I would definitely bring silver into your holiday decor.

Metal shades only give directional lighting, which is great for a desk or work area, but not for ambient lighting. Fabric shades are much softer.

Matte or satin sheen scuffs up very easily. So, unless you have it professionally done, definitely paint shelves or cabinets with something with a higher sheen.

I personally would rather be a partygoer than a party-thrower.

Oddly enough, white is a dead tone in a small room. Choosing something with a more medium tone will make the space feel larger.

I set up stations, buy a big vat of chili, and then guests do what they want to do - and I still get to party.

I'm shocked at how much I'm into Christmas pillows. There's cheesiness, obviously, but then there's really cute ones that are metallic that say "Ho Ho Ho" or "Merry" or cute vintage needlepoint ones.