Holiday Tips from the Pros: Part I

Candace Jordan, NBC Chicago Street Team

Well, the holidays are upon us and I love seeing all of the fabulous decorations and decor! I’m going to do a series of blogs on the Top Holiday Tips from the Pros. They cover every aspect of the season: hair, makeup, entertaining, cooking, décor and more. I hope you will find them as helpful as I have!

My favorite choice for holiday décor is Jeff Jonen, Fresh or Faux—1128 W. Armitage (773) 388-2395. For the past 8 years, he and his elves, Scott Sauer and Andrew Bundy, have helped me install my Christmas decorations. His magical shop, Fresh or Faux, is filled with all manner of fresh and silk flowers and plants.

The following are Jeff Jonen’s top five tips for holiday decorating:

1) Mix fresh with faux. Who’s gonna know? Fresh pine arranged with faux flowers like tulips and amaryllis will make a stunning centerpiece that will last all season.

2) Reinvent your holiday décor by displaying familiar decorations in new locations.

3) Use a foot switch to turn on hard to reach holiday lights.

4) Your holiday décor should tell a story. Ask relatives for old Christmas decorations. They usually throw them out. Display them in a grouping to portray a family history of Christmas past.

5) Shop for next year this year! Have a concept in mind for a holiday display and purchase items after Christmas for a fraction of the cost. When you bring them out next year all will be new and with extravagant savings!

The following are tips from party planner extraordinaire, Greg Hyder (catering director for the Peninsula). His holiday parties are on everyone’s hope-to-be-invited list.

1) Get Organized. Proper preparation makes a great soiree. Have a timetable, be realistic and set attainable deadlines.

2) Conceptualize. How do you envision the party? Casual, formal, theme inspired, over-the-top or understated?

3) Plan the mood and settings. Aromas, music, ambiance. Think about your favorite holiday memories and use these to make your event memorable for others. Use creative ideas to make little “wows” for each guest.

4) Don’t wait until the last minute. Do as much as possible ahead of time. Polishing silver, etc. A rested host is a good host!

5) Have FUN!! If you are at ease, your guests will be too! No stress, just smiles!

More Holiday Tips from the Pros coming up soon!  God bless us everyone …

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