Christina Karras Decorates The Holiday Party
Author:Lindsey ShookWe find incredible inspiration seeing how our favorite designers use their talents for the holidays. Previously, Catherine Kwong set our Thanksgiving table, but this time around, Christina Karras uses her unconventional take on art, beauty, and space to design an entire holiday party, and we have to say we’re thoroughly impressed with the results.
“Back when I was working as a performance artist with Bill Graham Productions, I had an amazing little house in LA that became the hangout for all my friends – musicians, artists, and other eccentric and spirited creative types – even during the holidays. For them, a crowd less Norman Rockwell and more rock ‘n roll meets LA bohemian, this is the soulful holiday party I’d throw today.”
THE DÉCOR
Christina Karras “Jean Paul” Wingback Chairs in Plaid
“Because I love rock and a bit of punk, it’s probably no surprise I also love plaid. But, when done the right way, plaid can also be an elegant way to say merry, merry. Flank a pair of distressed wingback chairs next to the fireplace and guests will want to cozy up with a mug of eggnog all night.”
“The fire is stoked and everyone has arrived, so whether it’s time for pre-dinner cocktails or late night lounging, nothing could be cozier than decadent patchwork lambs wool throws draped over the sofa or fur pillows to snuggle against as you sip wine and share resolutions for the new year.”
Christina Karras Leather Dream Catcher Light Pendant
“Lighting is always a game changer, but never more so than the holidays. For a glamorous, alternative to garland and tinsel, hang a few of these elegant beauties with their rich, supple icy blue leather fringe cascading over a decorated dining table.”
Aurora String Lights from Anthropologie
“As soon as the longer holiday nights approach, I begin to crave that warm glow of twinkly lights. Reminiscent of the stars, these are part of the season’s tradition that never gets old to me. With these copper-wired lights strung everywhere and the right playlist on in the background, voilà…instant mood creator.”
“Scent is the sense most connected to memory, so bring back soulful moments of holidays past or create passionately vivid new ones by placing well-crafted candles in every corner. Familiar holiday scents like Le Labo Cedre 11 or Pin 12 are sure to evoke cheer and stir up great conversation.”
Jonathan Adler’s Cheval Bar Cart
“As his website attests, this bar cart is the “ultimate accessory for glamorous entertaining” and I love the horse head finials. They are chic and romantically whimsical at the same time. And, who couldn’t use more cocktails and romance around the holidays?”
Vintage Martini Glasses and Tumblers
“The holidays are inherently nostalgic and a way to bring that sensibility into a modern space is with small touches, like an eclectic mix of vintage martini glasses or cocktail tumblers. I especially love the glitz and shine of old Hollywood glamour and a set in a super sexy gold, hot pink or ox blood red would be my choice for a holiday soiree.”
Spiked Leather Coasters from Christina Karras
“Since I believe that a bit of bubbly and fabulous cocktails are the highlight of any party, but all that coziness requires a little bit of edge for contrast, which is why I lay out some spiked leather coasters to rest them on. As Santa can attest, some of us are on the naughty list and we deserve to have a glam holiday too.”
THE DRINKS
And what would a holiday party be without a special cocktail?
“My absolute favorite is the pomegranate martini. It’s cheery, holiday red, and deliciously tart. Here’s my secret recipe.”
INGREDIENTS:
1 oz vodka
1/2 oz Cointreau® orange liqueur
3 oz pomegranate juice
-Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker 1/4 filled with chopped ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Serve with a squeeze and twist of lemon.
THE PLAYLIST
To bring it all together, this is what Karras would choose to accompany her holiday party.
“Although I think you can never go wrong with any of these artists’ work, I may swap out my usual playlist with some of their holiday offerings for the occasion.”
