In Amanda Moore’s North Carolina home, elegance has a playful side. Patterns mingle with color, blush and dusty rose are particular favorites, and beauty always has to make room for everyday life. It’s a fitting combination for a home she shares with her husband, Ryan, her two children, two stepchildren, and two dogs.
“It’s a full house so while I prioritize beauty in the pieces that I choose, they also have to be really functional.”
That balance is at the heart of Amanda’s approach. The pieces she chooses need to earn their place in a busy household while contributing to the elegant, whimsical style she loves. Her fondness for soft pinks and expressive patterns brings personality to the everyday—and offers a lovely starting point for a little Christmas magic.
When the holidays arrive, the decorating begins with a feeling.
“Holiday decorating for me is all about tradition and that feeling of nostalgia.”
Her favorite part is bringing out the well-loved treasures her family has accumulated over the years. Each carries a story, making the act of unpacking decorations its own kind of homecoming. There’s pleasure in seeing those familiar pieces again and remembering how they became part of the family’s Christmas.
Amanda welcomes new ideas and occasional additions, too. But the collection already holding years of memories remains at the center of her celebrations. We love that approach: letting Christmas decorating grow alongside the family whose story it tells.
Her more experimental side finds its expression in flowers and botanicals. They’re an essential part of her home throughout the year, and during the holidays, she gives them even more room to flourish.
“I love really full garlands, hydrangeas in my Christmas tree, and using other dried or preserved botanicals.”
There’s something wonderfully romantic about that combination. Full garlands bring abundance, while hydrangeas introduce an unexpected floral layer among the Christmas branches. Dried and preserved botanicals offer still more possibilities for texture and shape. It’s easy to see how this becomes Amanda’s place to play, trying something fresh among the pieces she returns to each December.
It’s also an idea we love for decorating our own homes: take something you’re drawn to throughout the year and give it a place in your holiday traditions. Christmas can feel especially personal when your everyday style shines through.
For Amanda, all those choices serve a larger purpose. Whether she’s decorating for December or any other month, she wants her home to feel welcoming and interesting—a place that invites you to settle in while giving you something to discover.
“I want it to feel like a familiar memory and I want you to be curious what’s around the next corner.”
At Christmas, that sentiment feels particularly lovely. Familiar treasures draw you close, a flourish of flowers catches your eye, and the family’s stories become part of the decorating. A little elegance, a little whimsy, and plenty of room for the people who make it home.
For more inspiration, follow Amanda on Instagram @houseofmooredesign
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