The Brief

To develop decoration proposals to include Hero pieces in key areas of the centre, including an attention-drawing emphasis on the exterior of the building, and a consideration of how the scheme could be refreshed annually.

Different methods of creating an interactive space for families were to be explored, using the decorations to tell a Christmas-themed story throughout the centre, to encourage dwell and movement to complete the story, using props to create photo opportunity moments for families.

What We Did

Traditional elements were used throughout the scheme, with the use of wreaths and garlands, to create the base of the decorations theme. To these we applied different themed elements of story, which change every year to keep the theme fresh and new, but at minimal cost to the client, hence in year 1 we had a scheme with traditional Christmas poinsettias, candy canes, and greenery. The following year we brought in elements of the Nutcracker, with the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King, and the Nutcracker himself featuring in various guises.

For the coming year we are moving towards wildlife, with foxes, robins, owls and squirrels making an appearance. Centrepieces are provided with our golden reindeer with dressed antlers, a sit-in sleigh for families to use to take their memento photographs, and a giant snowglobe sculpture on which the setting changes every year to suit the theme – and posting a letter to Santa generates a magical effect on the lighting!