Midland resident and interior designer Patricia Hart McMillan has released the second edition of her Christmas anthology, "Christmas at Designers' Homes Across America, 2nd Edition." Published in September, the updated edition features the homes of 24 design professionals, showcasing their unique decorating styles and family traditions.
McMillan, who has authored 25 books, offers advice for decorators of all levels. She has been featured in major publications, including The New York Times and USA Today, and is the co-author of "Home Decorating for Dummies, 3rd Edition." Through her expertise, McMillan aims to provide practical decorating solutions and creative ideas for holiday spaces.
The new edition includes nearly 400 color images, highlighting the decorating styles of award-winning designers such as Shayla Copas, ornament designer Christopher Radko, and TV host Joe Ruggiero. Each contributor shares their expertise on holiday transformations, offering insights into how they approach the season with personal touches that enhance their style.Other designers in the book include Mary Helen McCoy, who incorporates antiques into her designs, Rhonda Peterson, who embraces modern techniques, and Tina Lewis, who specializes in tabletop designs.
McMillan's book also provides practical advice, covering topics such as tree trimming, preserving artificial trees, selecting color palettes, and storing ornaments. She emphasizes that holiday decorating goes beyond aesthetics, reflecting personal traditions and creating lasting memories.
“There’s no one ‘right’ way to decorate,” McMillan explains. “The real design rules involve combining line, color, and texture artfully.” She encourages readers to embrace their unique style and create personal touches that reflect themselves.
The book also celebrates family traditions, such as Mitzi Beach’s family tree, which features ornaments handmade by her children. McMillan highlights how these personal touches can reflect family connections and deepen the holiday spirit.
“Christmas is very much about mood—a merry mood—Joy!” McMillan said, emphasizing the emotional power of holiday design.
"Christmas at Designers' Homes Across America, 2nd Edition" is available for purchase on Amazon.com.