Designing Christmas with You (2023) Movie Script

Yes, we want the sage drapes
in the living room
and the egg shell ones
in the bedroom.
Yes, exactly.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas!
Yeah, we want your space
to feel elevated,
but not overpowered.
Exactly.
Brian, I am so excited
about these designs.
They're amazing.
Um, and so, my assistant
will swing by later today.
She's incredible.
You will love her.
Okay, great.
I will talk to you soon.
Double shot oat milk latte
with a teaspoon of honey.
You're the best.
Okay, so, everything is set up
for Brian Andrew's place.
Yes.
And just call me
if you need anything.
Okay.
Oh, also, Mallory was looking...
- Colbie.
- ...for you.
- Hey!
- Good morning, Colbie.
Good morning.
So good news and bad news.
The good.
Your designs for
the Yellowbrooke office spaces
were flawless,
and the client
couldn't be more thrilled.
Great.
And what's the bad?
Well, it's not bad per se.
You have another client
that needs you to work
up until Christmas.
Mallory, my family is coming
into town.
- I'm hosting the annual dinner.
- I know.
- My parents are moving.
- I know.
But this is a major client.
And they requested
you specifically.
Uh, who is it?
Eloise Chapman.
- The Chapman House?
- Yes.
You'll be decorating
the Chapman House
for their annual Holly Ball.
With a client like this...
well, it has partner
written all over it.
When do I start?
You're meeting Mrs Chapman
and her estate manager
tomorrow morning.
They're sending a car
to pick you up.
Details are in your inbox.
Great!
I've lost my Christmas vacation,
but it's nothing a little
retail therapy can't fix.
An incredibly healthy
way to handle things.
A little
shopping never hurt anybody,
and besides,
it's for a good cause.
I'm sponsoring two families
this Christmas.
But I have no idea where
I'm supposed to find
Starlight roller sneakers.
They were also on Remi's list.
I can send a link.
Thank you.
But I thought you
were finally gonna
get some rest this Christmas.
Well, I thought so.
But if I want to make partner,
I'm going to need to
do this design job.
And you're so talented.
There's no way the board
won't see that.
Well, I'm here.
Where?
Oh, no! Uh... I totally forgot.
I got so wrapped up in finishing
Remi's school project.
I will be there in, uh...
ASAP.
Okay.
Could I please buy
three snowballs?
- Thanks.
- There you go.
Awesome.
All right.
Just hit the bell to win
Here goes nothing.
Ah!
Huh!
- Thank-you.
- No worries.
Oh!
I am so sorry!
Oh, I am... I am...
No, no. It... It's...
- I'm so... no, no, no.
- It's all right. It's all right.
The snow...
You've got quite an arm on you.
I mean, the aim could
use a little work.
You know what? Uh, hey.
Can I get another flight of
snowballs for the lovely lady?
'Cause I feel like I might
have gotten in the way
of that last one.
No, I should be
buying you the snowball.
No. It's for
a good cause, right?
Right.
Let's see what you got.
It's close, right?
You know what I think
might be going on here?
What?
I never played team sports?
Oh, I mean, no. I, uh...
I think you might just
be holding on a little tight.
Yeah.
May I?
Please.
- I'm going to need that hand.
- Mm.
All right, so, just gotta loosen
up on the reigns a little bit.
Yeah.
There you go, right?
Okay.
Aim over there.
Nice and careful.
Pull that back.
And just trust the process.
Okay.
Yes!
Hey, see? You're a natural.
- Oh. Um...
- You get a bear?
- Thank you.
- Oh, that's nice.
- What a beauty.
- Oh, this is so sweet.
- My niece will love this.
- That's cute.
Well, thank you
for the sports lesson.
It's nothing.
Hey, um...
Colbie!
Hi.
Oh. Um, sorry. That's my sister.
- Yeah.
- So, I'd better get going.
Yeah.
Thank you.
Okay.
The house has, like,
37 bedrooms.
I know you're not being literal
but that's...
that's far too many.
I know. They're retiring.
They should be downsizing.
I mean, they've been
empty-nesters for over a decade,
it's about time.
I do agree, but...
I don't know, there's something
so wonderful about...
living in the country.
I mean, right?
Yeah, it sounds like
it's a wonderful life.
Speaking of wonderful lives.
Who was that guy
you were speaking with?
That was just some guy I...
accidentally threw
a snowball at.
- Oh.
- Yeah.
- As you do.
- As you do.
Cute bear.
Cute Snowball Man give you that?
I won it for Remi.
That's very kind of you.
Now, family dinner.
- Mm-hmm?
- Do you need me to take over?
No. No, I think I can do it.
I just... you know,
I just want it to be perfect
before Mom and Dad leave.
I'm sure it will be.
Right this way, my dear.
Just put your bag down.
- Make yourself comfortable.
- Oh, great.
Thank you.
As you can see, we take our
heritage very seriously here.
The Chapman House is one
of the oldest in town,
and it's been in my family
for over five generations.
Wow.
- It's beautiful.
- Hm.
We love it.
I'd love for you to meet
my estate manager.
Colbie, meet Ben Thurston.
Oh.
Hi.
Hi.
You two know each other?
We met at the Christmas
market yesterday.
- Oh.
- He helped me with my aim.
How festive.
Now, as for the brief,
Ben will give you all
the information that you need.
We're after something cohesive,
yet fresh, fun, elevated.
Ben knows what we're after.
Um, Mrs. Chapman...
I'm so sorry, dear.
Ben, would you mind
finishing the tour?
I need to check in
with the gardeners
about the chaos
in the greenhouse.
Now, if you have any questions,
just ask Ben.
He knows the estate
better than anyone.
You know, sometimes,
I think he knows it
even better than myself.
- Bye-bye.
- Uh... oh.
Okay.
Well.
Well.
It is nice to meet you
again, Ben.
- And you... Colbie?
- Mm-hmm.
Colbie.
Um, so... uh, the tour.
Yeah. Let me...
- let me show you around.
- Great.
- Can I take your coat?
- Sure. That'd be lovely.
So the house was built
in 1889 by Mavis Chapman,
who was a real-estate tycoon
known for her incredible
art collection.
- Hmm.
- ...and impeccable taste.
She was an philanthropist
so she started the Holly Ball
as a way to give back
to the community.
Oh man, she was
really something.
Uh-huh.
All right.
Now, normally,
the Chapman Foundation
selects a national charity
to partner with.
But this year,
we're raising money
for a local children's hospital
particularly close
to Mrs. Chapman's heart.
So we're trying to make this
the best Holly Ball ever.
- Right this way.
- Okay.
Through here is the ball room.
It's always a lot of fun,
but also it's a really great
place for the donors to meet
the families of the people
who they help to support.
They can talk about all
the amazing things
that are being done
with their donations.
This is the main event,
where the magic's gonna happen.
Thanks.
Now, over the years,
Mrs. Chapman's had some
incredible designers.
Now we've got you.
You're gonna be just as amazing.
- So, welcome.
- Thank you.
But that still doesn't explain
why Mrs. Chapman requested me.
Specifically.
No. Well, I don't know
for certain.
But I'm guessing the other
designers weren't available.
Oh.
Thank you for keeping
my ego in check.
Well, as soon as I get
that design brief,
then I can get started.
We have a lot of work
ahead of us.
Um, okay, so, about that.
- Yeah.
- Uh...
I do have a few thoughts
about the decor for the event.
I'll just get them to you
and we can...
Oh, no, that's okay.
I don't need them. I'm...
No, I know. It's just that
I know the place really well.
Yeah, I know design really well.
Absolutely.
It's just, Mrs. Chapman wants me
to oversee the thing.
It needs to have
a traditional feel...
She's also looking for fresh.
- She did say that but...
- Great.
Hmm.
Now, the design brief...
would be great.
Oh, yes. Yes. That is...
Where did I put...
- In my office.
- Great.
Just this way.
All right.
I just saw it here this morning.
Nope.
Not in here.
Mm...
No.
Oh!
A-ha! Here we go.
Yep, this is it.
Uh, there.
Ah.
Is there... is there
a digital copy?
Uh...
I can get a digital copy to K&S
at the request of
your boss if you like,
but everything you need
should be right in here.
- Okay.
- There you go.
Oh, also, I put my thoughts
in there,
so you can stew on those.
Oh, while you're here,
I might give you this,
the Chapman family
Holly Ball album
for some inspiration.
- Great.
- All right.
Okay, I will get these
straightened out.
All right, well,
I'll walk you out.
u
Yes.
We are as well, Mrs. Chapman.
Thank you.
I will.
Bye.
Wonderful job today.
I have a call this afternoon
with the board.
We're discussing
your promotion to partner.
Wow.
That's really exciting.
I'll leave you to it.
Thank you, Mallory.
Right. Okay.
The brief.
Let's see what you got, Ben.
Oh, absolutely not.
What are you thinking?
You've reached Ben Thurston
of the Chapman House.
I'm not available
to take your call right now.
So, please...
Hello... Oh, good, Ben.
- You're still here.
- Yes.
Oh, you know what?
I'm just... just tidying up
- Give me a moment.
- Yeah, sure.
There we go.
Uh, what can I do for you?
Well, I just wanna know
if everything went well today.
Yeah... Yes, but if you've got
a moment, Mrs. Chapman...
- Mm-hmm.
- ...I just wanna talk to you.
I just wanna
preface this by saying
I trust and respect
your judgment of course.
But Ms. Clark...
Colbie...
why her?
You know, her designs
are quite different
to the things
we've had in the past.
I know.
I like that.
Uh... Why the big change?
Why now?
It's time.
Hm.
Do you have
a problem with that, Ben?
- No, uh...
- Good. Good.
Then please assist Ms. Clark
with anything that she needs.
I want this year's ball
to be extra special.
Okay. Thank you.
Of course.
What did that
frosting ever do to you?
Sorry.
This new job is giving
me a run for my money.
Why is that?
So, do you remember
the cute snowball guy?
Yeah.
Turns out he is
the estate manager
for the Chapman House.
And, yes, he is cute,
but he is also opinionated,
and he fancies
himself a designer.
He's still kind of cute, though.
Yeah, I have no idea
why Mrs. Chapman even hired me.
Why don't you just ask her?
I tried.
I just... I don't want
to seem ungrateful.
You know what's even
more annoying?
Is that I really liked
him when I met him.
I mean, we sparked.
I never spark.
Turns out first
impressions can be wrong.
You just need to
put your head down,
do this design, get in and out.
You deal with difficult
clients all the time.
You're right.
Yeah, I am giving him
way too much power.
Mm-hmm.
And you're using
way too much frosting.
Ooh.
Someone's in a good mood.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't know you were still up.
We're both searching for
a midnight snack it seems.
Well, I made
enough to share, so...
Ah, your famous cacio e pepe.
Just trying to remember
if I could still make it.
This was Layla's favorite
dish back in the day.
Mm! Yeah, I remember.
She, uh...
She begged me to make it
the night before
she left for London.
And I don't think
we've had it since.
- No, I don't think we have.
- Hmm.
Did she tell you
she's coming back?
No.
Yeah, she flies in just
before the ball.
Oh.
Oh, that's, uh... That's great.
I've not seen her
in a long time.
Yeah, it's been far too long.
- Yeah.
- Mm. Well, thank you.
That was just what
the doctor ordered.
Good night.
- Good night.
Ah! Hi, darling'.
Mom. What you doing?
Just getting a head-start
on the packing.
No time like the present.
What can I do for you?
I have a question.
Um, are you familiar
with the Chapman House?
Well, I've heard of it. Why?
I'm designing the decorations
for their annual Holly Ball.
What an opportunity!
Well, I was doing some research,
and came across a photo
of what looks like Grandma.
Grandma Clark? Really?
Mm-hmm!
Well, I don't know
if she had any connection
to the Chapman House,
but I know she did
do a lot of charity work.
Can you send me a photo?
Yeah, sure. Hold on.
Ah!
Oh, I can see
what you're saying.
Yeah, there is a resemblance,
but, um,
I don't know if it's her.
Hun, I don't...
Maybe it is.
I don't know.
I mean, your grandmother always
loved a good Christmas party.
Yeah, that sounds about right.
Okay. All right.
Love you, Mom.
Mallory, hi!
So, big news.
The Chronicle
wants to do a profile
on you and the Chapman House.
Whoa. That's huge.
The biggest publicity
the firm's received.
So apparently, they would
like to send a journalist out
in the next few days
to interview you.
This reporter, Reggie,
I know the board of K&S
reads everything she puts out.
So just make sure that
Chapman House design is perfect.
Got it. I am on top of it.
Oh,
and can you remind the client
to send over the brief?
We still haven't
received anything.
- You haven't?
- No.
That's not exactly surprising.
What do you mean?
He just has an unconventional
organizational style is all.
And, uh, yeah, I'll have
him send it over.
Okay. Thanks, Colbie.
Congratulations.
We are not doing this.
Colbie, I know this house.
This brief goes against
everything Mrs. Chapman wants.
No, it builds upon it.
Ah, quite the opposite.
It puts it to sleep.
- Snooze fest.
- Painful.
This does not make a statement.
Don't believe we need
to make a statement.
I mean...
We need to respect the integrity
and the traditions
of this estate.
This is subtle.
This is exactly what
this house actually needs.
Okay, fine.
You do the decorating.
Uh, where are you... Wait!
Look, we both know that
Mrs. Chapman wants
you to design ball.
Well, then let me
design the ball!
I am! It's just,
this one has to be perfect.
And that's exactly
what I'm aiming for.
You don't understand.
Mrs. Chapman
doesn't realize that...
Um... Uh...
No, no. It's a long story.
You don't...
Hmm.
Do you want to talk about it?
No.
Okay.
Look, I was doing
some research last night,
and in the past years,
there's a direct
correlation between
strong themes
and higher donor bids.
- Hmm.
- So, I say we really go for it.
Elegant,
sophisticated, original.
I... I don't know.
It just... It just feels...
A lot?
Good, because it is a lot.
But I think that's exactly
what you guys need.
I'm not following.
Foundation hasn't been doing
well as it has in the past.
What?
The Chapman family has
been bleeding money to keep up.
I didn't know about this.
I think that's why
Mrs. Chapman hired me,
to shake things up,
help her get new donors on board
so she can continue helping
as many charities as possible.
And I really want to be
able to do that for her.
Me too. More than ever.
You... You don't understand.
W... Whatever we do...
this has to be
a ball to remember.
With your knowledge
of this house and my skills,
I think we can do just that.
Maybe even do it
better together.
"Together"?
Together.
But we only have a few
days to pull this off.
So, if we're really
going to do this,
we both need to be
on the same page.
Yeah, agreed.
Good. Grab your coat.
Um... Yeah.
So what's this plan?
We're going to create
a whole new mood board together.
Hmm. Um...
Couldn't we have just
done this back in the office?
- Just go with me for a second.
- Ok.
So we're going to find
things that inspire us,
and then we're going to pool
your items and my items together
to create a whole new theme.
- Okay. Sounds... creative.
- Thank you.
I use it with
my most difficult clients.
Um, noted.
So how'd you come up
with this whole thing?
Well, early on in my career,
I was working with this woman
who wanted me to redo
her twin sons' bedrooms,
and she had fired
her last three designers.
No pressure, right?
So, after three weeks
of us just getting nowhere,
I had her take me to
every store she liked
and pick out items
that she was drawn to.
And then from there,
I was able to
figure out her preferences,
and then create a design
that her whole family loved.
So you're stubborn.
You don't quit.
Something like that.
So?
What do you think?
That's great.
I love it.
Kind of reminds me of Walters.
Walters?
Oh, yeah.
This is this cool vintage
store on the edge of town.
The owner, Walter, he has
one of basically everything.
So if you ever need something,
yeah, he's going to have it.
I should take you sometime.
I'd love that.
Think you would.
Okay, so, um, we have five rooms
and the exterior
to do in less than a week.
Shall we get started?
Great idea. After you.
All right, so first up,
wrapping paper.
Ah-ha.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Phew!
Do you see anything you like?
Yes, I do.
Hmm.
Okay, on the count of three,
point to yours.
Oh.
One, two, three.
I don't hate it.
Oh, you don't hate it? Great.
Hi.
Um, could we please
have a sample
of the one with the gold stars
and the burlap sack thing?
"Burlap sack"?
Is that what we're calling that?
Yeah, that's what it is.
- Uh...
- Is it not?
- Thank you so much.
- Enjoy.
I don't get it.
No, but you will.
Come on.
Thanks.
- Hi.
- Hey.
Hi.
On the count of three.
- Ah!
- Mm.
One, two, three.
- Classic.
- Ooooh.
Um, could we please have one
candy cane
- and two marshmallows please?
- Of course.
I got it.
- That's really sweet.
- That's alright.
Thank you.
Wait. What?
Why two?
Cause they're my favorite.
Three, two, one.
Will you look at that!
- Oh!
- Sometimes...
- ...great minds think alike!
- Great minds think alike.
Jinx.
We'll take three, please.
Okay. There you go. Thank you.
Why three?
One for the ball,
one for you...
and one for me.
The first thing that
we could agree upon.
Cheers.
Hopefully to many more.
Thanks.
Hey, you coming?
- Yeah.
- Come on.
Oh, hello, you two.
Hi.
Colbie, I've had
the old decorations
bought out of storage for you.
- They're in the living room.
- Oh, great. Amazing.
I can't wait to see them.
Mrs. Chapman,
I want to talk to you...
...about...
No, I...
I'm sorry, dear,
but I'd best get this.
Oh, okay.
Is it me,
or is she... um...
acting odder than usual?
It's, uh...
Who's to say?
- Hot cocoa?
- Uh, sure.
Great.
And are you acting
odder than usual?
You okay?
Me? No, I'm fine.
You know, I've only
known you for a few days,
and I already know
that you're a terrible liar.
One of my better qualities.
Nice.
So...
What's up?
I might have applied
for a job in Tuscany.
It's this lovely little place
about an hour out of the city.
So nice. But after hearing
about the foundation,
uh, I just...
...feel a little
strange about it all.
I didn't know you were actively
trying to leave
the Chapman House.
No, it's just this one
specific property.
My grandparents met there,
and they started
a textile business.
It seemed like a good life.
Plus, I've, You know, I've been
here a few years, and, uh...
Oh.
So you don't like staying
in one place for very long?
Guess I'd like to
remain unattached.
Ah! Yeah.
So you're single.
You say that like
it's a bad thing.
No, no.
It's just an observation.
You noticing in others what
you might notice in yourself.
Is that a covert way
of asking if I'm single?
Well...
Yes.
Hmm.
You know, I have a great way
to take your mind
off of this dilemma.
Oh?
Christmas crafting.
What?
Not what you're thinking,
but I think it would be great.
Right this way.
Uh, okay.
Coming.
Must have really loved
group projects as a kid.
What gave it away?
- Did you want to get that?
- Uh, no.
Okay.
So, um...
So the Chapmans are
like family to you?
Yeah. Yeah, they are.
But what about you?
You close to your parents?
Yeah, we are.
Once a year, we do this dinner.
It's called
the "Clark Family Feast..."
...and whoever hosts has to
plan and cook the meal.
And it is my first time
hosting this year.
Oh, congratulations.
You got any idea what
you're going to be making?
No idea.
Cooking is not really my thing.
Hmm. Well.
I mean, if you need
any inspiration, uh...
cooking is kind of my thing.
Oh, is that the Italian
grandmother cookbook?
Something like that.
You know,
my favorite recipe ever
is the cacio e pepe.
Pair it with a nice dry Chianti,
and you finish with a tiramisu,
you can't go wrong.
That sounds fantastic.
It's beautiful.
Ugh, I wish I knew how to cook.
Play cards right,
I might let you in
on a few family secrets.
I would love that.
Hi.
Hello, missus and mister.
I'm Santa, and I'm selling
chocolate for my school.
Wow. They look great.
Um... How much for one of them?
Uh, two dollars.
Two dollars? Wow.
We'll take the whole box.
Really?
I like your style.
Mm.
Okay. What do you see?
Uh... That you are better at
using a glue gun than I am.
No, we have a theme.
Oh, yeah, of course.
Which is...
obviously...
Vintage Christmas.
...Vintage Christmas.
Which I was just about to say.
With nods to the past
and lots of layered textures,
we can create an elegant
Christmas through the decades.
Okay. I will start working
on some sketches and...
come back tomorrow afternoon,
and we'll get started.
That sounds great.
Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow.
See you tomorrow.
Hmm.
This place is beautiful.
Yeah, it's nice.
The Chapmans always get their
trees from here.
So, what's your story?
I don't have a story.
Oh, everybody has a story.
So?
So, I thought my ex
was going to propose,
and instead he told me
he had a job offer in Denver,
and then he moved
the following week.
- Oh no, really?
- Yeah.
Yeah, and my life, and my
family, and my job is here...
- Sure.
- ...and so I stayed, he left.
- That's the end of that tune.
- Right.
But, you know, now that I think
about it
I don't think he was my guy.
But he was good enough, right?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
How... How long
were you together?
Um... almost two years.
And we broke up last Christmas.
Hey, kissed any frogs
since then?
No! No, no.
I'm just so focused on
making partner.
Ooh, that sounds fancy.
No!
I mean, it is the highest...
- position at K&S Design,
- Ah-ha!
But it's all dependent
on how this job goes.
Oh! So no pressure.
Yeah, exactly.
What?
Oh, that.
Oh, no.
No way.
- Wait, what? I mean...
- I mean...
I mean, no.
- Yeah, no. Sure.
- Yeah, sure.
No, no.
- Just here?
- Yeah. Yep, yep, yep
Alright.
There we go.
Great.
Oh.
- Huh.
- Tuscany job
or secret girlfriend?
I don't have
a secret girlfriend.
And I don't have
the job yet either.
Operative word being "yet."
So, um...
What do you think
about a tree-topper?
I was thinking an angel.
I was originally
thinking a star.
Of course.
I... I could do an angel.
Really?
Okay, well, I was...
I was thinking,
you know, like a vintage angel
that has texture and history.
- No, I like that.
- Yeah.
Yeah, leave that with me.
All right?
Okay, great.
And what about mistletoe?
I was thinking, um...
- Why don't we put it up here?
- ...there.
Hey!
Look at us.
Look at us.
Well, the Clark Family Feast
isn't going to make itself,
So I should probably get going.
Oh, did you land on a recipe?
No, I was just going to
go to the grocery store
and raid the hot bar.
I mean,
that sounds like cheating.
Yeah, they're not going to know.
I mean, I...
I... I could help you
if you want.
Really?
You want to help me make dinner?
Sure. I got nothing on tonight.
Why not, right?
I would love that.
We'll make Nana's recipe,
the one I told you about.
Well, lead the way.
All right.
Knock, knock.
- Hello. Hello.
Hey! The Christmas Clarks
have arrived...
Um, Mom!
Hi, Gemma, Dad!
Hey.
Um... Uh, this is my...
This is Ben.
He, uh...
He works for the Chapman House.
Hi. Nice to meet you.
And are you, um,
staying for dinner?
Uh...
No, I don't want to impose.
Oh, it's no imposition.
Yeah, no, no, we insist, Ben.
I mean, it is
your family recipe.
Yeah. Um, okay.
Okay, great.
Heavenly Father,
we thank you
for our time together
and for what this time
of year represents.
Please bless this food.
Let it nourish our bodies.
In our Lord's name we pray.
Amen.
- Amen.
- Let's eat.
Why is Santa so good at karate?
Because he has a black belt.
Cheers!
That was so fun.
I can't believe
we pulled that off.
I know.
Thank you for making my first
time hosting such a big success.
Oh, please. It's all you.
I just...
just happy to be part of it.
Your family is the best.
Yeah, they are.
They really are.
And they liked you a lot.
- Yeah?
- Oh, yeah.
I guess it's getting late,
so I should...
I should probably...
Right.
No, definitely.
But I'll be there in
the morning to set up,
and everything I ordered
should have been delivered,
so it's time to decorate.
Yeah.
Oh! I forgot.
I got that Esposito villa
interview in the morning.
Time zones and whatnot.
Oh, right.
Um...
Well, then maybe you can
join me after you book the job.
Yeah, something like that.
Yeah.
All right, well,
have a good night.
Good night.
And with my Master's degree
in historic preservation
and my experience
in art history,
maintaining the villa's
cultural integrity
is the utmost importance to me
as it is in all the properties
that I managed.
And when
are you available to start?
I mean, we would
love to get someone in
at the top of the new year.
Oh, I'm sorry, I was
under the impression
that this job didn't
start until this summer.
Uh, see, we had
to move up the timeline a bit.
Is that going to be an issue?
Uh...
What do you say?
I mean, can we consider
you as a top candidate
to manage the Esposito villa?
Of course. Certainly.
Thank you.
That's wonderful news.
Thanks a lot for that
and have a good day.
Ciao.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Um, are those for me?
I'm afraid we're closed
to tourists, ma'am.
- Want a hand with those?
- I would love that.
Vintage Christmas, here we come.
Oh.
- Hi.
- Ha!
You know what? I think
this turned out pretty great.
Yeah, I think it did.
Okay. One room down,
four more to go.
Yeah, but first, lunch.
I don't know about you,
but I am starving.
Me, too.
Yeah, let's do it.
Any ideas about the entry way?
So I was thinking
something, but...
it might be a little crazy.
Picking up that's
kind of your thing.
Well, that's what makes me
a great designer.
That's true.
So what I was thinking
is Vintage Christmas,
and I want something
cozy in the beginning,
you know, like candles
and soft lighting.
And it's kind of like,
when you wake up
in the middle of the night
on Christmas Eve
and checking to see if Santa
had arrived yet,
and the only light you see
are the Christmas tree lights
and the presents
and little cookie crumbs
that Santa had just left.
That's what I want
it to feel like.
I love that.
Yeah, and I was thinking,
um, the entryway
would be Christmas Eve,
and the rest of the rooms
would be Christmas morning.
And I'm going to
sketch something out,
and then run it by you
and see what you think.
Sounds perfect.
Great.
Um, so I'm going to get
started in the ballroom.
You know what? I'll just
fix a couple of things here.
- I'll be right with you. Okay.
- Okay. Sounds great.
Okay.
Look at all this!
Hi, Mrs. Chapman.
Oh, it looks so festive.
Oh, thank you.
I know it's different
from what you're used to.
Well, different is why
we hired you.
Right. About that.
Um, I'm really curious as to...
Oh, I'm so sorry, my dear,
but I really must
attend to this.
Ah!
Hi.
How long have you
been standing there?
Sorry, I didn't mean
to scare you.
You have a beautiful voice.
Oh, um...
Um... that must
be the journalist.
Journalist?
I was thrilled when
Mrs. Chapman asked me
to design her annual Holly Ball.
And I know what an important
charity event this is.
Mrs. Chapman,
she wanted me to make sure
that this is the best one
that they've ever done.
So she hired this designer,
a new designer
called Colbie Clark,
to put a plan together.
And so I created
a Vintage Christmas theme
in collaboration with
the estate manager,
Ben Thurston.
So tell me more about
working with Mr. Thurston.
Well...
So, Colbie...
Sorry. Ms. Clark, she had
some great ideas,
but they're pretty different
to what we're used to here.
And it was my job to make sure
it fit the traditional
aesthetic of the property.
So this was your vision?
Uh, no. I wouldn't say that.
Together we blended our styles
to create a newer, sleeker,
cottage core aesthetic
to make this year's Holly Ball
a night to remember.
It was an honor to meet her
- and work with her...
- Thank you.
That's all we have time for.
No, but I was just
getting to the part about...
Well, I have everything
I need, Mr. Thurston.
So, how did it go
with the journalist?
Uh, good, I think.
- You?
- Yeah, great. Same.
Tonight, um...
You got any plans?
Oh, I... I was just going
to grab some dinner,
but do you want to join?
Uh...
Yeah, that'd be great.
Great.
Oh, sorry,
we're closed for tourist.
Ben. Hi.
Layla!
Oh, my gosh.
Hi. You must be Colbie.
My mom's told me
so much about you.
Oh, I'm sorry. This is Layla.
This is Mr. and Mrs.
Chapman's daughter.
Nice to meet you.
You, too.
Hey, help me unload?
Then maybe we can
make your cacio e pepe?
I heard you recently
revived the recipe.
I did but...
We were just actually thinking...
I'm going to get
out of your hair.
I feel like you guys
have a lot to catch up on.
And, um, I'll...
I'll see you later.
And it was really nice
meeting you, Layla.
Okay. Bye.
Colbie...
So, you guys have done
a fantastic job in here.
Uh, yeah.
Hey, darling.
Hi, mom.
How's it going with
the Chapman House?
I... I don't know.
It's, uh...
It's silly.
You have a crush on him.
I do not.
Oh, I saw the way you were
looking at him at dinner.
I was not.
And he was looking at
you the exact same way.
He was?
No. No, mom.
Pretty sure he likes
Mrs. Chapman's daughter.
Are you sure about that?
Also, we're just...
We couldn't be more opposite.
What?
When I met your father,
we had a 20-minute
heated discussion
about whether crepes
were a breakfast food
or an any-time-of-day food.
Let me guess.
He thought they were
an any-time-of-day food?
So we agreed to disagree,
and I thought
I'd never see him again.
But then he turned up
at church a week later
with a crepe
wrapped in a red bow,
with this card that said,
"Only good before noon."
I knew I had met my match.
So sometimes
opposites do attract.
You won't know unless you put
yourself out there, honey.
And I know it can be scary,
but if you want my advice,
love is always worth the risk.
Thanks, mom.
I love you.
Okay. Any details?
Not much to tell, really.
Other than the fact that
you have a crush
on the designer?
What? No.
I saw it the moment I walked in.
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Ben!
You know you're like
a brother to me, right?
And as your honorary sister,
I'm emotionally invested
in your happiness.
I appreciate that, but I could
be just both single and happy.
- So.
- Yeah, I know you can.
It's just...
I don't want you to
hold yourself back
because you're scared to
let someone really see you.
Duly noted. Thank you.
You're a great guy, Ben.
And you deserve to be happy.
Like, really,
truly, fully happy.
All right, great.
Thank you. I...
Enough about me.
What you got going on?
What? No!
Did Liam finally propose?
We haven't really
told anybody yet.
I mean, besides my parents,
who were thrilled.
I'm so happy for you.
Thank you.
I think you should
ask Colbie out.
I don't know.
She's kinda...
Stunning?
Put together? Talented?
Yeah.
Yeah, she's all those things.
Do you need another reason?
We should go.
Come on. Pick up.
Yeah, Walter? Yes.
Yeah, it's Ben.
No, I'm fine.
I'm fine.
I'm sorry to be calling
so late in the night.
You know how you said
you can get anything right?
Uh-huh?
Are you still in the office?
That's great.
Uh, look, I got a really big
favor to ask you.
Okay?
Oh!
Ben!
You should just tell her.
Yeah, right. I'll tell her.
Come on.
Hey, Ben.
I wanted to show you my design.
"I don't know what to say,
I'm going away to Italy.
But I have feelings for you.
That you're the best thing that
ever happend to me.
You're smart...
beautiful...
stubborn.
Yeah.
Exactly that.
I guess it's a little
late for that.
You'll never know
if you don't try.
Look, I know it's scary
putting yourself out there,
but...
Christmas is the most
wonderful time of the year.
If not now, when?
Colbie...
Colbie.
Colbie?
Oh, Colbie,
I'm glad you're here.
This just arrived.
Oh!
That is a lovely touch.
I wanted to do something
special for the foundation,
and, you know,
I hope the kids like it.
Well, you know, my motto is,
"If you have more than you need,
then build a bigger
table so more can join."
I love that.
That's beautiful.
I learned that
from your grandmother.
Abigail Clark was
an incredible woman.
When I realized
that the foundation
needed a bit of a boost,
I asked myself,
"What would Abigail do?"
We met, both volunteering
at a youth center
when I was in college
and she had just retired.
Her eye for charity
and her heart for giving
defined my approach to
the Chapman Foundation.
But, you know, these last
few years, it's been tough.
And when I realized I needed
some help, I sought out you,
her granddaughter.
So that's why you hired me/
You're so lucky
you got to know her.
I...
I never really knew her.
Well, from what I can tell,
you're a lot like her.
Thank you.
Oh, it's nice having
a Clark back in my life.
Thank you,
very much Mrs. Chapman
- Thank you Colbie
- Thank you. Okay.
Colbie?
Oh, Mrs. Chapman.
Have you seen Colbie?
Well, you just missed her.
Huh. Oh No
Colbie, there you are.
- I got a surprise for you.
- Oh, uh...
Just... I have so much
work I have to do.
Ah, no, no, no. Come with me.
But close your eyes.
Can this wait till later?
No, no. Come with me.
Just let everything go
a little bit and trust me.
All right. You got them closed?
Yeah, I got them closed.
- Don't open them.
- I'm not.
Here we are.
All right, ready?
- Three, two, one.
- Okay.
Ben, how did you...
Uh, your plans
were very thorough.
This must have
taken you all night.
Thank you.
I love this.
I'm glad.
And we're still putting
the finishing touches
on the grand entrance,
but other than
a few minor details,
we're almost finished.
Well, hang on, Colbie.
What I have here is that
you were meant to decorate
the ballroom, the kitchen,
the study, foyer, dining room,
and the master bedroom.
That's six rooms.
You've only shown me five.
Well, uh, from my understanding,
it was five, plus the exterior,
No, no, no.
It clearly says here
that it's six.
Well, the brief
that I got said five.
The brief that Ben finally
emailed to me said six.
So whoever gave you
your information was incorrect.
Colbie, is there something
else going on here?
Because we can't have
the professional integrity
of this firm being compromised.
Oh, no, I totally understand.
And it won't be...
Okay, well, I have to run,
but I will see you
and the sixth room tonight.
Okay. Bye.
Colbie?
Ah, Colbie, there you are
What are you doing?
What is all this?
I'm decorating the last room.
Last room? What do you mean?
I'm supposed to decorate
six rooms, not five.
No, I don't think that's right.
The brief that you
finally emailed Mallory
said six rooms, not five.
Why didn't you tell me
about the last room?
What? No.
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Can you tell me
what's going on here?
Reggie just sent me her
article...
What?
"While Klein and Smith's
designer, Colbie Clark,
was hired to do the design,
it was estate manager,
Ben Thurston,
who ensured the design aligned
with the Chapman's vision
to deliver a night to remember."
No, no, no.
Why would you say that
we did this together?
I must have been misquoted.
I wouldn't have told her that.
I...
I mean, I might have mentioned
Mrs. Chapman had
put me in charge
of overseeing the project.
No, but... No, but I told her
this all came from
your creativity,
your inspiration, your vision.
I said that lot's of times...
This seems a bit
above misquoting, Ben.
I was nervous.
I'd never done these before.
I just wanted
Mrs. Chapman to understand
how much this all meant to me,
if this is going to
be the last... one.
Wow.
So this wasn't about us
doing it together at all.
- That's not it.
- No, no, no.
Because you have the article
and you didn't tell me
about this last room.
Have you even told Mrs. Chapman
that you're leaving?
So...
You are leaving.
I overheard you, the other day.
You left the door open.
No, see, see,
I can explain this.
We have more than
a hundred guests coming
to hopefully support
our foundation
in a matter of hours.
We can talk about
this matter later.
Ben, I'm so sorry.
I didn't know that she was...
standing there.
Hey.
I'm sorry to bother you.
I know everything's
a little crazy right now,
but, um, this just came for you.
Oh. The tree topper.
It's from this cool
antique store in town.
It's one of Ben's favorites.
- Ah, well, Thank you.
- Yeah, sure.
Look, Ben...
If this is what you really want.
I don't know if this
is what I really want.
That's not a problem.
You know,
if you want to go to Italy
to see where
your family came from,
to spread your wings
a little bit,
I understand. I do.
I just wish you'd told me first.
I'd have given you
a glowing recommendation.
I know.
Uh, I'm sorry.
You always have
a place here, Ben.
You're family.
But if you do decide to leave,
we will fully support you.
You gonna get that?
Yeah. Sorry. Hang on.
Hi. Could you hold a moment?
Thank you.
I got a problem
I really gotta make right.
Colbie?
Journalist.
Well, if you want me to
make a comment as well,
I'd be happy to do so.
Thank you.
Mrs. Chapman, I'm...
I'm so sorry that I didn't
come to you straight away.
Oh, dear Ben, it's okay.
Hi, Reggie.
Thanks for holding.
I was hoping
I could talk to you...
about the article
that you wrote.
You know, Grandma Clark,
and how she was volunteering
at the youth center?
I love my job at K&S, but...
I just sometimes feel
like I could be doing more.
You know?
We could all be doing
more to give back.
I think the first step
is realizing that.
You don't need to make
any decisions tonight.
Just go and enjoy the ball.
What is it, honey?
I'm just not ready
to see him tonight.
Not after everything that has
happened.
I think you should give him
a little grace, honey.
He wasn't intentionally
trying to hurt you.
I think
we're way past that, Mom.
Well...
Honey, do you want him
in your life?
Because it seems to me
you've met someone
who lights you up inside,
who challenges you creatively,
and who makes you happy.
You should at least talk to him.
Go to the ball
and enjoy yourself.
I love you.
I love you more.
I mean...
Wow. You look, uh...
You look really handsome.
Everyone, may I have
your attention, please?
As you know, our Holly Ball
is held every year
to give back to those in need.
This year, our ball was designed
by a brand new,
wonderful designer,
Colbie Clark.
Thank you, Colbie.
And I want to thank all of you,
each and every one of you,
our generous donors,
from the bottom of our hearts.
Thank you very much.
As we all know
Christmas is the season
for family, for connection,
celebrating those around us,
opening our hearts to love
and giving thanks for the many
blessings we have in our lives.
I want to take this moment
to wish you all
a very Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
I'll talk to you later.
I love that angel.
Oh, thank you.
I can't take credit for it.
That was... That was all Ben.
He's really great at his job,
and your family
means the world to him.
And he us.
This is a truly
wonderful ball, Colbie.
Thank you.
I just... I wanted to do what
I could to help your foundation.
What you do is...
is so inspiring.
Thank you, dear.
["Deck the Halls" playin
- Wow. You did a wonderful job.
- Thank you.
I spoke with
Mrs. Chapman earlier.
How would you feel about heading
up an official partnership
between K&S
and the Chapman Foundation,
but one focused on charities,
giving back to the community.
Um...
Th... That sounds amazing.
And I just got off
the phone with the board,
and they are ready to make
you a partner right now.
I'm sorry.
I don't understand...
The article?
That's what pushed them
over the edge.
It was republished.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
What?
"Design led by
Colbie of K&S Design
is a blend
of the past and present."
"I was instantly inspired by
the lengths Ms. Clark would go
to bring her clients'
visions to life."
"'I am honored to have met her, '
said estate manager,
Ben Thurston."
Congratulations.
Little birdie told me about
you becoming partner.
You really deserve it.
I couldn't have...
done this without you.
I couldn't have done
any of this without you.
No... Thank you, Colbie.
Because of you, this place
has never looked better.
I think the angel was
a really nice touch.
I'm just glad you liked it.
Hey, been meaning to say that
I'm so sorry about that article.
It didn't come off
the way I wanted it to.
Ben. Than you for getting it
re-published
Because of you, I...
I made partner.
It's the least I could do.
And what about you?
Did you get the job?
I, uh...
I got it.
Oh.
That's great.
Congratulations, Ben
I turned it down.
Oh?
Yeah, I think
I might just stay here.
You know?
Maybe it's time for me to
finally become...
attached.
Plus, I want to help
the foundation grow
and make sure
that our new partner
has everything that she needs.
Yeah.
And maybe...
find someone...
to be attached to.
Oh.
Um...
You and Layla.
What?
Why would you say that?
Um, I.. I heard you guys
talking in the kitchen.
Oh.
Right.
Yeah.
I was talking about you.
Colbie Clark.
You are stubborn...
and smart.
You're incredibly talented...
and breathtakingly beautiful.
And I would very much
like to kiss you right now.
Oh, I would very much
like that too.
I'm really glad
we compromised on this.
Guess we're better together.
We are.
This is definitely
a ball to remember.