Homes as grand as this Southborough New England Colonial can be tricky to decorate. A simple holiday wreath can get lost in the façade. At the same time, there is such a thing as overdecoration. To match the home’s elegant character, I thought a lot about restraint. Adding porch pots or swags ran the risk of trying too hard. Homes like this don’t need dressing. They need accentuation.

To highlight the home’s unique architecture, which was meticulously restored and revamped by my talented client, we focused on what makes the entry special. The portico and columns are natural standouts. We wrapped the nearly 12-foot-high columns in hand-foraged, hand-made Christmas garland from Hi-Hill Farm in Westborough. These natural evergreen garlands contain laurel and elderberries, resulting in stunning textural layers.

The front door, with its rich tone and arched transom add to the grandeur. Our garland follows the vertical lines of the entrance, framing the door while simultaneously highlighting its scale. Traditional tartan ribbon injects color and a sense of classic Christmas. The resulting holiday décor looks warm, welcoming, and elegant.