There’s an elevator ride between you and the laundry room. You have no control over the thermostat. And every year, you suffer through the holidays with mediocre décor because opening your front door and simultaneously knocking over a Christmas tree is just no fun.

Cheer up. This season, thanks to the expert advice of interior designer and Rue Living Inspirer Ron Marvin, things are changing.

Consider topiaries instead of a tree. 
“I live in the city and don’t have a lot of room for a large tree,” Marvin starts. “But that doesn’t mean my home won’t be festive. Smaller topiaries of varying heights, all clustered together, can add to the holiday spirit in an elegant way without taking up the room of a grand tree. I put mine in footed urns, but you can put them in painted pots, silver ice buckets, or any other fun vessel that works with your décor.”

As for wreaths and garland?
“Use garland along the fireplace, around a mirror, around columns, or laid down the center of your holiday table and weaved around lanterns and hurricanes,” Marvin suggests. “I hang wide ribbon from the back of my mirror above my fireplace. I drape it over the front, then hang my wreath from the ribbon, centered in the mirror. The finishing touch is French Wired Ribbon that I use to create a grand bow.”

You don’t have to skimp on porch décor, either. We know, you don’t have a porch – not the point.
“Using lanterns inside allows you to create a warm, comfortable atmosphere. You could flank two on either side of a mantel, line several in a row down a long hallway, place them up a staircase, or scatter them among your buffet table,” Marvin explains. “If you have a deep enough windowsill, it’s beautiful to place one in the center of every window that faces the street, giving your home that perfect holiday glow.”

The 12 Days of Merry: Give a Warm Welcome Boutique opens Tuesday, November 26, at 11AM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Ron Marvin Design is a New York City–based interior-design firm. Traditional Home magazine recently named him one of their Top 20 New Traditionals, showcasing him in the launch of their new online magazine, Trad Home. Ron’s work has also been featured in Lonny Magazine and The New York Times. His New York and San Francisco homes have been shown in Metropolitan Home magazine and on the HGTV show “Small Space, Big Style.” Prior to opening his firm, Ron worked for over 12 years in the visual merchandising departments at Gap, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Hold Everything, and Williams-Sonoma Home.