As London’s sparkly metamorphosis is underway, our minds and excitement turn toward the approaching festive season. We’re currently knee deep in pine and baubles, the perfect time to discuss the design choices that encapsulate the essence of this joyous celebration. In this journal post we set out to understand the artistry and intentionality behind the creative decisions that event planners and designers make, seeking to unravel the delicate balance between preserving the cherished traditions of yuletide and embracing the contemporary.

Traditional V’s Contemporary Festive Styling
The allure of the classics certainly lies in the timeless charm of beloved symbols like evergreen branches, red and green color schemes, and the gentle glow of candlelight and these are all things we love at Veevers Carter. These elements evoke a sense of nostalgia, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere that resonates with many. The Christmas tree holds deep symbolism, embodying the spirit of the season. Its evergreen nature represents hope and continuity, as it remains vibrant and green even in the midst of winter. The tradition of adorning the tree with lights illuminates the path of goodness and reminds us of the warmth of home during the darkest time of the year.

We embraced tradition with our 2019 statement Christmas tree commissioned by the RHS for Waterloo Station. That being said, we did give our design a Veevers Carter twist by ditching the classic decorations and showcasing our love of fresh flowers by garlanding the 25ft tree in swaths of fresh gypsophila. This unconventional approach transformed the Christmas tree into a living, organic work of art, with an evolving aesthetic as the flowers dried. Crafted using only biodegradable materials the 25ft design was entirely recyclable.

While wintery settings are a familiar sight in the realm of commercial festive decorations, the creative minds at Veevers Carter ventured beyond the ordinary for this winter willow design. Utilising driftwood and bark sections lent a lifelike quality to the tree's armature, while the cascading foliage was meticulously crafted from laser-cut paper—an unconventional choice for this style of installation.

Contemporary styling for Christmas decor has piqued immense interest in recent years. With emphasis on minimalism and modern design, it offers a departure from the conventional, inviting a sense of curiosity and excitement. The clean lines, unconventional color palettes, and non-traditional materials spark creativity, making it an appealing choice for those who seek a unique and personalised festive look. However, the impact of adventurous Christmas styling on tradition and nostalgia is an interesting aspect of the evolving festive landscape. It raises a question about how non-traditional choices influence individuals' emotional connections to cherished customs and the sentimental aspects of the season.

Booking.com x Christian Cowan | 19 Greek Street

Introducing unconventional color palettes into Christmas decor is a daring design choice that can profoundly impact an event, like this particular set up at 19 Greek Street, where we created out of the ordinary with our sister company Event Concept.

Departing from the classic red and green, event planners and stylists have increasingly explored vibrant alternatives such as deep blues, purples, or metallic hues. These innovative colour choices infuse events with an element of surprise and modernity, potentially revitalizing guests' perception of the season. For event planners, the challenge lies in balancing the desired ambiance with the expectations of attendees. The outcome can be a remarkable and memorable event that encourages guests to see Christmas in a new, imaginative light.

While some believe that adventurous styling disrupts the sentimentality of Christmas by departing from the familiar and time-honored aesthetics, others contend that it enhances the festive experience by infusing it with a fresh sense of wonder. It's a debate that touches on the essence of Christmas traditions and how they adapt to the changing tastes and preferences of each generation and it’s one that we fully embrace at Veevers Carter.

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Out of the Ordinary: Adventurous Christmas Styling and its Impact