Karl Lohnes, the “Dr. Phil of decorating” as he’s been dubbed in the Washington Post was in Global News Morning Montreal studios Friday, serving up some holiday entertaining tips.
But before getting into the do’s and don’ts of the holiday season, Lohnes couldn’t help but weigh in on the city’s Christmas tree debate.
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While some have called it downright ugly, Lohnes had a different take.
“It’s kind of like a Grinchy style,” he said. “So it’s very cute.”
That said, he did offer a makeover.
“Give me a ladder and let me climb it and I’ll decorate it,” he said, undaunted by the challenge.
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To make sure your holiday entertaining goes on without a hitch Lohnes had a few suggestions for hosts and guests alike.
Host or hostess gifts can be a little tricky, Lohnes recommended staying away from plain bottles of wine.
“Forget about the plain bottle of wine, everybody re-gifts them, he said.
You want the host to enjoy your gift for themselves, so Lohnes said adding a personal touch to a bottle is a good idea.
“Sign the bottle with one of those metallic markers with a personalized happy holidays message,” he said. “Then they can’t re-gift it and they kind of have to drink it.”
In lieu of a bottle of wine, Lohnes proposed something a bit more upscale.
“Choose something a little more premium like a Grey Goose-type vodka which gives sort of a an extraordinary gift.”
If you’re strapped for time, Lohne said a quick stop at the local coffee shop could do the trick, suggesting special holiday blends or stylized cups.
To add some wow factor to your gifts, Lohnes recommended using glitter tape, as an easy and quick solution to make packages beautiful.
“It acts as ribbon and tape,” he said.
Glitter tape also has some hidden benefits.
“I have lots of family members who break into the gifts early,” Lohne said. “I’ll know if the ribbon’s been broken, rather than the tape peeled back.”
For the host, there’s nothing like being prepared.
To make decorating easier Lohne suggested creating a portable centrepiece.
The idea is put together your centrepiece in a decorative tray, starting by placing the bigger objects at the bottom and more delicate objects at the top.
The go-to colours this season are golds and greys but to really make the piece yours, Lohne suggested adding a family heirloom to the mix.
WATCH BELOW: More holiday entertaining tips