All in for
the holidays!
When Kate Arends was house shopping, she instantly knew the rambler where her family now lives would be “a great Christmas house”: “I always imagine where the tree will go!” says the creative director of lifestyle site, Wit & Delight. “I really go for it at the holidays. You walk into our house and it’s like Christmas exploded!” Here’s how she turns the dial all the way up on holiday fun.
WHO
Kate Arends
WHERE
St. Paul, MN
CAROLS & CANDLELIGHT
Kate’s kids August and Birdie love special moments like trimming the tree and dining fireside. “They know we have something fun planned if the playlist is turned on, candles are lit and a spread is on the table!” Kate says. Cue the cheesy potatoes and Nat King Cole.
A festive &
family-friendly
table
“I try to not focus on everything matching. I like things to feel relaxed and lived in,” she says. The kids, who are really into Santa-themed plates and cups, like to lend a hand.
“It isn’t so much about going over the top for the kids, it’s about involving them in the rituals.”
—Kate Arends
Twice the
tree trimming
Kate puts up not one but two Christmas trees. First, “I let the kids get creative,” she says. Then she gets to work on her own tree in the living room. “I love peach and green together, so this room really sings when we break out the trees!”
Shop the look
More holiday moments
Domino’s Kate Berry creates colorful and inviting tablescapes
Designer Shavonda Gardner shares small-house hosting tips
Sarah Sherman Samuel’s new kids’ collection is inspired by a Christmas classic