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.

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

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

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! SHOP ONLINE HERE

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

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   

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

Top 5 favourite Christmas lights.

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

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.

Sentimentality guides us home for Christmas. And one of our favourite trends is always the tradition of red and green, encouraged by the essence of nature. Evergreens, flowers, red berries and natural woods blend together to create beautiful decorations for your home, tree and table settings. Palettes inspired by travel. This year we have also handpicked a divine selection of wintery woodland creatures, whitewashed handmade twig trees and a selection of driftwood ornaments and miniature trees. Why shouldn’t we accommodate for our neighbours lucky enough to celebrate Christmas by the beach.  

Noun. 1. richness, elegance, luxury or the like. 2. luxurious, opulent and very expensive. (in appearance.)  Industrial inspired shades, Metallics are the “new neutrals” for 2018. Christmas doesn’t always have to be about red and green. Especially at The Prop House. Muted matte tones of silver and greys, sequin blacks, bold golds and high shine Metallics. Rich and opulent-we recommend to Pile it up and maximise the Luxe-this Christmas. More is the new minimal.  

If you celebrate Christmas, forgoing tree decorations simply isn’t an option. Too much creative energy goes into our living environments to neglect our Xmas trees! This season, go against the grain and introduce colour to your palette. Here at The Prop house we have beautifully paired unexpected colours like striking blues, animated fuchsia, hot pinks and sunshine yellow with slappings of glitter to sparkle and fill your home with all the glitz and glamour of a colour crazy Christmas!  

Monochrome is set to be a huge trend in Christmas decorating this year. Classic black and white elements convey an elegant and sophisticated tone to your Christmas celebration.  Complete the look with black, white and silver decorations or throw in a splash of colour to add a sense of Christmas fun and vibrancy to the monochrome palette. Monochrome works together with neutrals and natural to create a subdued but elegant Christmas look. We’re dreaming of a monochrome Christmas…and more…stay tuned for more Christmas ideas and trends.

Christmas fans, we’re back at it again. This week we were feeling inspired by all things that glitter and shine – snow, ice and everything nice that make up our White Wonderland range. I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.” ― Lewis Carroll Watching the snow fall soundlessly in the middle of the night, as he walked through the park, filled his heart with serenity. As he turned East to head home he heard a rustling in the tree above him that broke the silence and stopped still, listening. It was an owl, nestling in for the evening and smiling to himself, he quickened his pace so that he could hurry home and do the same, snuggled in his own bed. Once upon a time, there lived a poor family without enough food to eat or wood for their fire. The mother went into the forest to search for pinecones to build a fire for her family and after walking for hours she reached the forest where she began gathering the pinecones into her basket. Suddenly, an elf appeared beside her and said: “Why are you stealing my pinecones?” Explaining her story to the elf, he smiled and said: “Go into the next forest, the pinecones there are much better.” Hesitantly, she set off to the next forest which was even further away and so when she reached it she was very tired and leaned against a tree, dropping her basket on the ground. No sooner had her basket hit the ground, dozens of pinecones began to fall to the ground around her. Filled with joy she gathered the pinecones into her basket and returned home. Upon arriving she set her basket down on the doorstep and when she looked down they had all turned to silver! The family would never go hungry or cold again and that is the legend of the silver pinecone which brings good luck. Want to know more about any of the beautiful the Christmas decorations featured here? All this and much more available now at our Christmas shop. To receive daily updates and stories from the Christmas collection? Follow us on Facebook.  Want even more Christmas news? You addict! For styling tips and to see the latest Christmas trends visit our Visual Merchandising Blog.

For a dramatically different Christmas theme, read all about Dark Fairytale styling from the talented and creative people at VM+. All of the Christmas decorations, ornaments, flowers and foliage featured here are available at our Christmas shop. Unfortunately, we don’t actually sell cake; but feel free to bring one to share while you browse the showroom and piece together your own Dark Christmas Fairytale!