Beth is the talented DIY crafter behind Home Stories A to Z. She grew up having a passion for all things beautiful, learning how to put together appealing spaces as they moved from state to state when she was a child. It was her desire to share stories of city living with her family which led her to blogging.
Beth co-founded Haven Conference in 2012, an annual gathering for DIY bloggers and enthusiasts. Her work has been featured in numerous popular magazines, as a testament to her skill and love for design. Get to know Beth more through our Q&A section below.
BH: What do you love most about blogging?
Beth: Without reservation, the best part about blogging is the friendships formed with fellow bloggers! Bloggers are some of the most talented and creative people on the planet. I am constantly in awe of how much inspiration, joy, knowledge, and fun these creatives freely share with the world. This January will mark my blog’s 8th anniversary, and during this time I have cultivated some of the best friendships of my life with women from all over the world.
BH: Tell us a little bit more about your decorating style in general.
Beth: I like to describe my decorating style as “cozy urban cottage.” We live in the heart of our city in an urban row home, but we enjoy evening walks by the river, weekend camping trips with our boys, dinners with friends at farm-to-table restaurants, and leisurely chats with neighbors on our front porch. I’m an outdoorsy-beachy-city-loving girl and this is reflected in my decor decisions.
BH: How would you describe your holiday decorating style? And how has it evolved through the years?
Beth: I am traditional in my decorating even when using non-traditional color palettes. I try to keep my holiday decorating fresh each year by alternating the colors I choose to include in my decor. One year I might decorate in all neutrals and metallics, and the next I will choose a more traditional red, white, and green motif. I think my style has become a bit more simplified over the years. I’ve learned that decorating with less can indeed be more and gives me more time to focus on family and friends during the season!
BH: What holiday decorating do’s and don’ts can you share with our readers?
Beth: Do decorate with meaningful ornaments and cherished items! Don’t feel that you have to have a designer tree filled with all the latest trends. But do give yourself permission to have more than one decorated tree if you would like to have both!
BH: Is there a holiday memory that left an impression on you from your childhood or recent years?
Beth: When my father was a medical resident, my parents struggled financially and did not have extra money in the budget for Christmas ornaments. Instead of buying ornaments that year, my mom made these gorgeous “dolls of the world” ornaments using plaster cast material that my dad brought home from the hospital. The doll ornaments were so beautiful! Growing up, my sisters and I loved these ornaments and would fight over who got to place each one on the tree. I am grateful that my mom taught me early on that lack of money does not have to impede your ability to decorate with beauty.
BH: What is your must-have ornament or piece of Christmas décor, and why?
Beth: I must have some fresh greenery in the house during Christmas! Whether it’s just a garland, a wreath, or a small tree, I need the fresh smell of pine at Christmas time.
BH: How did you go about choosing your Balsam Hill tree?
Beth: I have always wanted a beautiful flocked tree! We have 10 foot ceilings throughout most of our home so finding a flocked tree that is tall enough has been a challenge. I knew that the 9′ Frosted Sugar Pine Tree was the perfect choice.
BH: What do you like most about your Balsam Hill tree? How do you plan to decorate your tree?
Beth: I love how realistic my tree looks! It is dusted with just the slightest kiss of snow that gives it the perfect “cozy farmhouse” look I am going for this year. My Christmas decor this year will include a lot of red tartan plaid, cable knit sweater textures, and faux fur.
BH: Are there any holiday traditions that you enjoy doing with your loved ones every year?
Beth: Every year the children in our extended family act out the traditional Christmas story and perform a special song or poem that they have prepared ahead of time. It is a special time for our family to observe our religious traditions, and we all look forward to it!
BH: What can we look forward to on your blog this holiday season? Do you have exciting new holiday decor or party ideas?
Beth: My blog’s goal is always to share with my readers how to create affordable elegance. This holiday, I will be sharing a few do-it-yourself ornament ideas, a fresh and simple tablescape tutorial, as well as some fun Christmas food and cocktail recipes.
BH: Can you tell us in a sentence what Christmas is to you?
Beth: Christmas is about giving generously and remembering the one born in a manger who gave himself for us.
This is just a small glimpse of Beth’s decorated Balsam Hill Christmas tree. See more of Beth’s beautiful holiday centerpiece by visiting Home Stories A to Z today.
