Palm Beach, FL December 2025

Where the Heart Finds Home

Well, here we are—December.

The month that seems to loom all year, shimmering with promise and nostalgia. It’s a season of light and reflection, when memories of where we’ve been often illuminate what—and who— truly feels like home.

When I think back to my childhood Christmases, my memories aren’t of gifts but of movement. My dad, ever the explorer, and my brave mom would pack us—four kids—into a Winnebago and point it toward the sun. We drove across the U.S. and deep into Mexico, long before road-tripping was fashionable. My dad loved maps, though he rarely followed them, often veering off course in search of whatever lay beyond the horizon.

I remember one year when a bull stood defiantly in the middle of a Mexican road. I was sure it would charge because of the red bike strapped to the front of the Winnebago. Moments like that—equal parts awe and adventure—shaped the way I see the world even now.

My fondest memories are of Christmas in the Florida Keys, where our tree was small but our adventures were endless—fishing, collecting shells, swimming, playing cards, and laughing until our sides hurt. My dad even covered the Winnebago logo with a handmade sign that read The Giggle Box. It wasn’t about sparkle or fanfare; it was about family, exploration, and the joy found in simplicity.

As an adult, I spent 24 Decembers in Aberdeen, Scotland—dark, cold, and stunningly beautiful. The town’s lights glowed along the main street, fires crackled in the hearth, and our home became a gathering place for friends and family. Those are the memories I treasure most: the moments that turned a house into a home, and the feeling I find myself missing most of all.

Now, here in Palm Beach, I’m reminded that “home” is never just one place—it’s the people we love, the laughter we share, and the sense of belonging that follows us wherever we go.

So as we step into this holiday season, may we carry that spirit with us: celebrating togetherness, honoring simple joys, and finding beauty in every place we call home.

From our family to yours, wishing you a season of warmth, laughter, and love.

DENISE DELAUNAY-WOOD,PUBLISHER @PALMBEACHCITYLIFESTYLE

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Denise Wood denise.wood@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Arsine Kaloustian

arsine.kaloustian@citylifestyle.com

AREA DIRECTOR

David Wood

david.wood@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Michelle Steinhauer michelle.steinhauer@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Chelsea Victoria Ross

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

inside the issue

Gat

her Here

For designer Jamie Janson, the kitchen transcends function—it’s a reflection of

Seaside Holiday Cioppino

A luxurious tomato-saffron seafood stew celebrating the timeless Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes.

A Grand Gilded Christmas

The Flagler Museum’s iconic tree lighting celebrates

Interior stylist Marina Barghouti reveals her

A Timeless Gift, Wrapped in Local Legacy

At Arlex Jewelry, time is treasured in all its forms—whether captured in a handcrafted clock, a legacy watch, or a diamond chosen to mark a milestone. For over 30 years, this family-owned Lake Worth atelier has offered more than fine jewelry; it’s a place where craftsmanship, heritage, and sentiment converge. This season, step inside and discover pieces that don’t just tell time—they tell stories meant to be cherished for generations.

win some for South Florida buyers. Raised in the region, bilingual in English and Spanish, and steeped in mortgage know-how, she guides clients through each detail—from neighborhood character to financing options. Whether someone’s buying for the first time or selling a longtime retreat, Mia makes the journey feel personal, purposeful and refreshingly straightforward—the gift of clarity in the midst of a hectic market.

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The PERE Group Is Reshaping the Built Landscape

As demand grows for high-functioning, design-forward commercial spaces in Palm Beach County, The PERE Group has emerged as a key player. Specializing in construction and project management, the firm delivers end-to-end oversight—from cost strategy to ribbon cutting—on complex builds across sectors. Known for its precision and discretion, PERE is increasingly sought after for branded environments and large-scale developments that require vision, structure, and seamless execution.

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Holiday Magic, Perfectly Catered

From intimate dinners to grand holiday galas, let us design menus that sparkle with festive flavors and flawless service.

Book your holiday catering & New Year’s celebrations today.

GATHER HERE

For designer Jamie Janson, the kitchen transcends function—it’s a reflection of family, heritage, and connection.

There’s something undeniably magnetic about a kitchen at Christmastime. The scent of something baking, the soft clinking of glasses, the hum of laughter that seems to echo longer this time of year—it’s no wonder we call it the heart of the home. For Jamie Janson, owner of Curated Kitchens in West Palm Beach, that truth extends well beyond design.

The picturesque farmhouse she shares with her husband, Erik, embodies that feeling in every sense. Set on a quiet stretch of land where cows graze and chickens wander freely, it’s a home that balances elegance with authenticity. Inside, her kitchen is the heartbeat of it all—a ten-foot wood island trimmed with white marble anchors the space, flanked by white cabinetry with gold hardware. A striking black-and-gold range adds contrast and warmth, while an antiqued mirror above it reflects the window over the sink—a window framing the open pasture beyond.

CONTINUED >

“The two most important design decisions for this kitchen were to add as many windows as possible and to use this space as both kitchen and dining room,” Jamie shares. “I purposely designed it with a long table in the center so we can cook together, host friends and family, and eat here while enjoying the view of our farm.” It’s a room made for connection—a place where food, conversation, and memory naturally come together.

That balance between beauty and practicality defines both her home and her work. “One can’t afford to be precious when living on a farm,” she laughs. “Muddy dogs, boots, and cows are part of daily life. But it gives me great pleasure to be surrounded by family heirlooms, lively art, and comfy furniture.”

Her design philosophy mirrors that same lived-in warmth. “Kitchens that incorporate furniture pieces are so much more thoughtful and meaningful to me,” she explains. “I love using an

antique table as an island or an armoire as a coffee station. I relish those details—the conversation that’s created through history by putting old things with new things.” During the holidays, she leans into that philosophy, decorating with personal pieces that tell her family’s story: antique ornaments from her grandparents, a white ceramic Christmas tree her grandmother made by hand in a pottery class in 1984, and the sleigh bells from her grandfather’s farm that once jingled on his horses.

Jamie’s love for spaces with soul also stems from her fascination with English interiors. “There’s something quite beautiful about an interior that’s slightly undesigned,” she says. “American interiors are often perfect—every detail finished, every trend followed—but I find homes with a story far more inspiring. Reclaimed wood, ornate old doors, the owner’s collections—those details give warmth to a home.”

That perspective carries into her work at Curated Kitchen Co., the West Palm Beach design studio she founded in Historic Northwood Village. Since 2011, she’s helped homeowners, designers, and builders bring their visions to life—always beginning with one simple question: How do you want to live? Her background in both design and construction gives her an intuitive sense for color, proportion, and light. “Emphasis on space, scale, and detail helps any kitchen feel grounded,” she says.

Beyond her work, Jamie’s sense of community runs deep. Each Monday, she and her team volunteer with Meals on Wheels of Martin County, delivering food and companionship to homebound seniors. For her, it’s another way the kitchen extends its reach. “It’s about nourishment and connection,” she says. “Whether you’re designing a kitchen or delivering a meal, both start from the same place—care.”

And when it comes to her own home during the holidays, that care is at the center of it all. “I usually throw a party where my girlfriends and I make holiday wreaths,” she smiles. “We do a sort of potluck, and the center table is filled with food, wine, and craft materials. It’s a beautiful mess.”

As the season of gathering begins, Janson’s farmhouse kitchen offers a reminder that the most meaningful spaces aren’t the ones that look perfect—they’re the ones that hold people close. Whether it’s the scent of cinnamon, the laughter of friends, or the quiet contentment of watching cows wander past your windows, the kitchen remains what it has always been: the true heart of the home.

“There’s something quite beautiful about an interior that’s slightly undesigned.”

Elegant Living, Expertly Guided

FLORIDA’S FINEST HOLIDAY ADVENTURES: 10 Experiences

You’ll Never Forget

FROM SUGAR-CANE TRAINS TO SNOW UNDER PALM TREES, DISCOVER THE SUNSHINE STATE’S MOST DAZZLING, ONE-OF-A-KIND WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON.

While most of the country bundles up, Florida celebrates the season in its own sun-kissed way — with ice skating on rooftops, snow tubing down man-made slopes, and holiday lights that reflect across the water instead of snowbanks. Whether you crave a luxurious escape wrapped in five-star sparkle or the nostalgia of a simpler season, the state offers endless ways to embrace the spirit of the holidays.

In West Palm Beach, skaters glide across real ice as ocean breezes roll in from the Intracoastal. Up north, St. Augustine’s centuries-old streets glow beneath three million white lights. Down south, Miami turns up the heat with pop-up holiday bars, culinary classes, and even a full-scale Christmas theme park. Add in a historic mansion dressed in Victorian finery and a vintage train steaming through sugar-cane country, and you’ve got a statewide celebration as dazzling as it is diverse.

Here, ten experiences — from elegant to whimsical — that capture the wonder of a Florida holiday.

1. STETSON MANSION – DELAND

The Gilded-Age estate shimmers with old-world grandeur during its “Christmas Spectacular,” featuring more than 50 nativity scenes and a dozen lavishly themed rooms. Each year’s design is entirely new, ensuring returning guests see something fresh with every visit.

2. SUGAR EXPRESS HOLIDAY TRAIN –CLEWISTON / LAKE PLACID

Journey through Florida’s sugar-cane country aboard a restored steam locomotive decked out for the season. Expect carols, cocoa, and countryside views that harken back to simpler times — a rare, nostalgic experience for families.

3. ICE! AT THE GAYLORD PALMS – KISSIMMEE

A brisk 9° F wonderland carved from two million pounds of ice. Walk through storybook-themed sculptures, zip down ice slides, and watch nightly snowfall — all without leaving Central Florida.

4. WALDORF ASTORIA ORLANDO –NUTCRACKER SUITE & HOLIDAY DINING

One of Orlando’s most refined retreats offers a Nutcrackerthemed suite complete with bespoke décor and holiday turndown

treats. Downstairs, chefs craft multi-course holiday menus paired with live jazz and champagne toasts.

5. THE BEN HOTEL – WINTER WONDERLAND RINK – WEST PALM BEACH

South Florida’s only outdoor real-ice skating rink glistens beneath the skyline. After skating, sip spiced martinis at Spruzzo, The Ben’s rooftop bar, surrounded by twinkling lights and palmfringed views.

6. REAL FOOD ACADEMY –HOLIDAY COOKING CLASSES – MIAMI

Perfect for food lovers, this hands-on culinary school turns festive cooking into an art form. From gingerbread to global holiday fare, guests learn, taste, and toast together in a lively kitchen atmosphere.

7. NIGHTS OF LIGHTS – ST. AUGUSTINE

The nation’s oldest city transforms into a glowing dreamscape with over three million white lights illuminating historic buildings, plazas, and waterfronts. See it by trolley, carriage, or sailboat — every view is pure magic.

8. FROSTY’S HIDEAWAY – INTERCONTINENTAL MIAMI

An alpine-themed pop-up bar tucked within a luxury hotel, Frosty’s blends après-ski chic with South Beach sparkle. Think crystal snowflakes, fur throws, and Peppermint Espresso Martinis under twinkling chandeliers.

9. SNOWCAT RIDGE – DADE CITY

Florida’s only snow park brings a 60-foot-tall tubing hill, a chilled igloo dome for snow play, and a nightly lights-andmusic show. It’s a taste of winter that’s pure exhilaration — no mittens required.

10. SANTA’S ENCHANTED FOREST – MIAMI-DORAL

Part carnival, part Christmas extravaganza, this legendary holiday theme park features over 100 rides, shows, and millions of lights. From festive funnel cakes to fireworks, it’s Christmas turned up to eleven.

IF YOU GO

Most events run mid-November through early January. Book early for ICE! at Gaylord Palms, The Ben’s Winter Wonderland, and the Sugar Express Holiday Train—they sell out quickly. From Palm Beach to St. Augustine, each offers its own magic, so plan ahead and make this holiday season unforgettable.

Making

ARTICLE

BY ARSINE

KALOUSTIAN

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LESLIE ANN HOOKER

From one red dress to royal ballrooms, Leslie Ann Hooker built a Christmas empire on heart, hustle, and a lifelong love of holiday joy.

Merry Magic

If Christmas has a heartbeat in South Florida, it beats to the rhythm of Leslie Ann Hooker’s sleigh bells. For more than two decades, she’s been the undisputed Queen of Christmas—the woman behind the snow globes, toy soldiers, carolers, and Santas who’ve turned countless homes, hotels, and holiday soirées into scenes straight out of a storybook. But this year, after twenty seasons of holiday miracles, Leslie is finally allowing herself a little rest.

Her journey began, as she puts it, “as a total fluke.” Someone asked if she could carol. She said yes—though she’d never done it before. At the time, she was performing with an Andrews Sisters-style group called Bambi and the Blossoms. She ran to the store, bought three red dresses, and assembled her first trio of singers. A week later, a client called asking if she also had a Santa. “Of course,” she replied—though she didn’t. She found one anyway. “Quitting isn’t an option for me,” she says with a grin.

By the end of that first year, she had twelve carolers; soon after, Santas were calling other Santas, and Merry Christmas Entertainment was born. Within five years, she was coordinating up to fifty performers—carolers, toy soldiers on stilts, magicians, face-painters, and marching bands. “Nobody was focused on Christmas alone,” she says. “They’d tack it on and do it sloppily. I wanted to do it right.”

What started as caroling quickly grew into full-scale festivals and parades. “If a family wanted something festive and over-the-top, I made it happen,” Leslie says. Word of mouth carried her everywhere—from local events to royal palaces. When she was hired to decorate the children’s

area for the Princess of Jordan, the rest of the home had been designed in a restrained, minimalist holiday style—elegant and sleek, but quiet. Leslie’s corner, meanwhile, overflowed with color, charm, and classic Christmas whimsy. When the princess walked in, she headed straight for the children’s room, paused, and asked who was responsible for that space. From that moment on, Leslie handled every Christmas and Easter celebration for the family.

Yet her proudest achievement wasn’t the grandeur—it was the people. Leslie made a point of hiring veterans, single parents, students, and anyone who needed a chance. “We became a family that met once a year,” she says. “Everybody had a place.”

The work was joyful chaos. She’d be leading a choir one minute and rerouting Santas across three counties the next. “I keep my phone behind my caroling book,” she laughs. “I know the songs by heart, so I’ll be singing while texting, ‘No, you have to make a left!’”

Her attention to detail was legendary. Every Santa got two calls—one at night, one in the morning—to make sure everything was perfect. “Christmas magic happens on the job site, not in the office,” she says. “It’s like getting kids ready for school— chaotic, noisy, but it all comes together.”

Of course, not everything went according to plan. When she couldn’t find Christmas trees for a Boxing Day party, she improvised with Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots and guards in boxing gloves. Another year, a Santa accidentally went to church instead of a toy store, leaving a hundred kids waiting. “There’s a problem every day,” she says. “But you fix it and keep smiling.”

Behind the glitter was a deep sense of purpose. “My job is to bring joy,” Leslie says. “I can’t get that Christmas feeling unless I’m doing it for someone else.” Her Santas have appeared in hospitals and nursing homes, even visiting terminally ill children on their last Christmas. “So many families I’ve made happy,” she says softly. “That’s what matters to me.”

In time, though, the season began to shift. After her husband’s sudden passing, the business felt different. Clients stopped calling and started just texting. Her Santas grew older, and beloved carolers moved away. “It felt like the universe was telling me I’d done enough,” she admits.

Now, Leslie is slowing down—taking only the projects she loves and leaving the rest. “If I can’t do Christmas the way it’s supposed to be done, I’d rather not do it at all,” she says.

Still, she hasn’t stopped creating. These days, she pours her energy into restoring historic homes across the country—an English Tudor in Milwaukee, a 1910 farmhouse in Montana, and others she’s lovingly preserved. “I don’t flip them,” she says. “I keep them. They’re passion projects, just like Christmas was.”

As she looks back, she hopes people remember the warmth that lingered long after the lights dimmed. “I gave it everything I had,” she says. “Now I just want to enjoy Christmas from the other side—for once not running the show, just watching it sparkle.”

Seaside Holiday Cioppino

A LUXURIOUS

TOMATO-SAFFRON SEAFOOD STEW CELEBRATING

THE TIMELESS ITALIAN FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES.

Seaside Holiday Cioppino

An indulgent nod to the Italian-American Feast of the Seven Fishes—traditionally enjoyed on Christmas Eve— Chef Jennifer Parker’s cioppino

INGREDIENTS

SEAFOOD

• Lobster tail (chopped, shells reserved)

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• Scallops (halved if large)

• Mussels and clams (scrubbed and debearded)

• Mahi-mahi and snapper (diced)

• Optional: calamari, crab, or swordfish for a bolder flavor

AROMATICS & BASE

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 small fennel bulb, sliced

• 1 leek (white part), sliced

• 1 shallot, minced

• 3 garlic cloves, sliced

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• ¼ cup tomato paste

• 1 cup dry white wine or champagne

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes

• 2 cups seafood stock

• ½ cup clam juice

• ½ tsp saffron threads

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 sprig thyme

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Chopped parsley

SEAFOOD STOCK (OPTIONAL)

Simmer lobster and shrimp shells, fennel trimmings, herbs, and garlic in 6 cups water with a splash of white wine for 45 minutes. Strain and reserve.

layers rich seafood flavors in a fragrant tomato-saffron broth, creating an elegant, family-style centerpiece for the holidays.

PREPARATION

1. Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add fennel, leek, shallot, and garlic; sauté until fragrant.

2. Stir in tomato paste until deepened, then deglaze with wine and reduce by half.

3. Add tomatoes, stock, clam juice, saffron, and herbs; season and simmer 30 minutes.

4. Add clams and mussels; cover until they open. Add lobster, mahi, and snapper; cook 3 minutes.

5. Stir in shrimp and scallops until just opaque, discarding unopened shells. Finish with lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.

6. Serve in wide bowls or a copper pot, topped with parsley, lemon zest, and toasted garlic baguette.

Optional luxe touch: top each bowl with a split lobster claw or a drizzle of truffle oil.

Add a splash of champagne, sherry, or orange zest just before serving for a bright, celebratory twist.

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN

There’s probably no more quintessential symbol of winter than a snowman. We’ve all seen Frosty and are probably pretty familiar with Olaf. But if you want to install one into your own yard, you’ll have to put a little elbow grease into creating one without the help of world-class animators.

Here are some tips to help give your yard a well-dressed frozen sentry sure to turn your neighbors’ heads.

Tip 1:

NOT ALL SNOW IS SNOWMAN SNOW.

It takes more than a flurry to build a snowman. Heavy, slushy snow won’t work, and if it’s too powdery dry it won’t pack together. If you can pack a good snowball, you can build a snowman.

Bonus tip: Dry snow can be modified to workable snowman snow with a quick spritz of water from a spray bottle, or a light mist from that garden hose you really should have already put away for the winter.

Tip 2:

ROLL TOWARDS YOUR GOAL

— THE LONG WAY.

Decide where to position your snowman and make that your finish line. Start with a

A Few Tips to Get You Rolling

Creating a Better Snowman

well-packed snowball and get rolling, but don’t just go in one direction. Roll the ball to start accumulating snow, then roll back, then roll in a different direction. Pack and begin to shape your snowball as you go. Reinforce as necessary. Look to use a 3-2-1 ratio for the sections.

Tip 3:

EVEN SNOWMEN CRAVE STABILITY.

Once you get your base section in place, shore up the bottom with snow. Then at the top, create a bowl-shaped indentation to allow the next section to sit securely. Ensure each section is well-packed with added snow around the “joint” between the sections.

Tip 4:

SNOW IS HEAVY. ENLIST A BUDDY.

A willing helper can help lift that heavy next stage into place. You can even roll it onto a tarp and lift from either side to get it up there. A third set of hands can help move it into place. Otherwise, use plywood as a ramp to roll it up yourself (braced well against the bottom with plenty of support underneath, so as to not damage the base). You might need an extra bowl of Wheaties to roll it up there alone.

Tip 5:

PILOT HOLES ARE YOUR FRIEND.

Simply jamming details into your snowman can mess with its integrity. Use a sharp stick to gently create some pilot holes for your features before you set them into place.

Tip

6:

GIVE HIM SOME PERSONALITY.

There’s always that classic snowman uniform of a scarf, hat, a carrot nose and coal (sure, we all have that lying around these days — river rocks might be easier to get your hands on). Or you could be a bit more creative, maybe with an old oversized Hawaiian shirt, a jazzy vest, or go all-out and channel your inner Martha Stewart, breaking out your Dremel to make something custom for your wintery lawn guest. You might need to use your imagination — not many of us have corncob pipes or top hats anymore, either.

Pro tip: if you’re dressing your snowman, put any body clothing you might use on before adding the arms.

Just remember. If you mess it up, it’s ok because he’ll be back again some day.

Amanda Skier, Executive Director and CEO

If You Go

Christmas Tree Lighting: Sunday, December 7, 12–5 p.m.

Holiday Evening Tours: December 18–23, various times.

Address: 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach

Tickets and membership details at flaglermuseum.us

Experience the holidays as they once were—graceful, glowing, and utterly Palm Beach.

A Grand Gilded Christmas

The Flagler Museum’s iconic tree lighting celebrates both timeless tradition and a new chapter of inspired leadership

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE FLAGLER MUSEUM

There are few places in Palm Beach where the holidays shimmer quite like they do at Whitehall. Each December, the grand Gilded Age estate of Henry Morrison Flagler transforms into a Christmas wonderland, its marble halls and sweeping staircases dressed in garlands, ribbons, and glowing lights. The highlight is the 16-foot-tall Christmas tree in the Grand Hall, adorned with jeweled ornaments and colored “fairy” lights reminiscent of those that first dazzled guests more than a century ago.

This year’s celebration also marks a new chapter for the museum under Amanda Skier, the Flagler Museum’s new Executive Director and CEO. A respected preservationist and longtime Palm Beach leader, Skier previously headed the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, where her vision and dedication earned widespread admiration.

“The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum is an invaluable touchstone to Palm Beach’s past,” Skier told The Palm Beach Daily News upon her appointment. She expressed enthusiasm for guiding Whitehall into its next chapter while engaging new generations in its history. Museum President Kelly M. Hopkins welcomed her leadership, calling it “an inspiring new chapter” for the landmark institution.

That spirit of renewal will be on full display on Sunday, December 7, when families and friends gather for the museum’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting—one of Palm Beach’s most anticipated holiday traditions. From noon to five, the estate fills with festive music on the Odell organ and Steinway grand piano, a choir performance, refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus. In a cherished tradition, Henry Flagler’s youngest descendants will illuminate the Grand Hall tree, signaling the start of the season.

Holiday magic continues with Evening Tours from December 18–23, when guests experience docent-led tours, carolers, and refreshments beneath the soft glow of Whitehall’s 1902 light fixtures—an enchanting glimpse of Christmas past, and of the bright future now unfolding within its storied walls.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MARINA BARGHOUTI

DESIGNING JOY FOR The Season

INTERIOR STYLIST MARINA BARGHOUTI REVEALS HER APPROACH TO CREATING A WARM, ELEGANT, AND BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED HOLIDAY HOME

The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, and gathering—so your home should reflect that same spirit. For interior stylist and Certified Luxury Home Specialist Marina Barghouti, the magic lies in transforming spaces into inviting sanctuaries that balance comfort, beauty, and sophistication. Known for her blend of European elegance and South Florida flair, Marina shares her approach to holiday decorating—making every corner of the home feel magical, cozy, and chic.

Start with a Statement Tablescape

“The dining table is often the heart of holiday celebrations,” Marina says. “I always start here when setting the tone for seasonal décor.” Create a layered tablescape using textured linens, elegant dinnerware, and seasonal elements like candles, greenery, or ornaments. Think of your table as a curated display: mix heights with candleholders and serving pieces, incorporate natural elements like pinecones or branches, and don’t forget the small details—a velvet ribbon around a napkin or a personalized place card can go a long way.

“I always work with three main colors—this creates visual harmony while allowing enough flexibility to play with accents and textures.”

Stick to a Three-Color Palette

“One of my signature tips: keep your color palette focused,” she explains. “I always work with three main colors—this creates visual harmony while allowing enough flexibility to play with accents and textures.” Neutrals such as ivory, taupe, or soft grey make a great base and can be elevated with rich hues like deep emerald, classic burgundy, or shimmering metallics. If you love a pop of color, go bold with one standout shade and keep everything else refined and understated.

Layer Cozy, Luxurious Textures

To create that inviting, lived-in feel, layering is key. “Mix plush throws, faux fur, velvet cushions, and soft lighting to warm up your living spaces,” she advises. “Lighting is crucial—opt for warmtoned lights, candles, and fairy lights to instantly create ambiance.”

Add Subtle, Festive Touches

“Festive décor doesn’t need to be over-the-top,” Marina notes. A garland draped over a mirror, a bowl of ornaments on a coffee table, or a simple wreath can make a big impact without overwhelming your space. Scent is also a powerful mood-setter—diffuse pine, cinnamon, or clove essential oils to give your home that holiday feeling the moment guests walk in.

Make It Personal

“At the end of the day, your holiday décor should reflect you,” Marina says. “Whether you lean minimalist or maximalist, the goal is to create a space that feels intentional and joyful. By sticking to a cohesive palette, layering textures, and adding thoughtful touches, you can create a holiday home that’s stylish, cozy, and truly luxurious.”

About Marina Barghouti

Marina Barghouti is a renowned Interior Stylist, Certified Luxury Home Specialist, and Accredited Home Staging Professional, celebrated for her ability to transform living spaces into works of art. With more than 650,000 followers on social media, she shares her passion for refined design and modern elegance with audiences worldwide. Born and raised in Eastern Europe and now based in South Florida, Marina combines timeless European sophistication with coastal warmth to create interiors that exude comfort and luxury.

A Taste of Tradition

Pillowy sufganiyot bring Hanukkah’s story of light to the table—modernized for today’s baker

Crisp on the outside and soft within, sufganiyot are Israel’s beloved Hanukkah donuts, fried in oil to honor the holiday’s miracle—when one day’s worth burned for eight. Traditionally filled with jam, they’re just as delicious with custard, Nutella, or apple butter. And if you’re short on time, skip the frying and stop by The Salty Donut at CityPlace in West Palm Beach, where their 24-hour mini brioche version—filled with homemade strawberry jam and tossed in powdered sugar—will be available December 14–22.

directions:

Step 1. Combine 1 cup warm water and 1 Tbsp yeast; let stand 5 min.

Step 2. Whisk 3 cups flour, ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar, ¾ tsp salt, and ½ tsp nutmeg.

Step 3. Stir 2 egg yolks, 2 Tbsp oil, and 1 tsp vanilla into yeast mixture; mix into dry ingredients. Let rise 1–2 hours.

Step 4. Roll ¼-inch thick, cut into squares, and fry at 350°F until golden, 3 min per side.

Step 5. Drain, fill with jam or custard, and dust with sugar.

Step 6. Serve warm.