St. Charles Avenue Magazine has named Kim Starr Wise one of the city’s top holiday decorating experts and featured her on the cover of their December issue.

It is a moment that reflects years of vision, dedication, and the unmistakable KSW approach to holiday design. From large-scale installations in hotels and restaurants to private homes transformed for the season, Kim’s work has become a recognizable part of New Orleans holiday style. This cover spotlights not just her talent but her commitment to crafting celebrations that feel thoughtful, abundant and completely personalized.

As St. Charles Avenue Magazine notes, Kim is “known for her keen eye for beauty and attention to detail, bringing a unique perspective to every project.”

Photo by Sara Essex Bradley
St Charles Avenue Magazine

The Holidays Are a Season of Atmosphere

Shine, texture, abundance and the feeling that every corner should offer something beautiful. At Kim Starr Wise Floral Events, creating that world is second nature. Holiday design is more than trimming a tree or placing a wreath. It is an opportunity to transform a space with intention and creativity.

Our philosophy is simple. If the season calls for celebration, then every detail deserves attention. Layers, scale, and unexpected combinations are what turn a home, hotel, or restaurant into a complete holiday experience.

The Power of Going All In

If you ask Kim what her dream holiday party would look like, she doesn’t hesitate. A giant tree covered in crystals. Shine in every direction. Ribbon layered for quiet luxury. Metallic details that catch the light from across the room.

Always something bold and always something new because repeating last year is never an option.

That mindset is rooted in how Kim approaches every project. As she shared with St. Charles Avenue Magazine, “You don’t really need a theme, but a color scheme, absolutely!” She adds, “I love using unexpected holiday colors like black or pink in this way.” For Kim, clarity of vision is what allows creativity to shine without feeling chaotic.

We’ve got big Santa’s Workshop energy... Minus the toy chaos and questionable elf HR policies.

In December, our studio is nonstop action. The team is wiring pieces, tying bows, building installations, loading vans, and organizing materials for the next project. It’s busy, it’s a little chaotic, but it’s exactly the rhythm we love this time of year.

Designing for Tone and Feeling

Every project starts with one question: What should this celebration feel like? Cozy and nostalgic. Sleek and modern. Opulent and bold. Once the tone is set, we build the palette, textures, and key elements to bring it to life.

Layered Ornaments: We mix textures, shapes, and finishes to create depth. From metallic accents to playful pops of color, every ornament is chosen to enhance the overall mood of the space.

Full Sculptural Garlands: Garlands are not just an accent, they guide the eye and create movement throughout a room. Draped over mantels, staircases, tables, and installations, they feel natural, abundant, and visually striking.

Materials That Elevate: From crystal and glass to velvet, metallics, and lush greenery, every element is layered to create a sense of luxury without feeling heavy. Lighting is carefully considered to make each surface sparkle and bring the space alive.

Why Our Approach Stands Out

New Orleans has its own interpretation of the holidays. Expressive, layered, full of character, never timid. We love leaning into that. Our work blends tradition with a fresh, modern sensibility. Refined but bold. Luxurious but inviting. Elevated but never stiff.

The St. Charles Avenue Magazine cover celebrates what our clients already know. Holiday decorating is an art form and we approach every project with intention, craft, and a commitment to designing spaces that feel unforgettable from the moment the door opens.