While the cast of characters and décor may change year-to-year, the traditions rarely do. These designers and celebrities share their favorite decorating stories.

HOLIDAY | Alexandra Gallucci, CTW Features

Suzanne Kasler

Atlanta-based interior designer

“I love decorating for the holidays. It’s a way to transform your house into a whole different look for an entire month. I always start with a concept, then pick and choose from my collection of holiday ornaments. I like to use things from my Christmas collection for Ballard Designs …it was inspired by antique ornaments I’ve collected in muted colors. It pairs beautifully with my ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ collection from Christopher Radko. I have such wonderful memories associated with each Christmas, it is fun to recall them as we begin to decorate for the season and celebrate with family and friends.”

Suzanne Alexander

On-air host, “Great American

Country,” country music radio network, Nashville

“I’ve got a bit of an addiction when it comes to holiday décor! My overall theme is a Western Christmas, complete with Santas with cowboy hats. Our living room Christmas tree goes up by Thanksgiving: I decorate it with ornaments from places I’ve visited, and 90 percent of them are made from wood. I also put up one in my bedroom and one in the sunroom (renamed the Christmas Room during the holidays), which stands 14 feet high.”

Timothy Corrigan

Interior designer with offi ces in

Los Angeles and Paris

“I spend every Christmas at my home in the French countryside, the Chateau du Grand- Lucé. Topiary trees and wreaths festooned with red velvet ribbon greet visitors. The Christmas tree is decorated with heirloom ornaments that have been given to me by family and friends over the years. I also like to add antique ornaments and decorative objects I may find throughout my flea market hunts.”

Laura Day

New York City-based interior

designer and founder of online magazine Laura Day Living

“My family has two trees: We have a fun tree for the kids, with homemade decorations and strung popcorn. They have so much fun creating for it and decorating it with us. The more serious tree tends to be monochrome with little white lights and a white owl on top. I do find it much easier to keep the tree looking beautiful if you keep the scheme simple. Most importantly you, your family and friends have to love it.”

Barbara Barry

Los Angeles-based interior and furniture designer

“The best thing about the holidays is getting to use a lot of red. I love how it makes everything so cheery. A favorite for small tables or large are silver beakers of pine bough, red tulips, white freesias and holly. They look wonderful down the center of the table interspersed with low votives. Sparkling and festive.”

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