The holiday season has always been a time to slow down, open our doors, and welcome the people we love. Whether it’s a full house, a tiny dinner party, or neighbors stopping by for a glass of champagne, gathering is one of the most meaningful ways we connect.
As a designer, I’ve always believed that great entertaining begins long before the guests arrive — it begins with a home that feels good. Design isn’t only about beauty; it’s about warmth, comfort, flow, and those small details that quietly say, “You belong here.”
Designing Spaces for Connection
When a home works well for entertaining, you feel it immediately. People linger longer. Conversations spark more easily. The host is relaxed (or at least looks that way!).
Thoughtful design plays a big role in that:
- A kitchen with open circulation keeps guests involved rather than pushed aside
- Layered lighting makes a room intimate instead of being overlit
- Surfaces, seating, and storage all work together instead of competing
These elements create not just a pretty space — but a welcoming one.
The Cochrane Residence — A Home Built for Hosting and Gathering
One of my favorite projects, designed with entertaining and connection in mind, is the Cochrane Residence.
This home wasn’t just built for living — it was built for gathering. The owner loves to cook, entertain, and bring people together. Over the years, this home has hosted small orchestras, opera singers, and fundraising dinners where 20–30 guests share a meal, music, and conversation.
The kitchen needed to do a lot more than just look beautiful.
Designing the Ideal Kitchen That Brings Everyone to the Table
We designed a space that feels bright, joyful, and effortlessly functional:
✔ A large island with the cooktop facing guests — because a true entertaining kitchen should never put the chef with their back to the party
✔ Deep storage and wide circulation space, so cooking never clashes with hospitality
✔ A built-in beverage center and bar zone for effortless serving
✔ A statement countertop and skyline views that make every gathering feel special
The palette leans into a cheerful sophistication — fresh blues, wood textures, brass hardware, and a ceiling treatment that feels like soft watercolor floating above. It has personality, but it’s restful. It’s elegant, but it’s fun. And most importantly, it works.
My Favorite Holiday Traditions
At home, the holidays are deeply personal to me.
I usually wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate, but this year I started early — because a little joy never hurt anyone, and this world could use more of it.
A few of my favorite traditions:
The Tree
As a kid, I dreamed of a giant Christmas tree. Today, thanks to the tall ceilings in the Cactus House dining and living rooms, I finally have one — over 9 feet tall, plus a tree on the front porch and one on the back deck. Why stop at one?
And yes… we always hide the pickle.
It’s a fun German tradition — a glass pickle ornament is hidden in the tree, and the first person to find it gets an extra gift or good luck for the coming year. It’s childlike, silly, and exactly the kind of magic the holidays deserve.
The Mantle
The mantle is the heart of our Christmas décor. Garland, greenery, stockings, soft lighting — it’s where warmth gathers, literally and emotionally. The fireplace glow, the scent of fir, the quiet music — all of it sets the stage for slowing down.
The Famous Cactus Lights
And of course… our giant cactus outside gets its own Christmas makeover every year.
Last year, we made oversized Christmas bulbs and staged it so it looked like the Grinch was sneaking off with them. Cars actually stopped in front of the house to take photos at night — which is exactly the kind of playful joy I love to share with the neighborhood.
Tips for Successful Holiday Entertaining (Designer + Host Approved)
Whether your gathering is two people or twenty:
→ Layer lighting — rechargeable table lamps, candles, dimmed overheads
→ Honor your architecture — don’t fight your home, work with it
→ Create flow — food and drinks should be easy to reach, seating should invite lingering
→ Add personal touches — ornaments from travels, handwritten place cards, homemade wreaths
Perfection is overrated. Comfort is what people remember.
In the End… Design Is Generosity
When we create a home that welcomes others, we are practicing generosity in its purest form.
A warm space feeds conversation. A thoughtful kitchen helps the host stay present. A beautifully set table tells guests they matter.
That’s what design is really about.
If you’re dreaming of a home that helps you gather — for the holidays or for everyday life — we’d be honored to help you shape it.
Warm wishes for a joyful, beautiful season.
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