Holiday Decorating, Easy Recipes & DIY Ideas With Debi Lilly by Donna John

Holiday season is officially here! And that means it's time for holiday decorating, festive parties and time spent with family cozied up by the fire. During a #30Seconds Twitter Chat, we talked with our very own 30Seconds contributor Debi Lilly. Debi is CEO and founder of A Perfect Event and an extraordinary event planner. Read on for her fabulous holiday ideas.
Q: What are the season’s top holiday décor trends?
- Soft, neutral palettes are white hot – a nod to “Scandi Style” – Ikea/Scandinavian modern minimalism.
- Mixed metallics – from gold to copper to silver – mixed together add instant sparkle and shine.
- Organic, natural blooming gardens with long-lasting, low money plants grouped together create big wow focal points.
@30secondmom A1: Mixed metallics from gold to copper to silver mixed together add instant sparkle and shine. @DebiLilly #30SecondMom pic.twitter.com/57sXBkoW9z
— Debi Lilly (@debililly) December 1, 2016
Q: What are fast and easy DIY tips and tricks for easy entertaining?
- I love setting tasting bars, “set it ‘n’ forget it” style, so you can relax and enjoy the party and your friends and family.
- Chill bottles of prosecco, wine, sparkling waters or premix cocktails in large pitchers for self-serve in style.
- Appetizers for noshing, salads and meats for entrée, sweets for dessert that look and taste delish.
@30secondmom A2: Appetizers for noshing, salads/meats for entrée, sweets for dessert look and taste delish #30SecondMom pic.twitter.com/E33ze24WKK
— Debi Lilly (@debililly) December 1, 2016
Q: Any time-saving tips for setting the holiday table?
- I’m obsessed with wrapping paper runners down the table – so fast and fun!
- Candles create instant winter warmth – and then just need hints of floral for a pop of color.
- Love elegant details like rosemary and cinnamon folded in napkins. Perfect for the kids – always get them involved!
@30secondmom pic.twitter.com/c7orsWso0R
— Debi Lilly (@debililly) December 1, 2016
Q: Straight from your recent culinary training in Paris, what are your favorite new holiday recipes?
- Obsessed with boozy shakes (strawberry vodka milkshakes) with gingerbread cookie babies tied with twine.
- Endive + herbed goat cheese + pastrami smoked salmon + herb = no cook and delicious!
- Chicken fingers + waffle cones + thyme and rosemary served inside small juice glasses = epic.
- Sliced pound cake + whipped cream + pomegranate seeds = fast, fab Pom Parfaits.
@30secondmom A4: Obsessed w boozy shakes (strawberry vodka milkshakes) w gingerbread cookie babies tied w twine. #30SecondMom pic.twitter.com/NPec90GjIn
— Debi Lilly (@debililly) December 1, 2016
Q: What are some elegant, easy hostess gifts?
- Love filling canning jars from the grocery store with Epsom salt, fresh herbs or citrus rinds in fave flavors for homemade gifts.
- Same canning jars + favorite holiday cookies = a beautiful cookie jar. Top with our pattern papers on debililly.com!
- Long-lasting paperwhites or amaryllis bulbs bloom in four to six weeks, creating beauty plus holiday happiness.
@30secondmom Long lasting Paperwhite or Amaryllis bulbs bloom in 4-6 weeks, creating beauty + holiday happiness. #30SecondMom pic.twitter.com/h4GOyZynmM
— Debi Lilly (@debililly) December 1, 2016
Be sure to follow @debililly and @aperfectevent, visit DebiLilly.com, like her on Facebook and check out her 30Seconds page!
Photos courtesy of Emilia Jane Photography, Roots of Life, and Amy Boyle.
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