70 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {home & design} trying to recreate the feeling of my mother’s house,” she shares. “She really made the holidays wonderful and her priorities were very simple: She put her family first and had a strong faith.” The youngest of six children, Colleen fondly remembers the many traditions surrounding Christmas in Chicago, where life-size nutcrackers graced the entry. “It was magical,” she reflects. “All of the outdoor lights, the huge feast on Christmas Eve.” As founder of CDS Interiors based on the Peninsula, Colleen makes time between projects for hosting events—whether it’s for PARCA, Peninsula Family Service, Burlingame’s Our Lady of Angels Church, or more intimate gatherings, including holiday teas. “I deck As December approaches, designer Colleen Dowd Saglimbeni can’t wait to pull out her life-size Santa, four christmas trees and heirloom nativity set. But transcending the festive decor, her mission to pass on traditions and holiday joy is what brings family and neighbors into her Hillsborough living room all month. “The atmosphere changes when the house is decorated,” she marvels. “Once the house is ready, I open the doors.” Colleen lights up as she talks about creating ambiance with an enthusiasm that makes you want to grab a cup of hot cocoa, turn on a Christmas movie and start pulling out your ornaments. “I am PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF LAUREN WEBB
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