Famed floral designer Laura Dowling returns to Cheekwood for the second year in a row to create elaborate custom decorations inside the historic mansion as part of the estate’s annual Holiday Lights display, this time with a look inspired by visions of sugarplums, candy-colored hues and chestnuts roasting over an open fire.
“I’m thrilled to return to Cheekwood this holiday season and to once again collaborate with their talented team on such a beloved tradition,” said Dowling. “This year’s theme, ‘Sweet Dreams,’ reinterprets the mansion’s holiday décor as a series of enchanting vignettes inspired by classic stories, songs and traditions.”
Dowling is known for her contemporary and romantic style of flower arranging that is rooted in classic French design. She served as chief floral designer at the White House from 2009 until 2015, managing the floral design for thousands of private and official White House parties, receptions and state dinners as well as large-scale installations for holidays, including the iconic White House Christmas.
Each room at Cheekwood will come alive with vintage-style ornaments, festive bouquets, colorful ribbons, and striking topiaries, wreaths, trees, and garlands — all created with Dowling’s signature style and touch, infused with her love of Paris and the French garden-style.
Designed to complement the architecture and interiors at Cheekwood and create a warm and welcoming ambiance for guests, Dowling was inspired by the sweet dreams and simple gifts of the holiday season, and nostalgic memories inspired by classic songs and stories — ranging from “The Night Before Christmas” and the “Nutcracker” to Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” and Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas.”
“Just as Nashville has long been the city of musical dreams, our goal is to create a holiday experience that captures the joy, nostalgia and hopefulness of the season,” Dowling said. “Together with Cheekwood’s staff and volunteers, my team and I are excited to bring this vision to life and to invite visitors into a world where dreams, both sweet and timeless, do come true.”
