♪
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[Church bells chime]
Yes, we want the sage drapes in the living room
and the egg shell ones in the bedroom.
Yes, exactly.
- Merry Christmas. - [Santa] Merry Christmas!
[bell ringing]
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. - [chuckles]
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! - [Mallory] 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.
[Colbie] 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.
[Colbie over phone] 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.
[Gemma laughing]
They were also on Remi's list. I can send a link.
[Colbie] 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.
[Gemma over phone] And you're so talented.
There's no way the board won't see that.
[sighs]
Well, I'm here.
[Gemma] 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. [chuckles sheepishly]
Okay.
Could I please buy three snowballs?
- Thanks. - There you go.
Awesome. All right.
[attendant] Just hit the bell to win
Here goes nothing.
Ah!
Huh!
- [Ben] Thank-you. - [shop attendant] No worries.
- [Ben] Oh! - [exclaims]
- [Colbie] I am so sorry! - [chuckles]
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.
[scoffs]
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? - [sighs]
You know what I think might be going on here?
[chuckling] What?
I never played team sports?
Oh, I mean, no. I, uh...
I think you might just be holding on a little tight.
Yeah.
[Colbie sighs]
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.
[sighs] Okay.
[sharp breath]
[bell chimes]
[both exclaim]
- Yes! - [cheering]
Hey, see? You're a natural.
[chuckles]
- Oh. Um... - You get a bear?
- [Colbie] 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.
[chuckling] It's nothing.
Hey, um--
[Gemma] Colbie!
Hi.
Oh. Um, sorry. That's my sister.
- Yeah. - So, I'd better get going.
Yeah.
Thank you.
[mouthing] 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?
[gasps] I won it for Remi.
That's very kind of you.
[chuckles softly]
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.
[uplifting music]
[sighs]
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.
[soft music]
Oh.
Hi.
[chuckling] Hi.
You two know each other?
We met at the Christmas market yesterday.
- Oh. - He helped me with my aim.
[chuckling] 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.
[chuckles]
- [phone chiming] - 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.
[chuckling] 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.
- [Ben] 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.
- [Colbie] Hmm. - ...and impeccable taste.
She was an philanthropist
so she started the Holly Ball
as a way to give back to the community.
[chuckles] Oh man, she was really something.
Uh-huh.
[Ben] All right.
Now, normally, the Chapman Foundation
selects a national charity to partner with.
- [Colbie sighs] - 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.
[Ben] 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. - [Ben] 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...
[whispering] Where did I put...
- In my office. - Great.
Just this way.
[Colbie clears throat]
All right.
I just saw it here this morning.
Nope.
Not in here.
Mm...
No.
Oh!
[groans]
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.
[Colbie sighs]
a Merry Christmas" pla]u
[sighs]
[Mallory] 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.
[sighs]
Right. Okay.
The brief.
Let's see what you got, Ben.
Oh, absolutely not.
- [phone ringing] - What are you thinking?
[Ben's voicemail] You've reached Ben Thurston
of the Chapman House. I'm not available
to take your call right now.
- So, please-- - [phone disconnects]
[Colbie sighs]
[knock on door]
Hello-- Oh, good, Ben.
- You're still here. - Yes.
Oh, you know what? I'm just... just tidying up
- Give me a moment. - [Mrs. Chapman] 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.
[sighs]
[soft music]
[Colbie groans]
[groans]
What did that frosting ever do to you?
[sighs] 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.
[groans]
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.
[whistling]
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.
[Ben] Mm! Yeah, I remember.
She, uh... She begged me to make it
the night before she left for London.
[chuckles softly]
And I don't think we've had it since.
- No, I don't think we have. - [Mrs. Chapman] Hmm.
Did she tell you she's coming back?
- [somber music] - 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.
♪
[phone ringing]
Ah! Hi, darling'.
Mom. What you doing?
[mom] 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.
[gasps] What an opportunity!
[Colbie] 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! [gasps]
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.
[sighs]
[phone ringing]
Mallory, hi!
So, big news.
The Chronicle wants to do a profile
on you and the Chapman House.
Whoa. That's huge.
[Mallory] 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.
[chuckles] Oh, and can you remind the client
to send over the brief?
We still haven't received anything.
- You haven't? - [Mallory] No.
[sighs]
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.
[sighs]
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.
[scoffs]
Uh, where are you-- Wait!
[sighs]
[exhales]
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. [clears throat]
[clears throat]
Do you want to talk about it?
No.
Okay.
[sighs]
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.
[sighs]
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.
[sighs]
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.
[Colbie] 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.
[sighing]
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.
[chuckles] "Together"?
Together.
[chuckles]
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.
[sighs in relief]
[chuckles]
Good. Grab your coat.
Um... Yeah.
So what's this plan?
[Colbie] 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.
[Ben] 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.
[soft music]
[Ben laughing]
[Colbie] So?
What do you think?
[chuckles] 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.
["Jingle Bells" plays]
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.
- [chuckles] - 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?
- [Colbie] Thank you so much. - Enjoy.
I don't get it.
No, but you will.
Come on.
Thanks.
["We Wish You A Merry Christmas" playing]
- Hi. - Hey.
- Hi.
On the count of three.
- Ah! - Mm.
One, two, three.
- Classic. - Ooooh.
[chuckles]
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.
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
Three, two, one.
Will you look at that!
- Oh! - Sometimes...
- ...great minds think alike! - Great minds think alike.
Jinx.
[chuckles] 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.
[chuckles]
Cheers.
Hopefully to many more.
Thanks.
[sighs]
Hey, you coming?
- [Colbie] Yeah. - Come on.
Oh, hello, you two.
[Colbie] 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.
[both] Mrs. Chapman, I want to talk to you...
...about--
[phone ringing]
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.
[Ben] 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?
[sighs]
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... [sighs]
...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...
- [chuckles] - 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... [clears throat]
Yes.
[chuckles]
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?
[laughing]
[phone vibrates]
- 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.
[sighs] 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.
[chuckles]
[doorbell rings]
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.
- [gasps] Really? - [chuckles]
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.
[sighs]
Hmm.
[soft music plays]
[Colbie] This place is beautiful.
[Ben] 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.
- [sighs deeply] - 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.
[groans]
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.
[upbeat music plays]
- Just here? - [Colbie] Yeah. Yep, yep, yep
- [Ben] Alright. - [both groan]
[Ben] There we go.
- Great. - [chuckles]
- [phone vibrates] - Oh.
- Huh. - [Colbie] Tuscany job
- or secret girlfriend? - [laughs]
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! [chuckles] 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. - [Ben laughs]
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.
[Gemma] Knock, knock. - [Mila] Hello. Hello.
Hey! The Christmas Clarks have arrived...
[Colbie] 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.
[Logan] 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.
- [all] Amen. - Let's eat.
["Silent Night" playing]
[all screaming]
[excited chatter]
[Remi] Why is Santa so good at karate?
Because he has a black belt.
[all laughing]
[all] Cheers!
That was so fun.
[Ben] I can't believe we pulled that off.
- I know. - [laughing]
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.
[chuckles softly]
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.
[chuckles]
Yeah, something like that.
Yeah.
All right, well, have a good night.
Good night.
[sighing]
[sad music plays]
[phone notification beeps]
[soft music]
[phone notification beeps]
[sighing]
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.
[interviewer on phone] 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.
[interviewer] Uh, see, we had to move up the timeline a bit.
Is that going to be an issue?
Uh...
[interviewer] 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.
[interviewer in Italian] Thanks a lot for that
and have a good day.
[speaks in Italian] Ciao.
[chuckles]
[knock on door]
- Hi. - Hi.
Um, are those for me?
I'm afraid we're closed to tourists, ma'am.
[laughing]
- Want a hand with those? - I would love that.
Vintage Christmas, here we come.
["Jingle Bells" playing]
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.
[Ben] 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.
[gasping]
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. - [chuckles]
- Um, I'm really curious as to-- - [phone beeps]
Oh, I'm so sorry, my dear,
but I really must attend to this.
♪ Silent night
♪ Holy night
♪ All is calm
♪ All is bright
♪ Round yon Virgin Mother and Child ♪
♪ Holy--
Ah!
[laughs]
Hi.
How long have you been standing there?
Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.
You have a beautiful voice.
[doorbell rings]
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.
[Ben] 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.
[sighs] 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-- - [Reggie] 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.
[Colbie] 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.
[doorbell rings]
[both] Oh, sorry, we're closed for tourist.
Ben. Hi.
- Layla! - [Layla giggles]
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.
[both chuckle] - 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--
[sighs]
[chuckles sadly]
So, you guys have done a fantastic job in here.
Uh, yeah.
[Mila] 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.
- [chuckles softly] - 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?
[laughs]
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.
[chuckles softly]
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.
[sighs]
[soft music]
[Layla] 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. - [chuckles]
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!
- [giggles] - 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.
[sighs] I don't know.
She's kinda...
Stunning?
Put together? Talented?
Yeah.
Yeah, she's all those things.
Do you need another reason?
[chuckling]
We should go.
[soft music plays]
[sighs]
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?
♪ What Child is This?
[gasps]
Oh!
[uplifting music]
[sighs]
Ben!
You should just tell her.
Yeah, right. I'll tell her.
Come on.
Hey, Ben. I wanted to show you my design.
[Ben] "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.
[Layla] 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?
[sniffles]
[groans]
Oh, Colbie, I'm glad you're here.
This just arrived.
Oh!
[chuckles]
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.
[Ben] Colbie?
Oh, Mrs. Chapman. Have you seen Colbie?
Well, you just missed her.
Huh. Oh No
[Ben] 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.
[chuckles]
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.
[sighs]
[Ben] 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.
[phone notification beeps]
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?
[Mrs. Chapman] 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.
[emotional music]
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... [sighs]
If this is what you really want.
I don't know if this is what I really want.
[chuckles softly] 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.
[phone vibrates]
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.
[exhales]
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.
[sighs]
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.
[sighs] I think we're way past that, Mom.
Well... [chuckles softly]
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.
[sighs]
[crowd chattering]
[enthralling music]
I mean...
Wow. You look, uh...
You look really handsome.
[glass clinking]
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.
[crowd applauding]
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.
[all] Merry Christmas.
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas... ♪
I'll talk to you later.
♪ Good tidings we bring
♪ To you and your King
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a Happy New Year
[Mrs. Chapman] 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.
[chuckles in disbelief]
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.
[sighs] 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.
[uplifting music]
I'm really glad we compromised on this.
[Ben chuckles]
Guess we're better together.
We are.
This is definitely a ball to remember.
(Jingle Bells plays)