A Stylish New Year's Eve

“Effortless” is Ken Downing’s mantra when it comes to entertaining. It’s also a word he uses often in his position as fashion director for Neiman Marcus (“if it’s not effortless, it’s not chic,” he has said). Downing knows a thing or two about chic, as evidenced by his personal style and his mid­century modern house in Dallas, which is filled with a disparate yet surpris­ingly harmonious mix of furnishings and accessories. A Victorian frame next to a brass 1970s lamp, with a framed needlepoint found at a flea market and a large black ginger jar? Yes, it works because Downing considers every detail. “I take a page from David Hicks and try to create a story for every surface,” he explains.

Downing also considers every detail when hosting a party at home, ensuring the comfort and enjoyment of his guests. He is on the road all the time, so New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to entertain Dallas friends as the fashion world takes a breather.

In his 1956 house, he keeps the decorations simple. “Floral arrangements that are too grandiose would look out of place here,” he says. “Plus I like my guests to be the center of attention. Flowers should be lovely little moments that you stumble upon.” He prefers working with one large bloom, such as a hydrangea that fills the container, or a bunch of smaller flowers of the same type in intimate vessels. He also likes to use natural and organic elements, such as branches from his yard (sometimes painted red in reference to designer Tony Duquette) and fruit that doubles as décor.

Downing has quite a collection of Murano glass, passed down by his father who owned more than 400 pieces. During the holidays, Downing pulls out all the red and green pieces and groups them by color. He sometimes fills them with nuts, which is reminiscent of his parents’ cocktail parties in the ’50s and ’60s. Not everything is antique or expensive, though. Downing is an avid believer in pairing high and low. “Putting a bargain next to something valuable humbles that piece a little and brings more dignity to the less important piece,” he explains.