette of blues, browns, gold, silver, green, and white. “It’s so fun for me because I love out-of-the-box color schemes for Christmas.”
Danielle Balanis | @daniellebalanis_design
“The idea was fairytale, storybook, something of a Hansel and Gretel world. I wanted romantic and wispy, caught between a dream and reality.”
David Austin Wedding Roses | @davidaustinweddingroses
Winter whites, soft candlelight, and layered blooms set the scene for a table that feels serene and sophisticated. Tailored white proves that an understated palette can make a dazzling holiday statement.