A step-by-step guide from the team at Nikkita Palmer Designs

If you’re planning a Christmas installation for your venue, event space, or commercial property, you’re probably wondering what the process actually looks like. At Nikkita Palmer Designs, our Christmas installation service is designed to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible, from the moment you get in touch to the moment we pack up after de-rig.

We’ve been designing and delivering festive installations across the UK since 2017, working with corporate event spaces, hospitality venues, retail environments and private clients.

Whether you need a full facade transformation, an intimate party space dressed for the season, or a bespoke semi-permanent install that carries you through the entire festive period, here’s exactly how it works.

Step 1: Submit your Christmas installation enquiry

The quickest way to get started is via the contact form on our website. To help us give you the most accurate response, it’s useful to include:

Your proposed install date (and any flexibility around it)
The venue address or postcode; delivery and collection is quoted separately based on distance from our Cambridgeshire base
A rough sense of your vision, theme, or feel. Even a single word like ‘Nordic’ or ‘classic’ is a great starting point
Any logistical details we should know upfront: access restrictions, ceiling heights, listed building considerations, or other suppliers on site

Not sure what you want yet? Don’t worry, that’s exactly what the next step is for.

Step 2: Discovery call or on-site consultation

Once our team has confirmed availability, we’ll arrange either a discovery call or an on-site visit, depending on the scale of the project.

For larger Christmas installations (commercial facades, multi-room corporate events, or anything structural) a site visit is usually essential. It gives us a proper understanding of the fixings, sightlines, access points and the moments that will make the biggest visual impact.

For smaller or more straightforward briefs, a call is often all we need. We’ll ask the right questions, share ideas, and start forming a clear picture of what’s possible within your budget and timeline.

Step 3: Bespoke design proposal and transparent quote

This is where your Christmas installation really starts to take shape. Based on everything we’ve discussed, our creative team will put together a bespoke proposal. Not a template, but a concept designed specifically for your space and brief.

Your proposal will include:

A cohesive design concept with a clear visual direction and mood references
A detailed prop and decor list, sourced from our vast inventory of vintage, salvaged, and handcrafted pieces
Area-by-area styling breakdown
Transparent pricing, ready to drop straight into your budget workings

Popular Christmas installation concepts include Nordic Lodge, Apès Ski, traditional vintage and contemporary festive… or we can design something completely bespoke. We also regularly supply winter party styling that doesn’t include Christmas-specific decorations, for clients who want seasonal atmosphere without the overtly festive feel.

Step 4: Amends, booking confirmation and deposit

We’ll work through any changes to the proposal together until the concept feels exactly right. Once you’re happy, we issue a booking form and terms and conditions to lock in your date.

Our payment schedule is simple: a 50% deposit secures your date and holds the agreed stock. The remaining balance is due four weeks before your install date. All pricing is quoted excluding VAT.

Step 5: Pre-install logistics and preparation

Behind every seamless Christmas install is a lot of careful preparation you never see. In the lead-up to your date, our team will be:

Completing any venue-specific accreditation or health and safety training
Liaising with your wider event or venue team
Preparing a full H&S documentation pack (risk assessment, fire assessment, insurance policy, severe weather policy)
Making and finishing bespoke elements in our Cambridgeshire workshop

Our teams arrive in branded uniforms with appropriate PPE. We supply our own full health and safety documentation and are fully insured.

Step 6: Christmas installation day

The day arrives and so do we.

Our team gets to work promptly and safely, installing every element with care. We’re experienced across all kinds of environments: commercial shopfronts, corporate event venues, barn and warehouse spaces, hospitality settings and private homes.

Once the install is complete, we do a full walkthrough with you. Client sign-off matters to us; we want you to feel proud of the space from the moment the doors open.

Step 7: De-rig and collection

When the festivities are over, we return on the agreed date to de-rig and collect all hired stock. Efficient, tidy and no mess left behind.

For clients who want a Christmas installation that runs for the full festive season rather than a single event, we can adapt the hire period accordingly. Just let us know your timeline and we’ll build the arrangement around it.

FAQs.

When should you book a Christmas installation?

Earlier than you think. We open our Christmas diary from early summer, and popular dates (particularly in November and the first two weeks of December) fill up fast.

If you’re considering a Christmas installation for this year, whether that’s a single-night corporate party or a month-long commercial display, the best time to get in touch is now. The earlier we start, the more time we have to create something genuinely special.

Do you only do Christmas-themed installations?

No. While Christmas is a significant part of what we do, we regularly create winter party styling that doesn’t include specifically Christmas decorations, perfect for clients who want a seasonal atmosphere without the overtly festive feel. We also deliver seasonal installations year-round, including summer activations and brand collab installs. Speak to our team about what’s right for your event.

What types of venues do you work with?

We work across a wide range of environments, including corporate event spaces, hospitality venues, retail and commercial properties, barn and warehouse venues, private properties and public-facing commercial buildings. If you’re unsure whether we’re the right fit for your space, just get in touch and we’ll let you know.

Do you deliver and install everything yourselves?

Yes. Our team handles the full end-to-end service: design, sourcing, delivery, installation and de-rig. Delivery and collection is quoted separately and priced based on distance from our base in Cambridgeshire. Please include your venue postcode when you enquire.

Can you include bespoke or branded elements in our Christmas installation?

Absolutely. We love adding bespoke touches that pull together a concept and tell a brand story. From custom-built props and branded signage to personalised decor elements, our workshop team can create pieces that are entirely unique to you. Chat to our creative team about how we can weave bespoke elements into your package.

How long is the hire period for Christmas installations?

We adapt the hire period to suit your requirements. We regularly deliver installations that run for a single event and others that last the entire festive season. Let us know your timeline at the enquiry stage and we’ll build the arrangement around it.

Are your prices inclusive of VAT?

No, all prices are quoted excluding VAT, which is added to your final invoice. We aim to make our proposals as clear and easy to work with as possible, so you can drop the figures straight into your budget workings.

Do you have insurance and health and safety documentation?

Yes. We supply a full health and safety documentation with every installation, including a risk assessment, fire assessment, insurance certificate, severe weather policy and health and safety policy. Our teams are trained, uniformed and equipped with appropriate PPE for every job.

What areas do you cover for Christmas installations?

We are based in Cambridgeshire, and work across the UK, including London, East Anglia, the Midlands and beyond. Delivery and collection costs are quoted based on your venue location. Include your postcode when you enquire and we’ll factor this into your quote.

What happens if I need to make changes after I’ve confirmed my booking?

We work closely with our clients right up to the install date and are used to accommodating changes and last-minute additions where possible. Once you’ve confirmed your booking, speak directly to your contact in our team and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

Ready to plan your Christmas installation?

Get in touch via nikkitapalmerdesigns.co.uk or email hello@nikkitapalmerdesigns.com.

How Our Christmas Installation Service Works