KEITH Etc.
SKI designer Keith Arnold’s talents are endless and his holiday stories priceless.
Here he shares his design secrets for decking the halls
and spreading some Christmas cheer!
PHOTO: PAMELA MOUGIN
CHRISTMAS TIPS
“It’s just nice to meet another human that shares my affinity for elf culture.” – ELF, The Movie
As you guys know my first job out of college was in the visuals department at Neiman Marcus. You know about my first day, Betty Turnbull and the pyramid, but did you know that Neiman Marcus has a lot of Christmas trees? I mean a LOT of Christmas trees! There were also wreaths, packages, flowers, windows and tables.
I remember that we counted and there were like 90 trees in the store. The visual staff was 5 strong so each one of us decorated 18 trees! Actually, it was more because the boss only did a couple. I worked there for several years so I need an abacus to figure how many trees I actually decorated during my tenure.
After spending so much time focusing on decorating for Christmas, I thought now would be the perfect time for me to share a few tricks I’ve learned…
PHOTO: Erica George Dines
HOLIDAY LESSONS LEARNED
1. You don’t have to string ribbon all through a Christmas tree
You can cut pieces of ribbon and simply poke it into whatever greenery and it will
appear to travel through. You do not have to be able to make an exactly perfect
bow to make a beautiful wreath or garland.
2. Too much is a good thing
I think Christmas is better if it is a touch vulgar. I love trees covered in ornaments
and garland with ribbons, bows and decorations.
PHOTO: Erica George Dines
3. Be whimsical
A bowl full of ornaments, an elf hiding in the dining room chandelier, or
a glass ball instead of a candle make a great surprise.
PHOTO: Erica George Dines
4. Don’t worry about symmetry
Greenery, wreaths and Christmas trees are not perfectly symmetrical and you
don’t have to be either. Concentrate on balance not matching…
PHOTO: Erica George Dines
5. Groups of 3
Like my approach to flowers, I like to do things in groups of 3. This really works
well if you have inexpensive ornaments. Place them together in bunches of three
and the overall effect is much more interesting.
PHOTO: Erica George Dines
“I just like smiling, smiling is my favorite.” – ELF, The Movie
