This year, 2021, I must say I’ve loved getting ready for Christmas…just enough hustle and bustle to remind me that it’s the holidays (but not too much) and planning way ahead (even I surprised myself) so that I wasn’t stressed…plus the wonderful inspiration I enjoyed via Texas and Newport. Now if the Buche de Noel will just arrive in time for a celebratory dinner with friends.

So, welcome to Parterre. And what was upper most on my mind as I set about the decorating for Christmas? Stretching the imagination to create different scenes for the same rooms in the house while always coming up with one new spot to dress up…as in the pair of front courtyard urns.

Bellevue Avenue is very understated in its decorations to the point of often not having any, so our front door decor is a bit of a departure for us. The little trees started as two metal tuteurs from the garden which we then wrapped in dried grapevine, and twined in lights. We like this concept of recycling summer accessories for December decorations. The additional light these trees supply (including the two in the second floor hall window) is so warm and welcoming!

The entry hall, designed around an iron staircase that our architect had saved from a demolished Upper East Side townhouse, is a big focus of my design interest. I love the grace of its curves, from the first steps with their flare to the sweep up the three flight of stairs. And, too, the ceremony of descending and ascending a beautiful staircase has always fascinated me, so dressing it for the holidays deserves some thought.

The French marble mantel in the oval salon is always awaiting its statement-making moment…and I’m “crazy about red!” One of a pair, I will separate the gold pine cone trees if the situation calls for it…and it was obvious as this vignette was coming together that a small tree would provide just the right centerpiece.

This year, also, I was determined not to overlook one of my smallest but very cherished design details in this home that we built twenty-two years ago…the niches above the curved doors of the oval salon (not an easy task to curve doors!), dressed for the holidays.

The tree this year, a Fraser fir, was a whopper–the tallest (11′) and fullest we’ve ever brought into the house. Running out of ornaments slowed us down a bit…but any excuse to go shopping. I love how the tip top nestles into the ceiling’s curved dome.

Viewing it from the Fountain Garden at night is one of the new additions to my Christmas image archives.

And one last must do…make sure we’ve configured a place under the branches at the back of the tree for our kitty, Clicquot’s, bed (if she’s not happy, we’re not happy).

From our home to yours, sending warmest wishes for the jolliest of holidays and a spectacular New Year. Merry, Merry and Happy, Happy.