7 Ways to Make Your Holiday Party Magical This Year (Orange County Edition)
The holidays are the most magical time of the year — but planning a beautiful, cozy, photo-ready celebration can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, neighborhood party, school celebration, or corporate holiday event, a few thoughtful touches can completely transform the atmosphere.
At Garland & Glow, we specialize in holiday decorating, balloon arches, and self-serve hot chocolate carts throughout Orange County. Here are seven simple ways to elevate your event and create a space your guests will love.
1. Create a Warm, Welcoming Entryway
First impressions matter. A styled front door with garlands, lanterns, wreaths, and seasonal accents sets the tone before guests even step inside. Using layered greenery, soft lights, and coordinated colors instantly makes your home feel festive and inviting.
Pro tip: Pick one color palette (neutral & gold, red & green, blush winter, farmhouse rustic) and repeat it throughout your home for a cohesive look.
2. Bring Your Mantel to Life
The mantel is one of the most photographed spots during the holidays. Elevate it with lush garlands, ribbon, ornaments, and LED candles. For a fuller, designer look, mix different types of greenery and add textured layers like pinecones, berries, or sparkling picks.
3. Add a Holiday Photo Backdrop for Guests
A holiday photo backdrop is one of the most fun additions you can bring to a party — and it doubles as entertainment and décor. Think cozy winter scenes, shimmering metallics, balloon-free festive walls, or a snowy “North Pole” moment.
They’re perfect for:
Kids’ parties
Corporate celebrations
Family gatherings
Holiday open houses
School events
It becomes an instant “wow” moment and gives your guests somewhere beautiful to capture memories.
4. Set Up a Self-Serve Hot Chocolate Cart
A hot chocolate cart is fun, delicious, and completely crowd-pleasing. Our Garland & Glow self-serve cocoa carts come fully decorated, delivered, and ready to enjoy — no attendant needed.
They’re perfect for:
House parties
School celebrations
Office holiday days
Neighborhood gatherings
Winter-themed birthdays
With toppings like marshmallows, peppermint, sprinkles, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle, it becomes an interactive experience your guests will love.
5. Style a Holiday Tablescape
Whether you're hosting brunch or dinner, a beautiful tablescape makes guests feel special. Combine greenery, candles, ribbons, and seasonal accents. Even simple touches like linen napkins or chargers elevate the presentation.
6. Add Cozy Lighting
Lighting transforms a space instantly. Mix warm string lights, flameless candles, lanterns, and uplighting to add warmth and create a magical holiday glow.
7. Call in Help So You Can Actually Enjoy Your Party
The biggest holiday stressor? Trying to do everything yourself. This year, let someone else handle the heavy lifting. Garland & Glow offers:
✔ Full-service holiday decorating
✔ Balloon arches & party décor
✔ Self-serve hot chocolate carts
✔ Entryway, mantel, and tree styling
✔ Setup + takedown options
All you have to do is show up and enjoy.
Ready to Elevate Your Holiday Season?
Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering or a full Winter Wonderland transformation, Garland & Glow brings the magic to you.
Serving homes, schools, offices, and events throughout Orange County, California.
The Best Places in Orange County to Shop for Seasonal Décor
Discover the best places in Orange County to shop for Christmas and seasonal décor — from timeless boutiques to creative maker markets, curated by Garland & Glow, Southern California’s go-to holiday styling team.
There’s nothing quite like decorating for the holidays in Orange County — sunshine, palm trees, and a sparkle of Christmas magic. Whether you love modern neutrals or cozy traditional décor, OC has countless places to shop for pieces that make your home shine.
At Garland & Glow, we source many of our favorite finds from local makers and shops that bring together design, craftsmanship, and that signature SoCal style. Here are a few of our favorite places to get inspired and start your seasonal décor hunt.
1. Roger’s Gardens – Corona del Mar
If you’re from Orange County, you know this one’s a classic. Roger’s Gardens is the destination for elevated holiday décor. Their themed Christmas boutique opens each fall and features designer trees, collectible ornaments, and unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
Why we love it: It’s creative, high quality, and full of inspiration. Even if you don’t buy a thing (you will), walking through is pure holiday joy.
2. The Potting Shed by Carlisle – Orange
Tucked away in Old Towne Orange, The Potting Shed is a favorite for greenery, wreaths, and artisan home décor. Their seasonal displays feel natural, cozy, and handcrafted — perfect for anyone who wants their home to glow without going overboard.
Why we love it: Their greenery and garlands are top-tier — lush, realistic, and perfect for layering into organic holiday designs.
3. HomeGoods + Anthropologie Home – Multiple OC Locations
While not small businesses, these two are must-stops for any decorator. HomeGoods offers budget-friendly finds for base décor — think garlands, ornaments, and glassware — while Anthropologie brings that polished, handcrafted magic.
Why we love them: Mix affordable staples from HomeGoods with a few high-impact Anthropologie pieces for a refined, designer-level holiday look.
4. Local Maker Markets: Dreamers Market, Patchwork Show & More
Orange County’s creative scene comes alive every holiday season with local markets that showcase the best of handmade décor, gifts, and art.
Dreamers Market (Old Town Tustin, Bella Terra, varies): A pop-up artisan market filled with small-batch makers offering candles, wreaths, ornaments, and home goods — perfect for adding that handmade charm to your space.
Patchwork Show Festival (Santa Ana & Tustin): A beloved community event featuring dozens of SoCal makers. Expect hand-poured candles, ceramics, seasonal prints, and natural décor with a creative, local twist.
Creative Communal Market (Various OC Venues): A rotating market that brings together modern artisans — perfect for finding minimalist, neutral-toned décor that fits Garland & Glow’s signature aesthetic.
Why we love them: You can discover one-of-a-kind pieces that feel personal, support local artists, and decorate your home with meaning — all while getting into the holiday spirit.
Shop Local, Style Beautifully
No matter where you shop, the best décor is the one that feels like you. Choose pieces that make your space feel calm, warm, and welcoming — the way the holidays should feel.
And if you’d rather skip the searching (and the setup), Garland & Glow can design, install, and style your home with curated pieces and natural holiday greenery — all tailored to your space.
Now booking 2025 holiday décor installs across Orange County and Los Angeles.
Ready to bring the glow home?
Reserve your spot now! garlandandglow.com or message us on Instagram @garlandandglow to reserve your 2025 décor session.
Bringing the Glow Home: Simple Christmas Decorating Ideas
The Magic of a Calm, Beautiful Holiday
The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us — one minute it’s pumpkin season, and the next you’re untangling lights. At Garland & Glow, we believe decorating for Christmas should feel inspiring, not overwhelming. Your home deserves décor that’s intentional, warm, and designed to match your lifestyle.
Here’s how to create a festive look that brings the glow without the stress.
1. Start with a Mood, Not a Theme
Before you hang a single ornament, decide how you want your home to feel.
Are you drawn to cozy and nostalgic, or bright and coastal? Setting a mood guides your palette, lighting, and materials — creating harmony from room to room.
2. Layer Natural Greenery
Garlands, wreaths, and fresh sprigs instantly bring texture and life. We love mixing faux pine with eucalyptus or olive branches for that effortless Southern California touch.
Use greenery beyond the tree — around mirrors, on stair rails, or trailing across your dining table.
3. Simplify Your Color Palette
Two or three tones keep your décor elegant and cohesive.
Try these combinations:
Classic Neutrals: white, gold, and champagne for a timeless glow.
Coastal Calm: sage, ivory, and natural wood tones for a SoCal vibe.
Warm Modern: terracotta, bronze, and cream for depth and warmth.
A limited palette makes even simple décor feel refined.
4. Light It Up — Softly
Lighting transforms everything. Replace harsh overheads with layered twinkle lights, candles, and soft white strands.
Warm, neutral light creates an inviting atmosphere — perfect for cozy nights and quiet mornings alike.
5. Style the Small Spaces
It’s not just about the tree. Small details — a ribboned wreath on the pantry door, ornaments in a bowl, or bows on cabinet knobs — carry the holiday spirit through the whole home.
Those “little touches” are what make guests say, It feels so cozy in here!
6. Add a Personal Touch
Your holiday décor should tell your story. Blend heirloom ornaments with modern pieces, or showcase a few handmade treasures from years past. The magic is in the mix — when it feels personal, it feels perfect.
7. Let the Pros Handle the Glow
If you love the holidays but not the setup, we’ve got you covered.
Garland & Glow offers full-service holiday decorating across Orange County and Los Angeles, including design, installation, and post-season takedown.
✨ 2025 holiday décor bookings are now open! ✨
Reserve your date early to secure your preferred install window.
Final Thought
The holidays aren’t about doing more — they’re about feeling more.
A few thoughtful touches, warm lighting, and a little greenery can transform your home into a space that truly glows with comfort and joy.
Ready to bring the glow home?
Fill out this form to learn more.
Transform Your Home for Fall: Easy and Cozy Decorating Tips
Fall is here, and it’s the perfect time to bring warmth, color, and cozy vibes into your home.
Fall is here, and it’s the perfect time to bring warmth, color, and cozy vibes into your home. From pumpkin displays to autumnal accents, these decorating tips will make your space feel festive and inviting.
1. Embrace Seasonal Colors
Rich oranges, deep reds, golden yellows, and warm browns instantly evoke the feeling of fall. Swap out summer pillows, throws, and table linens for autumn-inspired hues to refresh your space effortlessly.
2. Add Natural Elements
Incorporate seasonal touches like pumpkins, gourds, dried leaves, and pinecones. Arrange them on your dining table, mantel, or entryway for a natural, rustic feel.
3. Cozy Textures Matter
Bring in soft blankets, knit throws, and plush pillows. Layering textures creates warmth and makes your home feel snug as the weather cools.
4. Fall-Inspired Lighting
Switch to warm-toned bulbs, string fairy lights, or add candles to create a soft, inviting glow. Lanterns filled with autumn accents can also double as décor and ambient lighting.
5. Make a Statement with Your Front Door
Welcome guests with a seasonal wreath, garland, or a cluster of mini pumpkins. Your entryway sets the tone for the whole home.
6. Don’t Forget the Table
Even a small fall centerpiece can elevate a meal. Consider a rustic tray with candles, acorns, and mini pumpkins for an easy yet elegant touch.
Want a stress-free way to bring fall magic to your home? Our professional seasonal decorating services can transform any space into a cozy autumn haven—perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the season.