Professional Decorator Reveals Secrets Behind Festive Transformations

The sudden conversion of commercial spaces, hospitality venues, travel hubs, and urban areas into sparkling festive scenes signals the arrival of Christmas. This rapid metamorphosis from ordinary structures to enchanting holiday displays is not the work of mythical figures, but rather the result of imaginative professionals dedicated to embodying the seasonal spirit through decorative artistry. Maxine White, founder of White Christmas Designs, is one such individual. Her Ipswich-based firm extends its festive influence throughout the region. White has led the company for eight years, having entered the decoration industry, which has an estimated global value exceeding £5 billion, after her daughter began primary school. For the current year, she has converted locations such as Seckford Hall Hotel in Woodbridge, the Golden Hind pub in Ipswich, and the Ipswich waterfront into radiant festive settings. Additionally, her team recently adorned the prominent Willis Building, incorporating three levels of icicles and a tree adorned with approximately 1,000 sparkling baubles, alongside their work at London Luton Airport. White stated, “We all have to be fully trained and it is kind of top secret how we do it.” She added, “But we talk about a colour scheme and work with clients to make sure it matches the environment and the style they wish to have. We offer our own design ideas and then we usually come up with a scheme that suits both of us, which usually they are always thrilled with.” This year, Maxine, who manages a staff of 12, has collaborated with approximately 60 clients, among them private residences in Essex and Cambridgeshire. Beyond the local area, her projects have included decorating a boat situated near the London Eye and offices on Tottenham Court Road and Baker Street. “I just love designing things and for me it is all about the colours but this year we have had a massive request for lots of winter wonderland-themed bits,” she commented. Some clients have even inspired Maxine’s personal holiday decorations at her residence. “I do love Christmas and this job gives me a lot of choice but I like to see what other people are doing and that gives me inspiration for me own tree,” she quipped. She further asserted, “In my opinion you can never put too much on a Christmas tree – you need a good bauble base and you want to see as little green as possible.” While some might perceive Christmas decorating as a purely seasonal occupation, Maxine emphasizes its year-round nature. She explained, “For the rest of the year we plan, we work with our clients and we go out to Frankfurt in February for a Christmas event which gives us a lot of inspiration. We are constantly looking for new ideas, and when you put all that together, with beautiful products and a good team, you cannot really go wrong. You dream it we make it a reality.”