Southern Living Holiday House: Behind-The-Scenes
For Southern Living, I decked the halls and trimmed the tree in blue ribbon for a fresh and icy take on traditional Christmas décor for the magazine’s Holiday House feature. And since the article hit newsstands, my family and I have dodged the question, “Does your house always look like that?” with wry smiles.
This photoshoot captured a special moment in time, and I called upon an entire team of helpers- from friends and family to professionals- to get each room camera ready. The process of preparing to shoot an entire home for a national magazine is multi-layered- and always more fun than work! In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite Behind-The-Scenes moments and some insight into our methods.
While the essentials of great design were there, the saying, “The cobbler’s children have no shoes” resonated with me during the initial preparation for this feature. For the past 10+ years, I have been focused on Client projects and building a team- priorities that tended to take precedence over my own home’s interior design. But the honor of being photographed by Southern Living prompted me to re-evaluate my space and take an honest look at what some of my favorite rooms would look like through a shiny lens.
For the magazine, I agreed to design a blue Christmas-themed spread. And in the weeks leading up to the photoshoot, I felt in my element- flexing a creative muscle that I usually save for Client work. But during this season, I was also my home’s loudest critic. Constant ideas on how to refine my space raced through my mind: Should I recover my two sofas from brown to blue? Well, if I do that, I’ll have to buy a new lampshade. And if I buy a new lampshade, I should probably just replace this lamp.
While tedious, these last-minute changes only enhanced each room and continued to add hints of blue throughout the project. After I selected additional blue art pieces and called in professional art hangers to install these, I felt quietly confident that the major design elements of my home were ready to present to the world.
Next, it was time to shift gears and focus on decorating for Christmas and refining the details. Enter KK Harris, who helped me style the shoot and work on a plan of attack for conquering the “To-Dos.” While my family always decorates for the holiday season with garlands and multiple Christmas trees, having a stylist proved to be incredibly helpful- especially when pressed for time.
I am always dreaming up holiday tablescapes and wanted to make sure that this one stood out! So at the eleventh hour, I sought out vintage napkins and had them custom monogrammed by my friend, Simply Blessed. My mom came over early to help polish silver until it gleamed and glistened. And before we knew it, the photographer, Alison Gootee, knocked on the front door. It was showtime.
As they say, the devil is in the details- and I am very appreciative of all of the work that went into styling for the camera. The stylist arrived with additional complementary greenery for each vignette- and as much as I love gardening, it was wonderful to have KK’s take on the floral arrangements.
Moreover, she prepared endless festive food and drinks for the camera including peppermint bark and hot cocoa. It was difficult not to enjoy these treats before they were photographed! And during this busy season, one of the best perks was that KK and my mom even wrapped presents for underneath the trees (way ahead of when I typically get these set out!) while my daughter cherished entertaining KK’s son.
As the rooms were styled, we examined each shot with Alison to determine what might be out of place or need to move. And no matter how much we thought we had each shot ready; we always saw something to improve on in the camera. It was so wonderful to observe Alison’s process- and with each passing shot, take a deep breath, and savor the moment.
As chaotic as this season proved to be, I was able to rejoice in it alongside such a dedicated team who helped me attend to every detail when every detail mattered. Almost one year later, the Southern Living Holiday House feature captured a labor of love on glossy pages- preserving extraordinary memories that will last a lifetime for my family and team. Thank you to everyone who helped to realize this opportunity. Enjoy some of my favorite outtakes below!
Gift Guide
The latest Sara Hillery Interior Design Gift Guide is here! Scroll through to find the perfect gift for the most fun-loving friend or family member on your list!
The queen of edited elegance released a new book!
These cheerful playing cards provide a little more style than your typical red or blue set.
How fun are these metal earrings? Everyone on my team has a pair!
Chinoiserie is always in style!
Such a happy book on how to decorate and live well.
A custom backgammon board brings back a classic game in updated colors.
This simple and bright planner will keep you organized in style in 2023.
I love the curves and color on this lantern sconce!
So excited about these winning pillows in last year’s “Made in VA Awards.”
I love this tumbler – There is something so fun about polka dots on a table!
This needlepoint pillow in such a bright color is way too much fun!
Love these napkin rings in a dogwood motif as a nod to my home state of Virginia!
My friend published this book last summer and it still is a favorite!
Anyone who knows me knows that I love anything that looks like it can walk.
A simple topiary can elevate any space.
These are the best notecards! I included a custom set in my Lenox Hill tablescape.
A touch of the tropics for your next dinner party!
I cannot get enough of this cheery batik print!
Add bamboo details to your holiday table and celebrate the season in style
Peak fashion meets peak comfort. And how fun are these pom-poms?
Perfect year-round from Mardi-Gras to Christmas!