Decorating for Christmas with Lizzie Borchers

When your responsibilities include decorating America’s Largest Home^® for Christmas, you want to make sure you’re ready for the start of the holiday season.

Ahead of schedule

“We try to stay a little ahead of schedule every year,” said Lizzie Borchers, Floral Displays Manager, “because there’s no telling what bumps we may encounter!”

As the leader of the team that creates the spectacular décor for Christmas at Biltmore™, Lizzie knows it’s important to keep a handle on the whole process.

“I feel fortunate to have such a great team, especially with all the planning and creative design work that goes into our annual Christmas celebration at Biltmore,” she said. 

Team effort

Although her team includes both full-time floral designers and reserve members who assist with special events, it still takes more than 100 people to bring Christmas at Biltmore together, from housekeeping and engineering to logistics, landscaping, and more.

Not everything happens as expected, however, and Lizzie admits they always have back-up plans, just in case. 

“Orders can be delayed and things can change at the last minute, but we make it work, even if it means pulling extra items out of storage. It’s really all about the details—that’s what sets Biltmore apart. We’re fastidious about what we do, from developing beautiful displays that delight our guests all the way to straightening the ornaments and carefully spacing the lights.”

Beyond Biltmore House

In addition to decorating Biltmore House, Lizzie’s team also enlivens Antler Hill Village & Winery, both hotels, and all estate restaurants and shops with seasonal splendor. 

Compared to the formal tone of Biltmore House, Lizzie and her team create a more rustic feel that is authentic for the village.

Memories that last a lifetime

Although she doesn’t plan to make sweeping changes to the look and feel of the estate’s decorations, Lizzie wants to continue exploring ways to distinguish between Christmas at Biltmore during the day and Candlelight Christmas Evenings™ at night.

“They’re very different experiences,” she said, “and I want to ensure that our guests enjoy how special the décor is during regular hours, and then return at night to an entirely different feeling, like they’ve stepped back in time. Christmas is the perfect season to discover Biltmore all over again.”

Featured image: Lizzie Borchers surrounded by Christmas décor.