More is more when it comes to the abundance of Christmas decor in John and Will Hardee’s grand manse
Come Christmastime in Charleston, holiday partygoers don their most festive frocks—and the homes playing host to the merriment are no exception. Passersby ambling along Queen Street might pay particular mind to John and Will Hardee’s handsome Charleston single, meticulously clad in wreaths and bows, winding garland, and dazzling string lights. And the eye-catching exterior is just the beginning. Inside, halls are decked with eight Christmas trees festooned by John, owner of design firm Kenric Hardee, to suit specific rooms of the home, from stately to nostalgic to downright opulent.
The delightful display is a well-planned one. Virtually all the greenery throughout the property is artificial—ensuring Charleston’s mild holiday temps don’t render outside decor dry and brittle, while also allowing the couple to make use of the fundamentals time and time again. For the rest of the year, it is all neatly packed into 40 carefully labeled bins and tucked beneath the house—where it eagerly awaits next season’s return to the spotlight. Take a glimpse of the home’s resplendent holiday decor and get John’s expert tips for your own.
TIP: John loves the look of the tree’s candles but says they can be difficult to stand straight. He adds a drop of hot glue and affixes that to a branch to keep each supported.
TIP: It’s all about layering: For the dining room’s winter wonderland, John adds dimension and volume to each tree and strand of garland through abundant candles, ornaments, and ribbon. But he also considers how complementary design elements—here, a collection of metallic tabletop trees, elegant potted paper-whites, and fluffy faux snow—will fully bring the space to life. After all, more is more during the holiday season.
Growing up, decorating for Christmas was a big deal to my family. This brings back memories of childhood—and just makes me happy. —John Hardee
TIP: Camouflage the faux citrus picks by tucking them far back into the garland. John also adds clippings of real Fraser fir branches to give it a more realistic look and a wonderful scent.
TIP: In place of a wobbly tree stand, John uses a plastic bucket with a 12-inch PVC pipe, wide enough to accommodate the trunk, cemented in the center. He then covers the base with fabric and fills it with water to keep the tree hydrated.
