Photo by Melissa Oivanki
Whether your holiday traditions include chestnuts roasting on an open fire, bright copper kettles, or singing carols, it’s the time for family and friends. This December, holiday decorating is brandishing new festive colors from bright magenta to lime green, and it’s not afraid to show off its Louisiana culture, bringing the most basic necessities to its Christmas table. This year, use your holiday trimmings to reflect your true self; the whimsical, the elegant, and above all, the joyous.
Using festive jesters to decorate the umbrella tree with pink, turquoise, and gold ornaments, interior designer Monique Breaux has a cheerful home for the holidays. With a little help from her employees at POSH Exclusive Interiors in Lafayette, Breaux has a unique decorating scheme for her family and friends to enjoy all season long.
“My husband and I love Christmas time and we have two amazing young boys,” Breaux says. “Being a designer, our home is always pristine and perfect, so Christmas time needs to be fun and whimsy to reflect children, so what better than a tree full of jesters to accomplish that feeling?”
The tree is, without a doubt, the focal point of the decorated living area in the Breaux home. The tree hangs from the ceiling, instead of standing on the floor. Known as an “umbrella tree,” it takes up less floor space than a standing tree, yet also displays ornaments better.
“The umbrella tree is actually very easy to decorate,” Breaux says. “Now my real secret, listen close, are some very special elves that do this for me. They are the POSH elves!”
The Christmas tree is chock full of ornaments, ranging from pink butterflies and glittery pinecones, to traditional spheres and blown glass shapes. There is also a variety of colorful faux plants, including mini gold berries and pink moss. And of course, the jesters provide a helping hand. There are two standing on the floor, appearing to help decorate the tree, and one on top, looking over the scene.
“The jesters have been with me for about ten years,” Breaux says. “I picked them up on one of my market trips. They were made in Paris, and have truly passed the test of time.”
Breaux’s love for the holiday season, combined with a busy work schedule, leaves her no time to waste when it comes to decorating.
“Because we offer our decorating service for Christmas time, I always have my home decorated first and it is done the day after Halloween,” she says. “Typically every week after, until the middle of December, we are booked with our clients. My oldest son is still not too keen on the idea of his home being completely decorated for Christmas the day after Halloween!”
Right next to the Christmas tree is a fully decorated fireplace mantle, complete with curled-toe stockings hanging from it. The mantle is covered in garland, illuminated with white lights, and ornaments reflecting those on the tree.
“The garland is key. You have to start with oversized garland, which we sell at POSH Exclusive Interiors,” Breaux says. “I have tried countless types and finally designed one that I can make do almost anything and last year after year. The garland has to hold a lot of ornaments in it, and the again, the more you can stuff into it the better.”
Breaux says her favorite part about decorating for the holidays is listening to Christmas music, which she starts doing November first each year. She has some advice for those who are looking to change up their holiday décor this year.
“Bend and break every rule; actually there are no rules,” says Breaux. “Have fun with your tree and let it express you and your family. The holidays are about creating your own traditions and magic.”
