Visionary floral designer, Jeff Leatham, is internationally renown for his verdant artistry—each one of his breathtaking designs a bold statement using shape, color and simplicity to dramatic effect. His dazzling displays in the elegant lobby of the Hotel George V in Paris (where he now serves as Artistic Director), as well as his installations at Four Seasons Beverly Hills and Philadelphia, his books on floral design, his numerous television appearances, and his work with an impressive collection of design-minded celebrities, have installed him as a true leader in his craft.
We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Jeff on a new collection of floral designs for Williams Sonoma this holiday season. His wreaths, garlands and arrangements inspired Oprah herself to call him “the greatest florist of all times.”
Jeff has been decorating for the holidays in creative ways using flowers and greenery for decades. Here, he shares some of the trends in holiday decor and all the tips you’ll need to get your home holiday-ready. Below are a few of his holiday decor rules-of-thumb to get you started.
1. Stick to a Color Scheme
Tempted to do red, white, green, blue, white, gold and silver? Don’t. “Stick to a color scheme,” Jeff says, to “keep your decor looking clean, simple, and chic.” He added, “Christmas decor can really take over a home; having one color scheme will keep it from becoming too overwhelming.”
2. Mixed Greens
Accustomed to just dropping pine boughs on everything (and dealing with the ensuing needles everywhere)? Why not change it up this year? “A mix of greenery is always the way to go,” says Jeff. “We tend to stick to cedar, nobel, and pine.”
3. Consider Fragrance
Let your holiday décor double as air fresheners! “We love to add foragable, fragrant greens,” says Jeff, “such as rosemary or eucalyptus.” It adds extra oomph when you walk in the door, to smell a layer of rosemary on top of pine. (We trust a man with his own fragrance line!)
4. Let There Be Light
Front stoop; tree skirt; down the center of the table; on your front door: “No matter where a garland is, we always add lights,” says Jeff. And you needn’t have a plug available: “Use a mixed Christmas garland down the center table with battery operated lights!” he suggests. “Mix in candles throughout with some flexed red or white rose heads.” Designer Josh Young displays the concept so beautifully using Jeff’s greenery around the entry to his chic D.C. townhouse. So smart, and so beautiful.
5. Consider Unexpected Places
Sure, you can outfit banisters and your fireplace mantel with a garland. But what else could be garlanded? “We typically add garlands to hanging kitchen pot racks, console tables, and use them as tree skirts!” For Jeff, the sky’s the limit… and that’s part of why we’re so thrilled to work with him.
