Styled Shoot: A Mid-Century Holiday
Back when the days were still long and warm, Jessica, Brittany and I gathered at Brittany’s studio space to brainstorm ideas for a shoot in the late fall. What we came up with is a perfect blend of the things each of us love: the clean, sophisticated lines of mid-century modern style and the cozy charm of Christmas. We envisioned a shoot with all the character and tension of a “Mad Men” holiday party but also infused with all the warmth of season. We wanted to show that the times may have changed, but the art of hosting really hasn’t. There is always a living room where guests are greeted and poured a hearty drink and a dinner table where friends gather to dine and chat. Traditions are honored, stories are shared, and the Christmas tree is lit…
Brittany’s beautiful mid-century pieces provided the perfect backdrop for our holiday party guests to mix and mingle over cocktails. The dinner table was set simply – a nod to the times – and accented with lush florals, which we mimicked in the poinsettia print of the napkins. And, fondue was served because, what’s a mid-century holiday party without it?
In case you are wondering, YES. It is very difficult to find a Christmas tree in October, but I wasn’t about to give up on my dream of a real tree lit by candlelight. After scouring the city (and the internet), I found this potted, live tree at a local nursery. It is technically labeled a “Christmas tree,” and it has every ounce of wonderfully weird whimsy that I was hoping for. Samantha calligraphed all of the lyrics to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” on scrolls of paper, and we wound them throughout the tree. (One of my favorite details!)
Thankful for the team that made this shoot happen: Jessica Scott Photography / Birch & Brass Vintage Rentals / Rosehip Flora / Calligraphy and Paper Goods: Wondrous Whimsy / Shoot Location: STEMS Studio / Table Linen: Marquee / Men’s Wardrobe: Billy Reid / Women’s Wardrobe: The Ivy Retreat / Makeup: Makenzi Laine / Hair: Mindy Orsak / Male Models: Micah Asohan, Shane Christopher and Ian DeVoglaer of ButterFly Entertainment / Female Models: Jenni Dawson, Emily Waldmann and Lauren Casey
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Love, Ellen
