Holiday Tips from the Cast of Clean House New York

We asked two stars of the Style Network to give us the skinny on creating a great holiday look without adding clutter. Here's what Michael Moeller and Nina Ferrer of Clean House New York had to say.

Choose a Theme

"Choose a theme," says Michael. "Whether it be an object like a snowflake, crystal, Santa, or a color scheme like gold and silver, green and red, blue and teal, pick something and roll with it. Creating a cohesive decoration scheme will read thought out and intentional, not like you bought out the local dollar store and covered every square inch of your place with crap." Nina agrees. ". A color scheme creates an elegant and refined look that is pulled together effortlessly."

Consider Your Lighting

Lighting is key in any setting and in Michael's opinion holiday lighting is some of the easiest and the best. "Candlelight can make a table radiant," he adds. "It sparkles against your crystal, reflects in your silver, and warms the faces of your loved ones sitting around it." Nina recommends using a variety of candles of different sizes which "create a warm ambiance and a cozy setting."

"The placement of your Menorah is crucial," adds Michael. "This light should be the focal point to your room throughout the season; and with so many styles to choose from these days you're sure to find the one that best reflects you. Strands of light on your tree can create color, depth, and focus depending on what type you use; bubble lights can create a vintage vibe, matte white ball lights can become subtle and sophisticated, and of course a good old multi-color strand is a sure way to create a festive tree."

Embrace Tradition

For Michael the holidays are all about celebrating traditions. "Whether it is bringing in things you've done as a kid or creating a new one, the holidays are all about connecting with your loved ones. The best way to do this is telling your guests the story of you. Whether its ornaments on your tree from places you've visited or photos from your past, borrowing your Mom's china, or using your grandparent's Menorah, you'll create a familial history that invites your guest in and opens up to connecting conversations." As Nina says, "Christmas ornaments should reflect your personality, don't be afraid to have fun." Rather than buying new things every year invest in things you love that you can pull out year after year. It will keep you from adding unnecessary items and ensure that the items you do use will have meaning. Nina's number one item? Christmas stockings. "Invest in quality Christmas stockings because you will have them for years to come," she says.

Have a Green Christmas

Michael: "Reduce, reuse, recycle... So, we all want to be green, or at least we should be... So here's a few ideas to do that. The old silk scarfs you never wear anymore make a great table runner or Xmas tree skirt. That stack of shopping bags you've saved all year long can be cut up and used as gift wrap or package tags, yes, even the brown paper bags, turn them inside out, tie them up with a string, and it's just like the songs says... Cut out the tissue paper, excessive multiple boxes, and unnecessary decoration... Keep it minimal and chic."
Nina: Don't forget to make it really green! "Real Garland is great way to get the scent of Christmas in your home."

Make a Plan

Nina recommends focusing on the décor as a whole rather than individual items or rooms. For Michael this includes entertaining."Plan what you're serving with intent. If you're hosting a cocktail party serve a festive signature cocktail that goes with your decor theme, make sure foods are easily edible and carried on a small plates, and always have enough ice! If you're having the in-laws in for a special supper, cook from recipes of your family, show them who you are and who's the boss in the kitchen. If you're meeting the neighbors on the lake for ice-skating, pack a thermos of hot cocoa and some gingerbread cookies... Food and beverage is key in entertaining and it should match your occasion... and look as good as it tastes!"


Clean House New York airs Mondays at 11pm on the Style Network. For more of their tips, episode clips and info on the show check out the official website.