As a resident of Southwest Florida for most of his adult life, Dwayne is somewhat of an expert when it comes to making the holiday season festive, even if it’s not exactly a white Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year is often associated with cozying up to the fire with hot cocoa, warm and welcoming fragrances perfuming our spaces, and deep, rich tones decking our halls. Get all the feels of the holidays, Florida style, with Dwayne’s tips for a sun-soaked season.
A palette of jewel toned reds and greens, punctuated with lots of sparkle, is all too common a holiday motif. To cool down your seasonal style for warmer climates, look for earthy tones that offer a more subtle, serene scene. Try pairing a dusty red with brown undertones, a cool sagey green, and antiqued gold accents for a sophisticated, yet summery take. Dwayne also suggests, don’t sleep on silver tones. Bright platinum metallics, mirrored surfaces, and glistening chrome finishes are just as festive as gold, but pair well with tropical temps.
Serve the seasonal specialties that are ripe in your area this time of year. Heavy dishes featuring squash, cranberries, or baking spices may not be appealing in 70 degree weather, but you can still enjoy in-season flavors. Pomegranates, persimmons, pomelos, and passion fruit are all ideal in December. These fresh, bright fruits are so versatile and can be made sweet or savory. You might also consider decorating with them as a bountiful, edible centerpiece.