Christmas decoration in garden centers

Today we spoke with Raquel, one of the ALIAT decorators. Through this interview, you will be able to get to know her a little more and see some of the Christmas montages that, together with her colleagues, they have made for this Christmas 2023 campaign.

Raquel, how did your hobby for decoration arise?

I remember that when I was little I changed the decoration of my room very often. I would buy paint for the walls, move the furniture to get a new layout and, finally, give it a final touch with the bed textile and curtains. Later, when I was 14 or 15, I often took advantage of the fact that my mother was going shopping to move all the furniture in the living room and give it a new look. It was something innate in me. I spent hours watching all the home remodeling programs, buying decoration magazines, visiting decoration stores, restoring furniture... and, little by little, without realizing it, I became passionate about decoration and interior design.

And then you decided to turn your passion into your profession...

A little, yes. But without thinking about it. Everything came together for me... While I was studying Tourism, I was working in a small garden center, until at the end of the 90s I started in the garden in Mataró. First, as a cashier and then as a decorator. There, I learned many things. Until 2014 when I joined the ALIAT family. Since then, I have grown as a person and as a professional and I have discovered that what I am really passionate about is helping our members make their dreams come true.

What do you like most about your job?

I am completely in love with my job! It gives me energy and allows me to be one hundred percent myself. It makes me feel creative and I love seeing the projects we imagine finally come true. Furthermore, going to do setups and implementations all over the country has brought incredible people into my life. For me, that's the best. Personally, I feel very lucky to be part of this great family. How nice and rewarding it is to be able to work on what I really like!

Toscal Garden (Jávea - Alicante)

What does the Christmas section contribute to garden centers?

The Christmas section is a modern and attractive space, where customers are inspired to make their homes more welcoming on very special dates. In recent years, Christmas decoration has become an essential section that, thanks to its festive and welcoming atmosphere, gives added value to the garden and helps increase the influx of visitors.

Garden Paradelo (Ourense)

What are the Christmas trends that have swept this 2023?

The Christmas that never fails is the traditional one, in which red, green and natural wood triumph year after year, simply with some small changes in the color combination. Nordic Christmas is also very present because, with its white, gray and blue tones, it gives a lot of warmth to the home. New this season, the presence of black pieces combined with white, wood, silver and gold stands out especially. In any case, the most innovative colors have been black and white, which always add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.

Cal Tino Garden (Cabrera d'Anoia - Barcelona)

What would you highlight about each of the fashion colors?

We start with red. Timeless and charming, it is a color that embodies the traditional Christmas spirit. Combined with green, a symbol of nature, it has become an emblematic color of Christmas. On the other hand, we have white, which is very easy to combine and never goes out of style. This year, it has been presented combined with grey, black, silver, blue or red. On the other hand, we have blue, which evokes the purity of snowy landscapes and gives a refreshing winter touch to the interior of the home. This season, purple has also made its way, which is synonymous with elegance. Finally, tones such as coffee, ginger and copper brown have provided a warm and comforting note to the decoration and help achieve a chic and rustic effect. These tones, combined with green, provide a natural touch and, with gold, add refinement.

Cocos Garden (Andratx - Balearic Islands)

What are the Christmas decorations that are most popular in 2023?

A Christmas without a well-lit tree is not Christmas. But with an increasingly simple and elegant decoration. This year, neutral colors and natural elements such as pine branches, pine cones and berries have been consolidated. Another emerging trend is the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly decorations such as wood, organic cotton or even recycled paper. And, for lovers of the nostalgic and classic, vintage decorations are perfect, which create a more sophisticated atmosphere.

Wing 30 Garden (San Javier - Murcia)

How important are lights in Christmas setups?

Illuminated Christmas decorations are an essential element in any Christmas setup. LED lights are on fire, as they are more energy efficient and offer a wide range of colors to personalize the tree. Soft, warm lights can completely transform the atmosphere of a Christmas section and luminous garlands add a touch of charm to any space. And when it comes to outdoor lighting, solar lights are also gaining a lot of popularity, along with illuminated Christmas characters such as snowmen, reindeer, bears, Santa Claus and elves.

Garden Cort (Cambrils - Tarragona)

What is your secret to achieving such spectacular settings?

We are inspired by fashion trends, we add our personal touch, we let our imagination fly and we try to create a magical atmosphere. A very important aspect to achieve an attractive Christmas decoration is to place the items by theme and in complete harmony with each other. Only in this way can you achieve an endearing, warm and welcoming Christmas atmosphere.

Nurseries of the Valley (Estepona - Málaga)

Which of your jobs do you feel most satisfied and proud of?

For us, it is impossible to choose one. All setups are personalized for each affiliate, we adapt to their needs and geographic location. Truly each project is unique and unrepeatable.

Garden Ponç (Sant Feliu de Buixalleu - Girona)

What is the level of Christmas staging done in Spain compared to those in other European countries?

In these years, we have visited the best gardens in the main European countries in terms of decoration and Christmas and we have been able to verify that, lately, the level of the installations we have in Spain has risen a lot. Now, in many cases, our Christmas or Decoration sections are at par with the European average. And this didn't happen before. It shows that we are going in the right direction…

Deitana Garden (Totana - Murcia)

What are the main aspects that you take into account when creating a Christmas section?

Above all, the space, the base furniture, the props and the pieces available. But, to achieve harmony, it is very important to choose the colors well and the correct combination of materials and shapes. You must follow an order by shades, textures and product. We also try to enhance the lighting of the spaces. From here, it's like putting together a puzzle with thousands of pieces...

Garden Center Fuerteventura (Canary Islands)

Where do you find your sources of inspiration?

An idea can come from a trip, from a conversation... And, of course, the internet, social networks, deco magazines, showrooms, etc. A combination of everything. Personally, I never disconnect. In any case, the main inspiration comes from the experience acquired over so many years and the creativity to know how to put all those ideas into practice and know how to adapt them to each space.

Botanic Garden (Cardedeu - Barcelona)

In addition, every Christmas ALIAT produces an advertising brochure with Christmas decoration products...

This is a 4-page advertising brochure that includes a selection of 35-40 Christmas items at a very attractive price. The brochure is distributed by mailbox at the end of November in the areas of influence of each affiliate and its purpose is to attract new customers to the garden.

On the other hand, the Center is also responsible for organizing a joint purchase of artificial Christmas trees. How does it work?

That's how it is. This 2023, the Central Office once again organized a group purchase of artificial trees by container direct from China. In this way, the affiliated centers have not only been able to buy the fir trees at a better price, but they have also ensured the availability of an essential product for the Christmas section.

Thank you very much for your time Rachel! It has been a pleasure talking to you.

Thank you. I take this opportunity to wish you happy holidays with your family, surrounded by a warm, comfortable and welcoming Christmas atmosphere.