In the family room, Sylvester interspersed oversize pinecones amid mixed-green garland on the mantel. Ilex berries with red amaryllis in antique brass buckets provide tall accents. A traditional tree filled with collected ornaments presides over the bay window. Sylvester swagged the wrought iron chandelier with garland for an unexpected spot of cheer.
Fragrant greenery is the foundation of Sylvester’s design plan, and she works closely with a California grower to procure unusual plant materials such as acacia for her arrangements. She also goes to great lengths to have her favorite plant materials on hand, including the rose hips she buys in November and keeps in water until she decorates her clients’ homes for the holidays. Even the large pinecones she uses on mantels are special-ordered from Colorado.