Virginia designer Sara Hillery twirls up her home with a new creative theme for Christmas.
Alison Gootee
For interior designer Sara Hillery, Christmastime provides a fun opportunity to flex her creativity.
I love the element of surprise!
Credit:Alison Gootee
CEDRIC ANGELES
One thing that never changes?
Hillerys incorporation of beloved traditions, including her husbands from New Orleans and her own from Virginia.
We share the same sentiment and host two big annualChristmas parties, one for friends and one for family.
Credit:CEDRIC ANGELES
Cajun recipeslikemilk punchandgumboalways make appearances as do heirlooms from her mother.
So much of what I do comes from my mom, who always made this season so special.
Heirloom glass-ball ornaments and hand-dyed velvet ribbons complete the look.
Credit:ALISON GOOTEE
We give her one every year, she says.
Bows made from long blue velvet ribbons deliver a pretty finishing touch.
A punch bowl snatched up at an estate sale after college.
Credit:ALISON GOOTEE
Its the perfect vessel for her husbands familys famous milk punch recipe.
The bud vase is one of dozens she owns.
Gold-flecked chargers and gold-rimmed goblets bring a little shimmer to the snowy-hued scene.
Credit:ALISON GOOTEE
Im a big fan of wreaths, says Hillery.
A pink poinsettia sits alongside a nutcracker, a nod to their annual viewings of The Nutcracker ballet.
They trade them and have a blast decorating however they want.
Credit:ALISON GOOTEE
I picked it up from a moving sale in my neighborhood in Houston, says Hillery.
Inside the drawer, theres a record of everyone who has owned it and where they got it.
I havent added my name or details yet.
Credit:ALISON GOOTEE
I need to do that!
Winning Combination
An antique Italian gilded chair holds court in the neutral primary bath.
Im a sucker for those, says Hillery of her auction score.
Repeating the white walls and reclaimed-pine floors throughout makes the space feel larger.Credit:ALISON GOOTEE
Every year, Hillery bakes cinnamon rolls for friends and family to enjoy on Christmas morning.Credit:ALISON GOOTEE
Credit:ALISON GOOTEE
Credit:ALISON GOOTEE
A trio of myrtle topiaries in varying heights keeps the nightstand feeling festive all year long.Credit:ALISON GOOTEE
Credit:ALISON GOOTEE
