Get Lit This Holiday With A Little Help From These Seasoned Pros

Even before we finished the last of the Halloween candy, Christmas lights appeared—in spades. And why not? Holiday décor is fun and festive, not to mention, a hugely successful business for many local designers and entrepreneurs.

Just ask Dave Perry Miller Realtor Charles Gregory. He’s been decking the halls of some of Dallas’ most chichi homes for more than 30 years. In fact, before transitioning into real estate, Gregory made his living designing luxury interiors.

He credits his success in both endeavors to “an uncanny sense” of knowing what people want—a talent that has served him well throughout his career. And while selling property is the veteran agent’s bread-and-butter, the icing on the cake is bringing holiday magic into the homes of his clients.

Gregory’s favorites, naturally, are the elaborate fantasy jobs. But he’s also a bona fide pro at taking old family decorations and make them look fabulous. “It’s understanding what people cherish and what’s going to bring them joy.”

A professed perfectionist, Gregory is quick to admit he can drive staffers crazy. But when it comes to placing ornaments on the tree, even a couple of inches makes a difference. “It has to be done properly or it looks messy.”

Among his best tips: Use large balls that sink deeper into the tree to create a foundation.

He’s also known for his ribboning. “You have to do it delicately. Start at the top, then weave in and out to create elegant movement.”

Favorite haunts include Holiday Warehouse in Plano, the World Trade Center on Stemmons, and the Copper Lamp. Of the latter, he says, “You can find all kinds of treasures. It’s what shopping used to feel like.” And don’t be surprised to spot him at Walgreens.

“I’m a big fan of mixing high and low. When I see what I’m looking for, I’ll buy everything they have in stock.”

For exteriors, Gregory and myriad Dallas A-listers turn to professionals like Everclear. Partners Brenda Lawson and Jet Tessman take their lights very seriously.

Everything is commercial grade and custom cut for each home. Everclear also makes its own extension cords so they never show.

By mid-November, the company had already completed 123 houses. By season end, they’ll do 200 or more. But the work doesn’t end there. Post-holiday, Everclear will take everything down, label where it went, repair any broken or damaged lights, and store it for next year.

“What sets us apart is customer service. Our clients are very picky—and so are we,” says Lawson. “Many have been with us since we started 23 years ago.”

Freelance creative Bret McKinney honed his craft at luxury retailer Stanley Korshak. Each year, he chooses a theme for the store’s décor—think Reindeer Games, Pantone Colors, and Silver Anniversary.

“I love decorating with anything but traditional red and green. And for holiday, more is always more.”

The following companies also do Christmas decorating. But you may have to wait until 2022—many are already fully booked.    

Baker Design Group

Among the options from this full-service interior and exterior holiday decorating company is  their “Christmas In A Box”—a DIY customized assortment shipped directly to your home or commercial space.

Bright Christmas Holiday Lighting and Design

All work is custom crafted in order to achieve the finest quality—even their wreaths are made by hand on your front lawn.

Patriot Holiday Lighting

Patriot Services is a veteran owned and operated company started by Ryan Mayfield in 2015. They offer a custom holiday light display for your home using commercial grade products that are made for this purpose and are cut to fit your home perfectly. 

DFW Lights

This full service lighting company uses only commercial quality LED lighting that stands up to the elements.

Navy Blooms

You’ll have to wait until next Christmas to book this floral design company. Earlier this month, an Instagram post announced they’d be taking new clients in July 2022.