Think back to all holiday seasons past and the trips you make to and from the attic, to and from the home center, up and down the ladder, and the thought is bound to cross your mind, can’t I hire someone to do all this this year—a holiday decorator, perhaps? The difference between you and a professional is the difference between having “something nice and having something fabulous,” explains Scott Rothenberger of Scott Rothenberger’s PLACE. “Designers often look outside the box for solutions and give you something that you could have never thought of on your own.” Possibilities are brought to light and the creativity flows.

Whether you decide to make the call or tough it out on your own again this year, Rothenberger says there are several few essential things to keep in mind:

• Do NOT go overboard with any particular theme. How many times have you seen that dated red bow theme gone terribly wrong? One carefully placed red bow on a wreath is nice. Placing others on your window boxes, shrubs, and mailbox post is definitely overkill. Remember, less is more.

• Be careful when mixing fun elements. For example, don’t combine a rustic Christmas element like reindeer antlers with something elegant like a beautiful glass Moravian star—often times this just comes across as tacky or cluttered.

• Incorporate something cherished into your décor. “The holiday should have room for something sentimental,” says Rothenberger. “This could be something as simple as a family photo in a glitzy holiday frame or something as elaborate as a family heirloom ornament handed down for many generations.” It adds something personal and in turn will make your display more homey.

“No matter what I buy and create for a client’s holiday, I always incorporate sentimental items that I often find stashed away in the attic,” says Rothenberger.

If you decide to use a decorator, you’re in for some perks. Not only do they already know all the above rules, but they also invest in staying up on the latest styles and trends. A recent trend includes using non-traditional colors in your color scheme.

“Coordinating the colors with the interior design of the home, this makes the holiday season mesh with the interior of the home versus competing or fighting with it,” says Rothenberger.

So, if you have a light blue room, add white and silver accents to it. Granted it’s not the stereotypical green and red, but it will stand out more from the norm.

Another element Rotherberger likes to employ is the great outdoors. Because of my background and experience in architecture and horticulture, the holiday designs that I create for clients are very sensitive to the architecture of the home and many times incorporate things from my clients’ landscapes. I am big fan of bringing the outside in and often cut grasses and perennials and add a little spray paint and glitter to make them sparkle with holiday cheer.

Perhaps the best perk of all when hiring a designer is the stress relief. Just think of it as an early present to yourself.

The most important thing to remember while hiring is to ask around. Question friends, colleagues, family—anyone whose taste you admire. After all, the most important holiday must-have is to have fun!

INFO: Scott Rothenberger’s PLACE, 610.428.1801, designbyplace.com

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Especially with the recent snow we’ve received. This is absolutely, hands down, my most favorite time of the year. I was already listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving even arrived. The outdoor lights are up and glowing, the tree is fully decorated, and holiday-scented candles burn as I prepared for all that is the beauty of the season. I am in full-on Christmas mode!

I’ve made a list. And checked it twice. You bet I know who has been naughty or nice. Most of my shopping is complete (and yes, I happily report I supported several local businesses this year per my pledge) and I’ve even gotten much of my wrapping complete. I feel calm, cool, and collected. No frantic, last-minute shopping for me this year.

Every Christmas Eve, my dad, sister, and I always head up to the mall to buy a 6-pack of Cinnabons with an extra frosting cup. That’s our Christmas Day breakfast. I assume the tradition will continue yet again this year.

Tradition has always struck me as a funny word, because we used to have several of them and over time they just sort of faded away. It was always tradition to chop down our tree, but live trees were quickly replaced with a fake one that’s stored downstairs after each use. One tradition that has stood the test of time, though, is our gift-exchanging and family gatherings that take place during the 25th.

Whatever traditions you and your family may share, I hope you enjoy your holiday season. Are you ready yet? What is your favorite holiday pastime?