Blog

International Christmas 2023

International Christmas 2023

Christmas is a special time for designers and visual merchandisers as the magic of Christmas takes over the central department store hubs. With the power of blogs and social media, we’re lucky enough to take a quick digital flight over to London, New York and Paris to grab inspiration from some of the leading designers in these famous metropolis locations.

Grab your bags! We’re off to see an explosion of colour, in a whirlwind of Christmas and imaginative visual merchandising and design.

Selfridges, London

Theme: Showtime! Theatrical extravaganza featuring festive characters.

Selfridges has once again transformed its iconic windows into a mesmerizing dramatic wonderland for 2023. This year's Christmas windows showcase a symphony of enchanting scenes, blending traditional festive elements with a modern twist. From Christmas tree divas to dazzling angels, each window tells a story that captures the magic and joy of the holiday season. Selfridges continues to set the bar high for immersive and imaginative Christmas displays, creating an experience that truly transports onlookers into a world of festive fantasy.

 

Harvey Nichols, London

Theme: Fairground. Holographic colours, animated lighting and refractive surfaces.

Harvey Nichols once again adorns London's streets with its annual Christmas windows, enchanting passersby with a spectacle of style and festivity. These windows are a testament to innovation and joy, featuring a captivating blend of high fashion and seasonal cheer. Neon lights will cast a glow on passersby with electric blue and purple lights, mirror balls and carousel horses transporting viewers into a world where glamour meets the magic of the holidays.

 

Cartier, London

Theme: Into the Clouds. Inspired by traditional Christmas travel with an edge of whimsy.

Cartier's annual Christmas facade in London is a true testament to timeless elegance and sophistication. Each year, they weave a tapestry of opulence and enchantment, showcasing the brand's exquisite craftsmanship amidst a backdrop of festive cheer. From twinkling displays of iconic jewels to scenes that evoke the spirit of the holidays, Cartier's façade and windows captivate onlookers with a blend of luxury and seasonal magic, ready to float away for the holidays.

St Pancras Station and Hatchards, London

Theme: Library Christmas Tree. Whimsical winding staircase with booths that transport with an audio literary experience.

The St. Pancras Station's annual Christmas tree in London has once again redefined festive enchantment with a breathtaking display that merges tradition with innovation. This year, a stunning library-themed tree emerges, adorned with literary wonders and crowned by a whimsical winding staircase. Nestled beneath its branches, cozy seating booths offer more than just comfort—they transport visitors on an immersive audio literary journey, infusing the spirit of the season with the magic of storytelling. It's an extraordinary fusion of holiday cheer and the captivating world of books, inviting all to embrace the joy of the season through a unique and enchanting experience.

  

Fortnum and Mason, London

Theme: Advent Calendar. Christmas comes alive with a traditional aesthetic, creating an enchanting display.

Fortnum and Mason's Christmas windows in London have unveiled an awe-inspiring spectacle this year, drawing on the nostalgia of an Advent Calendar. Each window unveils a new chapter in the countdown to Christmas. It's a captivating tribute to the timeless allure of the holiday countdown, offering a magical journey through the spirit of anticipation and delight. Stepping into the world of Fortnum's is like walking through the doors of a cherished holiday tradition, which you experience firsthand with bobbing Christmas puddings.

Louis Vuitton, London

Theme: Legacy. Playful expression of craftsmanship and style, history and luxury.

Louis Vuitton's Christmas window displays in London pays homage to its enduring legacy with a captivating theme that celebrates craftsmanship, style, and the brand's rich history of luxury. Each window is a playful expression of the meticulous craftsmanship and iconic designs that have defined Louis Vuitton over the years with a twist. From whimsical scenes that showcase the brand's heritage to modern interpretations utilising Lego, the windows beautifully weave together the essence of sophistication and play as a bright visual journey

 

Meet you at Gare du Nord. We’re heading to Paris!

Galeries Lafeyette, Paris

Theme: Childhood Memories Christmas Tree. Light and colour to create a statement of wonderment.

Galeries Lafayette has once again unveiled a Christmas wonderland in the heart of Paris, where the centrepiece is a breathtaking Childhood Memories Christmas Tree. This year's theme brilliantly infuses the festive spirit with the innocence and joy of childhood, bringing to life a vibrant spectacle of lights and colours that ignite a sense of wonder in all who behold it. Surrounding this magnificent tree, the store's windows serve as enchanting canvases, narrating tales of holiday magic through mesmerizing displays that echo the theme's nostalgic charm. Galeries Lafayette's annual celebration encapsulates the essence of Christmas, inviting visitors on a magical journey back to the joyous memories of youth.

Now let’s jump on a flight and see you in New York City! ….

Bergdorf Goodman, New York

Theme: Isn’t it Brilliant. Light and mirrors, bright neon and mosaiced animals glowing like ice.

Bergdorf Goodman's Christmas windows in New York have once again redefined holiday splendour with their 'Isn’t it Brilliant' theme. The windows are a dazzling fusion of artistry and innovation, featuring a mesmerizing display of light, mirrors, and vibrant neon. Within this kaleidoscope of brilliance, mosaiced animals glow like ice sculptures, each one a radiant symbol of the season's magic. These windows encapsulate the spirit of celebration and wonder, offering passersby a visual symphony that ignites the imagination and spreads joy throughout the bustling streets of New York City.


 

 Dior / Saks Fifth Avenue, New York

Theme: Zodiac. A magical carousel of dreams, dreamlike and delicate.

Dior's collaboration with Saks Fifth Avenue for this year's Christmas installation has birthed an enchanting Zodiac-themed display that transports onlookers into a realm of celestial beauty. The windows unfold a magical carousel of dreams, delicately intertwining each zodiac sign into a mesmerizing tapestry of artistry and elegance. Amidst dreamlike scenes and delicate designs, the installation embodies the essence of the stars, offering a celestial journey that merges the magic of the holiday season with the timeless allure of the zodiac. It's a celestial spectacle that captures the imagination and enchants all who experience its ethereal beauty.

Read more

Christmas Trends for 2023

Australiana

Visions of wattle and sequin galahs will fill your tree this year among garlands of eucalyptus creating an Aussie Christmas dream. Capture the quintessential landscape of our nation with tones of deep-sea bluebottle and golden cockatoo yellow. Have fun with the Australiana trend this year with Bubble O’Bill decorations or keep it natural with native foliage of gumnuts and proteas threaded through a wreath. We urge you to draw inspiration from the colours around you this season and design your Christmas look with sympathetic tones that match your surroundings. Who needs snowmen when you can embrace our vast and beautiful Down Under with dusty pink baubles representing our salt lakes and pioneer red décor for our Great Sandy Desert.

 

Festive Frosting

Polar ice white and champagne towers inspire Festive Frosting. With textures of paper snowflakes, glittering pompoms, and iridescent baubles, the décor for this trend is soothing our Christmas loving souls. This trend is all about engaging with the senses, as glitter covers ornaments and catches the light of warm bulbs threaded through the Christmas tree. Bring warmth into the home with nature inspired elements, leaving room for the organic shapes of twirling branches and fluttering fern leaves. We encourage you to blend this trend with found items. Source some twisted willow from the local markets and hang over your table, covered in shimmering baubles, copper lights and snow flocked ornaments.

Festive Frosting

Polar ice white and champagne towers inspire Festive Frosting. With textures of paper snowflakes, glittering pompoms, and iridescent baubles, the décor for this trend is soothing our Christmas loving souls. This trend is all about engaging with the senses, as glitter covers ornaments and catches the light of warm bulbs threaded through the Christmas tree. Bring warmth into the home with nature inspired elements, leaving room for the organic shapes of twirling branches and fluttering fern leaves. We encourage you to blend this trend with found items. Source some twisted willow from the local markets and hang over your table, covered in shimmering baubles, copper lights and snow flocked ornaments.

Sugar & Spice

Candy canes and pops of pink, gingerbread letters, and gnomes with a wink. Our Sugar and Spice trend incorporates all the sugary and delightful characters of Christmas. Swirling in red and pink, candy canes and lollipops will enchant little ones into a wonderland worthy of Wonka. Glitter frosted cupcakes will hang next to baubles saturated in colours of apple green, bubble-gum pink and thistle silver. Create the ultimate Candyland with giant nutcrackers and reindeer to welcome visitors and embellish entryways with twirling finials and velvet soft ice-creams. Imagination will go wild for this trend of sugar, spice and everything nice.

Touch of Twinkle

The cherry on top and icing on the cake, our Touch of Twinkle trend is that decadent trimming that sparkles like fresh snowfall. With velvet poinsettias and feathers shimmering with delicate diamantes, these decorations will enrich and enchant. Focus your colour palette onto pink lemonade and mint green, with of course dustings of all of the gilded gold, champagne and sparkles of silver.
Find these tones by adding sequined magnolias and fabric flowers, glittering butterflies and hummingbirds into your décor. The Touch of Twinkle wouldn’t be the magical trend it is without a pearlescent unicorn draped from the branches of your frosted tree. Keep your eyes peeled for this special edition to the collection.

Traditional

Cherry red and burnt burgundy, shamrock green and shimmering silver are just some of the colours trimming the tree this year. The traditional trend will always be relevant for the Christmas season. This year we love embracing the tones of forest green with chili red against a gingham or houndstooth pattern. For a country influence incorporate beige and white gingham stockings or tablecloth ready for the lunchtime spread. Take traditional to the city lifestyle with some tall black candle sticks or some lush velvet ribbon adorning gifts under the tree. Make sure to create a glowing interior with warm lights for a traditional festive experience. We love a pre-lit tree to save you time yet illuminate your home. Bring the family together to take part and enjoy the decorating tradition. Community and togetherness are the most important parts of Christmas after all.

Read more

FESTIVE TIPS & TRICKS FROM A CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION MANAGER:

We chat to Monika about all things Christmas decorating!

Hey Mon! Could you please tell us the main aspects of your role?
Working closely with our Christmas Designers, my team and I are responsible for lighting, decorating, and packaging Christmas foliage ready to be installed all around SE QL. We are handed what we call a “trim sheet” by our design team (which is a list of decorations we need to prepare for a confirmed job) then we prepare the stock and get started on the decorating!

What type of clients does The Prop House work with?

A HUGE variety – we cater to large corporate companies, right through to hospitality venues and well-known hotels (such as Spicer’s Retreat, Balfour, Hyatt Regency), St Andrew’s and the Children’s Hospital, government venues such as Parliament House and QPAC and an array of shopping centres from Westfield’s and QIC’s…the list goes on!

What sort of foliage do you decorate?
Anything as small as a 1m wreath to a 7.3mH Christmas tree! Each job varies based on colour palette, budget, and the overall style of Christmas our clients are after. From traditional gold and red to an iridescent candyland, we are always looking for innovative ideas to bring these concepts to life.

This year we are even creating a Christmas tree out of wooden crates! Our designers are always researching upcoming trends months in advance that will create an everlasting memory for our clients. When possible, we also repurpose and redecorate most of our clients pre-loved trees for many years to keep things fresh and sustainable where we can.

What are some hot decorating tips that you’ve learnt since working at The Prop House?

So many! Decorating can be totally customisable depending on the size of the wreath, garland, or tree but we do have a few foundations that we tend to stick to when designing and embellishing.

FLUFFING.

It sounds funny – but it’s a term we use to ensure the foliage nice and full prior to trimming. To do this, we take each branch and spread out the stems in opposite directions so that no part of the foliage is flat. Especially after being in storage or boxed for 12 months, they always need a little bit of TLC. We then take a step back to see if there are any gaps that need more love, and then we decorate!

THE DIAMOND TECHNIQUE.

When it comes to lighting a Christmas tree, we use a special technique that distributes the lights evenly from top to bottom! Beginning at the top, we decorate a tree in sections. We create a diamond shape by going top, right, down left and then keep going from there until this section of the tree is finished. We then use as many packs of lights as we need until the base is complete!

You can also choose from warm, bright or multicoloured lights depending on your decorating preference.

LET’S CHAT BAUBLES.

We tend to pick a variety of finishes as sizes when it comes to baubles. Once you’ve chosen your colour palette, keep it simple by choosing baubles in a shiny, matte and glitter finish to give your foliage dimension and depth.

For a standard 2.4mH Nordic tree, we choose baubles that vary in sizes from 70mm – 200mm. We then begin decorating by placing the largest baubles first and then fill in the spaces from there.

Once the baubles are on, if you’re looking to up the ante further, we like to place what we can “pick and sprays” as a finishing touch! These can vary from poinsettias to glitter curls, leaves and feathers or even elf and Santa legs!

What are 3 pieces of advice you would give to someone who would like to work with you?
Christmas really is the “most wonderful time of the year” however, it is also our busiest! This means that we are required to work to tight deadlines as our install calendar fills up so quickly. We service all throughout SE QLD therefore it’s important we are organised and are meticulous when it comes to attention to detail to ensure all of our decorations are delivered looking fabulous for our clients.

It’s also important to be reliable and work well within a team. This time of year calls for long hours of manual labour and as the weather is so warm in Australia during these months, we make sure we are always hydrated (with water and caffeine) and well rested when we can!

During down time, nothing beats driving through the city or shopping at a Westfield and seeing your creations being adored by others. We also face new challenges and design enquiries every year which means we grow, learn and become better for the next!

Thanks Mon!

Be a part of the fun and join the team! Send through your resume to office@theprophouse.com.au or pop into our showroom for a chat at 1135 Stanley St East, Coorparoo.

Read more
X18 Trends - TRADITIONAL

X18 Trends - TRADITIONAL

Green, red and gold. The combination of these colours has screamed Christmas for centuries. Add a few little berries to your wreath to enhance the festive ambience and decorate the tree in finishes of glitter, matte and shiny for a contemporary twist. Make a statement with vibrant red poinsettias or keep it familiar by dressing the house in colours reminiscent of a childhood waiting for Santa. We love incorporating an Australian twist into the European traditional Christmas through suspended native foliage and decorations in the form of gum nut babies and Aussie characters.

Words by Rosie

 

SHOP TRADITIONAL NOW

Read more
X18 Trends - WABI SABI

X18 Trends - WABI SABI

Originating from the Japanese language, Wabi-Sabi means to accept imperfection. It is a belief and aesthetic based on recognising that something incomplete can become beautiful. A design example we love is expanding on our connection to the earth through natural materials.This trend is taking over from the Hygge trend (the cosy contentment of simple living) and leads into a Scandinavian tone but with a focus on abandoning perfection. Focus on textures such as metal and driftwood to incorporate this beautifully flawed trend into your home this Christmas.

 

Words by Rosie

Read more
THE JOLLIEST CHRISTMAS SHOP NOW OPEN

THE JOLLIEST CHRISTMAS SHOP NOW OPEN

Welcoming the champagne season with a glitter bomb, festive pompom trees and dancing elves, we are excited to announce our one-stop Christmas shop is now open!

Monday to Friday from 9am – 4:30pm
(weekend trade starts on the 3rd of November)

Decked out with all of our new Christmas concepts, trends and products our showroom at The Prop House has transformed into a magical wonderland. Filled with a collection of unique gift ideas, home décor and corporate decorations, let us make this season the jolliest.
See you soon!
Read more
X18 Trends - PINK

X18 Trends - PINK

Since the rise of the Millennial pink trend, we're embracing all the feminine energy we can find to spread the pink love into Christmas. From gorgeous merino lamas, fairy and angel decorations to vibrant bubble gum baubles, we love pink this Christmas. Don't get overwhelmed by the feminine shade; pair with black accents, scandi wood finishes and opulent mirror details to offset any lingering thoughts of school yard scrunchies. Hailed as the 'new neutral', this delicate blush pink will find its way into your hearts and home.

 

words by Rosie

 

SHOP PINK NOW

Read more
X18 Trends - LUXE

X18 Trends - LUXE

Last year our showroom was a luxe interior of black and white patterns with a hint of gold extravagance. This year the trend continues in a form of glitz and glam. Indulge in atmospheric lighting and go head first into the trend by lavishly decorating your entire home. We believe there is no such thing as too much glitter and this trend proves that merriment and glam go hand in hand. Gold charger plates matched with black crockery make for a dreamy table setting as the tree gets draped in honey and amber ribbon.

Words by Rosie.  

 

SHOP LUXE NOW 

 

Read more
A little glimpse  of Christmas 2017

A little glimpse of Christmas 2017

Did you know The prop House is just one part of a sister trio?

Christmas Decorations Brisbane sells it.
VM+ designs it.
The Prop House team installs it.!
Here is a little glimpse of some of our favourite Christmas installs for 2017

1 William Street 

With tones of copper, champagne and silver, 1 William Street sparkled this Christmas. Nutcracker soldiers heralded the magic of Christmas with their trumpets, greeting passers by, while the 7.5m tree in the foyer ensured a spectacular display of Christmas joy. Silver ribbon twisted around spiralling baubles on the main tree, while twinkling lights complimented the sophisticated trimming. 

                    

Valley Malls

One of our most unique Christmas installations for 2017 was the Valley Malls, including China Town and Brunswick Street Mall. Multiple components were constructed by a large team who worked collaboratively to ensure this job embraced everything that we love about Christmas. It was a visual feast of colour, movement and light. VM+ created a destination to be enjoyed by everyone and celebrated the Valley's reputation of dancing the night away.

Inspiration was drawn from the nightlife in London's Covent Garden and included features such as two giant dazzling rotating mirror balls, twinkling icicle lights, wreaths and garlands. Matched to existing oriental elements in China Town, wreaths and garlands were trimmed in a red and gold colour palette to maintain tradition with a twist of modern finishes. Banners hung from structures to highlight the Christmas season and take the precinct into Chinese New Year. 

 

Toombul Shopping Centre 

The VM+ Christmas elves have been busy this year transforming Toombul Shopping Centre with a decorative style that oozes opulence. By limiting colour and focusing on texture, the foliage came alive with a sense of luxury. The gold accents of glitter and sequins became illuminated as the warm twinkling lights reflected off their surfaces. If there was a flower which epitomised Christmas, it would have to be the poinsettia.

Classically red, the team at VM+ provided tradition through the use of black and white striped and gold beaded poinsettias. The contemporary tones helped freshen the overall trimming while establishing the Christmas decorations as a statement series throughout the centre.

Beenleigh Marketplace

It was all in the detail at Beenleigh Marketplace this joyous season, with foliage trimmed in the traditional tones of red, green and gold. VM+ bought in a twist of modernity by using textured diamond baubles between others of shiny, matte and glitter finishes. Cheeky nutcrackers welcomed visitors to the Santa setting as Rudolph stood nearby.

Christmas Decorations Brisbane would like to thank all of our loyal clients for shopping with us .Get in early this year and contact us today for anything Christmas.

www.christmasdecorationsbrisbane.com.au

peta@theprophouse.com.au

(07) 3555 8660

Interested in VM+ bringing Christmas magic to your venue for 2018?

www.vmplus.com.au

info@vmplus.com.au

Read more
Top 5 favourite Christmas lights.

Top 5 favourite Christmas lights.

Top 5 favourite Christmas lights.
Read more
Christmas Cuteness

Christmas Cuteness

" on the twelfth day of Christmas, the Prop House gave to me, cute divine gorgeousness as far as the eye can see.."

stuffed sheep toy

deer decoration

stuffed mice toys

Christmas sculptures

Stuffed elf toy

Christmas decorations

Christmas decorations

Angel and Christmas decorations

deer and Christmas decorations

 

Read more
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

What is your Christmas style? Do you prefer red, gold and green (shop traditional), a bit of a white Christmas (shop luxe) or are you a colourful chameleon (shop colour crazy)?

Whatever your style, we have the products to suit.

Commercial or private, you can buy online or visit our showroom and one of our friendly elves will help you with your Christmas theme.

Read more
18 results