Every year, florists and decorators are handed a unique opportunity: the chance to transform spaces like hotels, restaurants, or venues into magical havens for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. These projects are often centered around a Christmas tree, flowers, and a selection of tasteful ornaments. Yet too often, these installations end up being just that—static displays, beautiful but lacking a story, a soul, or a lasting impact. Visitors admire the setup for a moment, but then move on, never truly connecting with what they’ve seen.
What if, instead, you would turn these decorations into experiences? What if your work didn’t just decorate a room but created memories?
It’s Time to Break the Mold
This is where you, as florists and decorators, can step in to elevate the experience. By collaborating closely with your clients, you can infuse meaning, motion, and interaction into your designs. Think beyond ornaments and garlands—think moments, stories, and emotions.
For the client—be it a restaurant owner, a hotelier, or an event organizer—this approach does more than beautify their space. It creates an environment where visitors linger, share, and remember. Satisfied guests are more likely to return, to recommend the venue to their friends, and to share their experiences online. And for you, the florist or decorator, this is a chance to move into the spotlight, showcasing your creative vision and proving how impactful your designs can be.
A Proven Method for Success
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of applying this approach in my own work, and the results have been nothing short of transformative—for the spaces, for my clients, and for the visitors. The joy of seeing a project come alive, not just as a decoration but as a dynamic, living part of an event, is unmatched. And the feedback? Always glowing. Clients are delighted, and visitors walk away with memories, not just photos.
What Can You Do to Stand Out?
Let’s talk specifics. Here are some ideas to help you create an unforgettable holiday experience:
- Have a conversation: Start with your client. Go beyond their initial request and explore what could make their space more dynamic. Ask questions about their audience, their brand, and the story they want to tell this holiday season.
- Offer creative scenarios: Propose interactive options. For example, set up a small workshop where guests can learn to create their own floral arrangements. Imagine children crafting mini Christmas centerpieces while adults sip mulled wine—it’s a scene that fosters connection and joy.
- Add surprises: Incorporate unexpected elements into your design. Think of a tree decorated with handwritten notes from guests, or a cascading floral installation that evolves over time, like a story unfolding throughout the season. Surprises keep visitors engaged and eager to explore.
- Leverage social media: Design your setup with photo opportunities in mind. Give guests a reason to capture and share their experience online. A beautifully lit floral archway or a whimsical, interactive centerpiece could be the perfect Instagram moment that takes your work viral.
- Plan thoroughly: Success lies in preparation. Collaborate with your client to nail down every detail, ensuring there’s nothing left to chance. The smoother the execution, the more effortless the experience will feel for your audience.
Looking Ahead to Make It Happen!
Even if your schedule for this Christmas and New Year’s is already full, it’s never too early to start dreaming big for 2025. Consider occasions like International Women’s Day, Easter, or even something more niche, like a company anniversary. Each event brings its own opportunities to create something personal and memorable.
The key takeaway here is to step out of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to create something more than beautiful arrangements—create experiences. By doing so, you’re not just adding value to your client’s space; you’re creating a ripple effect of goodwill, memories, and visibility.
Are you ready to bring this vision to life? Let’s talk about how we can make it happen. Reach out, and I’d be thrilled to help you turn your next project into a story worth telling—and sharing.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
All the best from Natasja.
Photo credit: Natalya Veselova
