photo by audrey hall

Article by Jennifer Miller

From twinkling lights to the scent of pine and cinnamon in the air, the holidays have a way of transforming our homes and our moods. This season, local designers and home experts are embracing a return to simplicity and meaning, featuring thoughtful details, natural textures, and timeless pieces that foster warmth and connection.

We caught up with four Billings favorites: Davidson Home Furnishings & Design, Gainan’s Midtown Flowers, Hannesson Home, and Kibler & Kirch, to gather their best tips, ideas, and inspiration for the holiday season. Whether you’re starting fresh or simply looking to elevate what you already have, these experts agree that the most beautiful holiday homes are built on intention, quality, and heart.

photo by full bloom media

DAVIDSON HOME FURNISHINGS & DESIGNS:

COZY, NATURAL, & MEANINGFUL

For Tiff Davidson-Blades at Davidson Home Furnishings & Designs, the holiday season is all about heart and nostalgia. For me, that starts with my Nativity set. It’s the first thing that goes up every year.”

She encourages clients to weave family memories into their decorating. “Christmas is such a nostalgic holiday. Bringing out ornaments and stockings passed down through generations makes decorating day special with your family.” The Davidson approach blends tradition with tranquility, favoring natural materials and textures that complement one another for a cohesive, peaceful look. “Greens, wood tones, and rich, deep colors like forest green and dark red feel more authentic than bright reds and neons,” she says. “The holiday magic comes from ambiance; candles, cozy throws, soft lighting, and the scents of pine and spice.”

This year, Tiff’s also seeing a rise in vintage-inspired décor, old-fashioned multicolored lights, retro Santas, and oversized bows on trees and mantels. “It’s about creating harmony and personality,” she notes. “Find a theme that feels like you, and carry it through with consistent materials and colors.”

“MY NUMBER ONE RULE IS ALWAYS TO REMEMBER THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.”

GAINAN’S MIDTOWN FLOWERS:

NATURE, NOSTALGIA, & INTENTION

Jim Gainan from Gainan’s Midtown Flowers has noticed a strong pull toward simplicity and sentiment. “It’s about being intentional, choosing quality over quantity.”

Nature continues to inspire his designs, from earth-toned palettes to textural greenery. “Every tree has a basic makeup,” Jim notes. “If you go faux, invest in a quality tree and then make it your own; add additional lights, mix in ribbons, stems of juniper or cedar, and layer colors that reflect your home’s style.”

He also encourages creativity outdoors: “Bring your porch to life with winter pots and branches; dogwood, cedar, aspen, pieces that last through Easter.”

Inside, his advice is to be selective. “You don’t have to use everything you own every year. Group ornaments by color, add a few new pieces, and take inspiration from your home. It’s about balance and joy.”

“PEOPLE ARE COMING OUT OF TOUGH TIMES AND CRAVING FEEL-GOOD NOSTALGIA; GIFTS AND DÉCOR THAT REMIND THEM OF SIMPLER DAYS.”

HANNESSON HOME:

ELEVATE WITH THE ESSENTIALS

For Jessica Hannesson of Hannesson Home, holiday decorating doesn’t have to mean filling every corner with glitter and garland. “Each year as the holidays approach, the temptation to decorate every inch of our homes is real,” she says. “But focusing on a few key pieces can completely elevate your space.”

Her secret? Invest in quality essentials that stand the test of time and every passing trend. “A high-quality garland and a few elegant stems instantly transform a room,” Jessica explains. “Whether draped along a mantel, framing a doorway, or cascading down a staircase, lush greenery adds texture, warmth, and a hint of seasonal magic without overwhelming the space.” She suggests starting with traditional Christmas tones: rich greens, deep reds, and touches of gold, and layering in candles, ribbon, and glass ornaments that echo those colors.

“WHEN YOU BEGIN WITH TIMELESS INVESTMENT PIECES, EVERYTHING ELSE NATURALLY FEELS ELEVATED,” SHE ADDS. “IT’S ABOUT CREATING WARMTH AND FAMILIARITY THAT NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE.”

KIBLER & KIRCH:

A CELEBRATION OF NATURE & CRAFT

For Jeremiah Young, owner and creative director of Kibler & Kirch, the best holiday décor tells a story about place and purpose. “Timelessness and a sense of place are important to all of our interiors,” he says.

Natural, organic materials continue to dominate this year’s trends, featuring elements such as evergreen branches, pinecones, feathers, and warm wood accents. “Fresh greens engage the senses and remind us instantly of Christmas,” Jeremiah explains. “Stuff your tree with extra greens, magnolia, blue spruce, and pine, to add variety and luxury.”

Lighting also matters: “Use warm yellow lights. You’ll sit in that room in the evening, and you want a soft, cozy glow.”

For added character, Jeremiah suggests mixing textures, such as linen ribbon, brass bells, handblown ornaments, and even antlers. “Hang the largest ornaments first, then fill in the gaps with smaller ones. Let light pass through them, it animates everything.”

And don’t forget the wrapping. “Beautifully wrapped presents are décor,” he says. “Start early and choose papers and ribbons that match your tree. It’s both practical and festive.”

“WE LOVE AUTHENTIC, HANDCRAFTED PIECES THAT CONNECT TO MONTANA AND BECOME CHERISHED HEIRLOOMS OVER TIME.”

Originally printed in the December 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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