The Anderson family soaks in the magic of the holidays

Words by Natalie Caudle

Photos by Dakota Jacobi

Standing tall in the heart of a stately neighborhood is a remarkable colonialstyle house that exudes classic beauty. Karol Anderson, real estate broker, wife to Erik, and devoted mother of five, has transformed her residence into a holiday masterpiece, blending classic Christmas charm with her home's rich architectural design.

The Anderson family moved into the unique home in 2021, two decades after its construction. They'd fallen in love with the impressive Doric columns that radiate the grandeur of 18th-century architecture, a style more often found in the American South. Earlier this year, Karol partnered with Molly Sampietro to redesign the kitchen into a more functional space for their family. One of the main improvements included removing the wall between the kitchen and living room, and adding a second kitchen island in its place. They now have an open concept space with ample lighting and full views of Karol’s yearly infusion of Christmas spirit.

The holiday season cannot come too early for Karol. As kids, still clad in masks and costumes, sort through their trick-or-treat candy, Erik brings down bins of holiday decor for Karol. The process is a team effort, and Erik is a huge supporter of Karol’s decking the halls each year. “I feel like I live for Christmas,” says Karol. “January through July are the longest months; nothing is as exciting as Christmas, and decorating the house is too much work to enjoy for only one month. It gets done earlier every year, but we get smarter with the process.”

FLORIST DESIGNER MATT AICKLEN CREATED A COLOR SCHEME WITH BOLD AND CLASSIC HUES.

Upon entering the home, reminiscent of a favorite holiday movie, a sweeping staircase adorned with garland wrapped in twinkling lights, gold bells, and ribbon radiates a sense of enchantment and wonder. Designed by Matt Aicklen of Beard and Bloom (and florist designer at Sequoia Gathered and Grown) the holiday decor, floral arrangements, and wreaths nod to Karol's traditional holiday style while adding a modern twist with black textured accents.

Extending into the heart of the home, Karol's love for traditional Christmas style is evident, with a color palette of rich red and deep green. Classically adorned twelve-foot trees twinkle throughout, while Christmas-themed pillows add a cozy touch. Karol steers away from trendy styles and Pinterest inspirations, creating a timeless ambiance.

The Christmas spirit is tucked into every corner of the house with holiday soaps, towels, and mats trimming the guest bath with festive flair. Shelves are fixed with touches of Christmas, including a handful of nativity sets, giving a nod to the true meaning of the season.

The nostalgic air of Christmas is perfectly captured with holiday mugs full of hot cocoa and marshmallows, paired perfectly with Karol's delectable Russian tea cookies. The Anderson family connects in the kitchen as they bake scrumptious delights for neighbors and family. The sweet scent of chocolate chip cookies with red and green M&M's often wafts through the home as Karol and her children create memories and continue cherished traditions.

One of the Anderson's favorite recipes is the uncomplicated yet traditional Muddy Buddy mix. With instructions taken from the back of a cereal box, Karol whips up large batches of this holiday favorite as a treat for game nights and holiday snacking. “This is one of our favorite snacks while we check off our must-watch holiday movie list each year,” shares Karol.

“I FEEL LIKE I LIVE FOR CHRISTMAS.”

-KAROL ANDERSON

In addition to the festive decorations throughout the main living areas of the house, Karol has thoughtfully brought holiday magic to her three children's rooms. Each boasts a unique Christmas tree glittering with sentimental ornaments reflecting their individual interests and styles. These trees, much like Karol, sparkle with the joy of Christmas. The rooms are a true testament to the love shared in this close-knit family and the joy Christmas brings to their home.

During the holiday season, the Anderson home stands as a beacon of warmth, elegance, and tradition. The classic Christmas style captures the enduring beauty of the past and reminds everyone to savor laughter-filled moments before the season slips away. Karol and her family have created an enchanting home where every detail celebrates the most wonderful time of the year.