This project showcases our approach to corporate gala styling in Liverpool, transforming The Rum Warehouse into an immersive winter experience.
Rum Warehouse at Titanic Hotel, Liverpool, is an impressive large-scale industrial venue, striking, dramatic and perfect for high-capacity events. But spaces of this scale require careful consideration to feel elevated and atmospheric.
At charity galas, the environment sets the tone for the entire evening. When guests feel immersed in something thoughtfully created, they feel part of an occasion and that emotional connection encourages generosity.
Large corporate venues can feel impactful, but rarely intimate. The challenge for this winter charity gala was not simply styling tables, but transforming an expansive industrial space into a cohesive, immersive winter environment that felt luxurious from the moment guests arrived.
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The Vision
The brief called for a winter palette of white and burgundy with reflective lighting elements. As the venue itself is naturally dark and architectural, we leaned into frosted winter whites to lift and soften the space, layering in deep burgundy to ground the scheme and add warmth.
It was important that the design felt seasonal without feeling festive. We focused on texture, scale and tone, snow-dusted florals, sculptural branches and reflective surfaces, creating a modern interpretation of winter elegance.
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Designing the Guest Journey
Guest experience was central to the design.
The tall, bright foyer provided the first opportunity to set the tone. The staircase was dressed in white and burgundy florals to reflect the event branding, while clear acrylic plinths and easels displayed auction items as guests enjoyed their welcome drinks. The space felt styled yet refined, an introduction rather than the main event.
From there, we created a dramatic entrance tunnel to transition guests into the main space. Five layered winter arches formed a fully immersive walkway, dressed in snowy florals, frosted foliage and grounded with burgundy accents. Snow-drift bases, mirror balls and silver lanterns added depth and light reflection.
Between each arch stood clusters of 3–4 metre silver birch trees, their frosted branches extending upward to emphasise height and create a sense of woodland scale.
This gradual reveal built anticipation. Rather than walking straight into a large open room, guests were transported through an immersive winter experience, naturally encouraging them to pause, film and photograph the moment.
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The Main Space: Scale & Focal Points
Beyond the tunnel, the fully styled venue unfolded.
Thirty-five tables were arranged around a central 4-metre illuminated winter tree — the hero installation of the evening. Wrapped in 235 metres of fairy lights and draped with snowflake detailing, the tree created a sculptural focal point that anchored the room.
The wrap-around seating beneath allowed guests to gather, sit and take in the atmosphere. In a venue with cavernous ceiling height, this installation alongside tall illuminated balloon centrepieces helped soften the scale of the space while maintaining impact.
The staging and LED screens were framed with oversized inflatable orb clusters and neon flex lighting, introducing a modern edge and echoing the reflective mirror ball details used throughout the design.
Every element was layered intentionally from texture to lighting,ensuring the space felt cohesive rather than decorative.
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Why Immersive Design Matters With Corporate Gala Styling.
Atmosphere directly influences guest experience and mood.
When guests feel considered and immersed in something special, they value the event more deeply. An elevated, thoughtfully designed environment creates energy and energy is essential at fundraising events. It fosters connection, generosity and a willingness to give.
Design is not just aesthetic; it’s strategic.
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The Outcome
The industrial architecture of the Rum Warehouse was softened and transformed into a winter landscape of light and texture.
Guests gathered beneath the tree, paused within the entrance tunnel and shared the experience across social media platforms, extending the impact of the evening beyond the room itself.
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At Sweetpea & Ivy, we don’t simply decorate events, we design immersive environments that transform how a space feels and how guests experience it.
If you’re planning a corporate gala in Liverpool or the UK , charity ball or large-scale event and want to create a statement experience, we would love to collaborate.
You can find more examples of our immersive events and theming here.
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