At Kerstboomservice Nederland, Christmas is not only about beautiful styling; it is about complete peace of mind. We noticed that immediately during their shoot day in The Playground. For their new holiday campaign, Annemarie and her team mainly wanted to capture one feeling: the calm, luxury and warmth that arises when you no longer have to do anything yourself. Transforming an entire space into a stylish Christmas world within one day – that is what Kerstboomservice excels at daily. That exact simplicity and magic was what they wanted to show in their visuals.
Creating festive magic in one day: Kerstboomservice Nederland x The Playground
For this shoot, The Playground was the ideal place. Our largest space offers endless possibilities in light, atmosphere and textures: perfect for setting up different Christmas environments. From classic and elegant to modern and intimate. For photography, Kerstboomservice worked with Wat een Plaatje, and for film with Lanook Studio. The video emphasises full service: stylists who transform a hotel, restaurant, office or even private residence into a warm Christmas experience within one day. Exactly as they do in practice.
While we interviewed Annemarie, we naturally couldn’t resist asking her for some styling tips! She explains: “This season is all about balance. Expect deep green tones such as emerald, gold, linen white and warm earthy colours that together create calm luxury. Sustainable, timeless materials such as wood, fir and moss play an important role.”Combining different textures also remains a trend. Think, for example, of soft velvet next to robust linen. And the foundation is of course light: this year subtly shimmering, as décor for that recognisable Christmas magic.
What makes a setting unforgettable
What truly completes a styled setting? If you also want to start creating festive content, begin with good light. Annemarie: “Without the right light, there is no Christmas atmosphere. Materials and colour palettes must also be right, as well as the experience. Your setting must feel like coming home: whether that is in a hotel, office or residence.”.
No clichés, no over-styling: the most beautiful visuals arise from real moments. A hand hanging an ornament, a smile, a subtle light reflection. “By working from spontaneity, beautiful light and small details, that warm, relaxed atmosphere arises that so characterises Kerstboomservice.”.
Total peace of mind also plays a role in the content itself. In the visuals, you see that the client does not have to do anything. And that feeling of ease is perhaps the most luxurious Christmas feeling there is.
What truly completes a styled setting? If you also want to start creating festive content, begin with good light. Annemarie: “Without the right light, there is no Christmas atmosphere. Materials and colour palettes must also be right, as well as the experience. Your setting must feel like coming home: whether that is in a hotel, office or residence.”.
No clichés, no over-styling: the most beautiful visuals arise from real moments. A hand hanging an ornament, a smile, a subtle light reflection. “By working from spontaneity, beautiful light and small details, that warm, relaxed atmosphere arises that so characterises Kerstboomservice.”.
Total peace of mind also plays a role in the content itself. In the visuals, you see that the client does not have to do anything. And that feeling of ease is perhaps the most luxurious Christmas feeling there is.
Tips: how to approach festive content strategically
Christmas campaigns do not arise spontaneously: they begin with a clear vision. “What do you want your target audience to feel? What atmosphere do you want to create? From there, we build, together with our regular creative partners, a consistent visual language for brochure, webshop, website and socials. That way, all our communication material is recognisable, warm and professional.”.
We asked Annemarie for some tips for brands wanting to shoot their own Christmas content:Start with a clear concept: your story is your foundation. Invest in light and styling: this turns ‘ordinary’ into something special. Think about your creative team: for this shoot, Lauren Duk (Hair & Make-up) provided the finishing touch. Shoot content that can be used in multiple ways: one shoot day, lots of output. And above all: enjoy the process. You will see that reflected in the end result.
We asked Annemarie for some tips for brands wanting to shoot their own Christmas content:
What the ideal shoot day looks like
Annemarie: “A good shoot day begins with tight preparation, creating mood boards, planning and the right styling. During the shoot, I find it important that there is room for spontaneity, because the most beautiful images often arise unexpectedly.”The process naturally does not stop on the shoot day: during post-production, the team refines the visuals with colour, light and composition. For as long as needed, until they radiate exactly that warm, luxurious Christmas feeling that characterises the Kerstboomservice brand.
For Annemarie and her team, the festive period revolves around connection and calm. About being together. And that is what she wants to convey with every photo and video : a moment that makes you smile, lets you dream away for a second, or gets you into the Christmas spirit immediately. If that happens, the mission is accomplished.
Eager to shoot your own last-minute Christmas content?
The Playground is the place to quickly create high-quality, atmospheric holiday visuals: from campaign to social content. Perfect for brands wanting to make one more strong push towards the December season.
Annemarie: “A good shoot day begins with tight preparation, creating mood boards, planning and the right styling. During the shoot, I find it important that there is room for spontaneity, because the most beautiful images often arise unexpectedly.”The process naturally does not stop on the shoot day: during post-production, the team refines the visuals with colour, light and composition. For as long as needed, until they radiate exactly that warm, luxurious Christmas feeling that characterises the Kerstboomservice brand.
For Annemarie and her team, the festive period revolves around connection and calm. About being together. And that is what she wants to convey with every photo and video : a moment that makes you smile, lets you dream away for a second, or gets you into the Christmas spirit immediately. If that happens, the mission is accomplished.
Eager to shoot your own last-minute Christmas content?
The Playground is the place to quickly create high-quality, atmospheric holiday visuals: from campaign to social content. Perfect for brands wanting to make one more strong push towards the December season.
Creative team credits
- Photography: Wat een Plaatje
- Videography: Lanook Studio
- Hair & Make-up: Lauren Duk
