Photograph by THOMAS J. STORY

As any good host knows, the best

get-togethers live or die by the right

lighting. “For me, it’s all about creat-

ing a warm and inviting everyday

glow,” says Southern California de-

signer and author Nathan Turner , a

frequent at-home entertainer. “Dur-

ing this time of year, I go the extra

step to make it more festive.” Turner’s

advice: Take a layered approach to il-

luminating a space , starting with low-

hanging pendants set to dim and table

lamps and sconces forming soft pools

of brightness. By diffusing the light

throughout and keeping some of it at

eye level, you’ll cut down on unflatter-

ing shadows. The final touches? Place

candles on tables, consoles, and man-

tels ; park a pair of hurricanes along

the entryway floor ; or adorn an exte-

rior staircase with votives. The mood

you create will be as welcoming as the

party itself. —Chantal Lamers

Bunny Toile wallpaper , $50/roll ; yorkwall.com. Dining
chair upholstery in Chapman Juniper ; sunbrella.com.
Växjö pendant lamp, $39 ; ikea.com. Alki White Glass
Table Lamp , $149 ; cb2.com. Shallow Salad Bowl in
Redwood , $135 , and Studiopatro Solid Lightweight
Linen Napkins, $22; heathceramics.com. Vintage hutch;
elsiegreen.com. Glass vase, $115, and Gregg Hessel
Copper Candlesticks from $145 ; thegardener.com.

Home & Garden

In the Western HOME

TIPS

FROM THE

EXPERTS

PROP STYLING: ROD HIPSKIND