Holiday Design Guide
How Our Team Styles the Season
As November settles in and the days get shorter, our team at TOBE DesignGroup is buzzing with holiday inspiration—both for our clients and in our own homes. Whether you prefer timeless tradition or a playful, modern twist, the season is the perfect time to play with color, texture, nostalgia, and a little magic. Here’s how our designers are approaching holiday décor this year.
7.5’ Frosted Fraser Fir® Christmas Tree by Balsam Hill.
Todd’s Take: Nontraditional, Layered & Full of Personality
Holiday decorating doesn’t have to mean red-and-green everything. For Todd, embracing nontraditional color palettes and luxurious textures makes his smaller home feel festive without feeling cluttered.
With limited space, he starts with a narrow pre-lit flocked tree—a piece that instantly brings in a wintery mood. He layers ornaments in mixed finishes (sparkle and matte), adds ribbon, woodland animals, and unexpected ornament styles for depth and visual interest. And because décor should always reflect your real life, his Star of David tree topper sits proudly at the top—an elegant nod to his blended-tradition household.
Around the home, Todd sprinkles in a growing collection of Steinbach nutcrackers from Crate & Barrel—he adds one to the collection every year, making it a personal tradition. His assortment of menorahs and dreidels, ranging from sleek contemporary glass pieces to ornate jeweled designs to artisan-made Gary Rosenthal works, creates a beautiful, meaningful blend of heritage and design.
Holiday meals get the full treatment too: green garland, crystal bead strands, LEGO ornaments (yes, LEGO!), fine china, and crystal goblets all make an appearance—because the holiday table deserves just as much personality as the tree.
Handcrafted from the Steinbach Nutcracker Factory in Marienberg, Germany, available at Crate & Barrel.
Adorable Lego Ornaments adorn Todd’s tree alongside elegant treasures.
Marsha’s Mood: The “Ralph Lauren Christmas” Moment
If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you may have noticed that “Ralph Lauren Christmas” is everywhere—and Marsha is here for it.
This mood board is filled with equestrian details, rich plaids, brass accents, lush greenery, and layered textiles, and the overall feeling of cozy luxury works beautifully in homes with warm wood tones, traditional architecture, or spaces that already lean transitional.
If you’re craving something timeless yet dramatic, lean into your inner tartan in a sophisticated palette with rich color tones such as forest green, navy, burgundy and dark red.
Ralph Lauren Home Cashmere Throw PIllows
Iconic Ralph Lauren dishware.
Sydney’s Pick: Maximalist, Colorful & Whimsically Over-the-Top
On the other end of the spectrum, Sydney’s loving the rise of playful maximalist holiday décor—a trend that’s been popping up not just in seasonal styling but across interior design as a whole.
Classic ornaments and restrained palettes will always have a place, but there’s something joyful about going big, bold, and colorful this year. Sydney points to fun examples that embody this trend, such as ornaments shaped like dancing animals, dramatic velvet bows, or voluminous linen tree collars, all from West Elm.
Who says the holidays can’t be a little weird (in the best possible way)?
Animals Doing Things Ornaments from West Elm.
Poodle Painter Ornament from West Elm.
Velvet Bow Clip-On Ornaments from West Elm.
24” Ruffle Linen Tree Collar from West Elm.
Behind the Scenes: Decorating Rodman’s
Beyond our own homes, we’re also bringing holiday cheer to our clients—including decking out Rodman’s, a beloved DC institution. From statement displays to layered storefront moments, we’re transforming the space into a seasonal experience that welcomes shoppers and sparks delight.
Stay tuned for photos—we can’t wait to reveal the final look.
you do you
The holidays are ultimately about creating spaces that feel warm, inviting, and true to you. Whether you love a traditional RL moment, a colorful explosion, or a refined mix of textures with unexpected touches, your décor should tell your story, and our team is here to help with your holiday styling. Let’s make your season beautiful.
Ready to elevate your space for the holidays? Jump on a call at 301.656.6600, drop us a line at hello@tobedesigngroup.com, or share your project goals here.