“Every detail should be a direct reflection of the host. Whether it’s a private party in someone’s home, a corporate event, a fundraising gala or a joyous marriage, it needs to be personal and intentional,” she said. For Chandler, entertaining is the art of cultivating an experience that evokes joy, especially during the holidays. Here, she shares her process and helpful hints. Choose a Theme Creating a look or theme for the party is the best place to start. Chandler advises using magazines, books or Pinterest to provide the spark – then building with personal details. Chandler’s inspiration for this holiday look came from her dining room, specifically the soft reds and greens in her custom floral drapes. “I played off patterns already in the room and then brought Christmas into the mix! The combination was elegant and timeless,” she said. Think About Layers Chandler says the secret to creating the “magic in the details” is having different layers to the design, incorporating many elements that play together, from the invitation to the last bite. Put it on Paper “Creating paper goods for the occasion is a great way to get guests excited,” Chandler said. The watercolor wreath motif on the invitations carries through to the custom-printed menus and place cards on the table. STYLE UNLOCKED 38 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE

Located oo Loop 101 and Bell Road Change Is Good Chandler created a gallery wall of 10 antique frames with vintage Christmas cards like ones she received from her grandmother while growing up. The antique frames are a year-round fixture that Chandler will change out for the season, incorporating botanicals in the spring or exhibiting her daughters’ artwork. “It’s so much fun to swap out art in the dining room,” Chandler said. “It feels like a different room all the time.” Focus on Details Chandler tied small wreaths to the back of each chair with red-and-white-striped grosgrain ribbon to bring in the artwork in a modern and unexpected way. In the room’s rear, two pencil trees frame the antique hutch.