Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1541486
Flann Harris Half the brains behind Scout Design Studio; former opera singer turned Howell Street hustler. I object to the December panic. If you're decorating, shopping, and crying at the same time, you're doing it wrong. I object to safe holiday decor. Add an unexpected twist — a little weird keeps the wonder alive. Maybe you create a lineup of vintage cowboy boots stuffed with bottles of Crown Royal under your festive fir. Be bold, be strange — and if others get their tinsel twisted, even better. I object to pretending the holidays are all joy. Schedule the obligatory Joni Mitchell "River" cry session and get on with it — consider it emotional housekeeping.. Jan Showers Interior designer on the AD 100 list; one of the forces behind bringing the Kips Bay Decorator Show House to Dallas in 2020; Kips Bay President's Dinner honoree in 2025; author of four glamorous books. I object to "extra" Christmas or holiday decor. I love a beautiful tree, low-key Christmas greenery, or magnolia mixed with simple flowers — I see way more as just too much. Take it down a notch or two, please. I object to buying the same gift for all your friends. Christmas and the holidays Todd Fiscus The Wizard (pardon the upcoming holiday blockbuster reference) behind Todd Events who makes all of the grandest of the grand parties happen. I object to selfish behavior and entitlement during the holidays. Dress big, love big, give big, be big. Eat the damn corn syrup candy your grandma used to make. Kiss your friends and tell them you love them (you don't need mistletoe to do that!). I object to gifts in a drawstring bag. Buy wrapping paper, sit down, and wrap the damn thing! Hell, use newspaper and put a bow on it. Something … I do not accept giving a gift in a holiday-themed printed trash bag. No ma'am! "I object to gifts in a drawstring bag!" Cornelia Guest Actress; animal activist; daughter of C.Z. and Winston Guest; former Deb of the Decade and author of The Debutante's Guide to Life. I object to too much yummy food … too many tasty drinks … too many hugs and kisses from all I love! Hahahaha hohoho I object to presents. Please give your money to animal shelters! Donald Robertson Present-day Warhol; @Drawbertson has a following of 228,000; senior vice president creative Estée Lauder Companies; author of the covetable art book Sofa King Great. My sweet grandmother, Nan, had an entertaining rule everyone should know, especially in Dallas. Her objection: "You never ever, ever ask someone if they would like another drink." She believed even if you were on the floor, a polite host should ask, "Would you like a drink?" No judgments! Waiters could double their business applying this. Michelle Nussbaumer Interior designer; owner of Ceylon et Cie; queen of Ikat; chatelaine of a chalet in Gstaad and hacienda in San Miguel de Allende. I object wholeheartedly to the vast use of Christmas lights popping up before Halloween now. A couple of years ago, I noticed people putting up their lights at Thanksgiving, but now I'm seeing flashes of red and green lights as well as inflatable reindeer in October. Not chic. Not sustainable. Lance Scott Half the design team behind LCS Studio, with offices in New York City and Palm Beach; alum of the 2022 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas. I object to a blanket generic gift for clients or "friends." If they are worth thinking about, then be thoughtful! Whatever your budget … The last thing I need is a box of 12 unripe Japanese pears wrapped in tissue and foam, like they're vintage Steuben double old-fashioned cocktail glasses. Uh, Santa … Ashley Longshore Modern-day Pop artist; consummate life of the party; the gala dining companion you dream of. I object to poinsettias, fruitcakes, and giving blow jobs for shitty handbags. I object to running in five-inch heels, weaponizing Jesus … and I think $5 bills are silly. Jane Scott Hodges The embodiment of Southern charm — reared in Kentucky and lives in New Orleans' historic Garden District; owner of coveted heritage brand Leontine Linens. I object to hostess gifts. You have been invited for your charm, wit, or some other terrific reason — not to bring a candle! You know when a gift is necessary, but don't feel like you always have to bring one. Go to the party, be on time (not early), bring your winning personality, and you be the present. And don't forget to write a thank-you note! Cathy Kincaid Interior designer and recipient of the ICAA's John Staub Award; her book is titled The Well-Adorned Home. I object to Starbucks removing eggnog lattes from the holiday menu! are about giving and thinking individually about what each friend or family member would love that they don't already have. However, I admit that I recommend giving my new book to all your friends if they love design and decorating! Julie Hayes Principal at Simms Hayes Design, whose recent projects have twice made the cover of PaperCity; alum of the 2023 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas. I object to trite, themed, "showroom" Christmas trees. Let's bid farewell — or at least give the year off! — to the professionally decorated tree that has likely rolled out of the showroom floor to your family room. It's the same strategy as that girl we all know who buys an outfit straight off a mannequin at Neiman's — no personality. Bid adieu to the clusters of white-feathered doves and copper ribbon and bring back the slightly imperfect family-decorated tree. Let's unplug and pull out some glitter and a glue gun! –Todd Fiscus 51