Throughout the past year, Laura has been working behind-the-scenes in collaboration with Cheekwood staff to create the 2024 holiday mansion decor, featuring her signature lush and lively style. With an overarching theme of “Gifts of the Garden,” Laura designed room-by-room displays that complement the mansion’s architectural and decorative features. In this special lecture focused on both her design inspiration and favorite tips and techniques, Laura will share insights on her creative process, including how she conceptualized the special colors, projects and designs featured at Cheekwood this year. She’ll also describe lessons gleaned from her White House years and how she uses a few key elements to create inspiring, flexible (and achievable) holiday decor at home.
In addition to previewing the décor at the Mansion, Laura will debut her new book on Christmas decorating, Designing Christmas. The book contains practical tips and step-by-step instructions to inspire readers to incorporate holiday décor in their homes using Laura’s 10 favorite design elements and 10 different design schemes ranging from classic and sophisticated to whimsical and charming. A limited number of preview copies of Designing Christmas will be available exclusively for purchase at Cheekwood’s gift shops and at Laura’s lectures and workshops.
Designing Christmas in the White House Style & Holiday Tea Package
December 6
Celebrate the holiday season with a lineup of festive activities. Begin your day by viewing a special installation of holiday décor by former White House Florist Laura Dowling, and then attend a lecture where Dowling personally discusses her craft and gives tips on how to recreate stunning displays like the ones she created for Cheekwood. After the lecture, relax with holiday tea at Café 29.
This all-inclusive package includes:
- Admission for 2 guests or 4 guests to the Gardens and the Mansion
- Access for 2 guests or 4 guests to Laura Dowling’s Lecture: Designing Christmas in the White House Style at 1 PM
- A table for 2 guests or 4 guests to Holiday Tea at Cafe 29 at 2 PM
- Members receive their complimentary admission and their $20 discount on the lecture.
Please note: Guests should view the Laura Dowling: Gifts of the Garden Mansion decor installation prior to the lecture. Tea service will be post-lecture. Cheekwood closes at 3:30 PM.
