104 | December 2019
lsie Larson is never short on
inspiration. But she had new
motivation for adding some
extra Christmas sparkle when
she and her husband, Jeremy,
adopted two little girls with albinism from
China in the span of two years. (You can read
the beautiful story on their personal blog, The
Larson House.) “This season of life is devoted
to creating a magical childhood for them,” says
Elsie, cofounder of the lifestyle site A Beautiful
Mess. “I’ve always loved decorating for the
holidays, but doing it for Nova and Marigold is a
hundred times more magical.”
The backdrop for the Larsons’ creative
Christmas is their 1970s home near Nashville.
Elsie harnessed her make-it mentality and
love for midcentury glam for their
refresh. “I wanted to make it my
own little Nancy Sinatra dream
home,” she says. Elsie also wanted the space to provide a blank
canvas for the seasonal decorating projects she loves.
“I’m highly inspired by the seasons, so I left room for all-in holiday
decor,” Elsie says. “I want it to feel full and super cozy, not cluttered.
So I focus mainly on neutrals and greens, and I only collect pieces we
can use over and over again.” That goes for greenery too. Elsie went
for a faux Christmas tree, garlands, and the wreath and potted
topiaries out front, left. “I haven’t invested in fully decorating our
exterior, but the entry is an easy place to start,” she says. “We love
coming home to the glowing trees every evening. It’s so welcoming.”ORNAMENT
This cardboard
A-frame was
constructed
from a cast-off box
of crackers. Get
directions
at abeautiful
mess.com.FABRIC TREES
A grove of felted
and quilted
trees fi ts into an
existing display
of books and
succulents.ENTRYWAY
A faux garland
from Home Depot
neatly frames
the front porch,
and two artifi cial
trees fill the
planters. Nova’s
snow gear
matches the door.