In a delightful conversation with Better Homes & Gardens, the renowned designer Shea McGee of Studio McGee opened up about her unique approach to decorating her home for Christmas, alleviating the stress of the holiday season, and placing family time at the forefront of her priorities. As the festive season approaches, McGee's insights offer a fresh perspective on creating a warm and inviting Christmas atmosphere.

McGee's Christmas home decor is a blend of elegance and charm. She starts by selecting a color palette that reflects the holiday spirit while maintaining a cohesive look throughout her home. "I love using traditional Christmas colors like red, green, and gold, but I also like to add a touch of modernity with some metallic accents," she explains. For the Christmas tree, she opts for a real one, believing that the scent and the natural look add to the overall ambiance. "There's nothing quite like the smell of a fresh - cut Christmas tree in the house," she says with a smile.

When it comes to ornaments, McGee has a collection that has been built over the years. Each ornament holds a special memory, whether it's a handmade one from her children or a souvenir from a family vacation. She carefully arranges them on the tree, creating a visual story. "I like to start with the larger ornaments at the base and work my way up, adding smaller ones and some twinkling lights in between," she details. The tree becomes a centerpiece of the living room, drawing everyone in and setting the mood for the holidays.

In addition to the tree, McGee decorates the rest of her home with garlands, wreaths, and candles. She places garlands on the staircase railing and mantel, adding a touch of greenery and festivity. Wreaths adorn the front door and interior doors, welcoming guests with a warm and inviting sight. Candles, on the other hand, are strategically placed around the house to create a soft and cozy glow. "Candles are a must - have during the Christmas season. They add a sense of tranquility and romance," she emphasizes.

However, McGee is well - aware of the stress that often comes with the holiday season. To ease this stress, she has developed a few strategies. First, she starts her Christmas preparations early. "I like to get a head start on things like shopping and decorating. This way, I don't feel rushed and can enjoy the process," she says. She also makes a detailed to - do list and breaks it down into smaller, manageable tasks. This helps her stay organized and focused.

Another important aspect of stress management for McGee is saying no. "During the holidays, there are so many invitations and demands on our time. It's important to set boundaries and say no to things that don't align with our priorities," she advises. By doing so, she can ensure that she has enough time and energy for the things that truly matter, such as spending quality time with her family.

Family time is at the heart of McGee's Christmas celebrations. She believes that the holidays are a time to come together, create memories, and strengthen family bonds. "We have a lot of traditions in our family, like baking Christmas cookies, watching Christmas movies, and opening presents on Christmas morning," she shares. These traditions not only bring joy and laughter but also provide a sense of continuity and stability.

McGee also encourages her children to be involved in the Christmas preparations. Whether it's helping to decorate the tree or wrapping presents, she believes that these activities teach them important skills and values. "It's a great way for them to learn about teamwork, creativity, and the spirit of giving," she says. By involving her children, she is creating a Christmas experience that they will cherish for a lifetime.

In conclusion, Shea McGee's approach to Christmas is a beautiful combination of style, practicality, and family values. Her insights into home decor, stress management, and family time offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to make their Christmas more meaningful and enjoyable. As we embrace the holiday season, let's take a page from McGee's book and create our own Christmas magic.