When you are first doing the holidays on your own, trying to figure out how much is too much, and wondering how in the hell your own family did it before you. Never fear; help is here.

My mother is our family’s master decorator, she even has her own IG store, that’s how much she loves it. Everything from our quince’s to my wedding and baby shower, and every holiday in between, my mother, Angelica inventively curated every event.

She has this special touch, that I, as a grown-up tomboy, deeply lack. However, one thing my teenage self has finally come to terms with is that I am capable if I try. It is a skill, one we are not simply born with but need to hone, experimenting along the way.

Since the pandemic, I’ve had to make do with my abilities rather than flying in to enjoy my parents’ beautifully decorated home every Christmas. So, this year, I’ve decided to give it a more significant try. It will never be like Mami’s but it will be uniquely mine. I wanted to get her input, of course. And I wanted to share some of her best tips for holiday decorating.

Pinterest is Your Friend

We already knew Pinterest was the place to go to get crafting ideas and cutesy things. But did you know it’s where you can create a decorating vision board to set you in the right direction. So, don’t get all weepy or intimidated at the beautifulness and start doubting yourself. Most of the people who put pictures up on Pinterest are professionals. But we can always do our best and learn to take our inner critic in stride.

Bold is Beautiful

Mami is a huge fan of big, bright colors from giant red balls and glitter (so much glitter!). I prefer more demure elements, but you can achieve boldness. And, that’s how you get the best photos: by going big! Some really unique ornaments have delicate features that you want while you’re up close and personal, but they don’t really have the same beautiful effect at a distance. So make sure things look great at both a distance rather than focusing only on the intimate experience.

Choose a Color Palette

Choosing your colors is another great tip that is often overlooked around the holidays, quickly taking things from festive to tacky. ’s crucial to stick to a color palette to avoid catastrophe. There are great resources, again on Pinterest, but whatever resonates with you. Use it. There are variations on the traditional, but depending on the look you are going for, make sure it’s still your style and within your color palette. Not everything has to be red and green if you prefer other colors, but make sure it is cohesive; that is what’s important.

Bows are In

Most of us probably think the holidays and go for those ball ornaments and call it a day, others may be more visionary. One of my Mami’s favorite tips is to use bows and ribbons. They complete any holiday look and give it a more polished, elevated style. If you’re making your own bows, make sure to buy the ribbon with the wire on the edges- that’s how the bows keep their shape. There’s nothing worse than making bows all night and waking up the next morning to them laying flat and lifeless. I speak from experience!

But bows, different sized balls, maybe even things not commonly used to decorate like small toys are a great way to bring cheer and joy into your decorations.

Push Your Limitations

Finally, and this one is big, push past what you thought you were capable of. There is such a wonderful sense of accomplishment when you finally put together that wreath you’ve been thinking of creating for weeks. You buy the pieces and as they start collecting dust on the shelf, you finally sit down one Saturday morning and do it! It may not be as impressive as you envisioned and it may have taken you a few tries to get it together, it may even be missing some crucial pieces but you did it. It exists out in the world, not just in your head. But the best part is you do it once and learn how to make it better the next time.

Unfortunately, we won’t be traveling this year for the holidays, but I’m learning to take ownership of my family’s traditions and continue the legacy my Mami started.