Christmas IS OUR TIME TO SHINE
‘The novelty of decorating the Christmas tree never wears off’
Alison Smith, 48, lives in Warrington with two Yorkshire terriers, Alice and Hatter, and a cat called Ted. For most of the year she is a wedding and event stylist, but at Christmas, Alison runs The Christmas Wish, a home decor service.
THE IDEA
Nine years ago I started working as a wedding planner and in 2013 I became the venue dresser for Mottram Hall, Cheshire. It was my big break. Decorating their Christmas trees was daunting because it’s a big, popular hotel, but I loved it. One year I decorated a 12ft tree in an Alice in Wonderland theme, complete with Mad Hatter’s tea party. People started booking the hotel just to see the trees. Then, five years ago,
Manchester City football pundit Gary Owen asked me to decorate his tree – and I realised there was a demand.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT
Last year, I decided to separate the two businesses. Lasting Memories is for weddings and events, and The Christmas, actors and footballers. I have one client who has seven trees in her house, and most people request stair and fireplace garlands too. I never borrowed any money, putting my own savings into decorations to get started.
