If you ask Kristen what her favorite gadget is, she will probably point to her power tools. Always ready to get her hands dirty, she aims to constantly improve the beautiful home she shares with her husband and children. She has a passion for creating, repurposing, and decorating. Through her blog Ella Claire Inspired, she is able to share projects and DIY tutorials that inspire homemakers like her.
Aside from imparting her creative endeavors and practical home tips, the stay-at-home mother of two also makes some printable items available for those who want to have a touch of artistry in their home, including the free vintage-inspired printable advent calendar, which I find lovely.
A hostess to her very core, Kristen is an expert at making her guests feel comfortable. The way she organizes parties, puts up decorations, and prepares her table is beautiful and well-planned. Even her last-minute party favors are adorable. She has always loved flocked Christmas trees ever since she was a little girl and she still does. In my interview with Kristen, I asked her about her holiday decorating traditions and why she loves her Balsam Hill Frosted Fraser Fir Christmas tree.
Balsam Hill: How did you come up with the name of your blog? How has blogging changed your life?
Kristen: Ella Claire is actually the name of my little girl. She is named after my great, great Grandma Ella who loved to see me when I was a little girl. I grew up hearing wonderful stories about Grandma Ella during the great depression, and I fell in love with her spunk and heart. I always knew I wanted to have a little girl named Ella. When it came time to name my blog, it was just the prettiest name that came to mind!
Blogging has changed my life in ways I had never expected. First, I never thought anyone but my mom would actually read it! More than anything, I love how it gives me the ability to share my creative adventures and home décor ideas with others.
<2h>BH: What are some holiday decorating do’s and don’ts you like to share with your readers?
Kristen: Holiday Decorating Do’s:
Always decorate with things that speak to your heart. Try not to get too caught up in what is trendy, and try to focus on what you really love. Incorporate the colors you are drawn to in the styles you love.
Decorate early so you have the time to really enjoy the work that you put into your home for the holidays.
Layers of texture using a single color scheme have a bigger impact on a space than a lot of different decorations everywhere. Focus on building your room around key pieces you love instead of trying to cram as much décor in a space as possible.
BH: How would you describe your holiday decorating style? Are you more inclined to stick with the classics or do you like to experiment?
Kristen: Definitely classic, red, vintage, cottage, and natural. I am drawn to the simplicity and charm of the past.
BH: What is your must-have ornament or piece of Christmas décor, and why?
Kristen: My Christmas trees. I have three this year, and I adore each of them for different reasons. With a well-decorated tree in a room, you almost don’t need anything else. My advice to anyone is to focus on your tree as the “statement piece” within a space.
BH: Do personal memories play a significant part in how you decorate for the holidays? Would you mind sharing a little bit about a holiday memory that left a great impression on you?
Kristen: Definitely. When I was a little girl, I loved to go over to my dear friend’s home at Christmastime because her mom always decorated everything so beautifully. She has probably had the single biggest impact on my design style and love for vintage décor.
BH: What was your thought process when you chose your Balsam Hill tree? Did you have a specific type of tree in mind beforehand, or did the tree you ended up choosing just strike your fancy?
Kristen: I LOVE a good frosted/flocked tree, so it was a no-brainer for me when I saw Balsam Hill’s gorgeous Frosted Fraser! I knew it would be the perfect tree for our family room. I love how it exudes a cozy and charming atmosphere in any space.
BH: What do you like most about your Balsam Hill tree? How do you plan to decorate your tree?
Kristen: I love how easy it was to set it up, and how beautiful it looks all lit up. The thing about frosted trees is that they really are so lovely even without any decoration on them at all. I chose to play up the frosty look with a cozy, winter-wonderland, snuggle-in-the-woods, sweater-type theme. I love the results.
BH: What can we look forward to on your blog this holiday season? Do you have exciting new holiday decor or party ideas?
Kristen: I have SO many irons in the fire right now with various projects, entertaining ideas, holiday decor, recipes, and more! This is my most favorite time of the year, so I love to enjoy it and share my enjoyment to the fullest.
