DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS can be both expensive and time consuming. So many decisions and so much work for only one month? Maybe not. This house uses a perfect blend of subtlety and beauty to extend the season and the enjoyment.
Alan and Melissa Neville
Melissa and Alan Neville bought this four bedroom home in 2021 to accommodate their large family. They have five children who, at this time, are all grown, but they visit frequently with spouses, friends, partners and pets. The Nevilles have also hosted exchange students, friends and extended family.
The spacious 1991 house allows the Nevilles to go all out for Christmas, with no less than three (and sometimes four) large, elaborately decorated trees. In addition to the trees, each room has its own tabletop tree and they’ve framed key doorways, windowsills and mantels with garland, all accented with randomly placed lanterns, candles, centerpieces and stylized deer. The overall effect is immersive, without appearing overdone. What makes the décor completely cohesive from top to bottom is the complementary color palate. Even though red is a signature Christmas color, you see very little of it in the Nevilles’ home. The earthiness of the greens and the plant foliage truly complements the existing interior design.
Melissa changes seasonal decorations at least four times per year, to varying degrees, but typically uses accents that seamlessly blend with the existing décor. She adds, “This year’s holiday décor seems to be trending toward use of natural elements, like wood, metal, textured fabrics like velvet or plaid, and lots of greenery. That works well for me, so I leaned into that. I also love mercury glass, for a little vintage sparkle.” To make the switch after Christmas, she simply removes anything red or “overtly Christmasy” and the décor becomes “winter décor” instead of just Christmas décor, which allows her to extend the season until February.
We always appreciate when families decorate for the holiday far in advance to accommodate our printing schedule; far before Halloween and Thanksgiving. Thanks to Alan and Melissa for allowing us into their beautiful home and thanks as well to their daughter Kira Neville and her partner John Williams, who helped with the preseason decorating…
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