Here's How Your Home Can Be Holiday-Ready On A Budget, According To Celeb Event Stylist Gideon Hermosa

There's a running joke that for Filipinos, Christmas starts in September—and it's not far from the truth! As soon as the "-ber" months come in, homes light up with festive lights, Christmas hats and mistletoes appear on ceilings, and garlands become a staple on stairways. Filipinos love Christmas, and their homes show it.

Renowned event stylist Gideon Hermosa, who recently celebrated 15 years of House of Hermosa, says Christmas resonates deeply with Filipinos because it's less about the décor and more about the feelings the holidays stir. ICYDK, Gideon’s portfolio includes high‑profile celebrations like the weddings of Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, Iza Calzado and Ben Wintle, and Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia. Not to mention, he's worked with the biggest brands, too, like Dolce Gabbana Home, Marriott, and Moët & Chandon.

"It's the warmth of coming home, the sound of family arriving, the glow of lights reminding us of hope. Even the simplest setup transforms a space into something emotional and familiar. Holiday decorating matters because it sets the tone for the memories we’ll make," Gideon shared in an exclusive interview with Cosmopolitan Philippines.

Naturally, holiday decorating comes with a budget, but Gideon assures that you don't need to spend a fortune to make your home feel festive this season. Here are some decorating tips to bring holiday vibes to your home without breaking the bank, according to Gideon! 

Here's a hot take: you don't need to overhaul your entire home for a holiday season that only lasts a few months. Gideon emphasized that you don't have to overthink things when decorating—use what you already have.

"You can actually create a festive look using things already in your home. Be resourceful, take fruits, vegetables, even pantry items and turn them into tabletop accents," Gideon said. "Add ribbons, candles, bring out nice bowls, or clip greenery and foliage from your garden. These little touches instantly add charm. One styled corner is enough to make the whole space feel decorated," he added.

For Gideon, the biggest hack is lighting and finding the right places to layer home decors. "Lighting can save almost anything. Warm lights make even simple décor feel magical. Also, be intentional. Sometimes the smallest detail, if thoughtfully placed, makes the biggest impact," he shared. 

He also added that the secret is to start by choosing the "focal points" where you want to decorate. You don't have to do every space and overpopulate your home with decor. Focus on one area and add "different textures, mix matte and shiny finishes, play with height."

A common misconception when shopping for the holidays, even when decorating homes, is that the more expensive, the better. But Gideon, who has been in the industry for over a decade, says that's not always the case. He shared that when decorating your home for the holidays, it's perfectly fine to thrift homewares or visit surplus shops for better prices and deals. 

"I love checking thrift stores and surplus shops, you'll find beautiful vintage pieces there that still look brand new. I also go to local department stores instead of the big chains, you'd be surprised how many unique items they have," Gideon said.

When it comes to Christmas décor, Gideon believes it's all about being creative and resourceful. But as we head into a new year, he's also the perfect person to ask about broader event styling trends. At the end of the day, guests want to "feel the story" rather than just see it. Even with Pantone's Color of the Year for 2026, "Cloud Dancer"—which some might find "boring"—Gideon emphasized that intention will continue to be the real trend, noting that design is increasingly moving toward an "experiential" approach. 

"We'll also see more architectural influences in décor, clean lines, sculptural silhouettes, modern shapes. And of course, experiential design is becoming the heart of every event. Guests want to feel the story, not just see it. Intentional details will continue to be the real trend," he said.