Teri: I love to design around a specific holiday and generally use this as my starting point. From there, I determine if I want to use more traditional holiday colors or if I want to employ a color palette that really accentuates the room. In the photograph above, we used red and green as our primary colors with accents of silver and gold.

Teri: Candles are my favorite centerpiece. They are something I usually have on-hand and they add height to a tabletop without interrupting sightlines. Candles also create a peaceful ambiance and add a warming, romantic sparkle.

Teri: I like incorporating flowers and greenery into my tabletop design. They add a pop of color, an element of softness and a fresh scent that really ties it all together. I always try to look for in-season bouquets that match the season I’m decorating for. To create a particularly impactful environment, integrate the flowers and greenery into other places in the room – in the environment highlighted above, we added them to the bookcases to create extra punch.

Teri: Always think about the sightlines of your guests. To facilitate unobstructed conversation, use glass accessories of varying heights. The transparency of the glass allows guests to see through the décor, while the varying heights allows for an array of views. If you’re able, think about placing a little gift or special token at each place setting. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness. LHB Design Team: If you could only give us one decorating tip, what would it be?

Teri: Try to create impact without clutter. Use simple elements that don’t crowd or overwhelm. But perhaps most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy the festive environment you’ve created with the people who matter most to you!

For the living room, we love using custom-configured sectionals. Keeping the Halandale sectional in a neutral tone keeps the space feeling fresh, while its configuration offers open seating perfect for conversation. It also allows guests to move freely around the room.

Employing a generously scaled cocktail table provides a common place for guests to rest drinks and for hosts to display favorite accessories. We are particularly fond of the Stone Canyon cocktail table. The table features a hand-burnished silver leaf metal base and silver travertine top, which ties-in the neutral hues of the room.

Incorporating a pair of ottomans and two accent chairs allows the space to be easily reconfigured to suit the number of guests and activities at hand. One of our favorite products is the Wheatley Leather Ottoman. Contrasting welts and decorative nailhead trim give the piece flair, while its casters make it effortless to maneuver. Finally, we believe that every gathering space should have at least one statement piece. One we love is the Cross Creek accent table, which features a petrified wood top supported by a hand-burnished, silver leaf metal base. Since it is a natural material, each table is truly one-of-a-kind. Often the heart of the home, the kitchen is a natural gathering place, especially when preparing a holiday meal. Incorporating a large island workspace and pairing with counter stools allows the chef to engage with her guests while cooking.

We particularly like the Merrick counter stools, which feature hand-woven rush seats and a lightly distressed, versatile Oyster finish. The swivel mechanism and shaped metal back support make it as functional as it is beautiful.

As a bonus, the counter stools pair well with a bistro table, which can serve as an additional seating area if needed. One of our favorite bistro tables is Hidden Lake from the Oyster Bay collection. Its burnished stainless top ensures a durable surface, while its four drawers make it highly functional. The table can accommodate up to six counter stools.

A great dining room is often the result of a well-balanced design that is both stylish and functional. In this example, the Drake dining table takes center stage with a lustrous walnut finish and brushed rose gold accents, balanced by the neutral Seneca side chair.

The Highland Park server offers plenty of storage, but also contributes to the ambiance of the room with its sophisticated step back design. It also features hand painted gold accents, which ties-in with the detailing on the table and hardware on the chairs creating a cohesive look.

One of our favorite places to unwind and reflect on the day is around a warm fire. Ensure a seamless indoor to outdoor flow and conversation by arranging a combination of chairs and loveseats to create an intimate space.

Achieve elegance by choosing pieces with exquisite detail. We are particularly found of the Marimba firepit and seating group from Tommy Bahama Outdoor Living. Hand-cast in aluminum, the group features luxe down throw pillows, all-weather fabrics and a graceful intersecting ring motif. The ability to choose your own fabric ensures the group will reflect your personal style.